The nights are longer, the clocks have gone back, and spring has begun to sprung here in Greater Manchester.
With the turn of the season, it seems, comes a host of new openings in the city centre and beyond.
From bespoke butty shops to new delis and tasting rooms, to boozy coffee bars in a secret garden and pop-ups across town, there are loads of great new eateries to get stuck into this April.
Keep reading to find out where to put on your list this month.
The Vurger Co.
Image: The Vurger Co.
Popular London-born vegan fast food joint The Vurger Co is opening its first restaurant in the north this month, right here in Manchester.
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Diners can expect indulgent plant-based burgers, alongside sides like crispy dippers, vegan mac ‘n’ cheese and vegan shakes in flavours like Biscoff, strawberry, salted caramel popcorn and banoffee.
So strong is the commitment to the vegan ethos here, all its packaging is made from plants and is fully compostable with a customer guarantee that nothing you buy will end up in landfill.
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With room for 50 covers inside, the new vegan restaurant will open seven days a week with walk-in bookings only from 30 April 2022.
Unit 2, Transmission House, 11 Tib Street, Manchester. M4 1AE.
House of Habesha
Image: House of Habesha
Having moved away from its Blossom Street Social pop-up a few months ago, House of Habesha’s delicious Ethiopian and Eritraean curries found a new home serving the crowds at Mala’s secret garden.
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Now it’s planning moving into The Eagle Inn pub in Salford’s kitchen, giving fans the chance to get their mits on their coveted injera bread and flavoursome stews from Thursday 7 April.
19 Collier St, Salford M3 7DW.
Lucky Mamas
Image: Lucky Mamas
From a trailer in their Eccles backgarden to a brand new shopfront in Chorlton, Lucky Mamas is the success story that just keeps on giving.
After a few trials and tribulations, owners Mamadou and Gaby have opened their own restaurant next door to the popular Jasmine, serving up their famous ‘Rasta Pasta’ alongside other Senegalese-inspired pizza and pasta dishes.
565 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 8AE.
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Sndwch
Image: Sndwch
Image: Sndwch
First established in 2018, over the past four years, the Sndwch team has progressed from making sandwiches at their kitchen table to opening their own counter over in Media City.
You’ll have likely already seen their wares stocked in the General Stores around the city, now you can also get them straight from the source – made to your bespoke specifications. Known for having a great plant-based range.
Inside Media City General Store, Media City UK, City of Salford.
Lucky Ramen
Image: Supplied
This April Ancoats hotspot Mule launches its delicious new Ramen offering, Lucky Ramen.
Curated by a local chef, the menu will consist of five lovingly crafted ramen bowls made with 8-hour broths, with meat, fish and vegan options served alongside a delicious selection of sides.
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Think crispy karaage chicken, stir-fried soboro pork, char sui and crispy soft shell crab with snow crab sticks, then tell us you’re not craving one of these.
Elsewhere, you’ll find ‘magic mushrooms’ (chargrilled with spicy miso butter, crispy shallots, sesame, truffle and crispy chilli oil), gyoza and tempura crab.
Lucky Ramen will be serving Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm-late alongside Mule’s modern cocktail, classic wine and beer menu.
Lucky Foot
This spring, Escape To Freight Island will welcome a host of new traders, including a new deep-fried and charcoal-grilled chicken offering from Belzan called Lucky Foot.
Think buckets of orange wine and modern cooking using the best chicken – made from scratch in Manchester – and you’ve pretty much got the jist. Also moving in this month will be bakeries Batard and Gooey, as well as new concept Carnival from Hawksmoor co-founder Richard Turner.
Fat Pat’s, the sell-out sandwich specialists who had most of South Manchester queueing up for a taste, has found a new home on Portland Street.
Operating out of a hole in the wall as walk-ups only, fans can now get their hands on a brand new menu featuring the likes of Philly Cheesesteak and Hot Honey Fried Chicken every weekend, from 12pm Thursday-Sunday until sell out.
88 Portland Street, M1 4GX.
Ornella’s Kitchen, Denton
Image: Ornella’s Kitchen
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Parmigiano Reggiano ravioli with saffron sauce. / Image: Ornella’s Kitchen
Previously head chef at Pollen, Ornelia set up her delivery-only kitchen during the first lockdown whilst on maternity leave. Over a year later, she’s just opened her own deli pasta shop and kitchen in Denton.
Cooking seasonally using only the freshest local ingredients, diners can expect to find a range of delightful pasta dishes alongside Italian street food favourites like arancini and parmigiana. Open now.
