The Wild Goose
The Wild Goose, an exciting new bar and restaurant venture from the team behind the successful Tre Ciccio restaurants in Altrincham and Ramsbottom, opened in December. Sitting in the site of former Alty institution, Francs, the restaurant serves a ‘retro-esque’ menu with a modern twist, bringing back Anglo French classics, serving an A La Carte and a lunch time fixed price menu, encased in interior decor curated by Homebird.
Mala
During lockdown you may well have noticed a huge, mysterious door appear in the Northern Quarter. While we were all sat patiently waiting at home for the country to finally reopen again, Mala was created, and has proved to be an extremely popular part of NQ ever since. The secret garden style bar serves an array of exquisite cocktails and lush food offerings from local businesses including plant-based kebab shop, What the Pitta.
Bread Flower
Maya and Scarlett from Bread Flower are both lovely, very talented people – it’s just that they’re both talented in two seemingly unrelated areas. One is a master baker, the other a supremely impressive florist – but they came together this year to create Bread Flower, who you can currently catch in the bungalow at KAMPUS. Open Jewish bagels and stunning floral displays is something we never thought we needed until they showed us all that we do in 2021.
Bundobust Brewery
Not content with being a food and beer superpower in the heart of Piccadilly Gardens, Bundobust opened up their new brewery and restaurant this year, after a rather protracted period due to the pesky COVID pandemic. It was well worth the wait though, as they continue to bang out their exceptional veggie and vegan Indian street food dishes, alongside an even bigger offering of lagers, ales and ciders – many of which are brewed less than a meter away from where you’re scoffing your Vada Pav.
Lazy Tony’s
Who’d have thought that a joint operating out of a quiet dark kitchen in an obscure corner of Ancoats would go on to become one of the city’s biggest success stories?! Not us, but we’re very happy indeed that Lazy Tony’s is a serious presence in our lives – lives which we can barely remember before their Lasagne SLABS came into our lives. 2022 will probably see them looking for more permanent, sit-down locations – and they’ll continue to smash it for sure.
Bada Bing
Some people will probably proclaim 2021 to be Manchester’s year of the pizza, and, judging from the rest of this list – they’d probably be right. 2022 though – that will be the year of the sandwich – and it’s all thanks to the team from Bada Bing who exploded onto the city’s food scene with their Sopranos-inspired subs that are truly spectacular. They continue to offer new and innovate butties that we all want to try, and 2022 will be a big one for them I’m sure.
BOX
Deansgate’s very own sports bar, BOX opened its doors in 2021, much to the delight of so many of you! BOX is a two floor party venue over shuffleboard tables, STEIN cocktails, Pornstar Martinis on TAP, pizzas, platters, live music, DJs, and… Bandeoke! An absolute must for after work boozing, or getting lairy during a match.
Jardim Brazilian BBQ
Jardim, a new Brazilian all-you-can-eat restaurant popped up in Altrincham, serving up endless grilled meat, sides and salads from the co-founder of Fazenda. The new Altrincham concept offers the traditional Brazilian ‘rodizio’ meat selection that we’re all accustomed to, with an endless stream of grilled meats, served alongside unlimited sides and salads from the bar.
Bar Rumbug
This Christmas-themed gaff was a pop-up from the Salford Rum Company, and launched on the 2nd December. The pop-up was located in the railway arches on Viaduct Street, a place that now looks set to be Salford Rum’s forthcoming Dirty Old Ton Distillery. There was loads of rum, local beers and all of your favourite Christmas tunes on loop.
The Fountain House
Taking over the old Albert Square Chop House location, The Fountain House is a new gastropub from the Metropolitan Pub Company, the posh arm of Greene King. They’re a collection of 60 premium pubs spread across the UK which celebrate and maintain their individual character and charm. This building has loads of that and is a proper cracker, with loads of class ales and next level pub grub including; Charter Pie, Fish and Chips and Beef Hash Brown.
