New restaurants and bars opening in Manchester in May 2026

From the crew behind the Crown & Kettle and the Rat & Pigeon comes The Badger, hewn from the former sports bar Calcio, in the Northern Quarter. Such is the stunning job they’ve done, you’d think this pub had been here for 100 years. Cosy corners, taxidermy, Dickensian vibes and pies. It’s a cracking boozer, and should slot in nicely in the regular rotation.

Lovers of chips assemble. This Dutch-inspired ‘friethut’ (fries house) in a back alley of the Northern Quarter is so-named from the Afrikaans to ‘like, love or relish’. It will be serving up Dutch style brunch classics, from pancakes to rostis, burgers all day, bitterballen (not a million miles from croquettes) and crisp Dutch-style fries. They even make their own stroopwaffles. Proost!

Continuing their world domination, fried chicken experts Popeyes will be opening yet another branch in Manchester – following their recent debut in Studentsville on Oxford Road. The new spot will be at Trafford Retail Park. Form an orderly (drive-thru) queue.

A longtime Northern Quarter favourite, Trof has had a revamp, and they’re taking it back to basics. Rebranded as The Trof – a classic British pub and dining room – the menu is full of hearty classics like ox cheek pie, pork collar and hoggett mince on toast. Operated by the team behind celebrated newcomer Stow, you can expect the menu to be thoughtful, stylish and uncomplicated. It almost goes without saying there’s a great roast dinner, and you can still pop in for a pint.

Relaunched as a new member’s bar, this first rate cocktail spot at the top of The Rex (formerly The Gotham) has one of the best vantage points in the city, as well as an almost greedy three terraces, sun-bathed in the summer and heated for the winter. Enjoy fabulous drinks and small plates high above King Street.

The sixth floor restaurant at The Rex Hotel – formerly The Gotham – is a superbly handsome room, open to both residents and non-residents of the hotel alike. Head up for a expertly executed afternoon tea, complete with baby grand accompaniment, or stay for a five-course tasting menu into the evening.

Having kicked off in the kitchen in the Ancoats General Store, Egg & Co have now nabbed themselves their first proper shop on Deansgate, no less. Egg sandwiches scarcely get more sumptuous than these oozy, fluffy numbers.

Inspired by the understated, contemporary design of Morocco, Mouro is the new Tib Street cafe which already has popular spots in Altrincham and Heaton Moor. Expect fresh coffee, great pastries and cookies and stacked sandwiches – the chicken with harissa mayo and the pastrami are a knockout. Plus the interior design is as swoon-worthy as at their existing locations. Add it to your Northern Quarter coffee rotation.

After making its name as a glam, health-centric cafe with various spots in Cheshire, Plant Blends are opening their flagship on Deansgate. Bringing that same laid-back, sun-soaked energy right into the centre of Manchester, expect superfood smoothies, immunity shots, iced lattes and of course, colourful açaí bowls.