10 Manchester Rd, Denton, Manchester M34 3LE.
Crunched Tacos
Image: Crunched Tacos
Putting a northern twist on hard shell tacos, Crunched has just opened up inside the shipping container neighbourhood at Pollard Yard in Ancoats.
Think Frazzle-dusted taco shells filled will pulled pork and Strongbow Dark Fruits sauce, cauliflower cheese tacos, chicken nuggets and nachos, and we think you’ll get the jist.
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If you’ve ever heard of TexMex, this is kind of like that – but a lot more Mancunian. MancMex, we guess?
Tacos Pollard Yard, Crunched, 15 Pollard St E, Manchester M40 7QX.
BQ Farm and Fish, Monton
Loch Fyne Beetroot Cured Salmon on Toast. / Image: BQ Farm & Fish
A collaboration between the Butcher’s Quarter and Wandering Palate. Farm and Fish is part Artisan Butcher, part fishmonger, and part tasting room.
The expansive selection of fresh fish here is sourced from sustainable fisheries on the British coast, whilst cheeses, wines and cured meats are sourced internationally. Pop in to pick up some nice bits for dinner and sample a few small plates whilst you’re at it. Winner.
190 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PY.
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The Donut Whisperer, Northern Quarter
Image: The Donut Whisperer
Image: The Donut Whisperer
This Chester bakery was named the best in the UK for vegan doughnuts last year, now it’s coming to Manchester city centre for a short residency at Home Sweet Home.
For the next 8 weeks from Wednesday, 30 March, the Doughnut Whisperer is popping up in the Northern Quarter with a range of giant, all-vegan bakes. Think giant square Lotus Biscoff and cornflake-loaded bakes smothered in icing and stuffed with all things sweet.
49-51 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW.
Coffee Rituals at Mala, Northern Quarter
Image: Mala
Image: Mala
Over in the Northern Quarter inside Mala’s secret garden bar is a new boozy coffee bar called Coffee Rituals.
They’re serving up eight different styles of boozy coffee – from a smores-style, marshmallow-topped ‘Campfire Mochas’ to Irish coffees and, everyone’s favourite, the espresso martini.
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Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find a ‘Mala Mud Slide’ (chilled with an ice cream cone and cream) and an iced doughnut-topped espresso martini they’re calling ‘Fancy Clancy’. Open from 12-8pm daily, walk-ins are welcome.
8 Dale St, Manchester M1 1JA.
Carnival street food and bar
Image: Google
A new Caribbean and Latino-inspired pop-up will take over the all-pink £1m Boujee restaurant terrace at Bridge Street, turning its eye-popping frontage from pink to yellow as it moves in for a five-month stint.
Landing on April 14th, it will serve up a range of sunny cocktails like rum-soaked pornstar martinis, sweet caipirinhas, glasses of punch and Red Stripe, alongside dishes like spicy Jerk chicken and loaded nachos.
It will be open every weekend from Thursday to Sunday, from 4pm on weekdays and 12pm on the weekends.
After four years in the making, this project to transform Levenshulme’s disused South train station into a cafe, bar and garden is finally complete.
Located on the Fallowfield Loop, its been restored by a community group who’ve spent years fundraising to bring their vision to life. Head down to find tea, coffees, craft beers and popular foodie classics as well as a bike repair workshop and full-on events calendar packed with live music and DJs.
975-977 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3NP.
Featured Image – Ornella’s Kitchen / Mala / The Manc Eats
News
The top 10 biggest gigs in Manchester music history
Thomas Melia
When you think of Manchester one of the first things that comes to mind obviously after ‘best city in the world’ is one word: ‘music’.
Our capital of the North West has birthed some of the world’s greatest singers of all time and welcomed some of the planet’s biggest stars.
Manchester has many live music venues to host impressive gigs including stadiums, arenas, parks and a wide variety of performance spaces.
The real reason these artists keep coming back is because of you, everyone who shows up and shows out to every single tour and performance happening in our culturally rich city.
Although not 2008, here is Kylie in all her grandeur at AO Arena in 2014.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With a tour titled ‘KylieX2008’, the Aussie sensation made our heads spin around in 2008 as she graced the AO Arena for six nights of pop perfection from 11 July to 18 July.
Minogue has a special connection to Manchester and this arena specifically, performing here over 30 times to a total of 400,000 people.
Taylor Swift performing on the B-Stage at Etihad Stadium in 2018.Credit: The Manc Group
‘Baby let the games begin!’ Swift opened her ‘Reputation Stadium Tour’ in 2018 while standing behind a backdrop of snakes, scales and reptile-like patterns.
The legendary pop star commanded the stage even walking through the crowd to greet fans with smiles and high fives, making sure to get up close and personal even in a venue this grand.