Zumu Sushi
Zumu Sushi moved into the old Chilli Banana HQ back in October. The last three years have seen the restaurant nominated in the Deliveroo Awards and this year were nominated in four different categories including ‘Best Sushi’ in which they are finalists. The Wilmslow location offers an outstanding sushi menu, as well as masterclasses to help you perfect your fish rolling technique.
Epicurean
Beer shops are always a big hit with us Manchester folk. Proper beer snobs round here, aren’t we? The Epicurean’s Ancoats location opened in November, offering a stunning selection of craft beers and ales specially selected by owner, Simon Yarwood. His aim is to ‘bring craft beer appreciators the most enjoyable beers in a simple and unpretentious manner’, and each beer is personally assessed by Simon or one of his team for its taste, aroma, visual appearance and how enjoyable it is to drink.
Dust Dogs
Grilled cheese legends, Northern Soul opened Dust Dogs this year, a class dive bar-style venue selling variations of our dearly beloved hot dog. Dust Dogs proudly use 100% beef in their hotdogs and natural beef casings, giving them a premium feel while still being a traditional dirty dog – perfect to be washed back by a frosty cold beer. Serving up batches of joy and staying true to their doughnut flour bread rolls, Dust Dogs also offer 100% plant-based hot dogs and their hotdog buns are completely vegan!
Namii
Namii Kitchen & Cocktails took over the old Blackhouse Grill site located on New York Street, and features authentic pan Asian cuisine, with a heavy Vietnamese influence. The menu showcases artful and creative south-Asian classics including, Pho, Bahn Mi and Vietnamese summer rolls. Namii also has an elevated brunch menu which will run each day from 10am and includes classic dishes with an Asian twist such as Eggs Royale with a honey miso dressing.
Nordic Muse
Nordic Muse is an own-label jewellery and branded Nordic lifestyle collective ran by Jenny Maxwell. They recently moved onto their very own permanent bricks and mortar site on Tib Street in the NQ, offering up design-led products at the right price, with a curated range of wares from home, living, jewellery, accessories, cards, stationary and loads more.
Village Books
Village Books is an incredible addition to Northern Quarter, and an absolute must visit for all book lovers out there. The store is a bookshop and gallery that offers a selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography publications, whilst also sourcing self-published and small press zines from artists around the world. It’s perfect for a mooch about on a bleak Sunday afternoon!
Queer Lit
Queer Lit, the award-winning independent gay bookshop features over 1700 LGBTQ+ titles. The brand-new addition to Tib Street hopes to make LGBTQ+ titles more accessible to readers across the country. One of only 4 dedicated queer bookshops in the UK, Queer Lit UK stocks a dazzling array of books from some of the most famous authors, but also hard-to-find and rare books straight from publishers who primarily deal with queer literature.
The Dog Shop
Tib Street’s Dog Shop has been loved by both its human and canine visitors since it opened in October. Dedicated to dog treats and accessories, the store is stacked high with some amazing products, from toys, to dog-walkers anoraks, doggy cologne and shampoo, and even Postman flavoured treats! The Dog Shop pride themselves on stocking responsibly sourced, premium products that are sustainable as well as high quality.
UNITOM
Another stunning addition to Northern Quarter’s bookshops, UNITOM offers something a bit different, as it houses a print gallery and visual arts store, too. UNITOM offers a wide array of publications on contemporary art, design, fashion, photography, and counterculture, alongside an extensive range of independent magazines and small press titles, all sourced from a variety of artists and publishers from around the globe. Everything from household publishing names like Taschen and Phaidon, to obscure imports like Brand Balance magazine from Korea and even locally sourced self-published art zines. You can even grab a fresh filter coffee as you browse.
Ad Hoc
Located right on Edge Street in the middle of the NQ, Ad Hoc has one of the best selections of bottles in the city, be it wine, beers, ciders and spirits – they’ve got the lot. You can sit in and enjoy a glass or two, and they’re also available online for delivery through Foodstuff, Manchester’s local and fair delivery app.
