More images have been released giving a glimpse of how Fenix, a luxury new Mediterranean restaurant in Manchester, will look when it launches in November.
The new restaurant promises to deliver authentic and high-end contemporary Greek food from its site in Spinningfields, with a dazzling interior to match.
Fenix comes from the team behind Tattu, widely considered to be one of Manchester’s best restaurants, under their Permanently Unique hospitality group.
And anyone who signs up for the newsletter will get exclusive access to bookings – and get the chance to be the first to dine at Fenix for their 50% off food soft launch.
Their newest venture has been inspired by the fine-dining scene of Mykonos, and will focus on modern Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, breath-taking design, live sounds and cutting edge light technology designed to mimic the setting sun and rising moon across the Greek isles.
The latest set of images released by the new Manchester restaurant give a new glimpse of how the site will look come day and night.
A huge central kitchen where contemporary Greek food will be live-fired in front of diners. Credit: SuppliedA huge tree and gold fauna will be the stars of Fenix’s beautiful restaurant interior. Credit: SuppliedFenix when the lighting transforms it to a moonlit Greek island. Credit: Supplied
Features inside include driftwood dining chairs, stunning stone floors, huge plumes of grasses, and carved stone walls.
Much like Tattu with its legendary cherry blossom tree, Fenix will use nature as its show-stopper, from the dense canopy of gold fauna hanging overhead to the twisting olive tree reaching between floors.
A video shared on Fenix’s Instagram pagealso shows a wall of flames flickering above the bar space.
Fenix looks set to be one of Manchester’s most beautiful restaurants.
Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Manchester will be executive head chef Ippokratis Anagnostelis (who has worked across the best establishments in Mykonos and Athens) and head chef Zisis Giannouras.
Their vision for Fenix will see tables filled with dishes to share amongst friends and family, promising to take traditional dishes from the best Greek restaurants and reimagine them for modern diners.
Influences will of course come from the chefs’ beloved Greece, as well as South America and Asia.
Cutting-edge lighting will transform Fenix’s restaurant from sunset to moonlit night. Credit: Supplied
Dishes will include everything from fresh pita served with grilled aubergine, tomato confit and feta espuma, hummus and a smoked Taramasalata with fresh white fish roe cream, to hearty portions of spiced beef meatballs, grilled octopus with Aegean fava beans, shrimp ‘Saganaki’ and Wagyu beef dumplings.
Dishes will be flamed live in front of diners on a spectacular charcoal fired grill, located at the heart of the space.
Also on offer are a wealth of pasta and rice dishes, a ‘Raw’ menu including Sea Bass ceviche and steak tartare, clay pot roasted leg of lamb folded in vine leaves, and Tiger prawns with yuzu sauce.
Fenix will bring a taste of Mykonos to Manchester. Credit: Supplied
To compliment Fenix’s food offering, the site will also be home to one of the city’s best bars, headed up by Will Meredith.
The ground floor will be transformed into a vibrant luxury drinking den, with live DJs and service running into the evening.
Will has drawn inspiration from his Greek heritage and the stories of ancient Greece to create a drinks menu that splits into four sections: Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind.
Each of the 16 innovative cocktails will be served in custom glassware, and the bar team will even be carving every piece of ice into boulder-like shapes.
Fenix will be offering 50% off food during its soft launch period for anyone who signs up for exclusive access to bookings at www.fenixrestaurants.com.
Manchester Arndale is slashing prices on food and drink across the shopping centre
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back – and that means there are some absolute bargains to be had on food and drink right across the shopping centre.
Throughout the month of August, restaurants, cafes and kiosks within Manchester Arndale will be offering some serious offers and deals.
This ranges from 25% off to buy-one-get-one-free deals, plus free meals for kids and plenty more.
Venues taking part in the Summer Scran Fest include Archie’s, Subway, Barburrito, Pizza Hut, HOP Vietnamese, Michaels Coffee House and plenty more.
And the leisure destinations within Manchester Arndale are getting stuck in too – think free drinks, combos and more at venues including King Pins and Urban Playground.
There are plenty of Manchester-born businesses getting involved and offering bargains to us all, like Archie’s giving out free soft serve when you spend £10, Barburrito offering a £10 meal deal (burrito, tortilla chips and a soft drink), and Lazy Sundae giving a free scoop of ice cream with any large drink purchase.
