Another month, another list of new bar and restaurant openings – and what a list it is.
With summer now in full swing and al fresco drinking and dining in full flow, it feels right that a new venue boasting Manchester’s biggest beer garden opens this month – with a rum bar boasting a whopping 64 different frozen daiquiri combinations, no less.
There is more to check out, too, with new Malaysian restaurant Kaya providing a melting pot of flavours on Chinatown’s Faulkner Street, and Altrincham food hall Chi Yip providing the Trafford market town with everything from traditional roast meats to bubble teas.
Add to that a new city centre wine shop and bar, a sun trap Northern Quarter bar with even more outdoor seating, new drive-throughs in Bolton for Greggs and Burger King, and a new restaurant in Prestwich from lockdown sandwich dealers San San, and we’re confident there’s a lot ot get excited about this month.
Keep reading to find out where to put on your list this July.
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Half Dozen Other
This new bakery in Manchester’s Green Quarter comes from the team behind popular city centre brunch spot Pot Kettle Black.
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The team here has been quietly making some of the best viennoiserie, bread and (our personal favourite) pretzel buns in Manchester for years.
Last year it took its first step into the limelight when it moved into the Northern Quarter food hall Mackie Mayor, replacing Wolfstreet Coffee with a fresh menu of bakes, French toast and savoury croissants.
Now, the team is preparing to open its first ever customer-facing store – meaning that before long fans will be able to pick up their treats to enjoy at home.
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TBC
Bunsik, Piccadilly Gardens
London’s viral Korean corn dog restaurant Bunsik has revealed it is heading to Manchester, with a new site set to open this month.
The new opening will mark the first northern venture for the hit eatery, which already has three popular London branches in Chinatown, Embankment and Camden.
Having already become iconic for their £4 corn dogs in the capital, the team is now making moves north with their first outpost in Manchester – promising to offer an even wider selection of its infamous corndogs when it opens its doors here.
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7 July
Chi Yip Food Hall, Altrincham
This new pan Asian food hall has just opened in Altrincham selling everything from traditional roast meats to bubble teas.
Offering a mixture of different Chinese, Korean and Japanese items, Chiyip boasts a roast meat and bakery counter offering a variety of Chinese baos and roast meats, like roast pork, roast crispy pork and roast duck.
Open now
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Kaya, Chinatown
This new Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown offers a kaleidoscope of flavors, with rice and noodle dishes like Nasi Lemak and Curry Laksa offered alongside traditional favourites kaya jam, toast and Kopitiam half-boiled eggs.
There is also an extensive drinks menu here, with cups of koi and kagal available as well as specialty cups of malty Milo dinosaur (aka Milo tabur) and homemade barley.
Open now
Canteena
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Steakhouse Canteena opens inside the recently closed Sale Foodhall site as the building takes on a new identity this July.
The new Canteena Bar and Grill will specialise in Irish Dexter and Brazilian steak, with plenty more ranging from carpaccio and duck curry to veggie and vegan-friendly dishes also on offer.
Diecast
This huge new venue comes from the team behind Ramona and The Firehouse, promising the city’s biggest beer garden, a giant open warehouse kitchen and an epic rum bar serving 64 different frozen daiquiri combinations alongside classics and other drinks.
Situated between Ducie St and Store St, food-wise expect pizzas, zesty Italian small plates, wood-fired piadino and Leno burgers.
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Elsewhere, party goers can marvel at Galleria – an immersive vertical stage party performance inside the venue where a network of vertical stages, stairways and platforms will create ‘one of the biggest immersive, art house, dance parties the city has ever seen.’
6 July
Taco Joint, Urmston
Well, it looks like there are even more new openings for Urmston after two new eateries arrived in June. This time, it’s The Taco Joint’s turn to make a splash.
Serving up Mexican treats like birria loaded fries, chunky burritos and crunchy short rib birria tacos with consomme on the side for dipping, the team will be based at the side of the Nags Head Pub starting from Saturday 8 July
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8 July
Rack Sandwiches, Sale
Stockport’s favourite sandwich shop arrives in Sale this month, as the team expands its reach with a second site hidden just off the High Street in a former barbershop.
