Eats

The new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this month | August 2023

A ginormous new food hall in Salford with some of the city's best traders, a cute little wine shop with excellent snacks and lots more.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 1st August 2023

How is it August already? Somehow, this summer has felt like the shortest one yet. Perhaps it’s all that miserable rain we’ve been having, perhaps the allure of ‘freedom’ post-Covid lockdowns is finally wearing off.

No matter, though. Even if you’re feeling a bit meh (as I evidently am) about this wonderful British summertime we’re, there’s always food to turn to – and that, as we know, makes everything better. Failing that, there’s always a drink. Or a few.

So, on that note, keep reading to discover the best new bars and restaurants opening in Greater Manchester this August – because there are some really good ones to look forward to.

Allpress Espresso

Image: Allpress Espresso
Image: Allpress Espresso

New Zealand cafe and barista school Allpress Espresso opens in Manchester city centre this month, taking up a unit in NOMA’s Redfern Building.

ADVERTISEMENT

The specialty coffee roasters already supplies the likes of Manchester’s Trove, Erst, Carhartt, Patagonia, and Campanio, but now fans of its coffee will be able to go straight to the source.

TBC

ADVERTISEMENT

Pray Tell

This new cocktail bar in Sale comes from the brains behind the excellent Riddles in Altrincham, aka Beth Ellison, and Paul Rooney of the market town’s famous football bar, Libero.

Natural wine and locally-sourced craft beers will be plentiful in number, as well as cocktails embracing the more Italian, bitter end of the spectrum like negronis, spritzes and aperitivos.

ADVERTISEMENT

TBC

Gooey Counter at Selfridges Trafford

Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats

Manchester’s favourite sugar dealers return to Selfridges Trafford this month with another cookie and donut counter, featuring classics like red velvet cookies and Kinderella donuts alongside a host of rotating specials including the newly-returned giant Rolo cookie.

Shoppers will be able to pick a single treat or take home a mixed box of six or eight cookies, donuts and cinnamon buns.

Open now

ADVERTISEMENT

Kargo Mkt

One of Ad Maiora’s schiacciata. / Image: The Manc Eats
Rio Mex tacos. / Image: The Manc Eats

Part of a new £3.5m development at Salford Quays, this new food hall comes from Liverpool operator Blend Family, also behind the Cutlery Works in Sheffield (British Street Food Awards 2022 ‘Food Hall of the Year) and The GPO in Liverpool.

Set to be one of the biggest foodie openings of the year, food traders announced so far include Ad Maiora, Tang’s Hot Pot, Rio Mex, Baity, Nori, What’s Your Beef, Leopard Pie, Vnam, Boba Cha, Bab K, Nila’s Burmese Kitchen.

Mid-August, TBC

Maki and Ramen

ADVERTISEMENT
Image: Maki & Ramen
maki and ramen
Image: Maki & Ramen

First opened by chef founder Teddy Lee in 2015, May sees Scottish-born sushi and noodle restaurant Maki and Ramen open its doors in Manchester.

Set to open just off Piccadilly Gardens on York Street later this month, it will be the chain’s first north west site.

Diners can expect to find various tonkotsu-based ramens, an array of nigiri and maki rolls, and large sushi sharing platters on the menu, plus the likes of gyoza, teriyaki, pumpkin croquettes and karaage chicken.

TBC

Slice Culture, Track Brewing Co Taproom

ADVERTISEMENT
Image: Slice Culture
Image: Slice Culture

Slinging out Neapolitan pies from Track Brewing Co’s Taproom on Back Piccadilly, find classic pizza 12″ combos like pepperoni and hot honey, nduja and margherita on the menu here alongside some more surprising additions.

The romesco marinara makes an interesting alternative for vegans, whilst the herbed honey pesto four cheese pizza also sounds well worth a try.

Open now

Gingko, Stockport

Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats

This cute little health store on Stockport’s Underbanks has just had a refresh, and owners have added a new menu of healthy snacks, fresh juices, health shots and tea.

ADVERTISEMENT

Think protein balls, chocolate shards and dates stuffed with sweet treats, plus fresh juices like the Uplifter (orange, ginger, carrots and lemon), Sneaky Greens (apple, spinach, kale, pear, cucumber) and Revitalise (fennel, coriander, lime, apple and cucumber).

Open now

NQ64

Image: The Manc Group
Image: The Manc Group

The Northern Quarter’s original gaming bar is getting a glow-up this month as it moves from its old home into a new, bigger space next door.

NQ64 takes over the old Dive bar unit, transforming its outdoor terrace with the addition of new arcade games. Inside, meanwhile, specially-designed booths and banquette seating will make room for more customers and even more games.

ADVERTISEMENT

1 August

Read more: Manchester gaming bar NQ64 to open huge new Northern Quarter venue

That Burger Place, Salford

Image: The Burger Place
Image: The Burger Place

Having first made their name in Swinton, the local lads behind That Burger Place hae opened a test kitchen at The Height in Salford.

Those heading down will find plenty of new stuff on the menu to try, as well as old favourites like pizza fries and smashed burgers. The team has also collaborated with Bury baker LIttle Blonde Bakes to create some special New York deli cookies.