Big brand deals include a £5 meal deal at McDonald’s (4 Chicken McNuggets, Cheese burger or Mayo chicken; fries; and medium cold drink), and 25% off at Pizza Hut.
There’s 20% off at Sides in the Manchester Arndale Summer Scran FestLazy Sundae will do a free ice cream with a large drink purchase
Then there are newcomers to Manchester Arndale taking part in the Summer Scran Fest.
HOP, a new Vietnamese street food venue on Market Street, is doing 25% off, while Michaels Coffee House will knock 15% off their seasonal favourites like an Iced Maple Oat Matcha or an Iced Rose Coconut Matcha.
There’s also a 20% discount at Sides, the chicken shop backed by YouTube sensations Sidemen.
And as for leisure destinations – Urban Playground is doing 18 Holes of putters tech-infused mini golf, plus any three small plates from The Butcher menu for £28.20.
Kind Pins has 20% off food and drink, and Immersive Gamebox will do 20% off plus a free drink when you book a 60 or 30 minute gaming session.
Pick up a voucher booklet in the centre or download your offers from the Manchester Arndale website from 1 August.
The team behind Salford’s beloved Black Friar set to take over popular Chorlton pub
Danny Jones
The talented culinary team behind the stunning Black Friar pub in Salford are set to take over a new site at a historic old pub in Chorlton: the beloved Horse and Jockey.
As one of the longest-standing and most charming spots on Chorlton Green, The Horse and Jockey public house dates all the way back to 1512 and has remained a regular watering hole for native boozers since the 19th century.
Having been operated by legendary local beermasters, Joseph Holt Brewery, from 2012 onwards, it’s remained a popular spot for generations of punters and ‘The Inn of the Green’ is still the go-to for so many of those who live and work nearby.
Nevertheless, The Horse and Jockey is now set to be taken over by the duo who rebooted a fellow site of Manc hospitality heritage are turning their attention to a new gastropub project.
The Horse and Jockey Inn on the Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Credit: Adam Bruderer via Flickr)
Announcing the redevelopment plans at the start of this month, owner Neil Burke and Executive Chef Ben Chaplin is set to oversee the next chapter for the 200-year-old community pub.
The current Black Friar team has been in place for just over four years now and has very quickly turned what used to be a casual working men’s boozer into a lovingly restored English pub and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and back garden.
Known for classic but elevated pub grub, proper homemade pies, regularly rotating seasonal menus, a carefully curated cocktail and drinks menu, along with the elegant updated interior, it’s come a long way from its rebirth in 2021.
Having proved their revitalising powers with the Grade II-listed building, which had sat derelict for more than a decade and a half, Burke is using his experience and knowledge as a local resident of the central Manchester suburb to bring a new lease of life to The Horse and Jockey.
Formerly a regional manager of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, before teaming up with Chaplin to take on their own challenge, Chorlton Green’s treasured public house has been something he’s dreamed about for some time.
Speaking on the upcoming overhaul, Neil said: “Myself and Ben are champing at the bit to get the Horse and Jockey living up to its full potential. As with the Black Friar, we want to create a pub that heavily focuses on great British produce in a beautiful environment.
Neil and BenThe Black Friar stunned this past springCredit: Supplied/The Manc Eats
“We’re over the moon to be taking on a true suburban gem that’s all about the community. The Horse and Jockey will be a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint, having a roast after a leisurely Sunday walk, or throwing a bash to celebrate a milestone.”
Set to reopen following a major revamp this autumn, Joseph Holt will continue to run the cherished Chorlton pub in the interim while the refurbishments are completed.
Those passionate about keeping that authentic, traditional feel will also be glad to hear that original features like the bright white visage, wooden beams will be kept intact and complemented by a stripped-back decor, heritage colours and more cosy furnishings.
Looking to make this a more dining-led venue than just another bar that happens to serve food, they promise all the usual pub grub favourites, premium á la carte dishes, weekly specials and “a fresh take on The Black Friar’s legendary Sunday roasts.”
Better yet, there’ll still be Holt ales to be enjoyed as well as a new dedicated wine list designed specifically to pair with the new foodie lineup.
We can’t wait to see how it turns out, and you keep your eyes peeled HERE for more updates.
Daisy Jackson -
1st November 2023 
