A restaurant in Ancoats has publicly exposed an influencer (twice…) who tried to ask for a free meal in exchange for exposure.
Lucky Ramen, a tiny spot on Blossom Street that has had queues forming for its noodle soups and Asian brunches, has become embroiled in a spat with an unnamed social media star.
It all started yesterday when the restaurant went public with a message it had received, which was requesting a complimentary brunch in exchange for a post on Instagram.
Lucky Ramen shared the message and wrote that they were ‘thrilled you appreciate our food’ but that the team ‘appreciate paying customers even more’.
They described it as ‘another thrilling DM from a blue tick superstar asking for a free feast in exchange for an Insta post’.
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Which was already dramatic enough, but the influencer in question has been quite cross that Lucky Ramen in Ancoats has taken a swipe at them publicly.
It appears they’ve followed up with a much less polite message, saying the independent business is ‘bang out of order’ for trying to expose them.
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The influencer asked: “So you think people like us don’t deserve to eat for FREE???”
They argued that they were trying to promote the restaurant for free, offering ‘time, labour, effort and positive energy’ in exchange for the free meal as compensation.
The unnamed user then said: “Your arrogance makes me sick. Haha very funny, you got a couple of giggles but we’re the ones that are laughing.
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Lucky Ramen in Ancoats brunch menuLucky Ramen in Ancoats brunch menu
“We go where we want, eat what we want and lastly – it’s all for free! WHOS LAUGHING NOW???”
Of course, Lucky Ramen hasn’t left that message in the DMs either, once again sharing screenshots on its Instagram page.
And they’ve chosen to smack the influencer with pure sarcasm in retaliation…
They wrote: “Dear angry influencer. Okay, aaalright… you got us! We’re truly sorry for attempting to uncover your behind-the-scenes tactics yesterday and, you know, us trying to make a living and sh*t.
“But hold on, the new message we just got deserves more than a standing ovation!
“This follow-up DM is a total game-changer, and guess what? We’re now rolling out the red carpet for all the free meals you desire. And that’s not all – our chefs are ready to part ways with their Crocs and Birkenstocks, throwing them in as an extra bonus for your tender love and labour! Even my dad’s medal of honour from the Japan war is up for grabs – he’s feeling generous the old geezer, and he’s even contemplating wheeling in his new eco-friendly hybrid wheelchair for you!
“Just hit us up with another DM, let us know when you’re swinging by to collect your well-deserved goodies, and don’t forget to leave a glowing 5-star review on both Google and TripAdvisor.
“We appreciate your understanding and, once again, sorry for the “inconvenience” we caused.
“Bon appétit + Arigato-the-f*ck-outta-here.”
Ouch…
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Will the influencer reply again? Someone pass the popcorn.
20 amazing new restaurants and bars that opened in Manchester in 2025
Daisy Jackson
It’s been a really big year for new openings in Greater Manchester, with restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries springing up all over the place.
What’s set this year apart is the sheer scale of the new restaurants that have opened – multi-storey Italian giants, multi-million-pound rooftop spots, gigantic food halls, and plenty more.
But look beyond all those incredibly flashy newcomers and you’ll find plenty of homegrown talent, like bakeries moving up from hatches to their own cafes, Manc favourite pubs expanding to new sites, and beloved names pitching up in new food courts.
From global giants like Soho House and Joe & The Juice to local favourites like The Flat Baker and The Thirsty Korean, these are the 20 biggest restaurant and bar openings in Manchester in 2025.
Chotto Matte
Chotto MatteA private dining space at Chotto Matte in Manchester
Another new head-turner – which happens to be just upstairs from Circolo Popolare – is Chotto Matte, which has joined the list of rooftop restaurants in Manchester city centre.
With truly unbeatable views across Albert Square, the Manchester Town Hall, and beyond, plus a whole host of dazzling restaurant and bars inside too, it’s easy to see why this is one of the new openings that had the city talking.
