Over on Spinningfields’ Hardman Boulevard, the cultural melting pot that is Habbibi has recently opened its first Manchester location and we went along to try their selection of set menus.
Launching to the public fully on Friday, 2 August, they’ve created a trio of new themed set menus taking cues from all over the globe in truth, but with strong roots in Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine, and after a soft launch to more than 300+ covers you could say they’ve gone down pretty well.
You only have to take a quick glance at the interior to notice some Dubai flare; the restaurant itself is as elevated and elegant as you’d expect from a new opening in the heart of Manchester’s sophisticated financial district, but forget all that for a minute – it’s the food that’s shone for us.
Their core influences, combined with some creative tweaks from the chefs, have resulted in Habbibi Manchester doing some very clever things to some dishes you may be very familiar with but have never tasted quite like this.
What better way to start a meal? (Credit: The Manc Group)
Now, the first and only problem we had was deciding which one to go for, so we just decided to sample a few items from each of the three new weekend offerings: the seafood-inspired Atlantis menu (£45pp), the Jumeirah (£55), where the heat and char off the specially designed kitchen is centre stage, and the Burj Al Arab, which lends its name from the iconic towers situated on Dubai‘s artificial island (£75pp).
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We kicked things as you would any good taste of the Med, with olives and some lovely toasted flatbreads elevated by some Arabic spices, along with possibly the smoothest houmous we’ve ever eaten – big words, we know. Note to self (and you lot), sprinkle pomegranates on top the next time you make it.
A fine start to affairs but nothing compared to the mouth-punch that came next with the stunning king scallops in kataifi pastry nest – a challenging but intriguing texture – and the ‘bang-bang’ chicken, which was saucy, spicy and tangy without beating you over the head with acid.
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Then we were treated to another pair of perfectly cooked portions of meat and seafood, with the grilled cod loin served on a bed of lightly crushed purple potatoes with a luxurious but still delicate saffron sauce, as well as an Irish wagyu sirloin with tomatoes on the vine and their take on peppercorn sauce.
Some seriously sumptuous mouthfuls on show here. (Credit: The Manc Group)
It was in these moments that we saw the perfect combinations not only of classic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours but other styles of cooking coming through, almost as if to punctuate each varied set of courses.
With Head Chef Djafar Yousfi and many of his crew having not only reunited after a number of years at the likes of First Street’s all-Halal steakhouse Ribeye and Hotel Football next to Old Trafford but also sharing classic French training, the final product feels like a rich blend of experience and different ideas.
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As if we weren’t impressed enough already, they somehow managed to serve up some unique twists on some classic desserts: a super light and aerated tiramisu, a confit pear mousse in the shape of an actual pear, and a rocher cake which we genuinely could have eaten three times over were we not so full.
There was even a great-looking bonus eclair-esque dish that was impressive even though it was still being workshopped, once again proving that Habbibi is looking to push their food in a new direction with these new set menus.
All in all, whilst there is an obvious level of decadence to Habbibi Manchester and its new offerings that any fan of fine dining will enjoy, one thing we would reiterate is that there’s also a refreshing level of accessibility to this trio of set menus when compared to other restaurants in similar culinary spaces.
Even having the three tiers of set menus to choose from means you can go in with your budget in mind and still have a top-quality meal that feels with every penny no matter how far you push the purse strings. We genuinely didn’t have a bad or even remotely average bit of food all evening.
We also enjoyed seeing how many people walked in during the middle of a work day to enjoy a drink, flashy cocktail or simply sample some shisha on the terrace.
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All three set menus and their four total waves can be viewed HERE to see which one appeals to your palate the most; you can book a table online, over the phone or by walk-in and check out an extended look at the restaurant down below.
Manchester City are hosting special Christmas-themed tours of the Etihad Stadium
Danny Jones
Manchester City FC’s critically acclaimed stadium tour is about to get super festive, as the Etihad Stadium are now hosting special Christmas-themed walks around the ground.
You’ve watched the tales of the ‘Centurions’, ‘Treble winners, the ‘Fourmidables’, and plenty of other ‘Cityzen’ stories play out in front of you, but have you visited the hallowed halls while their decked doughs of holly for yourself?