Serving up all its sandwich favourites as well as a brand new brunch menu, think breakfast butties, brunch plates and grilled cheeses, plus sides of mini salt and pepper hash browns and streaky bacon croquettes.
Open now
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We Can Be Gyros at YES
This new arrival sees hearty Greek gyros with silly names like ‘Karen from Accounts’ and ‘Live Lamb Love’ take centre stage at Manchester bar and music venue YES.
Moving into the space formerly occupied by vegan favourite Donner Summer, gluten-free wraps are available as are tasty vegetarian and vegan options. Loaded plates, breadless alternatives, fries and a glut of homemade sauces also feature.
Open now
The Pearl, Prestwich
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This new neighbourhood restaurant comes from the same team behind Prestwich lockdown success story Sansan.
Having earnt their stripes dishing out smashing sandos during the pandemic, they’re now moving on to pastures new with the launch of The Pearl on Bury New Road this month.
TBC
Pray Tell
This new cocktail bar in Sale comes from the brains behind the excellent Riddles in Altrincham, aka Beth Ellison, and Paul Rooney of the market town’s famous football bar, Libero.
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Natural wine and locally-sourced craft beers will be plentiful in number, as well as cocktails embracing the more Italian, bitter end of the spectrum like negronis, spritzes and aperitivos.
TBC
Est Restaurant, Trafford Centre
Trafford Centre favourite Est reopens after closing for its first makeover in nearly 20 years.
A longtime staple of guests at the shopping centre, it is known for serving up rustic pizzas, classic pastas, vibrant salads and regional grill dishes.
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Open now
West Beverley
Brought to Altrincham by the couple behind the popular coffee shop California Coffee and Wine, this Beverly Hills-themed cafe, restaurant and bar is serving up the American dream on a platter.
With white picket fencing, statement wallpaper and bright pink walls, it’s offering a slice of sunshine in rainy Manchester serving from brunch to supper.
4 July
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Drive through Greggs and Burger King, Bolton
Diners in Bolton will receive two new drive-thru restaurants, meaning that locals will soon be able to enjoy their favourite sausage rolls and whopper meals without having to get out of their cars.
Whilst an opening date has not yet been confirmed developers have hinted it won’t be too long now.
The latest offering from the team behind Northern Quarter institue Evelyn’s, new bar Public will open on Stevenson Square this month.
Sandwiched inbetween The Quarter House and the square’s new ice cream parlour, Sweet, it will serve up cocktails designed by the team behind its underground cocktail bar The Daisy alongside plenty of pints for sun-soaked days.
A selection of small bites, noodles and sandos will also be on offer, inspired by the Lower East Side’s late night bars and the bustling energy of NYC’s Chinatown.
TBC
Juice Box
This cool little wine shop and bar has already made a name for itself up on Burton Road, now it’s making its way into town with a second site.
Taking over the former Neon Tiger on Bridge Street, expect top-quality wines to drink in or take away plus ‘fancy snacks’ in the form of caviar-loaded crisps, charcuterie, pickles, Gordal olives and more.
TBC
Noodle Alley
A new opening in Chinatown, this little eatery specialises in Schezuan cuisine with a large focus on noodles – as you might expect from the name.
Open now, you’ll also find plump dumplings and steaming bowls of soup, rice dishes and plenty more besides.
The Old Fire Station
A project that has been nearly three years in the making, this month Salford’s old fire station officially reopens as a new microbrewery and bakery.
With a range of different beer styles brewed under the moniker Lark Hill Brewery, plus a new brunch menu, wood-fired pizza offering, and all things caffeine provided courtesy of Blossom coffee roasters, there’s a lot to look forward to here.
Things to do and try in July
July specialsatMaray, Manchester City Centre– This July, Maray is serving up some summery specials that are worth popping in for.
Sample za’atar and lemon chicken partnered with lemon and saffron, created by exec chef Alex Navarro, and the new Maray Blac Negroni from Maray Manchester head bartender Jack Siddal, which sees the bar partner with the Spirit of Manchester Distillery to bring a special take on the white Negroni.
