The Manchester restaurant is opening up its mezzanine kitchen to a new independent food concept...
Hello Oriental is searching for a new East Asian food operator to take over the mezzanine level at its Circle Square venue.
The restaurant, bar and events space, located just off Oxford Road, is looking for an independent chef, pop-up, street food trader or established brand to join the site as it develops what the team believes will be Manchester’s first multi-vendor destination dedicated to East Asian food.
Unlike a traditional food hall, the plan is to keep the focus on East Asian cooking, with Hello Oriental looking for a concept that complements its existing food and drink offer.
The team is particularly interested in ramen, noodles, dumplings, Korean street food, Japanese comfort food, Taiwanese dishes, Hong Kong-style food, barbecue, izakaya-style small plates or modern East Asian fusion.
The mezzanine level has capacity for up to 60 seated guests, with a full kitchen and equipment included. The venue is open six days a week, and the space is available immediately.
Hello Oriental’s Circle Square home attracts students, workers, families, weekend diners and food fans from across the city, making the opportunity a potential stepping stone for a growing independent food brand.
Ricky Yip, co-owner of Hello Oriental, said: “We’ve always wanted Hello Oriental to bea place that champions exciting East Asian food and brings people together. The mezzanine is a brilliant space, and we’d love to see it become home to a fresh concept with real personality, flavour and energy.
“Manchester has so much incredible food talent, from chefs and supper clubs to street food traders and independent operators. This is a chance for the right person or brand to join an established venue in Circle Square and bring something new to the city’s dining scene.”
Hello Oriental is encouraging applications from both established operators and emerging food talent, with East Asian-aligned concepts preferred.
Expressions of interest should be sent to ricky@hello-oriental.co.uk
The first Hello Oriental was opened at Circle Square in 2021, by Ricky and his fellow co-founder Azim Kourah. It now has branches at the Trafford Centre, as well as smaller kitchens at Altrincham Market and the new Glossop Food Hall.
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