TNQ and Liam Fray are opening a new ‘all-day drinks and dining venue’ in Northern Quarter
The Courteeners' lead singer is teaming up with local club owner Jobe Ferguson and chef Anthony Fielden for the venture - which is set to take over Teacup Kitchen on Thomas Street.
The Courteeners’ lead singer is launching a venue in Nothern Quarter / Image: what_liam_saw
Liam Fray has teamed up with TNQ to launch a brand new all-day drinks and dining venue in Northern Quarter.
The Courteeners’ lead singer has partnered with Jobe Ferguson (TNQ, The Liars Group) and esteemed chef Anthony Fielden for the venture – taking over a vacant building on Thomas Street.
Titled ‘The Smithfield Social’, the cafe-bar’s concept is inspired by the multipurpose work-and-play brunch venues found over the pond in New York City – serving freshly-sourced grub in a laid-back setting from dawn ’til dusk.
Specialising in high-quality breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches and small plates, the venue will open from 8am to 1am every day – doubling as a morning hangout and late-night drinking den.
Construction underway on the new Smithfield Social venue.
Just like there’s a story behind every Courteeners song, The Smithfield Social says there’s a tale behind each of their dishes.
The venue has committed itself exclusively to “local, seasonal, ethically-produced items”, with specially-cured butcher’s bacon, brioche buns, organic avocados, and the “Rolls-Royce of eggs” all included on the breakfast menu (which will run until 4pm).
Other plates include top-quality corn-fed chicken wings, lasagne with buffalo mozzarella, meatballs, lamb kofta and smoky Baba Ghanoush.
Fresh-pressed juices, healthy ginger shots, loose-leaf teas, and Indian coffee blends (offered in collaboration with local roastery Heart and Graft) will be available to order in-house for a working lunch or on-the-go.
A newly-renovated bar will also be serving wines from around the world (with owners promising an option for every pocket size) – including a chardonnay named ‘best in the world’ and a specially-curated Bloody Mary menu.
Cocktails and low ABV drinks will be up for grabs, with local brewery Cloudwater taking up two draught taps.
Food dishes will also be available for click-and-collect to tuck into at home.
Smithfield Social will take its place on NQ’s main strip / Image: David Dixon via Geograph
Fray is the latest local musician to dive into the hospitality scene, with The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess announcing a collab with Koffee Pot to bring his Tim Peaks coffee concept to The Deaf Institute last year.
The Courteeners frontman has been a familiar face in NQ for over a decade – harbouring a close friendship with the TNQ team for several years.
As well as having an award-winning food & drink team behind the project, Fray is also inheriting a building with deep roots in Manc music; with the most recent occupant Teacup Kitchen owned by legendary Manchester DJ Mr Scruff.
With the venue lying dormant for several months since Teacup’s closure, The Smithfield Social has swiftly stepped in to take its place on the NQ main strip.
Thomas Street was redesigned in summer 2020 to create extra space for its bars to stretch out and offer al fresco dining (considered a safer option during the pandemic). The whole street is set to reawaken in a matter of weeks when outdoor hospitality restrictions are lifted – and is being widely tipped as the go-to spot for summer drinks now that pedestrianisation in Northern Quarter is becoming permanent.
Despite its status as the ‘new kid on the block’, The Smithfield Social is unlikely to find making friends a problem – with Courteeners fans likely to flock to the bar from its launch date on April 12.
Despite his great achievements on stage, The Smithfield Social represents Fray’s first foray into the hospitality sector. But with a multitalented and widely experienced team behind him, it sounds like all the ingredients are there for an exciting new venue…
The Smithfield Social will welcome customers on April 12 when outdoor hospitality returns to action.
A full opening is planned for May 17 when indoor venues are permitted to trade again.
Table bookings go live tomorrow – with a link available on The Smithfield Social Instagram page @TheSmithfieldSocialNQ.
Owners have announced they are currently recruiting for roles at the new venue, including bar staff and kitchen workers (email [email protected] for more information).
News
Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Emily Sergeant
Manchester will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day) with a poignant ceremony at the city’s Cenotaph today.
While VE Day in May 1945 signified the end of World War II in Europe, thousands of British, Commonwealth, and Allied troops continued to fight in Asia and the Pacific – but VJ Day, which was declared on 15 August 1945, brought a final end to the global conflict.
The day remains a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom, and Manchester‘s commemorations today will aim to honour their courage, resilience, and sacrifice.
The event will bring together veterans, civic leaders, cadets, and members of the public in a shared moment of reflection and gratitude.
This year’s commemorations in the city centre will begin at 11:50am.
15 August 1945 marked Victory over Japan.
Join us tomorrow at 11:40am at the Cenotaph to commemorate the 80th anniversary of WWII in the Far East and honour those who served🫡
A two minute silence will be held at 12 noon, marked by a maroon.
Commemorations will start with opening remarks from The Very Reverend Rogers Govender, followed by a solemn programme of remembrance.
The service will begin at 11:58am with The Exhortation recited by Brigadier AG Ross OBE, followed by The Last Post sounded by WO2 Nick Burroughs, and then at midday, a national two-minute silence will be observed – which will be marked by the firing of a maroon.
Brigadier Ross will then recite the Kohima Epitaph, leading into the wreath laying ceremony featuring cadets from the Manchester Trafalgar Unit Sea Cadets, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
The service will conclude with the singing of the National Anthem.
Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day / Credit: Manchester City Council
Iconic buildings and landmarks in Manchester, including the Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network (CQHN) tower, will illuminate their facades from 9pm tonight to honour VJ Day.
“Today, Manchester stands united in remembrance and respect,” commented Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, who is the Lord Mayor of Manchester. “The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is not only a tribute to those who served and sacrificed, but also a celebration of peace and resilience.
“Manchester’s commemorations today reflect the deep gratitude we hold for those who gave so much for the freedoms we have today.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
First look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style lodges where you can sleep amongst the animals
Emily Sergeant
The first look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style resort has been released to the public, and it looks stunning.
In case you missed it, artist impression images of the highly anticipated wildlife lodge experience at Chester Zoo, called The Reserve, were unveiled earlier this year ahead of its grand opening to the public this month following several years in the works… but now opening day is right around the corner, the first official images have been shared.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo features 51 beautifully-designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam free, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people.
The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa, and it’s already being described as ‘the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK’.
Combining luxurious accommodation with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the zoo’s world-renowned wildlife, Chester Zoo says the new resort is set to transform how travellers experience conservation in the UK.
Those behind the project say the innovative concept – where every stay directly-funds the protection of threatened species globally – will help to strengthen the zoo’s role as ‘one of the country’s most loved and most impactful conservation charities’.
Chester Zoo has given the first look at its new luxury safari-style lodges / Credit: Chester Zoo
“The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a game-changer, not just for luxury travel but for conservation,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO at Chester Zoo.
“Born from our long-standing commitment to protecting African wildlife, we’ve created a truly immersive, safari-style experience right here in the UK, where guests may wake up to giraffes on their doorstep, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and relax in beautifully designed lodges surrounded by nature.
“But what makes The Reserve truly unique is its purpose.
“Guests at The Reserve aren’t just going to enjoy a luxury break – they’re going to power our conservation movement for generations to come.”
Stays at the resort are now available to book online / Credit: Chester Zoo
In the off-season, prices for the lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50.
And then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486, but it is worth noting, however, that this does include guided safari tours and going behind the scenes with the giraffes.
The Manc -
10th March 2021 