ADVERTISEMENT

Open now

Insomnia Cookies, City Centre

insomnia cookies
Image: Insomnia Cookies
insomnia cookies

Famed in the States for its warm, gooey-centred cookie delivery, which runs until 3am every day, cult American bakery Insomnia Cookies is making its way to Manchester.

The chain is opening two new sites in Manchester this month, marking its arrival in the UK. Soon enough, you’ll be able to get your fix of chunky ice cream sandwiches, cookies, pancakes and more on both Cross Street in the city centre and University Green on Oxford Road.

TBC

ADVERTISEMENT

Must Be Micky’s, Ply NQ

Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats

Formerly known as Mira and famed for its saucy butties, these popular Manchester sandwich makers have returned to the city following a rebrand.

Serving out of the kitchen at Ply in the Northern Quarter from 11.30am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday, find posh crisp butties, homemade cream sodas and crispy roast potato sides in abundance.

Open now

Juice Box

ADVERTISEMENT
Image: Juice Box Store
Image: Juice Box Store

This cool little wine shop and bar has already made a name for itself up on Burton Road, now it’s making its way into town with a second site.

Taking over the former Neon Tiger on Bridge Street, find top-quality wines to drink in or take away plus ‘fancy snacks’ in the form of caviar-loaded crisps, charcuterie, pickles, Gordal olives and more.

Open now

Read more: A cult American cookie chain that delivers until 3am is coming to Manchester

House of Habesha, Hatch

ADVERTISEMENT
Image: House of Habesha
Image: The Manc Eats

This authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean favourite has recently landed at Hatch on Oxford Road serving up its flavourful East African curries on spongy, fermented injera bread.

With a huge range of tasty vegan curries on offer, you’ll also find street food-style burgers and loaded fries topped with the likes of fried lamb, cheese and grilled chicken.

Open now

Things to do and try in August

Wingfest at Love Factory, 12 & 13 August – The UK’s biggest chicken wing festival returns to Manchester this year, showcasing the best traders from home and across the country as well as hosting fiery food challenges.

Maker’s Market in Prestwich, 13 August  – Prestwich gets its first ever Maker’s Market this month, bringing together foodie traders like upcoming Masa Bakery with arts and craft stalls. Head down and grab a sourdough.

ADVERTISEMENT

Perilla x Higher Ground, 13 August – Higher Ground welcome friends Ben Marks and Matthew Emmerson to Manchester for a special collaborative lunch. Ben, one of the finest cooks in London, opened Perilla with Matthew in 2016. It has quickly become a mainstay in London for its level of cooking and hospitality. Joseph Otway and Ben Mark will be cooking a set sharing menu for £58 per person celebrating the finest summer bounty from Cinderwood Market Garden and Jane’s Farm Shop.

10 Tib Lane & Friends, 17 August – 10 Tib Lane celebrates their 2nd birthday with an all-star night, with contributions from friends across the city. Each special will be available from 6pm.

On the bar, with contributions from Speak in Code, Hawksmoor, Blinker and Red Light:
– Lavender & Lovage / Matt Morgan / Speak in CodeSipsmith Gin, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Lavender Liqueur, Blueberry, Lovage
–Fig Leaf Daisy / Rory Carrodus / Blinker
Plymouth Gin, Tio Pepe, Lemon, Fig & Bay Leaf Cordial
– Calyptra / Manjari Kesavan / Red Light
Dolin Dry, Cocchi Torino, Wild Turkey Rye, Benedictine, Bitters
– Champagne Cocktail / David Cole / Hawksmoor
Seven Tails XO, Pineau Des Charentes, Champagne, JasmineFrom the Kitchen;Sardines, Holy Grain Birthday bread, Tomato & Piquillo Pepper Concasse
Pear Tarte Tatin, Pevensey Blue from Crafty Cheeseman, Watercress Salad
Ex Dairy Dry Aged Ribeye, Bone Marrow Butter from Littlewoods
Birthday Cake Ice Cream, Raspberry Jelly

A natural wine tasting at Plattfields Market Garden, 21 August – Does what it says on the tin. Sample quality low-intervention wines from across Europe from 6.30-8.30pm and enjoy some paired canapes from Manchester Urban Diggers’ chef Emily Witts.

Festa Italiana at Cathedral Gardens, 25-27 August – Festa Italiana, the UK’s biggest Italian food festival hosted annually in Manchester, will return for its sixth season this August bank holiday weekend. Find street food traders, cooking demos, a banquet feast and plenty more at this free-to-attend event.

Featured image – Kargo Mkt

Eats

Hot Blobs – Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?

It’s funny how we all turn a blind eye to the temperature outside when it comes to the Christmas Markets.

At a time of year where should probably all be hibernating inside, droves of us instead head out to brave the elements all in the name of the festivities.

Of course, the Manchester Christmas Markets sell all sorts of wares to take the edge off, and we’re not just talking about the stalls selling woollen mittens everywhere.

