The new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this week | 13 – 19 December 2021
Think the best pizzeria in the world (yes, we know, but really), giant sharing cocktails in disco balls, magical heated dining domes in Heaton Park and more.
It might nearly be Christmas, but that’s not putting off new restaurants and bars from opening in Manchester.
This week, we’ve got some exciting new additions to shout about – not least, the world’s best pizzeria L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele, which has just opened its doors on King Street.
Elsewhere you’ll find a new wing spot, magical dining domes serving up afternoon tea, and a new hotel bar that’s selling giant sharing cocktails in disco balls.
Keep reading to discover the new Manchester openings you need to check out this week.
Manchester is, without a shadow of a doubt, spoilt for great pizza. We are so spoilt, in fact, that whenever a great new pizzeria opens many locals cry, “not another one”. But l’antica Pizzeria Da Michele is no ordinary ‘great’ pizzeria. It’s widely considered the best in the world.
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Known as the ‘Sacred Temple of Pizza’ by Naples locals, it also featured in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love. Now it’s opened in Manchester on King street, we implore you to give it a go. L’antica is as strong a contender as it gets for anyone after a new Mediterranean side piece.
The newest hotel to arrive in Manchester, Moxy first caught our attention for its dog-friendly status – something that’s still a bit of a rarity in Manchester’s city centre hotels.
The ‘fun’ Spinningfields hotel is filled with affordable rooms and also boasts a Manchester-inspired bar, kitted out in artwork that nods to the city’s history and stacked with plenty of games ranging from foosball and cards to board games, such as Scrabble.
Menu-wise, think light bites and cocktails – including a special house sharer called Disco Diva, which comes served in a disco ball and combines vodka, limoncello, elderflower and prosecco.
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Find it at 8 Atkinson St, Manchester M3 3HH.
Heated winter dining domes at Heaton Park
Image: Lightopia festival
Opened especially for the festive season, Heaton Park has got ten heated dining domes available to book throughout the day serving four different afternoon tea menus.
All curated by Heaton Park Cafés: operators of The Stables Café and The Lakeside Café at Heaton Park, there are special vegetarian and vegan options, a ‘classic’ tea and a hearty pork savoury tea.
Priced at £20 each with a pot of tea included, with the option to upgrade to a glass of house Prosecco or local ale for £5, the ‘Afternoon Tea Beneath the Trees’ experience is available to book every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until early January 2022.
Find it at Heaton Park, Sheepfoot Ln, Manchester M25 0DL.
Ok technically this one opened up earlier this month but we missed it off our list, so we’re popping it in here now so you don’t have to miss out too.
American chicken chain Wing Stop has opened on Piccadilly serving wings and tendies in ten different flavours, ranging from lemon pepper to spicy Korean, ‘atomic’, Louisana rub and more. There are burgers and fries on the menu too, plus churros for dessert, but as the name suggests you’re really stopping in for wings here.
Find it at 11-13 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LZ.
News
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
13th December 2021 
