It’s a bumper month for openings, with the evening light stretching its legs and the clement weather (not wanting to jinx it) making everyone thirsty.
Here are 10 of the best new spots to try across the city and beyond…
Canteena
Canteena has scooped up the unit left vacant by the much-missed Sale food hall and bar. But it’ll be delivering its own thing, mind you, focussing on Irish dexter and Brazilian steak (though never fear, there are vegetarian and vegan dishes on offer too). It’s run by Danielle Condron and Lisa Kettle, who previously ran The Bridge pub, also in Sale, and No 1 Canal Street in the village, and it’s open now.
Stanley Square, Sale M33 7ZZ
Gail’s
The craft bakery with outlets all over London (literally, they’re everywhere), Gail’s throws open the doors of its new branch on King Street on June 7. In what appears to be an attempt at nationwide artisan bakery domination, Gail’s has also recently opened in Wilmslow and Altrincham, and is also planning another for Didsbury on June 21. Let them eat cake. And sourdough and cinnamon buns.
16-18 King St, Manchester M2 6AG
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Lucky Cat
Gordon Ramsay’s Asian concept Lucky Cat - modelled on the Tokyo drinking dens of the 1930s - is opening in the spot left vacant by Jamie’s Italian, the stunning old bank at the top of King Street. The first outside London, this Japanese and Korean inspired spot will be turning out all manner of sushi and sashimi, baos and dumplings, as well as a beef sirloin with ‘weeping tiger’ sauce and a whole lobster with a yuzu beurre blanc, plus a £35 lunch menu.
100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU
Public
From the folks behind The Daisy and Evelyn’s in the NQ comes Public on Stevenson Square. Inspired by the late night dives of the lower east side in New York, its drinks will include a Margarita Seltzer, featuring tequila, Cointreau, sour mix and ‘Co2’, an Aperol-ish, with Savoia Americano Rosso, orange wine, and lacto raspberry, and a Pina Colada with its own house rum blend, charred pineapple, coconut sorbet and lime. Meanwhile, for snacks, it’ll be turning out Hot Oil Gun Gun noodles, a buttermilk chicken sando and its own house prawn toast. It’s set to open at the end of June.
9 Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DB
Ciaooo Loaded Garlic Bread
The stuff of garlickey dreams (and cheese dreams, for that matter), this garlic bread based offshoot of Swan Street pizzeria Ciaooo has just flung open its doors and could become a regular spot for a very reasonable midweek lunch. There will be regular specials, and, should you want to spend the afternoon dozing, deep fried lasagne and the like too.
93-95 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AN
Monkey Trio
A new addition to the community of bars and restaurants at Circle Square, Monkey Trio is the city’s first dedicated sake bar. But while its specialism is sake, served up in the traditional choko cups, it also sells a host of Japanese whiskies and ‘matcha beers’ too.
Circle Square, Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7FS
Almost Famous Withington
The newest location in the Almost Famous family of burger joints, this one has taken over the former Libertine pub (which itself took over the old bank on Wilmslow Road). It’s full of the customary aggro artwork and Americana, plus, of course, some of the most stacked burgers in the city. This branch even has its own exclusive burger - the Southside - as well as another giant gorilla sculpture too.
437 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M20 4DA
Amp
Amp in Stockport has now opened up, taking over the site of glam rock bar Doctor Feelgood. But fear not, the new incarnation will be championing live music just as its predecessor did, with new and up-and-coming acts being the focus of their attention. It also has its own ‘house band’, Creme Brulee (League of Gentleman fans rejoice), which is brilliantly old fashioned.
10 Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1EW
Bohemian Arts Club
Opened up by Tom Ogden of local heroes Blossoms with his wife Katie, this new spot near the Underbanks has chintzy vibes and cocktails galore, including some nods to neighbours like The Plaza (vodka, blueberry, vanilla and citrus) and the Viaduct, a tequila and mezcal concoction.
Coopers Brow, Stockport SK1 1AQ
Madre
Liverpool’s Madre tacos has been gearing up to move into Kampus for well over a year, but now it’s actually happening. We’re a little short on dedicated taco places in the city - other than the game-changing Pico’s at Mackie Mayor - so expectations will be high for these guys. But they should be able to pull it off with a mix of authentic tacos, margs and some wood-fired dishes too. It opens June 17.
41 Chorlton Street, M1 3HN
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