The 20,000 sq ft space splits into two concepts and cuisines – Nikkei cuisine (sushi, tempura, robata) and an exclusive new concept called Claude’s, a Mexican-inspired sky view bar with literally hundreds of mezcals and tequilas.
Circolo Popolare
Inside Circolo PopolareA giant lemon meringue pie
From the Big Mamma group, this extravagant restaurant opened back in June, where every inch of the space is a feast for the senses.
There are ceilings draped in jasmine, thousands of vintage booze bottles, hand-painted crockery and more, plus authentic Italian dishes and a graffiti-defying lemon meringue pie, too.
Circolo Popolare is a show-stopper of an addition to Manchester’s restaurant scene.
Tangerine
Tangerine is a brand-new, multi-purpose food, drink, entertainment and leisure destination that’s just opened opposite Salford Central.
From the same team behind Ramona and Diecast, Tangerine’s achingly cool space glows in a hundred different shades of orange beneath one of the city’s railway arches.
Inside, you’ll find resident kitchens, a live music hall, an arthouse stage, a speciality martini bar, a cosy cheese and wine lounge, and plenty more.
Treehouse Hotel
Pip has been added to the Michelin GuidePip has been added to the Michelin Guide
Standing proud at the foot of Deansgate is the Treehouse Hotel, which feels a little like stepping inside a bird house, but in a chic way.
This massive new hotel is also home to Mary-Ellen McTague’s Michelin-recommended Pip restaurant, which serves seasonal, comforting British food.
And there’s still more to come, with Sister Moon – a 14th-floor Southeast Asian dining destination by Sam Grainger – still to open in 2026.
Us Mancs waited a LONG time for Soho House, with the redevelopment of the Old Granada Studios hitting more than a few stumbling blocks along the way.
But now it’s (partly) opened, with lavish, beautifully-designed spaces open to members and their guests, plus an already-impressive roster of live events that’s included appearances from Loyle Carner and Mike Skinner.
There’s lots more to come yet, including that long-awaited rooftop pool.
Mollie’s Motel
Another one that took its time to get the doors open is Mollie’s Motel, which also stands within the Old Granada Studios building.
While not technically open for visitors until early 2026, the Mollie’s Diner element of the hotel has softly opened in the last few weeks of the year, and the spaces are beautiful.
From the American-style diner restaurant to the communal lounge spaces designed by the Soho House Design, plus the luxury bedrooms with the surprisingly affordable price tag (from £120), this is a fantastic addition to the city’s hotel scene.
Had you spotted that the UK’s largest Korean BBQ has opened, weirdly, in Piccadilly Gardens?
The 165-cover Bullgogi restaurant has taken over the old M&S site on the corner, promising premium cuts of meat, seafood, and veggies, cooked by yourself and your mates (or date) at the tabletop grill.
Alongside the BBQ offering, the menu features truly authentic Korean dishes including bibimbap, crispy Korean pancakes, and soju-based cocktails.
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Lina Stores
An 80-year-old London icon finally landed in the North this year, with a huge restaurant, an Italian deli, and even a hidden, moody cocktail bar in Bar Lina.
There’s an array of starters at Lina Stores, including fried ricotta gnudi, burratta, and springy focaccia, plus handmade pasta dishes and secondi.
And who could resist a tiramisu or a giant cannoli before you head off?
Cut & Craft
The Cut & Craft in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
New openings don’t come much grander than this one – The Cut & Craft totally transformed a former banking hall on Mosley Street into a gilded, glittering restaurant space.
The setting is lavish, and the food matches – top-quality, locally-reared steaks, British seafood dishes, gorgeous sides and a champagne and wine list that’ll keep you busy all year.
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You’ll find bank holiday brunches with bottomless Whispering Angel and Moet, a gossip room downstairs, and toilets so fancy they put a time limit on how long people were spending in there.
