The new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this month | December 2022
From fine Japanese dining to smashed burgers, acai bowls and a new rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city, there's lots to look forward to this month.
It’s nearly the end of the year, and what a year it’s been. We’ve seen Manchester’s bar owners and restauranteursbattle against the odds, not just to stay open but to bring new concepts to the city too.
As we enter the final month of the year, it’s safe to say we’ve got some exciting new openings to look forward to over the Christmas period – from smashed burgers and naughty fries, to new dessert houses selling the likes of Smores donut sandwiches and ice cream sundaes.
Elsewhere, you’ll find healthier options, too. Acai and The Tribe, formerly housed at the Arndale Market, has moved over to Deansgate Mews with wholesome fruit-laden superfood bowls and gluten-free everything, whilst on Bridge Street new opening MUSU is bringing fine Japanese dining to the city in a whole new way.
As we say, lots to get excited about. Keep reading to find out where to put on your list this December.
Acai and The Tribe, Deansgate Mews
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Selling beautiful acai bowls, brunch plates and more, this little gem used to be at the Arndale Market but has just moved – taking over the old Butcher’s Quarter site on Deansgate Mews.
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Found within the Great Northern Warehouse complex, everything here is gluten free and suitable for veggies or vegans, with owner Alisha even making her own granola in house to ensure it suits everyone’s dietaries (and keep the cost of her bowls down).
MUSU, Bridge Street
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
This high-end Japanese restaurant is bringing a theatrical ‘multi-sensory’ dining experience with exquisite service, sashimi, sushi wine and more.
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Dine from specially created 7 and 11 course tasting menus with wine pairings, or opt for a traditional ‘chef’s choice’ experience at its six-seat Omakase counter.
Masa Bakery, Prestwich
Image: MASA Bakery
Image: MASA Bakery
Opened by baker Rick Marlow, MASA is a soon-to-be neighbourhood cafe and bakery in Prestwich.
First launched in 2020, he began baking out of his mum’s garage in Macclesfield to keep busy on furlough. Offering local home deliveries and a little market stall, MASA soon built up a solid wholesale customer base – supplying the likes of Yas Bean, Dokes Prestwich, The Nags Head Haughton and more.
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Specialising in sourdough and foccaccia, Rick’s now preparing to launch a new bakery in his hometown before Christmas with the cafe set to open in February next year.
Now That’s A Burger, Ducie Street Warehouse
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Super Happy, who operate the counter at Ducie Street Warehouse, have just launched their own burger line this month and it is elite.
The sandwich dealers bake all their own bread daily, now they’ve ventured into the smashed burger world.
Available for collection and delivery only via Deliveroo, we’re talking sexy house baked potato rolls, housemade pickles, the best burger ‘Super sauce’ and fried buttermilk chicken dipped in Szechuan chilli oil.
Creams Cafe, Manchester Arndale
Image: Creams
Image: Creams
Popular UK dessert chain Creams has taken over a massive new 2,325 sq ft store in the centre’s Halle Place, joining the likes of burger restaurant Archie’s and fellow newcomer Pizza Luxe.
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Here, sweet tooths can get their fix on a range of flamboyant and indulgent desserts. From takeaway ice cream cones to boxes of Biscoff and icing-laden donuts and slices of cake, the cafe will sit in an ideal place for shoppers looking for a mid-afternoon sugar lift.
Gooey Cafe, Trafford Centre
Image: Gooey Co
Image: Gooey Co
Manchester’s lockdown sugar dealers Gooey have opened a Christmas-themed cafe at the Trafford Centre offering festive afternoon teas and breakfast with Santa, as well as exclusive festive bakes.
Housed inside Selfridges, the 30-seat Christmas cafe menu features seasonal treats like a smores cookie pie, a Snowman choux, a layered chocolate orange cake and Gooey’s beloved millionaire’s shortbread with a Christmas twist.
Climat, Blackfriars House
Climat. Credit: The Manc GroupClimat. Credit: The Manc Group
This stunning new rooftop restaurant in Manchester city centre boasts more than 250 different wines on the menu, a Michelin-recommended pedigree (from the team’s other site, Covino, in Chester), and beehives on the roof.
From its eighth floor position in Blackfriars House, diners will be able to take in the sights of Manchester, including the (currently scaffolded) Town Hall, the ornate rooftop of Barton Arcade, and the spire of St Ann’s Church.
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The 100-cover restaurant has crafted a menu of modern British feasting-size dishes – ‘food you want to eat’ – geared towards groups of three or more to share. Think whole turbot, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and ex-dairy cuts on the bone.
North Brewing Taproom, Circle Square
Image: North Brewing Co
Image: North Brewing Co
Independent Leeds-based brewery North is opening a taproom at Circle Square, bringing its beer to Manchester’s Oxford Road.
Tipped to open this month, North Taproom will see popular beers from its core poured alongside an ever-changing line-up of beers, wines, cocktails, ciders, and spirits.
The bar will feature 24 draught lines, including eighteen lines of keg beer and one cask, all pouring North’s ever-evolving range of classic beers, specials and collabs, alongside food from Leeds-based eatery Little Bao Boy.