Sticks and Socks
Ancoats’ dog grocer and lifestyle store, Sticks and Socks opened in December with a focus on nutrition and wellness for your four-legged friends. The shop stocks everything from matching clothes for doggy and owner, to candles, which are non-toxic. The shop also has a huge focus on sustainability, stocking biodegradable poo bags, too. Owner, Alice has also handpicked the food stocked here with every meal having health benefits and nutritional value.
53two
A presence in the city’s theatre and events scene for years, 53two have played a vertiable ‘musical chairs’ with venues over the last few years, but 2021 finally saw them get their very own permanent space – and it’s a beauty. Set in the arches below the GMEX, there’s a huge (accessible) bar and events space, with the theatre in an adjoining arch. It’s equally great if you just want a few bevvies or fancy going the full hog with one of the many local, independent productions that they host.
Lost Cat (and Junior Jacksons)
Appearing on Oldham Street a few minutes before we all managed to get out of lockdown on 12th April, Lost Cat was the latest in a string of fantastic party bars from Lyndon Higginson – and this one certainly impresses. They have a trully excellent (and batshit crazy) cocktail menu, bottomless brunch, and weekly parties upstairs. The fantastic Junior Jacksons, the smaller sister of Bunny’s is also a very welcome addition downstairs.
South Manny Flavas – worth the trip alone!
South Manny Flavas
From backyard BBQs to their very own bricks and mortar site, via a stint at the city’s impressive Arndale Market – South Manny Flavas’ story has certainly been an interesting one to say the least. All you need to know though is that these guys are still smashing out some of the city’s best fried chicken and you need to visit (if you’ve never been) and often (if you have)!
Pot Kettle Black (Angel Gardens)
Pot Kettle Black opened up a brand-spanking new location this year at MODA Angel Gardens, firmly cementing the brunch joint as one of the very best in the entire city! It’s culture is focused on Antipodean coffee and food, with an expertly crafted brunch menu comprising cult Manchester classics; smashed avocado, perfectly poached eggs and freshly baked pastries, the best companion for your morning coffee!
The Black Friar
The Black Friar opening was eagerly anticipated this year, as the historic pub had been closed for ages, but had so much potential! It has something to suit all tastes, with the look and feel of a traditional boozer, combined with an exquisite menu of unique pub grub. The outdoor courtyard and beer garden add to the experience, too, providing the perfect place to enjoy one of the pub’s carefully curated cocktails whatever the weather.
The Mews
The Mews was a warmly welcomed addition to Deansgate, offering high-quality classic cocktails with a twist, a hand-picked wine list and local, artisan charcuterie boards. The bar popped up as part of the ongoing regeneration on the Deansgate Mews area, and joined the already established 3 Hands Deli, Platzki and South Manny Flavas. Some of the delights on offer include the Black Forest Gateaux Martini, Gin Zombie and the Japanese Old Fashioned. All of the bar’s cured meats and cheeses are also chosen and supplied by the Crafty Cheese Man.
Wandering Palate
Wandering Palate opened its doors in Monton back in June, and has been a firm favourite ever since. It’s a unique shop that sells fine wines and indulgences, bringing together the best wines, beers, cheeses, breads and meat from all over the UK and beyond! The shop was set up by husband and wife duo, Will and Emma Evans, a very talented pair who you’ve probably heard of before, whether it’s with Emma’s art shows or the fact that Will is behind the sublime Manchester Union Lager.
Society
Society was a fresh addition to the city’s ever-expanding food and drink skyline this year, becoming a hub for independent street food vendors, as well as offering cracking craft beers, wines and cocktails. The venue features five independently-owned kitchens, from the towering burgers of Slap & Pickle, pan-Asian specialists Manzoku Street Food, flavoursome Indian street food from Chaat Cart, indulgent pizzas from Dokes Pizzeria and experts in Korean street food, Yoki Social Table. Society also houses a cocktail bar and specialist taproom by craft brewery Vocation.