Flat Baker
The Flat Baker is not a new name for Mancs – this Brazilian-influence bakery has been selling its viral pistachio croissants and other bakes out of a hatch in Ancoats for years.
But this year, the couple behind it finally took the leap and opened their very own bakery just across the road from their original site.
It’s sunny and yellow, with counters full of their award-winning bakes which you can enjoy with a coffee – and next year, there’ll be brunch too.
The Thirsty Korean
The Thirsty Korean in Chorlton. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Thirsty Korean’s brunch spread
The Thirsty Korean shutting down was one of the worst things to ever happen to us (no, YOU’RE not being dramatic ENOUGH), so when owner Eunji Noh announced a new location it had us sprinting straight to Chorlton.
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This vibrant little Korean spot has always packed a punch, but now it packs in some brunch too.
On its brunch menu you’ll find cheesy tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes), dakgangjeong (sweet and sticky fried chicken), and pajeon (spring onion pancakes), as well as Eunji’s now-legendary batter-fried chicken wings, kimchi fried rice, and our new favourite dish, an egg-coated cod known as daegu-jeon.
It’s all super spicy, super moreish, and proper feeds the soul.
Polish bakehouse Sticky Fingers now has a new (second) home just around the corner from their original home in the Market Hall, which means even more chance of grabbing one of their insane bakes.
Run by partners Adrian and Klaudyna, the new cafe is serving up all of their usual best-sellers, with everything from savoury-filled brioche buns, banoffee pie, and cherry almond danishes on the lineup, alongside proper good coffee to pair with it. It’s no wonder they sell out the minute stuff hits the trays.
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It’s a welcome addition to the Underbank – be sure to pop by soon.
The Eastern Garden food court
The Trafford Centre added yet another string to its bow this year, launching The Eastern Garden within its food court, home to four locally-founded restaurants.
There’s Blanchflower, an independent coffee shop and bakery, plus a new site for Chit n Chaat serving Indo-Chinese street food.
Hello Oriental is here too, with a menu of their best-sellers from the city centre, plus a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant from Nichi.
House of Social
House of Social is opening in ManchesterA full House of Social spread
Yep, another food hall for Manchester – but this one is a little different to the others. Modern interiors, and brand-new names for the city centre have made this a big opening for 2025.
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Inside you’ll find FIVE kitchens, including a city centre outpost for Curry Mile legends Mughli, and the first Burger and Beyond outside London, all wrapped around a towering central bar.
You’ll also be able to tuck into dishes from Dough Religion, Ok Taqueria, and Choi Wan.
There’s even brunch on offer in here, like breakfast burritos, pancake stacks, and breakfast buns.
O’Connells
Guinness at O’Connell’sUpstairs in the new O’Connell’s bar
The Thirsty Scholar shutting down was a real blow to Manchester’s bar scene, but the site of the legendary student boozer wasn’t empty for long.
In swooped O’Connells, creating a surprisingly cosy spot for a new bar thanks to the owner’s commitment to sourcing antique furniture and trinkets.
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Spanning across two floors with loads of cosy corners, snugs and reclaimed furniture, O’Connell’s has live music, rivers of Guinness, and more than a few Teeling whiskeys too.
Wynwood Lanes
There’s been a bowling bar in this spot of Whitworth Street West for a while – but Dog Bowl is gone, and in its place is Wynwood Lanes, a Miami-themed venue with a food menu to match.
Along with five upgraded bowling lanes, there are pool tables, basketball hoops, darts boards, live sports, and of course, Guitar Hero, all in a venue that’s been decorated in palm trees and retro sunset colours.
There’s fresh new cocktails too, like a raspberry frozen marg or a creamy colada, plus the legendary Kong’s is back serving up their famous fried chicken burgers, tacos, and loads more.
Have you ever had a celebratory smoke machine go off over your head when you bowl a strike? Now’s your chance.