Our favourite winter warmers tend to take the form of a tray of piping hot garlic potatoes, or a mug of hot chocolate, or another boozy beverage that’s massively underrated.

The drink in question is a Hot Blob, which is listed on the menu at the Piccadilly Gardens markets as ‘legendary’.

A bold claim, but a lot of long-time Manc residents will understand why.

The Hot Blob is a jaw-clenchingly sweet concoction served piping hot at the Manchester Christmas Market, similar to a hot toddy.

It’s made with Australian fortified white wine, lemon, sugar, and boiling water.

Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?
Hot Blobs - Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it?
Hot Blobs – Retro drink makes return to Manchester Christmas Markets, but what is it? Credit: The Manc Group

The drink was first invented by Yates, that well-known pub chain, which started life as Yates’s Wine Lodge up the road in Oldham.

According to Pubs of Manchester, the Hot Blob has a tendency to ‘speed up drunkenness to a young drinker’.

These days, it’s pretty rare to come across one on a menu, but back in 1990s it was a staple in a few pubs around town.

There even used to be a ‘Blob Shop’ on High Street, run by local legend Ged Ford (now in charge of the equally legendary Millstone pub), which found itself in a state of utter carnage when the IRA bomb went off.

The long-lost institution specialised in ‘cheap wine, cheap beer, and plenty of blobs’.

The old Yates Blob Shop on High Street, Manchester. Credit: deltrems@flickr

Ged sold 6,000 a week.

And while the drink may have fallen out of favour since then, there are still healthy numbers being sold at this time of year, even if they are a damn sight more expensive than they were in the 1990s (£6 a pop, plus a glass deposit).

Anyway. If you’re sick to the back teeth of the endless gluhwein being peddled across the markets, make a beeline for Manchester Winter Ale House at Piccadilly Gardens, where you can find Hot Blobs as well as boozy Vimto and cask ales.

The Manchester Christmas Markets officially end on 22 December.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine

The main gripe people seem to have with the Manchester Christmas Markets is the prices of food and drinks, blasting them every year like a broken record as being ‘overpriced’.

So we’ve done the hard slog for you, running all around the city centre to suss out exactly how much everything is costing in 2024.

From Piccadilly Gardens (rebranded as The Winter Gardens for the season) to King Street, there are wooden sheds and festive cheer absolutely everywhere.

There’s some brilliant food and drink to discover – you can see our top picks HERE – but as this is a huge visitor attraction, that can come at a price.

Once you factor in the deposit for a Manchester Christmas Markets mug, you can easily spend £12 just to get a mulled wine (though you will get £3.50 of that back when you return your mug).

There are also deposit charges on glassware – £2 for a pint glass, £3.50 for cocktail glasses and £7 for a stein.

You can see the full list of prices for food and drinks right across the Manchester Christmas Markets HERE, but below are where you can find the cheapest spots at the festive event.

Mulled wine

Mulled wines are priced at £5.50 almost everywhere across the Manchester Christmas Markets, though some stalls are offering bigger serves of this popular festive drink for a small price hike.

Then people are charging another £3 to add a shot of brandy, rum or amaretto, making an £8.50 total.

But the cheapest we’ve found is just £7 for mulled wine with a shot of booze, and that’s at Mamma Mia, an Italian stall on New Cathedral Street, right near St Ann’s Square.

Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine
Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine
Where to find the cheapest drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, from beer to mulled wine. Credit: The Manc Group

Beer

Again, prices for beers at the Manchester Christmas Markets are pretty consistent and average £6 a pint.

But you can get cheaper – at The Last Outpost, a Western-themed bar at Exchange Square, beers start from £5.50.

And at The Hip Hop Chip Shop at Piccadilly Gardens, they’re selling local craft beers, like Shindigger, Pomona Island, Manchester Union) for just £5.50. And you get bonus good vibes for supporting local breweries.

Wine

We’ve found a couple of glasses of wine for just £5 around the Markets this year, which is cheaper than most bars in town really.

The King Street Craft Bar, which has the bonus of having seating, has house wines from a fiver.

Christmas Alley at Piccadilly Gardens will also give you a wine for £5.

Prosecco

Prosecco works in every season and if this is your go-to of all the drinks at the Manchester Christmas Markets, we’ve found where you can save a few pennies.

Most places are charging between £6.50 and £7 per glass, but at El Gato Negro on King Street (yep, the same stall operated by the Michelin-recommended restaurant) are charging just £5 – that’s a whole £1.50 cheaper than most other stalls.

Hot chocolate

Basic hot chocolates are generally £3.50 everywhere, with a few very luxury upgrades (like a £7.90 creation from The Flat Baker that’s served in an edible cookie cup).

Once you add in a shot of alcohol, the cheapest as at the Apres Ski Bar at Piccadilly Gardens, which charges £2.50 for a spirit.

That makes £6 for a boozy hot chocolate.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

More Eats

itsu half price offer Manchester

Eats

People are finally discovering this super easy money-saving food hack

Art & Culture

Forget pub crawls – you can now go on a guided cheese crawl around Manchester

Eats

Ornella’s – The tiny Denton restaurant vying to be named one of the best in Greater Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches