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.
Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost
Danny Jones
In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)
For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
Danny Jones
In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.
Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.
Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.
Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) April 27, 2026
As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.
It goes on to read: “Founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena, the original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams.
“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”
Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.
However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.
They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.
With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.
Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time.
Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond. This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.
“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.
Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.
Georgina Pellant -
21st April 2022 
