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.
Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.
Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.
The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.
If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.
“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.
“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”
Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.
Featured Image – Jason Lock (via Supplied)
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Manchester’s beautiful winter Teepee is back, with free pints this weekend and live music every day
Daisy Jackson
Nothing heralds the arrival of the autumn/winter seasons quite like the appearance of The Oast House’s beautiful winter Teepee.
The popular seasonal space is officially reopening its doors this weekend, and inside you’ll find roaring fires, a giant disco ball, live music, and plenty of pints to keep the colder months feeling a little less grim.
After giving its beer garden a major glow-up this spring and hosting a summer packed with live music, The Oast House is bringing back one of Manchester’s favourite winter hangouts – and it’s kicking things off with a proper belter of an opening weekend.
We’re talking twinkling fairy lights, faux fur throws, and a dedicated bar pouring Staropramen fresh from the tank, all inside its massive winter Teepee.
And there’s even better news for the first few through the door.
To celebrate the Teepee’s return, The Oast House team will be cracking open a full tank of fresh Staropramen on Saturday 10 October, with free pints up for grabs for the first 440 guests.
There’ll be live music every night in the winter TeepeeManchester’s cosiest venue is back
The Teepee will be keeping things lively seven nights a week throughout autumn and winter, with The Oast House’s much-loved Open House programme moving indoors for the season.
Expect everything from Bandeoke and Musical Bingo to Retro Sounds and Oast Acoustic sessions, meaning there’ll be something different on the cards every night of the week.
The venue’s free monthly live music festival, Oast House Live, isn’t going anywhere either. It’ll continue inside the Teepee on the last Saturday of every month, bringing even more live music to the heart of Spinningfields.
Of course, it wouldn’t be The Oast House without a menu worth getting stuck into.
The kitchen will be serving up its 12-hour-brined rotisserie chicken, alongside a line-up of tempting sides like Ziggy Fries tossed in chicken salt and chicken butter, cheddar and onion slaw, and charred corn on the cob drenched in house-made Scotch bonnet butter.
Food in The Oast House Winter TeepeeThere’ll be 450 free pints given away on SaturdayRotisserie chicken
And if you’re after something a bit different, the house-special ‘addictive’ Chicken (T)oastie is one you won’t want to miss.
Sundays are all about the roast, too, with the kitchen dishing up its signature rotisserie chicken alongside chicken-butter roasties tossed in chicken salt, all the trimmings and bottomless house chicken gravy.
Basically, if you’re after somewhere to escape the cold without sacrificing a good night out, you know where to head.
The Oast House and its Winter Teepee are open daily from 11am until late throughout the season.
The Oast House Winter Teepee opens Saturday 10 October, with free Staropramen pints for the first 440 guests.
For more information and to book your table, head HERE.
Danny Jones -
1st August 2024 