Timberyard at Higher Ground, Manchester City Centre – On 23 July, Higher Ground welcome their friends Timberyard back to Manchester for a special collaborative lunch.
Chefs Joseph Otway and Jimmy Snaps will cook a set sharing menu for £68pp, celebrating the finest summer bounty from Cinderwood Market Garden and Jane’s Farm Shop. Wines from Timberyard’s cellar will pour throughout the afternoon, as part of a special list put together for the event,
Manchester Craft Beer Festival, Manchester City Centre -The Manchester Craft Beer Festival will take place at Depot Mayfield with three sessions across the weekend, 6pm to 11pm on Friday 21st July, 11.30am to 4.30pm and 6pm to 11pm on Saturday 22nd July 2022.
Tickets are available via https://manchestercraftbeerfestival.com/tickets/ Each ticket includes entry to the festival, festival pours of any beer from any brewer, a full music lineup, access to the people that make the beer themselves and a free beer-tasting glass.
Bloody Mary Sundays at Henry C, Chorlton – On Sunday 2 July Chorlton cocktail bar Henry C will be serving up a new menu of Bloody Marys with a whopping nine variations on the classic, plus seafood snacks such as Fried Prawn Buns with Bang Bang sauce and Smoked Haddock Croquettes as well as classic Cumbrae Oysters with all the trimmings.
Midori Supper Club at Needham Hall, Didsbury – On Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 July attend an intimate Japanese supper club in Didsbury with seven courses spanning okonomiyaki pancakes, chilled summer ramen and cheese and spring onion dumplings from Midori.
The Daisy bar takeover at Hawksmoor, Deansgate – On Thursday 20 July from 5pm, subterranean NQ drinking den The Daisy take over Hawksmoor’s bar with a drinks list showcasing Manchester’s best independent suppliers. Wild Spirit gin and Pod’s Pea Vodka will feature, as will wines from Nordic Muse and Ad Hoc.
Featured image – The Manc Eats
Eats
The best cosy pubs in Manchester city centre to hide away on a winter’s day
Danny Jones
There’s no better feeling than being tucked up all warm and cosy in one of many wonderful pubs in Manchester on a cold day in Manchester, and we should know – we get more than our fair sharethroughout the year.
Wind, rain, sleet or snow, there’s nothing that a couple of pints in one of our many beloved boozers won’t remedy and when it comes to the festive season, especially, there aren’t many places that make you feel as welcome as you would in your own front room like a cosy Manchester pub.
That’s why we’re giving you a heads-up on some of the very cosiest and most classic Manc pubs for you and yours to pile into when it’s miserable out.
We’ll cheers to that.
The 20 cosiest Manchester pubs
Let’s start with a personal favourite of ours that’s rather handily just around the corner from our office:
1. The City Arms – Central
If you want to get out of the house and settle into a lovely little pub right in the city centre, then The City Arms is the perfect place to hide away from the weather whilst still enjoying the buzz of city life.
Calling all cask ale lovers, this place is your paradise, with some top-class ales on offer as well as some great meaty, veggie and vegan pies.
2. The Vine Inn – Central
Credit: Adam Fagen (via Flickr)Credit: The Manc GroupStumble out of one and straight into the other.
Just next door — and we mean that quite literally — is The Vine Inn: another Manc office favourite that gives you the perfect blend of ‘old man pub’ vibes but with the kind of mass appeal that sees countless punters piling into the pub and crowding outside on the streets, it’s that loved.
Luckily, you should be able to squeeze inside when the temperatures drop as it’s spread across three quaint, almost mini-floors (with two separate bars, by the way) that make it feel kind of like a beer bungalow, and that’s why it’s one of the cosiest pubs you’ll find in Manchester.
3. Lass O’Gowrie – Oxford Road Corridor
Credit: The Manc GroupSo long as you’re wrapped up properly, that little outside bit is one of the cosiest pub spots in Manchester (Credit: Lass O’Gowrie via IG)
“I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour”, so the song goes, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Morrisey was singing about the Lass when he wrote this; there’s always plenty of cheering, laughing and, most importantly, drinking in this popular city centre boozer.