‘Tay-Tay’s last visit to the North West saw her playing three nights of her monumental ‘The Eras Tour’ just a stone’s throw away at Anfield Stadium and who knows, maybe once the Etihad renovation is complete, she might be keen to make another appearance.
8. Oasis: 80,000 – Maine Road (1996)
In signature Liam style, the tambourine is in hand and ready to accompany both the brother’s vocals.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Burnage boys were always destined to be on this list in one way or another due to their incredible impact in pushing Manchester music and bands to the mainstream.
Singing hits from their well-known music catalogue, Oasis attracted 80,000 to Manchester City’s former ground in the mid-90s.
Unlike the tour taking place in 2025, tickets for this gig would’ve only set you back £17.50, you’d have been silly not to grab yourself one!
7. Harry Styles: 99,526 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2022)
The former One Direction star Harry Styles spent two nights in June spreading the love with his mega ‘Love On Tour’ and the feeling was definitely mutual.
On 15 and 16 June the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ singer had nearly 100,000 devotees in the palm of his hand as he belted out some of his best solo numbers.
The Cheshire-born superstar even paused his show to find his primary school teacher who he’d been informed was in the crowd, thanking her for all her help and hard work while he was in education. Adorable.
6. Foo Fighters: 100,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2024)
The Washington-formed band put on two impressive nights where Mancs witnessed ‘music royalty’ on their ‘Everything or Nothing at All Tour’ in June.
As well as ‘The Pretender’ hitmakers, the sold-out shows were spoilt with not one but four support acts split across the two dates, including Wet Leg.
On 13 June the rock champions even previewed an unreleased track ‘Unconditional’ for the first time, adding it to the setlist for the 15 June show too!
Old Trafford Cricket Ground was a spectacle this June.The American chaps swooned by the roars of the crowd.Credit: The Manc Group / Publicity Picture (Supplied)
5. Spice Girls: 150,955 – Etihad Stadium (2019)
Etihad Stadium and Spice Girls spiced up our lives three times in 2019 with three non-consecutive performances from 29 May to 1 June.
This tour was missing one key ingredient, ‘Posh Spice’, who missed out on this string of shows for the first time in her career.
In addition to these four fierce ladies, another UK household act Jess Glynne joined them on the bill as a support act. The girls were met with raptures as they made their entrance to Manchester after 11 years since their last visit.
Just look at those iconic fits! Spice Girls performing at Wembley Stadium on the same tour that visited Manchester.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In 2023 they brought their Music Of The Spheres world tour to Manchester from 31 May to 4 June for four nights of dazzling lights, wowed fans and of course incredible live arrangements.
Altogether, these shows brought together almost 200,000 attendees who had the opportunity to get involved with the show’s production themselves by cycling electric bikes and kinetic dancefloor which both helped power the stage.
The Coldplay lads in all their glory.An awe-inspiring crowd lighting up the already phenomenal Etihad Stadium.Credit: Wikicommons / The Manc Group
3. Ed Sheeran: 218,639 – Etihad Stadium (2022)
Starting his musical career just over the hill busking in Hebden Bridge before becoming one of the UK’s most prominent and successful artists of all time.
In 2022, the ‘Galway Girl’ singer took to Manchester City‘s awesome stadium to play hits from his full discography titled ‘The Mathematics Tour’ in honour of his equation-themed album titles.
The one-man, one-guitar show attracted almost 55,000 people across four nights who watched the singing red-head belt out his bangers on a 360 circular stage.
Ed Sheeran at V Festival in 2014, already a star in his own right.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
2. The Stone Roses: 225,000 – Heaton Park (2012)
The Manchester rock pioneers played a three-night hometown residency as part of their reunion tour following a 17-year concert hiatus.
Fans came in abundance to pack out to Heaton Park, a notorious music-hosting site which has hosted a plethora of acts as well as this formidable band.
Spanning from 29 June to 1 July, The Stone Roses played to a whopping 75,000 fans every night across the three sold-out Manchester shows at Heaton Park in 2012.
The Stone Roses performing at Fuji Rock Festival in 2012, the same year as their Heaton Park residency.Credit: Wikicommons Media
In 2011, ‘The Flood’ boys put on a remarkable eight nights for nearly half a million lucky Mancs from 3 June till 12 June, making for a summer everyone could ‘Never Forget’.
However, they weren’t the only boyband gracing the Manchester City stadium as dance duo Pet Shop Boys supported them on their ‘Progress Live’ tour across the UK.