Well, now’s your chance.
Hosting a series of exclusive festive tours around the Etihad this month, Man City fans, club-obsessed kids, and football fanatic tourists in general can take a walk around the impressive sporting arena for the perfect early Christmas present.
In addition to being able to walk around the famous home of the Blues, sit in the home team dressing room and see the trophy cabinet, fans of all ages can now field questions with virtual Pep and Haaland in their very own press conference, before walking down the tunnel, into the dugout and sitting pitchside.
Once you’ve finished warming up the gaffer’s very own seat (they’re actually already heated), supporters can look forward to a brand-new dancing light display, plus more heartwarming entertainment in the form of Christmas carol audio recorded by Manchester’s very own Hallé Youth Choir.
As if that wasn’t enough, ‘Beyond the Blue Moon’ VR experiences and special ‘Etihad After Dark’ tours will be available, too, giving people from all over and of all ages an extra opportunity to turn up and make the most of this truly global club.
You can even grab a warming mulled wine or hot Vimto during the evening slots to keep your hands nice and toasty as you go around – be rude not to.
Rumour has it Santa may have left a gift lying around each day, too. Safe to say that puts our Advent calendar this year to shame…
Credit: Man City (supplied)
Here’s hoping he doesn’t get a telling off for wearing red…
Evening tours at the Eithad will be held from 5:30 and 6pm on 7, 12, 14, 18, 22 and December, and the main slot will be running all the way up until Christmas Eve (24 Dec).
You can even grab a warming mulled wine or hot Vimto to keep your hands nice and toasty as you go around – be rude not to.
Tickets start from only £26 per person and family passes are priced at just £60.
Better still, you can even spring for the VIP package if you fancy: a two-hour experience that is one of the most interactive and immersive you’ll find anywhere.
The Etihad Stadium is currently in the middle of a huge redevelopment, both in terms of size and things to do around the wider Campus, with the expanded North Stand not only seeing matchday fan capacity increased to over 60k, but a new club shop, sky bar, hotel, and a rooftop walk being added.
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that the already award-winning City stadium tours are simultaneously seeing an upgrade over the holiday period.
Being given the Tripadvisor seal of approval once again last year, as the club were once again recognised in the Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ – putting them not just in the top three stadium tours in the UK but in the top 1% of the most highly rated in the world – things are only getting bigger.
You can find out full availability, timings and where to get tickets right HERE.
Manchester’s iconic Rylands building is being reborn – and the developers want to hear from you
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s iconic Rylands building, formerly home to the Debenhams department store, is being reborn.
And now the developers working on its new chapter want Mancunians to weigh in on which businesses we want to see in the landmark building.
The transformation of Rylands Manchester will honour the heritage character of the building, which dates back to 1932, but will introduce contemporary design and a list of residents that’s bang up to date for our modern city centre.
The plans include building a four-storey extension with panoramic city views and a bright, central atrium. When it completes, this Grade II-listed art deco building will bring together workspace, retail, and leisure, right at the beating heart of town between the Northern Quarter, Piccadilly, Manchester Arndale, and the central business district.
Standing proudly at the top of Market Street, this next era for Rylands will establish it as an exciting new destination in the heart of town when its phased completion begins from late 2026.
Already confirmed to be moving in is Market Place Food Hall with its first northern location, which has signed on for a 15 year lease to occupy the ground floor of Rylands.
Market Place Food Hall is already confirmed to be moving into RylandsRylands is entering a new era
But now Rylands are putting it back to locals to ask what shops, restaurants, or cafes we’d love to see moving in.
It could be a high street hero you’ve loved for years, an independent business you’ve fallen for, or a foodie spot you return to time and time again.
Your ideas could help to shape the future of this landmark building and make it a destination us Mancs can be proud of.
And if you submit your suggestions in the comments of THIS Instagram post, you could be in with a chance of winning a £100 Love2Shop voucher (make sure you’re following @Rylands_manchester for a chance to win).
Danny Jones -
1st August 2024 