Located just off Oxford Road, it offers everything from big screens showing the footy, hearty roast dinners perfect for this time of year, live comedy, music and more. What you’d call a traditional Manc pub kitted out with local memorabilia and filled with good people, you’ll hear no complaints from us.
4. The Circus Tavern – Portland Street
This is Manchester’s smallest pub and as if that wasn’t cool enough, it’s also one of the oldest pubs in the region, so it’s a must-see if you ask us. A perfect little Hobbit hole to cram in when it’s cold outside.
Built back in 1790, The Circus Tavern became a pub in 1840 and has been frequented by the likes of Georgie Best and many other famous Man United players down the years, many of whom you’ll see photos of on the walls. A tourist spot in its own right and, needless to say, very cosy indeed.
5. Mr Thomas’/Sam’s Chop House – Central
Just off Cross Street on the corner of Back Pool Fold, you’ll find what is, for our money, one of the ultimate cosy pubs you’ll find anywhere in Manchester city centre: Mr Thomas’ Chop House, a.k.a. ‘Old Tom’s’ — and then, head literally across the road and you’ll find its twin, Sam’s Chop House.
Set up by the Studd brothers of the same name, these two sibling boozers have been serving Mancs for over 150 years now and have grown a glowing reputation both for the beautiful condition of their historic bars and for their incredible food. If it was good enough for Lowry, it’s good enough for us.
Quite comfortably two of the cosiest pubs in all of Greater Manchester. (Credit: Mr. Tom’s Chop House via IG/The Manc Group)
6. The Marble Arch Inn – Ancoats
Heading over beyond Ancoats way and onto Rochdale Road, we have the birthplace of Marble Brewery and the company’s award-winning flagship venue, The Marble Arch. If you’re up for doing a winter’s day ‘the right way’, then The Marble Arch has to be involved.
With its gorgeous mosaic floors, ornate bar, nine hand-pull pumps serving brewery-fresh cask beer, eight carefully selected keg lines on rotation and a partridge in a pear tree, it’s simply one of the prettiest and most traditional pubs you could ask for. The food’s mega too.
Heading over to Salford now and we’ve got another beautiful boozer in The Kings Arms: a long-standing and simply sublime pub located not too far out of the city centre that’s well worth running into if you’re over that way and happen to get caught in the wind and rain.
Owned by adopted Manc musician Paul Heaton and made even more famous by live-in celebrity cat, Charlie, this real ale house with six curated hand pumps is a Manchester institution, not to mention great for live music and stand-up. Come on, what’s more cosy than a pub that comes with its own cat?
Sticking in Salford for a spell but down the road to Bexley Square, we always feel the lovely little spot that is The New Oxford never gets anywhere near as much credit as it should given its charm and incredible lineup of real ales and Belgian beers.
Situated on a scenic cobbled corner that could easily be mistaken for some rural road in a small Cheshire village, this place is always packed with footy fans and a few extra in its courtyard during the summer months, but the regulars always know what’s up — not to mention they do a decent pint of Guinness too.
In case you missed it, @thenewoxfordpub over in Salford has a lick of paint and then some! 🤩
With renovators working round the clock for three weeks straight, the beloved local boozer is back open and looking better than ever.
Described as having the ‘oldest pub ceiling in the world’, you can collapse into a comforting armchair by the fire and muse over The Crown Kettle‘s 286-year-old history, pint in hand and plenty of tunes filling the room for sure.
With live music and DJ sets, regular beer-centric events, bingo, the odd pub quiz and plenty more, it’s no surprise this almost statuesque Manchester drinking staple has been named one of the best in the region — and it’s plenty cosy too, believe us.
Not just a super cosy pub but apparently one of the best reviewed watering holes in all of Greater Manchester.
10. Peveril Of The Peak – Central
If you close your eyes and picture a proper English pub, there’ll be round tables, old tiles stained with decades of history, an unbeatable selection of beer, and a jukebox that’s regularly manned by loveable regulars who always make sure to keep the room filled with a warm and fuzzy atmosphere.