Indian Social Club
An exciting new Indian street food concept arrived in Stretford this year, and we had the absolute pleasure of going to check it out! Indian Social Club focuses around the idea of Indian ‘tapas’, an impressive choice of small street food dishes – many of which you won’t have seen over here in the UK before, and others which are authentic twists on already well-known classics. The line-up includes well-known dishes like Chilli Paneer (£6), Samosas(£3.50/4) and some sublime Bhel Puri (£4), as well as the duo’s own version of an Onion Bonda (£5); one of Southern India’s most famous and popular street foods and a variation on the ‘bhaji’ that you’ll definitely never have tried before.
Kong’s Fried Chicken Shop
Manchester’s fried chicken world has had some STIFF competition over the years, so when Kong’s Fried Chicken popped up in CBRB, it was imperative that we went along to try it out. The menu was, well, absolutely banging, with the classic Signature Chicken Sandwich coming with crispy buttermilk fried chicken served on a potato brioche bun with pickles, chipotle slaw and Kong’s signature chunky burger sauce. One thing that sets Kong’s aside from any of the other chicken shops you’ve ever been to is the fact that they include the best bit – CRISPY CHICKEN SKIN! Since then they’ve gone onto host a takeover at Foundation, and launch their unique Tennessee style ‘Meat n Three’ concept.
NQ64 (Peter Street)
The neon splattered drinking dens of NQ64 have been a firm favourite of ours this year. Entering the venue is like stepping into your very own time capsule, catapulting yourself straight back to the 90s surrounded by a plethora of nostalgic arcade games and themed cocktails. Its Peter Street venue has Crazy Taxi, Guitar Hero, Space Invaders, Point Blank and Street Fighter, as well as cocktails including the Princess Peach, Mad Max, Kirby and the Great Escape.
Brewdog Hotel
In shower beer fridges and taps in your room? I’m sorry, but does it get any better than this?! The carbon negative venue on Fountain Street offers up 18 rooms full of bespoke BrewDog touches, from shower beers to in-room beer taps. In addition, there’s also talks about a rooftop bar with a taco hut and 10 further taps becoming available to all public, as well as an additional bar with 30 taps of craft beer. The rooms themselves are decked out to include a range of unique features, including guitars, a vinyl selection from Piccadilly Records, celebrating local Manchester artists, smart TVs and all the mod-cons you’d expect in a hotel nowadays. They’re also dog friendly too, with a complimentary canine package, including dog bed, water bowl and dog treats available for your four-legged friend’s overnight stay.
Fat Pat’s
Located in Chorlton, Fat Pat’s is bringing you hot subs, baked fresh every day on an eight-inch milk roll and filled with some of the best combos out there. The Hot Honey Fried Chicken (£8) sub is everything you’d want it to be, double chicken cutlet, hot honey, house spice mix, lettuce, tomatoes, banana pickles, a buttermilk ranch sauce, and Crystals hot sauce. The meatballs for the Italian Meatball (£8) are soft, house-minced meatballs, which are covered in marinara sauce, double mozzarella, house seasoning, parmigiana reggiano, and fresh basil. A classic sandwich done so, so well. The Cheesesteak (£9) blew us away, too. Fat Pat’s use only prime house ribeye steak which is sliced thinly and chopped on the grill. It’s loaded with caramelised onions, cheese whiz, and finished with crispy shallots. The fries are also double-fried and super crispy!
Ramona
It’s hard to imagine Manchester without Ramona now. The restaurant opened back in April and has been a massive hit with the folk of the city, expanding into a fully fledged Margarita bar with new additions including the Firehouse and its more recent Winter Garden. The food is phenomenal, from its thick Detroit style slices, smothered in golden cheese and that specially made house sauce, to the Firehouses’ truffle potatoes lathered in parmesan and cooked to absolute perfection.
Schofields
Now probably the best cocktail bar in the city, Schofields opened up to impressive acclaim back in April, a venture helmed by the supremely talented and experienced Schofield brothers. Hence the name. You’ll struggle to find a better cocktail menu anywhere else in the city and their classics are considered and made using only the very best ingredients. A class act and a superb addition to Manchester.
