The new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this month | May 2022
Think Italian subs, sit-down lasagne, a new Spring Gardens cocktail bar from Gordon Ramsay's former bars boss, plus sushi, sashimi and (maybe) even a new dumpling place.
With a whole host of Bank Holidays stretching ahead of us, we roll slowly into May with plenty of free time on the horizon and even more new restaurants and bars to visit.
THis month, not only do we have a load of new eateries on the cusp of opening, we’ve algo got a few who’ve snuck through right at the end of April – all well deserving of an honourable mention.
Over in Stockport, one half of The Otto-Men has launched OTTO Vegan Empire – taking veganism back to its roots with a focus on grains, spices and legumes from a new home above a country pub.
In Sale’s Stanley Square, Sugo has just opened its third Manchester site with new artwork on the walls celebrating the Kickstarter supporters who made it happen, whilst in town we’ve been bless with a new Mac and Cheese restaurant in the Arndale, award-winning Stockport pie shop Ate Days A Week and vegan burger spot The Vurger Co.
As for what’s still to come? Think Italian subs, the return of sit-down Lazy Tony’s lasagne, a new Spring Gardens cocktail bar from Gordon Ramsay’s former bars boss, sushi, sashimi and (maybe) even a new dumpling place.
Keep reading to find out the new Manchester bars and restaurants to put on your list this month.
Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria, Alvarium
Image: The Manc Eats
Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria takes over the former Black Leaf kitchen in the basement at Alvarium, switching out vegan fine dining for giant slabs of meat and cheese starting from the beginning of May.
Chef-owner Danny is bringing along all of his favourite dishes, so get ready for great lasagne, loaded mac and cheese and fries, as well as a host of new Italian subs and desserts like Nutella cannolis, apple pie, and pizza subs.
8 Dorsey St, Manchester M4 1LU.
Green Lab, Deansgate Square
Image: Supplied
The Green Lab at Deansgate Square opens on Friday, 6 May with a new evening offer to complement its existing salads, juices, treats and plant-based options.
Expect an organic wine list and twists on classic cocktails, including a miso caramel espresso martini and a strawberry matcha highball, plus new menu items such as sushi and sashimi.
Open from 7am weekdays and 8am at weekends, Green Lab at Deansgate Square will serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner all week long, with live entertainment from Wednesday to Sunday.
Manchester’s newest cocktail bar, Blinker, will open its doors on Spring Gardens on 17 May.
Bringing everything founder Dan Berger has learnt from his time at 5-star London hotel The Ned and overseeing the bars for Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group, it will focus on classic cocktails, with an additional menu of reimagined classics based around four set flavours changing each month.
Blinker will sit at the top of King Street, close to Hotel Gotham and Six by Nico.
Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ.
Burgerism, Escape to Freight Island
Image: Burgerism
The one and only Burgerism will take over from Patty Queen at Escape to Freight Island in May, bringing what are widely considered to be the best smashed burgers in town to this corner of Piccadilly.
Fans of the brand can look forward to the famous ‘Cheesed’ burger with two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and Burgerism sauce in a brioche bun, alongside the mouthwatering chicken burger.
11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PZ.
Kong’s Sandwich Shop, Hatch
Image: Hatch
The team behind Manchester fried chicken heroes Kong’s Chicken Shop is opening a new sandwich spot at Hatch over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend – and there will be crisp butties on the menu.
Moving into the Oxford Road food and drink shipping container village this Friday, Kong’s Sandwich Shop will serve up an NYC bodega and deli-inspired menu with a few cheeky northern twists.
There’ll also be frozen margaritas and bottles of Pacifico for sale over the counter, in a nod to its founder’s bartending roots.
Read more:
103 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED.
Matterello, Trafford Palazzo
Image: Trafford City
Luxury Italian restaurant Matterello comes to Trafford Palazzo (formerly Barton Square) at Trafford City this month, promising ‘authentic cuisine’ and immersive events like on-site pasta-making classes.
Developed by Manchester restaurateur Steve Pilling from the Northern Restaurants Group – which also has The Dockyard, Gas Works, and Roost – it will draw inspiration from Southern Italian kitchens, serving the likes of bruschetta with salsa Rossa, marinated squid, fettuccine with pesto and gorgonzola and a wide selection of desserts.
Trafford Palazzo, Greater, Manchester M17 8AS.
Hooters, Salford Quays
Image: Hooters
Hooters, an American restaurant chain more famous for its scantily clad waitresses than its food, is opening a site in Salford Quays this month.
Home to the Playboy bunnies of the hospitality world, the Hooters chain is actually pretty famous for its chicken wings – but even more so for its ‘girls’.