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Royal Nawaab
Jay Rayner has published a rave review of Royal Nawaab at Stockport PyramidJay Rayner has published a rave review of Royal Nawaab at Stockport Pyramid
It’s acually incredibly silly that the Stockport Pyramid – that landmark structure just off the M60 – is now an enormous all-you-can-eat Indian restaurant.
But here we are, and the refit carried out by the Royal Nawaab team is quite something to behold.
As well as the world-class buffet restaurant (unlimited trips for £30 per adult), there are banquet halls for up to 800 people.
Freemount
You might be squinting at these pictures and thinking: “That’s not a new pub?”
But it is, actually – The Freemount picked up and moved just across the road in the Northern Quarter, taking over the old Dry Bar site.
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It’s almost spooky how much they managed to transfer the character from one pub across to the other, but here we are.
Joe & The Juice
Juices at Joe & The JuiceJoe & The Juice at the Trafford Centre. Credit: The Manc Group
Manchester got not one, but TWO new Joe & The Juice sites this year – one huge spot on Cross Street and another over in the Trafford Centre.
You might’ve thought we’d lost our appetite for Joe & The Juice given that it disappeared from the city when Debenhams folded, but you’d be wrong – these spots are busy ALL THE TIME.
Juices, smoothies, and those Scandi-style sandwiches have been keeping them with a roaring trade.
GRUB has teamed up with Campfield for a new sort of market place in Manchester city centre, with three buildings stuffed with independent retail, food and drink every Saturday.
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Beneath the building’s iconic glass roof, you’ll find up to 50 hand-selected traders that will change weekly.
You’ll also find Manchester’s first Euro-style food hall, with 12 stalls selling produce like charcuterie and oysters, plus the family-owned Spanish brewery Estrella Galicia.
And in Castlefield House, there’s always an array of street food favourites and farmers market classics.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Eats
Manchester favourites hosting a heartwarming festive social for those alone this Christmas
Danny Jones
Beloved Manchester bar and cafe, Haunt, have announced that they will be hosting a special social to spread some much-needed seasonal cheer to those who are spending Christmas apart from their families and/or friends this year.
Wholesome stuff from a wholesome bunch.
That’s right, friendly neighbourhood ghosts Haunt will be putting on a little free shindig for the 2025 festive period in an effort not only to share the typical kindness with locals based in and around the city centre but to help create “a sense of community, no matter what your situation”.
Announcing the completely open-to-the-public Christmas Eve party over the weekend, the team are looking to provide those who might otherwise be lonely or struggle during the holidays with a warm, arms-wide welcome, plus plenty more.
Writing on their social media account this past Sunday, bar manager JJ said: “People, it’s time to connect this Christmas! We will be providing free coffee and sweet treats from 12-5pm on Christmas Eve, as well as some games and workshops.
“We’ve put a lot of work into this, so it would be amazing to see as many of you there as possible! Also need this to reach the people that need an event like this most, so please share and repost.
“As always, look out for your people, I wouldn’t be anywhere without mine – JJ xoxo”
Come on, who doesn’t love seeing heartwarming stuff like this on their feed, especially when it comes to a time of year where so many suffer quietly amid the majority having a good time?
This isn’t the first time they’ve held a pop-up that’s caught our attention in 2025, either; it was only last month that we were surprised to stumble on a mini padel court in the middle of the room.
Once again, there’ll be brews and fresh bakes, as well as plenty of other activities to keep people entertained on the night.
As described in their post, Christmas can be tough for a lot of people, and if they can make even just one person looking for some kindness and companionship feel better for a few hours this year, then they’ll have done above and beyond their job.
It goes without saying that we love seeing local businesses taking the social and community side of their work like this to heart and putting in serious effort to make a difference.
Well done to JJ, the Chosen Family support group, and everyone at Haunt for setting this up; if you know anyone who might be interested in coming along, please do pass on the information.
You can grab your free tickets via Eventbrite right HERE, and maybe we’ll see some of you there.
Daisy Jackson -
1st March 2024 