Woo Tea
Bubble tea joints aren’t hard to find in the city, but this year saw the arrival of Woo Tea, one which is a much more on the higher end of things – and values quality of ingredients above anything else. As well as the bubbles there’s also a range of milk foam fruit teas, fresh milk with peals, matcha teas, iced lattes, smoothies and loads more. There’s even handmade jellies, croissants and some mega molten lava cakes too.
People
Developed by the team behind the award-winning Don Giovanni led by Adam Karim, who has invested half a million pounds into the site, People opened up in Hale this July serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner alongside an extensive menu of hand-crafted cocktails, Laurent Perrier Rose champagne by the glass and craft beers.
Lättsam
Spring Gardens welcomed Lättsam, a new Scandinavian-inspired independent café and bar offering up three very important things… “Workspace”, “Kitchen” and “Coffee”. The concept is actually from Manchester brewery Beatnikz Republic, so there’s an impressive selection of beers at the bar, alongside brunch and lunch dishes, and fantastic coffee.
Vegan Shack (Piccadilly)
From a 1 bed apartment in Salford, to a site in Collyhurst and now – Piccadilly Gardens – Vegan Shack has come a long way since its inception in 2019. One of the very few independent operations in Piccadilly Gardens, they serve up an impressive selection of vegan delights including loaded fries, burgers and a range of excellent breakfast dishes – inspired by Maccies but SO much better.
Monga
The summer saw the arrival of Monga in Fallowfield, serving up Taiwanese Fried Chicken which wasn’t just tasty AF, they are also absolutely massive. About the size of the island of Greenland, these marinated chicken breasts are then fried to perfection in one of four different seasoned batters. A great addition to Manchester, and Fallowfield specifically.
ATOMECA
From the Schofield’s team comes ATOMECA at Deansgate Square – a European drinkery and wine shop that’s impressed us massively this year. Alongside their curated cocktail menu, you’ll also find a small menu of plates and charcuterie – perfect for nibbling alongside your tipples and watching the comings and goings in one of the city’s increasingly vibrant neighbourhoods.
Nell’s at KAMPUS
Nell’s finally got their very own location down at garden neighbourhood KAMPUS in November – a massive restaurant, bar and stand-alone ‘Slice Bar’ where you can pop in for a quick slice day-or-night. They even be offering up Bottomless slices, drinks and DJs on their weekly ‘Sunday Pizza Socials’.
Track Brewery Brewroom
Adding to the city’s world class brewing scene, Track have been blasting out some truly wonderful beers over the last couple of years, and this year saw them open up a massive new Brewroom, complete with fresh AF beers and food from Patel’s Pies.
Kerb
From the team behind the excellent Takk coffee shops came KERB in Ancoats, born out of a passion for natural wine and offering up a curated selection of homegrown producers from England and Wales, sat alongside hand-picked winemakers from across Europe and beyond. Natty wines by the glass and even on tap – you can also buy bottles here to take home and enjoy whilst watching the telly.
American Pies
The city’s first ever proper Chicago Deep Dish pizza, and still the only place to get them – as American Pies just can’t be beaten. From the imaginative people behind Chorlton’s Brewski, you just know that you’re going to put on about a stone eating here, but it doesn’t matter – not when the pizzas are THIS good! Expect plenty of sauce, meat and that all important ‘cheese pull’ for the ‘Gram.
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Generally considered to be the best pizza in Naples, perhaps even the entire WORLD, December saw the Manchester opening of L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele on the old Zizzi unit on King Street. The grand space inside looks absolutely stunning, and we were quickly impressed with their excellent pizzas.
Sixes
Hitting the city in August was SIXES, a British BBQ restaurant that was cricket themed – insofar that it featured cricket batting nets with the latest bowling technology. This meant that you could tuck into one of their excellent gastropub-style dishes (definitely try the Whiskey Glazed Beef Short Rib), sink a few cocktails and then get in front of a wicket and smash some balls about. It’s all tremendous fun.