That’s exactly what you get with the Peveril Of The Peak: an iconic Manc boozer whose green exterior you can spot from a mile away. It’s only a small gaff but packed with plenty of history, all the best people and it’s still being looked after by the city’s longest-serving landlady to this day. A proper good old gaff.
Hallowed, cosy and homely – truly one of the most legendary pubs in Manchester. (Credit: The Manc Group)
11. The Briton’s Protection – Central
From one historic pub to another, you can head over to Great Bridgewater Street and channel your inner Tommy Shelby as you neck a neat bit of bourbon or scotch to warm the cockles and listen to the crackling flames of the open fires at The Britons Protection.
Another oldie but a goldie, the Briton was established in 1811 and has remained a local favourite snug pub ever since, showcasing over 300 whiskies as well as homemade pies and pasties at lunch. This piece of public house heritage has been under threat for a while now but us Mancs are keeping it alive.
Come on, as if we were going to leave out not only a contender for the ultimate cosy pub but possibly the very best boozer in all of Manchester. As well as serving comfortably the best Guinness in all the 10 boroughs and supposedly ‘the best outside of Ireland’, it’s also just everything you want on a cold day.
With live music every day, sport on the box pretty much 24/7; multiple lovely little nooks and more than enough bodies to keep the place warm even in the height of winter, not mention a whole new second floor, Mulligans of Deansgate is now twice the worldie it already was. Sláinte!
An award-winning music venue and a bloody good pub, ditch the open-air venues and stuffy bars this winter and dip into the cosy Eagle Inn instead and bask in its comforting warmth.
Combining a traditional pub that delivers a real sense of ‘old Manchester’ with live music and three small rooms off a central corridor with a central bar — historically known by locals as ‘The Lamp Oil’ — The Eagle can’t really be called Salford‘s hidden gem anymore: it’s a rite of passage at this point.
Heading over the other side of the Irwell and to the picturesque canals of Castlefield, waterside pub and restaurant The Wharf is undoubtedly one of the cosiest pubs in Manchester, with the ground floor feeling like one big lounge, the upstairs making for the perfect cost date night spot and the outdoor terrace just as much a dream in winter as it is summer.
With amazing pub grub, a massive and ever-rotating drinks menu, as well as a patio that feels just as warming as the indoors with its big tipi and overhead heaters come winter, plus live music, hosting local clubs and various other events throughout the year, this place has it all. Plenty of cute pups too.
Back into the centre now and toward Gay Village for what remains one of the most cosy feeling pubs we’ve ever been in full stop, let alone just in 0161. If you’ve never been to The Molly House then you seriously need to right that wrong.
With a name that harks back to a fascinating backstory, there’s nothing more welcoming than the sight of the open hearth, the waft of their irresistible tapas menu; the glow of their multi-coloured Tiffany-style lampshades and a drinks menu to suit all tastes. It’s even better at Christmas. Enjoy!
Just a couple blocks over and back onto Portland Street, you’ve also got the Circus Tavern’s equally pokey little neighbour, The Grey Horse Inn. Once again, it’s among the smallest you’ll find in Manchester but is much more than a mere hole in the wall.
This single-room pub is one of the oldest buildings anywhere in Manchester and is run by Hydes Brewery. Basically just one not-so-big living room plonked right along one of the busiest roads in the city, this place is another very thing slice of Manc hospitality history.
Credit: Grey Horse Inn (via Facebook)
17. Cask – Castlefield and New Islington Marina
Circling back towards Castlefield again, you’ll find the original Cask and its lovely owners who have been serving local crafts and fine Belgian imports for over two decades now. The staff are beyond sound and always happy to talk you through the lineup; they even let you bring in your chippy from next door.
With a nice little garden area tucked away in the back, cosy booths and board games to be enjoyed, it’s no wonder they wanted to replicate their success with the sister bar over towards Ancoats and the Marina — and that’s exactly what they’ve done. Two very welcoming spots all year round.
Not too far from there, you’ll find an NQ favourite in The Bay Horse Tavern: two floors of pure warmth, good vibes, proper food and a steady flow of the good stuff.
From its twinkly fairly light-draped interior to the perfectly dim-lit interior and variety or deals running throughout the week, the Thomas Street staple is busy no matter the season but there’s something very special about it in the winter. Top-tier Sunday roasts incoming.
