New restaurants and bars opening in Manchester in March 2026

ABC Building has opened up the ABC Club, a new hybrid workspace and members’ hub for freelancers, founders and small creative team types. At its centre is the ABC Clubhouse, a private lounge that shifts from daytime workspace to evening bar, with access also including shared offices, recording and editing facilities, event space and a curated programme of talks and networking. Very modern.

A new addition to the Underbank, Convene is the much-awaited new opening on Stockport’s most distinctive street. It’s located at 17 Lower Hillgate and is being helmed by chef Isabella Cubrilo, who previously headed up the kitchen at Altrincham’s à bloc, as well as running her own ‘Balkan Bible’ supper clubs. Convene describes itself as ‘a neighbourhood cafe focused on seasonal cooking’, and we’re expecting it to be a very elegant affair indeed. Look for the one with the dark red frontage. 

A new bar in the blossoming Stalybridge, Guest is found beneath the railway arches (so handy for a day trip on the train) and serves up excellent craft beers, from Pomona to pilsners, and a solid wine list too. Throw in some comfy sofas and old school arcades, and you can bed in for the evening.

Brined, rubbed and roasted chickens are taking over the back room of The Social NQ, and we couldn’t be happier about it. While there’s plenty of rotisserie going on in town, this poultry is pretty sensational (and the fries with pecorino cream/foam are something else). Book your slot, order a classic French cocktails and form an orderly queue.

The new project from Six By Nico mastermind Nico Simeone, Lennox will take on the SBN site at Spring Gardens. This will be a whole different thing, however. Set around a central kitchen that will put you at the heart of the action, the a la carte menu will pick up on nostalgic flavours executed with expert technique.

As part of the ongoing development of the town centre, Stretford is getting an independent cinema: Northern Light. If you’ve visited their spot in Sale, you’ll know it’s a boutique affair – flamboyant interior design, comfy seats and a well-stocked bar, showing arthouse and more mainstream films in a distinctly ‘living room’ type environment. Another great option for those who are multiplex-averse.

Beech Road is getting a new bar – from the man who opened the long-standing Dulcimer, across the other side of the Chorlton tracks. There will be great drinks, including an exclusive collaboration beer with the eminent Cloudwater (the Plere Pilsner, no less), and great music, with vinyl-only DJs on rotation. Oh, and wines, charcuterie and cheeses. You had us at bespoke pilsner, tbh.

New to Worsley is brunch spot The 111. and it’s for fans of all things sleek and mid-century looking. They’re serving colourful savoury brunch dishes, as well as french toast, bakes and, of course, iced matcha drinks. They pour a perfect flat white too. We like their style.

Often boasting queues down Blossom Street, Lucky Ramen’s Ancoats outpost has long been one of the best under-the-rader places to get a steaming bowl of tonkostu or tantanmen (not to mention some great sushi and baos). Now their long-awaited, glass-fronted unit at Circle Square is ready to go, so form an orderly one.

Another swanky cafe spot in Salford, this time in Anchorage Quays. Monaco Cafe is set over two spacious floors, they specialise in ‘all-day dining’, with a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. The decor is all rough stonework and cosy coves, and the menu is stacked with sweet and savoury creations like Turkish eggs, fettuccine pasta and smash burgers. Truly, something for everyone.

Popeyes UK is opening its latest restaurant inside Manchester Piccadilly Station, marking its seventh launch of the year and bringing its New Orleans-style fried chicken to the heart of the city’s commuter corridor. Expect the full works: that famously crunchy, buttermilk-brined fried chicken, flaky biscuits, Cajun fries and, of course, the Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.

The new influx of Irish bars to the city centre shows no sign of slowing down. Katie O’Briens is the newest addition, and instead of picking a side, they’re pouring both Guinness and Murphys. There’s live music, panelled interiors and loads of vintage memorabilia. They’ve got locations in cities across the UK, so we can’t wait to see what the Manchester scene (the location is currently TBC).

What was once a chip shop on Tib Street is now Mother Truffler, a takeaway with a healthy obsession with a certain delicious fungi. They serve burgers and chicken sandwiches all loaded with variations of truffle-based condiments. There’s loads of sides too, like parmesan fries and various mac ‘n’ cheese options. One to try next time you’re after something outrageous for lunch.