A new bar, called The Trading Route, is set to open next month, from the minds behind three of Greater Manchester’s best-loved and most established food and drink names.
The Northern Quarter’s long-standing bar and brunch spot Trof, plus local brewery Manchester Union, and Monton’s village wine shop Wandering Palate, are all collaborating on this very exciting new venture.
Inside The Trading Route, there’ll be cold beer and hot rotisserie chicken, plus a luxury larder of expertly-sourced goods.
Set to open in November at Goods Yard Street, just a few doors down from Caravan, it’ll be a 150-capacity space that’s open from dawn until dusk.
The Trading Route will act as a lagerhouse for Manchester Union, taking inspiration from the great beer halls of central Europe but serving local brews from their Ardwick-based brewery.
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Pints will be poured with a full and frothy head, and served in custom-made Tübinger glasses. They want this to be known as The Home of The Foam.
There’ll also be a purpose-built rotisserie serving crisp whole- and half-chicken, as well as porchetta, carved fresh from the oven to order and served with pickles and dips.
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The menu has been crafted by the Trof team – a Manchester institution – and will also showcase freshly-baked focaccia as well as small plates like slow-roasted potatoes served with chicken fat mayo, salsa verde, and pecorino), salads, and house-made sweets.
Then heading across from Monton, Wandering Palate will look after the pantry portion of The Trading Route – expect some of the most sought-after cheeses and sundries you can pick up on the way home.
Jamie Scahill from Manchester Union said: “The Trading Route is an unofficial tap room for us, and it feels like this has been a long time coming.
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“Working with our friends at Trof and Wandering Palate has been great, with our offerings and expertise perfectly complementing one another. We can’t wait for people to come down to experience our very own lagerhouse over a few pints this November.”
Matt Nellany from Trof added: “We’ve focused on bringing everything that people love about Trof to an exciting space in a new neighbourhood.
The Trading Route comes from Manchester Union, Trof, and Wandering Palate. Credit: Supplied
“The kitchen team have been perfecting a menu ideally suited to our purpose-made rotisserie ovens – think crispy chicken, slow-cooked porchetta, and some killer vegan options too, all designed to be shared.
“It’s going to be that perfect spot whether you’re grabbing breakfast, stopping in for lunch, or settling in for a proper evening session.”
And Will Evans from Wandering Palate said: “It’s brilliant to be bringing our wines, cheeses, and deli favourites to a new audience in the city centre. We’ve curated a selection of goods that we’re really proud of, and, of course, we’ll be there to help people discover something special to take home. It’s an exciting space, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
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To celebrate its launch, The Trading Route will throw a day-long complimentary party, with free lager and chicken to the first mailing list subscribers who sign up HERE.
Tributes paid as founder of popular Indian restaurant chain Akbar’s dies aged 56
Emily Sergeant
Tributes have been pouring in after it was announced that the founder of popular Indian restaurant chain Akbar’s has sadly died.
Shabir Hussain opened the first Akbar’s restaurant over in Bradford all the way back in 1995, before later expanding to several other major Northern cities including Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, and of course, here in Manchester.
The restaurant founder’s death was announced by the company on social media this morning.
The statement sharing the sad news of his passing at the age of 56 on the official Akbar’s Instagram account reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group.
“Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time.”
Following the announcement of his death, Akbar’s said all its restaurants – including the one in Manchester city centre – would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday as a result while staff pay their respects.
“All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday 18th October at 5pm,” the official statement concluded.
Since the news was publicly shared this morning, dozens of people have taken to the comments of the official Instagram post to pay tribute, share their condolences, and offer their support – with one reading: “A truly kind and generous man, and a very very sad loss indeed,” and another reading: “Heartbreaking to hear this beautiful gentleman is no more, but his legacy is forever.”
Another person wrote in tribute: “A huge loss. What an incredible legacy [he is] leaving behind.”
“So sad to hear this. Thank you for creating the finest lamb chops and curries,” another tribute reads, while someone else added: “So many good memories at Akbar’s, and always had a good laugh with brother Shabir. Will truly be missed.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Hideaway – Co-op Live unveils new late-night luxury members club by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer
Thomas Melia
A newly designed members lounge is making its way to Co-op Live in Manchester, adding to the entertainment venue’s already impressive roster.
Joining the lineup of 32 other food and drink vendors, bars, restaurants and lounges, ‘Hideaway’ boasts a menu curated by chef and TV personality Simon Rimmer.
Known for fronting Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch with co-host Tim Lovejoy, and for being the man behind Manchester’s much-loved and now-lost Greens restaurants, Rimmer’s next venture takes his dishes away from the big screen and into the Co-op Live.
Guests will be presented with vibrant delights from a menu which is dedicated to Mediterranean-inspired foods, one of the celebrity chef’s favourite cuisines.
Replacing the former ‘Decibel Lounge’, the new luxury lounge ‘Hideaway’ boasts the same unforgettable view of the stage from section 103.
Food will also be served at the beginning and end of every event, and guests are in for a treat because after all that dancing, you’ll definitely be able to satisfy those post-concert foodie cravings.
From kebabs, small plates and quick bites, Simon Rimmer’s tailored menu is ideal for an entertainment venue such as Manchester’s Co-op Live, giving members everything they need to stay fuelled throughout the show.
Hideaway – Co-op Live’s newest exclusive luxury lounge.A proposed seating and dining area for Hideaway, Co-op LiveAn illustration of the plans commencing at Hideaway, Co-op LiveCredit: The Manc Group
Drinks are also a must, especially when they have been specially expertly crafted and paired with the food on your table, including Moët & Chandon champagne and Hennessy Cognac cocktails.
Now your music taste won’t be the only thing catered towards, your tastebuds can experience the same joy too.
This new experience really is exclusive with only 100 spaces available and if it receives as much interest as the other lounges at the venue it’s sure to sell out.
Sam Piccione III, OVG International President of Sales, said: “The redesign of Hideaway marks a significant moment in our continued journey to deliver unrivalled premium experiences at Co-op Live.
“With Simon Rimmer’s involvement, we are taking things to the next level – creating a destination designed for music lovers, combining great music with outstanding food, cocktails and Champagne, in a stylish party atmosphere that makes experiencing live music at Co-op Live unforgettable.”
Anyone thinking of living their life a little more lavishly can do so by enquiring through Co-op Live’s website here.