After several years of redevelopment, bosses behind the newly-revived legendary 60s gig venue New Century Hall have finally pulled back the curtain on its first phase – a stunning new food hall.
Eventually, the Grade II-listed building will be fully restored, right down to its sprung dance floor, 1960s ‘disco ceiling’ and vintage wood-panelled walls. But these things take time, so whilst developers get the whole place gig ready they’ve decided to crack on with a new food offering for the city.
Here, on the ground floor, the newly opened food hall plays host to six new kitchens, including a new project from Adam Reid, the acclaimed chef behind The French at The Midland.
Reid is here debuting a new butty concept, inspired by childhood trips to his family’s local baker.
Inside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Elsewhere, Altrincham Market House favourite Banh Vi has moved in offering its signature plant-based Vietnamese baguettes and nasi goreng, whilst Northern Quarter pizza staple PLY is venturing into the wilder side of things as part of a new collaboration with the planet-saving flour company Wildfarmed.
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Firing everything in a custom-built pizza oven at the helm of New Century’s ground floor, chef Carl Fraenki-Retti has developed his recipe using their biodynamic flour to create a 24-hour slow proved dough which forms the basis of a vibrant menu.
You’ll also find father-and-son duo BaoBros23, winners of the 2021 British Street Food Awards ‘People’s Choice’ winners, slinging out loaded buns, fries and desserts, fresh off the back of their latest pop-up success at Riverhead Brewery Tap in Marsden.
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Inside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupInside New Century food hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Wilmslow sushi favourites Zumuku Sushi have also moved in, serving its authentic, fresh sushi and other Japanese favourites to the food hall.
Chef Tom Lowe is another new arrival, drawing from the great steakhouses of the UK and Europe and his passion for well-bred, native beef at new opening Tallow.
Working with 28-day-aged beef from local butchers, diners can find a range of high-quality steaks, burgers and sides.
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There are also coffee and grab ‘n’ go concepts from New Century, plus local beers, wines, cocktails, teas, juices and smoothies.
The space itself has been designed by Sheila Bird Studio, with mid century decor inspired by the Grade II listed building’s original 60s features which have been restored and replicated.
The food hall will spill outside onto Sadler’s Yard for al fresco dining, drinking and regular events like the family friendly day on Saturday 24 September.
Atul Bansal, founder of Sheila Bird, said: “I stumbled across this building 10 years ago and had to get inside this space that had been locked away for so many years.
“I spent seven years trying to find people who would help me reignite the building’s soul, and now the building is alive and beating. Interior isn’t about designing something, it’s about giving something a purpose and I am so excited to have helped New Century to be reborn.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Iconic Salford music venue The White Hotel to reopen under new ownership from 2027
Clementine Hall
After announcing plans to close at the end of the year, famed Manchester club The White Hotel is changing hands.
Just a couple of months ago back in May, it was announced that one of Greater Manchester’s most cutting-edge and best-loved nightlife venues would be closing its doors for good.
Despite ‘continuing to draw full houses’, co-founder Ben Ward told The Guardian that the venue had found itself in a flood-risk zone, saying: “Basically, it’s a swamp.”
He added that it was better ‘to go out on our own terms, long before we became a museum’.
But it seems the swamp may live on…and although it is the end for the cult favourite nightclub as we know it, the former garage in Salford will be reopening in new ownership from 2027.
From January onwards, the disused Dickinson Street space will be known as BASTION according to a social media post shared to Instagram yesterday.
It will be run by the team who operate neighbouring venue The Bag Factory and will be supported by the Strange Art Collective CIC.
Images: The Manc
The Bag Factory shared a black and white illustration of the iconic White Hotel’s exterior, along with coordinates to the venue, stating: “The underground has a new stronghold”.
Rather cryptic we must say, and although we hope The White Hotel that we know and love could stick around forever – we hope the new owners will keep some of its magic alive.
‘Own a landmark, create a legacy’ – Historic chimney goes on sale for £300k in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
How would you like to live in a big chimney?
I know that might sound like an odd question, and in some respects, it is… but we’re being 100% genuine, as over in Bolton there is currently a historic local landmark on the market with planning permission to make it into your new home, and it’ll only set you back £300,000.
‘Only’ is a bit of a stretch, but when you consider the magnitude of this property, it’s surprising that you’re able to get your hands on it for such a reasonable price.
This is Barrow Bridge Chimney.
Rising above the tranquil stone cottages and wooded valley of the stunning model village that is Barrow Bridge, this striking Victorian chimney stands as a lone sentinel of Bolton’s proud industrial past – and now, with full planning permission secured, estate agents say it offers an ‘extraordinary opportunity’ to reimagine history as a truly one-of-a-kind home.
A historic chimney has gone on sale for £300k in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Originally built in the early 19th century as part of the ‘ambitious’ Dean Mills complex, the chimney once crowned a thriving cotton-spinning hub founded by Thomas Bazley, who was one of the Industrial Revolution’s great innovators.
Long after the mills fell silent though, the chimney endured and remained a local landmark in Smithills visible for miles, and today this relic of the steam age is ready for its next chapter.
Approved plans for the chimney are described as being a ‘bold’ residential conversion that will honour its industrial heritage, while still creating a dramatic modern dwelling like no other in the town.
The planning permission is in place for a two-storey residence of approximately 3,939 sq ft, with a striking contemporary design blended seamlessly with practical living.
The planning permission is in place for a ‘striking’ two-storey residence / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The approved plans include three spacious bedrooms (two with en-suites), a family bathroom, a downstairs cloakroom, and a study that can easily adapted to a four-bedroom, four-bathroom layout to suit modern family life.
What makes this an even more attractive prospect for future buyers is that the chimney is well-connected to both amenities and nature – with both independent businesses, good local schools, and convenient transport links on the doorstep, as well as parks and tree-lined walks.
“This is your chance to own more than bricks and mortar,” estate agents Miller Metcalfe said.
“It’s a chance to live inside a landmark, to shape its story for future generations, and to call a piece of Bolton’s proud industrial heritage your own. Enquire now to discover how you can transform this iconic chimney into a legacy home that will stand for generations to come.”
Fancy it then? Take a look at the property on Rightmove here.
Georgina Pellant -
26th August 2022 