Feature image – The Manc Eats
Manchester
The Disney Store returns to Manchester with magical Selfridges collaboration
Daisy Jackson
The iconic The Disney Store has finally returned to Manchester, thanks to an exclusive new collaboration with Selfridges.
The luxury department store has today unveiled a new collection of limited-edition Disney favourites, pin badges, plush toys, and, of course, the famous headbands.
‘A Most Magical Christmas’ has opened its doors today, bringing back all the magic of The Disney Store to both Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre.
In the collection, you’ll even find Selfridges x Disney toys, like a Winnie the Pooh range in that iconic Selfridges yellow.
The windows of the stores have been taken over by beloved characters, recreating scenes from classics like Lady & The Tramp and Fantasia.
There’s even a gigantic Mickey Mouse-shaped glitter ball overhead as you enter the Exchange Square store.
There are more than 60 brand collaborations involved in ‘A Most Magical Christmas’, including limited-edition items, specially commissioned fashion pieces, and unique gift ideas.
From today, you can take your shopping home in a limited-edition bespoke Disney iterations of the Selfridges yellow bag.
Branded fashion piecesThe iconic Disney earsDisney x Selfridges piecesGiant Disney ears now welcome youSoft toysWinnie the Pooh range in the iconic Selfridges yellowDisney x SelfridgesExclusive Disney Coach pursesA Disney window display at SelfridgesLimited-edition yellow bags
The two brands have a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Alice and Wonderland and the Mad Hatter featured above the main entrance in London – now there’s a brand-new partnership that’s been two years in the making.
André Maeder, Selfridges Group Chief Executive Officer, says: “We’re full of excitement for this collaboration, bringing Selfridges and Disney together for a Christmas like no other.
“With a shared history of imagination and creativity it’s been a joy to dream up something this unique and special, working with some of the world’s best storytellers.
“We can’t wait to reveal more and share the magic with our customers.”
Tasia Filippatos, Global President Disney Consumer Products, says, “At Disney, we believe in the enduring power of storytelling to inspire joy, wonder, and connection – especially during the holiday season.
“Our collaboration with Selfridges allows us to share the magic of Disney through imaginative window displays, festive experiences, and unique products – all inspired by the stories that have captured hearts for generations.”
There are Disney pieces in the Selfridges Christmas Shop too, like iridescent Mickey Mouse baubles, and tiny Tinker Bells you can hang on your tree.
The Disney x Selfridges ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration is in store now in both Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre, and online.
Albert’s Schloss is hosting a massive Y2K-inspired New Year’s Eve party
Danny Jones
Albert’s Schloss, home to some of Manchester’s biggest and wildest nights out, is hosting one massive blowout to celebrate New Year 2025.
Known for their big, Bavarian-themed events, live oompah bands, fantastic alpine food and drink, not to mention plenty of dancing on tables, the Peter Street favourite located just off Deansgate never does things in half measures.
In fact, the partying is beyond tried and tested, as plenty of Mancs plan to visit Albert’s Schloss for NYE annually, so it’s a good job they’re getting ahead this year, with tickets already on sale now.
They’re also no stranger to theme, and this time they’re looking to ring in the New Year by looking back at one of the biggest dates in modern memory: the turn of the Millennium.
Come curtains up, this is gonna be the biggest night of the year. (Credit: Press shot via Albert’s Schloss)
Yes, with the Y2K style back in vogue, be it the fashion, music, hairstyles and more, Manchester Albert’s Schloss is capitalising on the moment with a full-on revival that would put even the best of late ’90s/early noughties clubbing through its paces.
From 7pm onwards, guests can look forward to the usual Haus bands, DJs sets and all-star showtime cast delivering live music, dancing and pure, unfiltered joy.
As per an official press release, strap-in for a night full of “pop anthems, disco classics, and a few guilty pleasures as the haus transforms into a glitter-soaked time capsule of millennium madness.”
You have our attention – carry on…
With three other locations around the UK, including Birmingham, London and Liverpool’s Albert’s Shenke’s, we can vouch for Manchester’s very own being the best.
If the scenes from their Octoberfest celebrations are anything to go by, this event won’t disappoint and in-line with the rest of the festive period, bookings for their Christmas parties are also open.
Of course, guests are encouraged to embrace the theme; crop tops, cargo pants, bucket hats and double denim are all encouraged. As they put it, “Whether you’re channelling Britney, Bowie or the Backstreet Boys, this is your chance to party like it’s 1999.”
General Admission tickets start from £50 and include a glass of prosecco on arrival. Entry is from 7pm, with the last entry window closes by 10:30pm. This also a strictly 21+ only event.
There’s also a special Albert’s Schloss NYE set menu offer to, priced at £90 per person and including a glass of prosecco, canapés on arrival and midnight snacks to keep the party fuelled into the early hours.
Expect a three-course feast made up of a bier onion soup and beef carpaccio, sauerbraten beef short rib and roast chicken supreme, as well as a choice of milk chocolate mousse and vanilla crème brûlée.
Secure your place at one of the biggest parties while you still can – you can grab your tickets HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
1st December 2022 
