Six By Nico has unveiled a brand new menu ahead of its grand reopening on May 17 – welcoming customers back with ‘The Circus’.
The restaurant – which has five sites across the UK – regularly rotates its dishes in line with a changing theme; serving half-a-dozen specially-made small plates paired with ‘perfect’ drinks.
Former menus have included the likes of ‘Chippy Tea’ and ‘Bombay Kitchen’ – but Head Chef Nico Simeone is preparing to launch a very different concept in time for the return of indoor hospitality next month.
Six By Nico’s new ‘Circus’ menu is described as containing a “little bit of mystery, a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of joy” – putting a classy spin on traditional Big Top grub.
The second half of the show stars ‘A-Crab-atics’(sole, baby courgette, crab tortellini); ‘The Greatest Show’ (smoked flat iron, wild garlic, black truffle emulsion, ox cheek pasty); and the ‘The Grand Finale’ (peanut butter parfait, with rhubarb, blood orange, candy floss).
Vegetarian alternatives include swapping out meat dishes for the likes of goats cheese mousse, herb gnocchi, and smoked cep mushroom.
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Head Chef Nico Simeone’s new concept is coming to Manchester in May
Chef Simeone said: “The circus is a fascinating visual and our reopening menu is full with colourful, unpretentious, playful dishes.
“Everybody needs a little extra excitement right now and our team had lots of fun developing and creating this theme as we prepare to reopen our Six by Nico restaurants across the country.”
During the latest lockdown, Six By Nico Manchester has been sending food kits out around the city – offering diners the opportunity to tuck into tasting menus in their own homes.
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The restaurant also launched its own masterclass series in January – teaching viewers how to “prep, plate and pair recipes that wow friends and family.”
Six By Nico Manchester has been closed since autumn 2020 due to restrictions – but the new Circus menu is set to mark the restaurant’s comeback on May 17.
Served Monday through to Sunday, the six courses will be available from noon to late – priced at £32 per person (with the option to enjoy a selected wine pairing for an additional £26). A vegetarian alternative is available for every course.
The Circus will run at Six By Nico Manchester from May 17 – June 27.
Manchester’s tackiest Christmas bar is returning for the first time in three years
Daisy Jackson
One of the most popular Christmas bars in Manchester is making a grand return after a three-year hiatus – and when we describe it as ‘tacky’, we mean that as the highest compliment.
Miracle on Cross Street is a pop-up festive bar that always used to use wrapping paper as wallpaper and cover every inch of the space in some sort of tinsel, bauble, or novelty celebrity portrait.
It was last seen in the city in 2023, but has announced a grand return for this winter, promising a more ‘refined experience’.
Guests can expect twinkling lights, festive spirit, and plenty of seasons greetings, tucked away beneath Salt Dog Slims on Cross Street.
The space will be packed with festive decor and seasonal drinks, plus plenty of nostalgic Christmas touches.
Tickets will be priced at £20 per person, which will get you a festive drink on arrival and a Christmas goody bag to take home, as well as complimentary mince pies and Quality Street during your visit.
You’ll also be sent on your way with a scratch card, which will reveal surprises and rewards (like free shots and hot dogs, or a chance to win £500) to enjoy upstairs in Salt Dog Slims.
Miracle on Cross Street will also offer a glimpse of what is to come from MDNT, the late-night bar usually found beneath Salt Dog Slims, ahead of its return in the new year.
Miracle on Cross Street, a Christmas bar in Manchester, is returning. Credit: The Manc Group
Michael Wood, Head of Bar Operations for Miracle on Cross Street said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Miracle on Cross Street back to Manchester.
“It has been three years since we last opened the doors and, while guests can expect the same sense of fun, escapism and Christmas spirit, we’ve refined the experience and added some special new touches for 2026.
“Christmas in Manchester is always brilliant, and we want Miracle on Cross Street to be somewhere people can step away from the busy city, enjoy a festive drink and completely immerse themselves in the magic of the season.
“Whether it’s a Christmas catch-up, date night or festive celebration with friends, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
The Miracle on Cross Street Christmas bar will return to Manchester on Thursday 19 November, and will be open seven days a week until 23 December. Bookings are now live HERE.
The UK’s largest wine festival is returning to Manchester this autumn
Lydia Mastrolonardo
The UK’s biggest festival of wine will be coming back to Manchester this year, with more than 300 wines on offer plus plenty more.
The Laithwaites’ Wine Festival is returning up north, following the major success of last year.
As well as having hundreds of wines to showcase, the festival will also offer a chance to discover a selection of luxury spirits, plus join expert-led tastings, and visit artisan food stands, all under one roof.
As the UK’s longest-running wine tasting event, with 40 producers from 17 different countries, and artisan food all accompanied with carefully paired wines at each stall, it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing.
Struggling to think of a birthday present or ideas for how to celebrate with loved ones? Look no further – each ticket includes a tasting guide to help plan your route around the room and a complimentary tasting glass to sample over 300 different wines – trust me, they will love it.
As part of the Friday evening entertainment, guests can also expect a special appearance from wine presenter and communicator Tom Gilbey. Here, fans will be able to talk with Tom and sample the Signature Six case, which is a collection of wines approved by the man himself.
What’s more, is that this year, guests are invited to get creative at their brand new ‘design a wine label’ competition. You never know, maybe a few top-quality glasses of wine is the sweet spot for your drawing abilities to show themselves.
It is also possible to upgrade each ticket to gain access to expert-led masterclasses, with tutored tastings of sparkling wine, sherry and food, or cheese with wine. Fine Wine ticket holders will also be granted access to the Fine Wine Room and its rarer bottles.
Whether you spend ages aimlessly deliberating in a supermarket aisle, pick the cheapest bottle and call it a day, or you can smell the bottle and tell me the exact province it is from – this event welcomes all wine-drinkers, no matter the level of expertise.
The festival will be hosted at Manchester Central, starting with an evening session (6pm to 9pm) on Friday 20 November, as well as a lunchtime (12pm-3pm) and evening session (5pm to 8pm), on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Tickets are on sale now, starting at £40 per session. Click HERE to grab yours now.
The Manc -
15th April 2021 