Looks super pretty at this time of yearThey even still serve Boddies.Unreal food too.Credit: The Bay Horse Tavern (via Instagram)/The Manc Group
19. The Old Wellington – Exchange Square
Our penultimate stop is yet another historic site and cultural cornerstone that stood in Manchester for centuries — just not quite the same spot. Shambles Square feels fitting given how many times we’ve stumbled out of this place of a weekend.
Famously put up on stilts and relocated along with the attached Sinclairs Oyster Bar (also not a bad shout for this list), The Old Wellington might just be the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re in Ye Olde England, stumbling across a tavern and bedding in on a rainy night with tankards full of mead. At least that’s what we always imagine when we’re in there, anyway. Long live The Old Welly.
Last but by no means least, no list of cosy Manchester pubs is complete without the always popular and music-filled Castle Hotel over on Oldham Street — another storied venue that only seems to get better with age.
Whether it’s live music or the jukebox, a solid Guinness or a pint of Robinson’s, this tightly-packed space is one of those where you’ll never leave without bumping into a familiar face or having a friendly chat with a total stranger. With multiple rooms, an upstairs and a simple but classic British pub aesthetic, you just can’t beat spots like this.
We hope that puts you in good stead for places to enjoy a cold one this winter, pardon the pun.
It goes without saying that lists like these are never going to every corner of Manchester justice and there are countless other cosy pubs that we would heartily recommend you settle in at when it’s baltic outside, but the list would go on forever if we did that and this should get you started at least.
The same goes for the rest of the 10 boroughs; we’re sure wherever you live in Greater Manchester you’ll know plenty more than us about the cosiest spots near you, but in case you’re looking to venture further out of the region, we’ve put together a list of a few corkers that are a bit more out of the way.
Featured Images – The Bay Horse Tavern/Kings Arms (via Instagram)/Amie Johnson (via Unsplash)
Eats
Tawny Stores – Inside the stunning canalside restaurant that’s Stockport’s loveliest addition
Daisy Jackson
There’s a tiny little opening on the outskirts of Stockport that’s so charming, with such delicious food, that we’re going to have to insist you all rearrange your plans to visit immediately.
This is Tawny Stores, a restaurant, cafe and deli where you can do everything from having a romantic candlelit dinner to scoffing a morning pastry to grabbing a loaf of bread to take home.
With a pretty canalside location, and windows that look out over the water, it’s already proving a fantastic addition to Greater Manchester.
Tawny Stores is in Marple Bridge, a picturesque village at the foot of the Peak District hills (which feels a million miles from Stockport, but the name on the wheelie bins doesn’t lie).
It may be a total pain in the arse to get to, especially with every-other train being cancelled, but getting stuck out here is far from being the end of the world.
From their tiny kitchen they cook an ever-changing menu that’s technical, but simple.
By the time you read this the menu will probably have changed again, but here we go anyway.
Rabbit pie at Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc GroupA cheese toastie at Tawny Stores. Credit: The Manc GroupHomemade crisps and a glass of wine. Credit: The Manc GroupRoast squash and lentils at Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group
We had a wild rabbit, cider and tarragon pie, with a crust that could win awards and a generous dollop of silky smooth mash.
There was a simple cheese and onion toastie, elevated by some top-quality bread and homemade chutney on the side.
A warming pile of lentils was then topped with roasted squash and a zingy and herby green sauce to zap it (and you) back to life.
And then there’s homemade focaccia, which you can order with olive oil or have it as a sandwich, where fillings are currently festive and include squash and stuffing, crispy sprouts and aioli, and pork Milanese and cranberry.
Inside Tawny Stores, Marple Bridge, Stockport. Credit: The Manc GroupTawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group
Before you head out, take a moment to browse the shelves full of produce (and the display unit filled with homemade cakes).
You can grab a hot drink to walk down the canal and burn off some of that fuel, or do it in reverse and come in here to warm your cockles after a brisk winter stroll.
Either way, it’s one to visit – and soon.
You can follow them on Instagram HERE for their latest menus.