A popular Latin American Mayfair restaurant has got its sights set on a new opening here in Manchester.
Late-night bar and restaurant Mnky Hse (pronounced “monkey house”) is set to be taking over a space in Lloyd House, home to Red’s True Barbeque site and Allotment vegan restaurant just off Albert Square.
First opened in Mayfair, London, in 2016, it will be the second UK site for the restaurant and its first in the north of England when it opens its doors this September.
Known for its ‘hidden entrance’, Instagram-friendly interiors, extensive cocktail menu and Latin American dishes, here you’ll find a great range of tacos – both soft and crunchy – alongside a range of sushi, ceviche and grill dishes.
The 102-cover restaurant will boast a central bar, as well as an open kitchen and prominent DJ booth.
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Whilst at first glance it might appear all style and no substance, be reassured that the quality of its cuisine lives up to the Insta-friendly decor.
Dishes are re-imagined by Head Chef Mark Morrans in a bold and indulging menu that’s designed to be shared. Think soft shell crab maki and Yellowfin tuna ceviche with caviar, or Wagyu ribeye, beef short rib and octopus from the grill section.
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Image: Mnky Hse
Image: Mnky Hse
Image: Mnky Hse
As for drinks, an impressive list is split into sections – CBD, floral, low and no, creme de la creme and masterpieces – with truffle fat-washed Hennessy cocktails sitting alongside fruity drinks like the ‘Mystic Berry’ – a mix of Chambord, berries, lemon juice, lychee and bitters.
The new opening will also boast an extensive wine list and curated in-house live music and entertainment offering.
A popular haunt with Mayfair’s celebs, the London site also boasts a private members-only room for those who wish to be discreetly tucked away in an alcove out of sight of prying phone cameras. It’s yet to be seen if this will also be a feature in Manchester.
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Speaking on the new opening, Tom Curle from Mnky Hse Manchester said: “We are delighted to bring MNKY HSE to Manchester.
“The brand has already established a fantastic reputation in London and the Middle East as the place to be seen, whilst providing exceptional food and entertainment,”
Boris Kofman, MNKY HSE Co-Founder, added: “We are very excited to bring the MNKY HSE brand, energy and family to Manchester, adding to the growing number of exclusive brands coming to the city.
“Manchester was always on our radar in our expansion plans and we look forward to launching later this year.”
Due to open a stone’s throw from the glitzy bars of Deansgate and Spinningfields, Mnky Hse is sure to be a welcome addition to the area – promising to serve up more than just your latest profile picture.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
21st April 2022 
