As we make another step forward towards spring, a host of exciting restaurants and bars are preparing to open their doors across Greater Manchester.
While we were gifted hospitality heavyweights in the form of Stock Market Grill, Higher Ground and Great North Pie Co last month, March is also shaping up rather nicely. And while the sector has been hit particularly hard over the last few years, it's encouraging to see more than ten new additions to Manchester's dining scene.
This month we'll be digging into authentic Brazilian curries from Arndale Market's newest trader, re-visiting old favourites in new locations, testing out all-American smashed burgers, and sipping on classic cocktails at Beech Road's new drinking spot - and of course uncovering some of the city's undiscovered, food gems along the way.
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97
This new bar will throw open its doors on Chorlton’s Beech Road next week, offering some high-end drinks and a nod to nostalgia. 97 is from the team behind The Lead Station - located right next door - and Tariff & Dale and is led by cocktail expert and Chorlton-native Ellie Craddick. Drinks, which include 97’s own distinctive, luxury take on a Margarita and 11 house classics, will be listed on cards like Top Trumps, with each attribute - bitterness, sweetness etc - given a number rating.
97 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9EQ
A Little Piece of Bahia
This March, Arndale Market will welcome a brand new food trader serving up a host of authentic Brazilian plates. Taking its name from Bahia, one of Brazil's largest states, the birthplace of samba music, A Little Piece of Bahia is launching its first physical space after popping up at Levenshulme Market, and will be pleasing punters with a range of curries, casseroles and soups, amongst other delicious dishes.
Arndale Food Market, Market St, Manchester M4 3AQ
Vnam
Family run Vietnamese restaurant Vnam is relocating to the Northern Quarter after a decade in Ancoats. Taking up the former V-Rev site on Edge Street, the spot, which claims to be the first Vietnamese restaurant in Manchester, menus are based on family recipes and span classic dishes such as spicy noodle soup, summer rolls, pork skewers and Pho. The transformed space will also have a fully fitted bar stocking a range of South East Asian beers, while bartenders will also be whipping up cocktails with a twist.
V Nam, 20-26 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1HN
That Burger Place
The home of 'California Burger Smashes' is branching out and taking its award-nominated burgers from the back streets of Swinton to the dark kitchens of Manchester city centre. Purveyors of some of the juiciest and tastiest burgers around, they were named one of the best burger restaurants in Manchester in 2020 and were nominated in the National Burger Awards in 2022 - so you know they mean business. Until now, they've been a well kept secret, except from the occasional pop-up, but rest assured, you won't stop hearing about them - or their next-level smashed patties - anytime soon.
Location TBC
Send Noods
Aptly named 'Send Noods', the top-secret new ramen shop is preparing to open next week, and has been posting 'tongue-in-cheek' noodle images on fan-based subscription platform, OnlyFans ahead of the launch. The ramen shop, which will be serving up ramen, noodles and other 'cheeky' Japanese small plates, is encouraging ramen fans to follow them on their social media platforms for an exclusive reveal of the location - plus the first 50 people to follow their Instagram account will win a Send Noods T-Shirt.
Location TBC
Waltzing Matilda
OK, so the floating pizzeria and coffee shop isn't new, but it is back open after a winter refurbishment and fans are already planning their first trip when it reopens on Saturday, March 11. The narrowboat turned café, which has been making waves on the Macclesfield Canal, is the creation of father-and-son duo, Paul and Chris Edwards, and pitches up at different locations along the canal network each weekend. Expect Chris' take on classic Neapolitan pizzas, as well as 'Boaty Bakes' from his sister Rebecca, plus artisan coffees and hot chocolates topped with homemade marshmallow.
Waltzing Matilda will be dropping its anchor at Tramway Wharf in Marple on March 11.
CB Sushi at General Store
The vegan food gem is back at Ancoats General Store again, offering up its delicious Japanese-style sandos and a variety of sushi rolls bursting with what they like to call "mock meat". They've also got a range of General Store exclusives ready to be snapped up like the sausage stack , sausage sandos and Korean cauli bites. They're colourful sushi, meanwhile, is filled with hoisin 'duck' katsu 'chicken', and other vegan meats.
Corner of, 57 Great Ancoats St, Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AB
Suki Suki
A new food concept is headed for Great Northern Warehouse in the form of Suki Suki, a new pan-Asian eatery and bar. Not much is known about the new food spot, but its menu spans 'Street Nibbles' like gyoza, kamikaze wings, prawn tempura and Korean spicy chicken wings. In addition, they'll be serving up a range of bao buns - with fillings including soft shell crab and pork - as well as ramen, wok heroes, curries and desserts including mochi, ice cream and sorbet.
Fold Bistro
The friendly, neighbourhood bistro and bottle shop has just opened its doors in leafy Marple Bridge in the former home of South Seven. Food here is described as "honest" and unforgettable and is guided by international influences, but also nods to North West nostalgia throughout. Expect inventive and playful dishes like chip shop croquettes, lamb hot pot ravioli with Boddington's gravy emulsion and coronation arancini, washed back with traditional and natural wines or a signature house cocktail.
The Kitchen at Bask
Stockport bar Bask, known for its live music and comedy nights, has announced a new partnership with local favourites Ate Days a Week and Mrs Boons Cakes. While Ate Days A Week are best known for their top-notch pies, The Kitchen at Bask will also be showcasing their new sandwich menu, featuring freshly toasted sourdough, locally sourced meats and vegan options. Sweet treats come courtesy of Mrs Boon’s Cakes, who also host regular tea parties at Bask, and visitors can expect everything from red velvet cupcakes to slabs of rocky road.
Bask, 20 Railway Rd, Stockport SK1 3SW
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