It serves up six different wings styles – original breaded, naked, boneless, Datyona, smoked and roasted – with a choice of 17 different sauces ranging from mild to ‘hot as all hell’.
Elsewhere on the grill-focused menu, you’ll find burgers, sandwiches and tacos, seafood like snow crab legs and shrimp platters, alongside fries and other sides.
Mayor Andy Burnham promises Greater Manchester will honour Ricky Hatton ‘properly’
Danny Jones
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has promised that the city and wider boroughs have plans to honour Ricky Hatton MBE following his passing this weekend.
Hatton, just 46, sadly passed away this Sunday, 14 September, with the region left shocked by the sudden and tragic news.
“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes”, writes Burnham, adding: “He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly.”
There seems to be a clear intimation that at least one or more public tributes will be carried out at the earliest opportunity.
Locals and ‘Hitman’ fans alike have been leaving flowers, wreaths and other personal tributes outside his address in Tameside as well as his gym in Hyde.
The minute’s appreciation before the 197th Manchester derby also saw his friend, fellow die-hard Blue and City Square fan zone presenter, Danny Jackson, deliver a touching speech before applause rang out around the stadium, with the Man City manager himself looking visibly moved by the moment.
Pep Guardiola is one of many members around the club, both past and present, to have offered their condolences.
His nephew Jack Hatton has now posted on social media too, saying simply: “I love you so much Uncle Rick. I will always remember all you have done for me and the great times we had together I love you so so much I’m going to do all I can to make you proud.”
énergie Fitness Hyde, home to his well-known gym and popular community outlet, have also shared a statement online, writing: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals.
“His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.
“We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. As a mark of respect, the gym will be closed for the rest of the day. Rest in Peace, Ricky.” Since then, his family have now shared their own statement in full via GMP.
Asking for privacy during this difficult time, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather,and brother, and a true friend to many.
#TRIBUTE | The family of Ricky Hatton have paid tribute to him following his death at the weekend.
They have asked for their privacy as they grieve the man 'who had a heart as big as his smile.'
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”
Manchester City dedicate derby win to late and beloved boxing blue, Ricky Hatton
Danny Jones
Manchester City players past and present, club members and fans alike have paid tribute to the late, great boxer, Ricky Hatton MBE, following his shock passing this weekend, honouring him with a fitting derby day win.
Safe to say there’ll be a blue moon all over Greater Manchester this week.
The tragic news about Ricky Hattonwas sadly announced just hours before the 197th Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 14 September, with the entire ground observing a ‘minute of appreciation’ before kick-off.
Manager Pep Guardiola looked visibly emotional when the camera panned to him applauding his memory in the crowd, and there were plenty of other tributes to ‘The Pride Hyde’ spotted both the home and away ends, with several famous City faces taking to social media after full-time to share their own.
Our pre match display funded as ever by you the fans. We’re planning a Ricky Hatton tribute for Burnley. pic.twitter.com/l67gyyjSTK
Perhaps one of the most moving tributes came from Guardiola himself, who has always immersed himself in local Manc culture beyond just football, so it was no surprise he felt the sorrow in the stands.
Speaking to the media in his post-match duties, the Catalan coach and former athlete himself said: “I’ve been here for ten years, [seen/heard] a lot of minute [silences/applauses], and I don’t remember one so, so intense like today.
“I want to say thank you so much to the Man United fans because they behaved and applauded. I know he was a World Champion in boxing. It was a special, special moment. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family can feel right now for this loss, but we are close.
“I know how much of an incredible Man City fan [he was]. He lived the bad moments and the good moments in the last 10/15 years. I know for the fans how close he was [held]. The moment of applause was unbelievable.
“It was an experience I will always remember because I felt in every applause of every person in the stadium the gratitude for what he has done professionally and being a massive, massive City fan.”
Once again, he wasn’t the only familiar sports personality, blue or otherwise, who made it known how much he was admired by those in and around the region of Greater Manchester.
Both Manchester United legend Roy Keane and ex-Man City defender Micah Richards joined the Sky Sports panel in discussing his legacy as a local sporting icon.
Rest in peace to a legend and a mental health hero.
Everyone involved paid tribute to Ricky Hatton as City claimed the win over United.
Such a sad day for combat sports. Sad day for Great Britain. Sad day for Manchester. I remember as a young boy staying up late to watch his legendary career. The original people’s champion, one of us. Rest in peace Ricky Hatton 💔 pic.twitter.com/2phiyCEneM
Georgina Pellant -
29th April 2022 