A fan-captured moment of Take That reunited amidst their eight show run at Etihad Stadium in Manchester.Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Honourable Mentions
One Love Manchester, 55,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2017)
Even though this event may not be topping the attendance records, this concert was a special and remarkable moment in Manchester’s history.
Fronted by Ariana Grande, just two weeks after the Manchester Arena attack, Old Trafford Cricket Ground saw a multitude of artists coming together to celebrate the importance of music while paying respect to those affected by the events in the month prior.
BBC reported the ‘One Love Manchester’ live show had 14.5 million viewers at its peak with an average of 10.9 million worldwide and this benefit concert has since raised more than £10 million for the ‘We Love Manchester Emergency Fund’.
Grande may be reaching height after unthinkable height as a musical artist, but she has always had a special place for Manchester in her heart, donating toys to children in Manchester hospitals at Christmastime.
Oasis Live ’25, 320,000 (Predicted) – Heaton Park (2025)
Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher are heading across the globe next year on their reunion tour of a lifetime, 16 years since their last live performance, with four Manchester dates.
Although the band might not have performed yet, Heaton Park is expected to welcome a ‘Wonderwall’ of around 80,000 fans every night.
We’re not sure we’ll ever be emotionally ready for this but bring it on. We’ve waited long enough. The question is, what do want to hear them play?
Featured Image – Eva Rinaldi (via Wikicommons)/The Manc Group/Lily Redman (via Wikicommons)
News
Manchester United’s long-serving receptionist Kath Phipps has died aged 85
Danny Jones
A Manchester United legend has moved on as the club has confirmed that much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps has unfortunately passed away at the age of 85.
Simply known as ‘Kath on Reception’ not only by those in and around the club but, believe it or not, millions of fans around the world, the long-serving member of the Man United family died this week.
Confirming the news on Thursday, 5 December, United said they were “heartbroken” to share the news with supporters.
Phipps, who first joined the club way back in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was still manager, has been at the club longer than any current members of staff and will be sorely missed by not just many but countless individuals she came across in more than five decades at the club.
Writing in an official statement, the club said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85. An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.
In loving memory of Kath Phipps: friend, confidant and treasured colleague.
“A childhood United fan from Irlam, Kath became the Reds’ switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds’ first European Cup success, and was soon forging friendships with Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy and United’s star-studded squad, spending countless hours with Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as they signed autographs to send to their fans.”
Phipps – a pillar of the club for more than half a century – was there throughout Sir Alex Ferguson‘s 26-year tenure and every manager since; the legendary coach even brought the entire squad along to the funeral of her late husband, Richard, and many players visited her during lockdown.
For most people who have ever visited the Carrington training complex, ‘Kath on Reception’ is the very first face they see and was always famed for its incredibly friendly manner and warm embrace.
Players both past and present, as well as countless other figures attached to the club, have been paying tribute to the United veteran who epitomised their values and was revered by all.
David Beckham shared: “Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game , she was the heartbeat of Manchester United , everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her…
“I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry’ and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did.
“Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors… We love you”
Wayne Rooney pays an emotional tribute to long-standing #mufc employee Kath Phipps on his Instagram page.
Sorry to hear about Kath on reception passing away. Lovely, modest, loyal, lady. 55 years at MUFC. I tweeted a pic of her in May ‘22 and showed her the huge reaction. She was well chuffed and showed her family. Then said: “thank you so much. I’m only doing my job.” RIP. pic.twitter.com/6DPQ1wwhPG
Current defender Diogo Dalot shared a touching message on social media which read: “You’ve seen it all… You truly represented everything [that] Man United is about. Thank you for taking care of us. Rest in peace, Kath, we love you.”
The Athletic football writer Laurie Whitwell hailed her as “always so welcoming”, while the BBC’s Simon Stone wrote: “Absolutely devastated by this news. Kath was such a lovely lady, always smiling and laughing and totally devoted to Manchester United.
“A constant presence during my 20+ years covering the club. Last saw her earlier this year. Very frail but still positive. A trip to Carrington was always better after a hug from Kath. RIP.”
Speaking on her 55th anniversary in 2023, she told the club: “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here. I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day, wishing people ‘good morning’. I just enjoy being here. Not everybody can say they enjoy going to work but I do. Football has been my life.”
Paying tribute to her in the best way they know how, they shared another quote in which she simply said: “I can’t imagine doing anything else” – to which they simply added, “Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”
Rest in peace, Kath on Reception, a loyal servant famous for her hugs. We see no better way to sum her up than with this heartwarming clip. Our thoughts go out to her friends, family and all those at Manchester United whose lives she touched.
Georgina Pellant -
1st April 2022 