Lono Cove
A brand-new Tiki bar in the Northern Quarter, taking over the old Apothecary site on Thomas Street. Lono Cove is the second offering from Luke Edge, following on from his successful, award-winning site in Chester which opened back in 2018. There are two floors of tropical cocktails, comfortable booths, two huge birdcages and a cocktail menu featuring a range of Tiki classics done expertly well.
Arlos
Nestled between Corner Boy and Wilson’s Social on Hilton Street, and one of the city’s best people watching spots (especially on the yellow bench out front), Arlo’s appeared in September and quickly became a city centre favourite. There’s proper coffee, natural wines, pastries from Half Dozen Other and doughnuts from Gooey. There’s then a selection of deli favourites from some of the city’s biggest and best, as well as a small menu of bagels, salads and sandwiches.
District
District is a New Wave Thai Kitchen and Bar, brought to you from the people behind Tokyo Ramen and a restaurant that brought a futuristic vision of Bangkok’s fire- and- barbecue-lined streets to the Northern Quarter when they opened up back in June. District’s wood-fired, modern barbecue cookery creates an engaging, long-lasting dinner experience that touches all the senses; from the smells of char that waft from the kitchen, to the banging synthwave soundtrack.
Birria Brothers Tacos
The tacos that launched a queue of hundreds – Birria launched at the iconic Koffee Pot in March – and their opening day was a truly crazy scene on the streets of the Northern Quarter. It’s not hard to see why people wanted to get their hands on these things; 8-hour slow-cooked shin of beef stew, which is placed on soft corn tacos, stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and then fried. There’s then the pot of rich, spiced consommé (gravy to us) so that you can dip away to your heart’s content.
One Home Minimart
Opening up in August on the new Circle Square development on Oxford Road, One Home Minimart instantly became a firm favourite, and “THE place to be when shopping for all you Oriental and ingredient needs”. There’s an extensive range of Oriental snacks, fresh produce such as seafood, meat and fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a selection of Chinese pancakes, dumplings, hot pot items and bubble teas for eating on the go.
Batard
The legendary Batard bakers arrived in the city centre back in October as they took over the cafe space at workspace and creative hub SEESAW on Princess Street. Their “creative riffs on café stables” using local and seasonal produce have been a massive success, and continue to impress and delight today.
UNAGI
The sushi masters of Altrincham finally got their very own dedicated site this year, a stunning pink Neo-Tokyo sushi bar in the heart of Wilmslow – and they continued to do what they do best – create the freshest Nigiri, Sashimi and Hosomaki, alongside some creative Uramaki – where you should be ordering at the very least one thing from.
Flawd
New Islington’s new waterside natural wine bar and shop – Flawd – comes from the very talented team behind the excellent Higher Ground. Flawd focuses on natural, low intervention wines and local beer, as well as a highly imaginative and created menu of small plates including British cheeses, charcuterie and ferments.
10 Tib Lane
It was with great trepidation that we awaited the opening of 10 Tib Lane, a joint venture from the team behind CBRB in the Northern Quarter and the fantastic Henry C in Chorlton. Set over three floors, there’s a “constantly evolving food and drinks menu”, with some wonderful small plates, set alongside some of the city’s best cocktails.
One Star Döner Bar
Can you get better than a Donner Kebab created by a Michelin-starred chef? The answer to that is obviously a big ‘no’ and thus this year we were graced with the presence of Brad Carter (from Birmingham’s Carters of Moseley) and his One Star Döner Bar at Escape to Freight Island. Inspired by Mustafas Gemüse Kebab, a street vendor and cult favourite in Berlin, the menu features just three kebabs – each one a work of art – served alongside Potato Smileys – just like when you were a kid. We love this place, and you will too!
