Another month, another host of new openings are ushered in across the city, just as thoughts begin to tentatively turn to outside drinks and - let's try not to jinx it - sunshine. There's a wealth of stuff going on, from excellent new brunch spots to Greek street food. And who doesn't love a gyro?
So here we go...
Suki Suki
Suki Suki has just opened under the arches of the Great Northern Warehouse on Deansgate, delivering spectacular wings, bao buns and beers. Stop by for a snack and a drink in the window bar, or head upstairs for a sit-down for a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen. And ready for the summer, there’s a terrace at the back too.
227 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Pelican
The crew behind the superb Squawk brewery will be taking up the bar originally opened up by Beatnikz Republic on the corner of Tariff Street and Dale Street, and - appropriately - calling it Pelican. They’ll be able to show off their own superlative brews, and support other local beermakers too.
35 Dale St, Manchester M1 2HF
Little Blanchflower
Blanchflower has been a fine addition to the bustling restaurant scene in Altrincham for a few years now, so it’s pleasing to see it expanding further afield. It has a place in Sale and also runs the kitchen at the pavilion in Longford Park in Stretford. Now we have Little Blanchflower, on the site of The Creameries. Expect more fantastic bread, brunch and ‘focaccia pizzetta’, generously topped slabs of oozing focaccia.
406 Wilbraham Rd, Manchester M21 0SD
Onda Pasta Bar
This new pasta project from the team behind hit NQ bakery and lunch spot Gooey (they of the famous Lizzo sandwich fame) is taking up residence in Exhibition. Chef Sam Astley-Dean will be knocking up classics like caccio e pepe (simple pasta with cheese and pepper) and a spectacular 10-layer lasagna on a Sunday.
St George's House, 56 Peter St, Manchester M2 3NQ
The Wishing Well
Opening on the site of the old Botanist in Didsbury Village, this smart new pub will be serving up bistro and pub classics all using local suppliers, some live music, cocktails and a brand new outdoor space just in time for the summer.
1d School Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6SA
Taka Taka Mam
Offering up fabulous Greek street food in Stockport, Taka Taka Mam is promising ultra-authenticity with its bulging gyros and huge platters of souvlaki. They’ve been nailing pop-ups and markets all over the north, and this is their first brick and mortar spot. Pitta, grilled meats, fried cheese, cold yoghurt? Seriously, what’s not to like.
5 Woodman Street, Stockport, SK1 1RX
Sampa
Manchester’s very own Great British Menu star Caroline Martins has kicked off a brand new menu at the Blossom Street Social in Ancoats, formerly home to her Sao Paolo Project. She’ll be offering up wonders from her homeland of Brazil, from a majestic feijoada, with melting braised beef short rib and accented with tiny piquante peppers, to scallops served with hearts of palm. Well worth seeking out.
51 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 6AJ
Rio-Mex
Also from Caroline Martins - she’s busy - is her new Brazilian-meets-Mexican street food concept arriving at Hatch, the outdoor food court underneath the Mancunian Way. Rio-Mex draws on the food served in Brazilian pubs, so it’ll be knocking out tacos, loaded nachos, churros, salgadinhos and other savoury nibbles to chomp down over a few cold ones.
103 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7ED
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