Blues Kitchen
May saw the launch of an all-singing, all-dancing new addition to Quay Street, emphatically taking over the old Walkabout site with some serious panache, gumption and lots and lots of barbequed meats. Blues Kitchen was one of the city’s biggest openings of 2021, and since May they’ve pretty much been packed out every single day. A unique mix of Deep South BBQ dishes, a rowdy bar and regular live music events – Blues Kitchen became a bona fide destination in Manchester this year, and 2022 looks like it’ll continue.
The Smithfield Social
A post April lockdown addition to Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, The Smithfield Social has already made a big impression on the people of the city, not just with the impressively curated cocktails and wine offering, but also an excellent set of food dishes – each one made using top-quality ingredients from local producers.
Butcher’s Quarter Deansgate Mews
The Butcher’s Quarter opened up a brand-new located down on Deansgate Mews in June, adding to the burgeoning list of excellent food and drink operators heading to the criminally underused space. It’s not just highest quality meat that they specialise in, but also natural wines, craft beers, local cheeses, groceries, preserves and SO much more. Not forgetting their sandwiches, occasional BBQs and tasting events of course.
Ezra and Gil (Peter Street)
The NQ coffee and brunch specialists found a fantastic new location in the city this year, over on Peter Street, where they opened back in November. Featuring cool industrial interiors, where concrete walls and floors are softened with big flashes of greenery, with a total of 65 covers across the site. In addition to their brunch and lunch favourites found in the NQ, Peter Street features a brand-new PANCAKE STACK menu, plus a Deli Counter where you can pick up fresh sandwiches and salads that are changed every day
Homeboys Pizza
A brand-new collection and takeaway pizza joint in Monton, Homeboys have been smashing out the pies since May, and these beauties are a sight to behold. Getting one of their freshly made 14-inch pizzas delivered to your house is now a proper event, one that you can look forward to more than winning the EUROs and Eurovision at the same time. The Pepperoni with Habanero Honey drizzle is true heaven.
Kiosk
A tiny cupboard-sized cafe and bar opened up in Didsbury this year, and instantly got people flocking down to the suburb to try it all out. Serving up a selection of beers from local brewery First Chop, hot drinks from Blossom Coffee Roasters, sweet treats from Levenshulme’s Longbois Bakehouse and a range of cocktails, Kiosk is the idea of Jemma O’Brien, who you’ll still see behind the counter vigorously serving up her delights.
Sadler’s Cat
Cloudwater Brewery opened up a new city centre boozer this year, taking over the old Pilcrow site in the heart of the ever-evolving NOMA neighbourhood. Sadler’s Cat provides capacity for around 200 covers, and, as you’d expect, features a very strong beer line-up featuring Cloudwater themselves alongside many of their talented friends from the beer industry, supplemented by a carefully-curated selection of natural wine and mixed drinks.
Cugini Pizza
A backyard venture started by three cousins round the back of their Auntie’s house has burgeoned into something HUGE over in Harwood in Bolton, and it’s all down to some seriously good Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas. Cugini’s are as authentic as you can get, cooked in seconds in a super-hot pizza oven outside, one which the three lads actually built themselves! Since then, they’ve moved onto bigger and better things at Edgeworth Cricket Club and 2022 will be a big one for them, I’m sure.
Bakehouse32
Operating throughout lockdown, offering up deliveries to the hungry (and bored) people of Stretford, Bakehouse32 opened their doors properly in April and have been doing seriously well ever since with their “proper naughty pizzas”. I must admit, I’m here almost every week, their pizzas are a unique blend of New York and Neapolitan styles – offering up the very best of both worlds, with thin crispy bases, thick chewy crusts and some seriously tasty (and liberal) toppings.
Potter’s Pies
I’m sure you’re thinking that what Manchester needed the most in 2021 was another pie shop and in Potter’s Pies we found one. This mother and son team have been traversing the city’s markets and foodie events selling their unique creations, most popular of which has been their impressive Gregg’s Pie, a combination of a Steak Bake and Sausage Rolls which you just have to try. 2022 will see them looking to expand and grow with a potential new location in Oldham, supper clubs, and much, much more.
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