The best new bar and restaurant openings of August 2025

From the team behind The Pack Horse in Hayfield, Glossop get their own slice of the acclaimed Chef Luke Payne action. Almanac is open now, after negotiating a tricky last minute re-brand. Diners in the Derbyshire town can expect what they’re calling ‘pre-war sustenance’, so the menu features things like pigs trotters and mince on toast, alongside modern dining staples like oysters and sourdough. Fine dining then, with some ingredients that might remind you of your grandmother’s – or great grandmother’s – cooking.

We love a hatch, especially one that dispenses coffee. Kraft Barbering has one such hatch, and since previous tenants Hikari Koffee moved on to bigger things, Cabaña have moved in. This endlessly sunny little coffee spot goes hard on all things iced and matcha-infused, as well as fresh juices and adorable little pastries large and small. 

In the world of local politics, Aldermen are usually pretty mild mannered. Not in this case. The Wild Alderman is a new tap house and grill on the curve of Wilmslow Road in Didsbury, by Fletcher Moss park. Live music, good beer and comfy corners. What more is there?

Already a hit in London and Birmingham, Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to open up at the Printworks. Famously backed by rapper Drake, it will feature ‘rave scene’ inspired graffiti decor, as well as – of course – fried chicken soaked in its own signature hot sauce.0

Sushi chef Fern has already made her presence known on the Leeds food scene, having opened the first Fern Modern Sushi over there. Now Ancoats is set to get their own, with a focus on modern Japanese dining, from ramen and katsu to the eponymous sushi in all its various forms. There’ll also be a decadent omakase experience available, as well as an abundance of gluten-free options.

Having gone from strength to strength in Altrincham, Kennedy’s are opening a second location in Didsbury village. Apparently there’s been some local controversy over the proposed colour – a bright red – but whatever your feelings on decor, you can expect to enjoy live music, pub food, Guinnesses both baby-sized and pint-sized, and an all-round traditional feel. Find them on the same section of Wilmslow Road as The Station and The Salmon of Knowledge, so you can make an Irish pub crawl out of it if you wish.

Chips @ No. 8, arguably Prestwich’s favourite chip shop, have given their upstairs restaurant a new look and a new menu. Loft @ No. 8 is the result. The menu is seafood-focussed, but much more high-end than the chippy downstairs. There’s posh fish finger butties, gourmet burgers and even a grilled octopus sandwich, though you can get fish, chips and peas if you so desire.

Opening up in the historic food hall, the Reddish Ale-adjacent Stockport Provisions will be providing a truly top flight selection of great cured meats and superb cheeses. Also expect brilliant sausage rolls, a solid quiche and well-sourced wines at this exceptional indoor picnic spot.

Nestled in the very-cute-indeed Warburton Street, in the heart of Didsbury Village, this new restaurant spot from the folk behind Platzki will be presenting ‘global flavours with Polish soul’, a slightly more refined offering than their Deansgate spot.

Opening on Deansgate Mews, Tabitha’s is the passion project of Georgia and Lucy, who’ve named their new coffee shop in honour of their cat. They’ve built the entire place themselves – counters, units, tiles, the lot – and now they’re serving great brews, matcha cookies and cute mini loaf cakes.

New to Sale’s Stanley Square, The Pho Spot is serving up piping hot bowls of the Vietnamese national dish, and quite rightly demanding ‘pho-nomenal vibes only’. Message received and understood. They’re also doing a mean line in lemongrass chicken and pork skewers, summer rolls and dumplings.

After opening up in Altrincham Market earlier this year, Soots founders Ellie Proudfoot and Ruth Duarte are moving into their own bricks-and-mortar place, bringing their vegan pasta treats to the Northern Quarter – Tib Street, to be exact.

Long-standing city centre bowling spot Dog Bowl is to be reborn. With some inspo from Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district, the new iteration of this ten-pin haven will be called Wynwood Lanes, and will boast graffiti, east coast playlists, ‘celebratory smoke machines’ and chow from Hong’ NQ, who will be providing the fried chicken.

This Italian sandwich spot now has a home on the 1st floor of Affleck’s Palace. Subs full of deli meats, fried aubergine, Italian cheeses and whatnot, available to grab in person or order for delivery. One to add to your city centre lunch rotation.

The beloved Naples-via-London pizza chain heads to Deansgate in August. Expect fresher-than-fresh chewy bases, simple topping combos and fun spritzes to accompany them in a bright and quirky setting. Another pizza contender has entered the arena.

Louisiana style fried chicken gets another Manchester home, this time inside the Arndale. Bring on saucy wings, crispy sandwiches and outrageous shakes. They’ve already got 2,700 restaurants worldwide, but a 2,701st couldn’t hurt?

The South Korean pop up lands at ever-so-arty See Saw Space, just off Princess Street. Head here for rice bowls, fried chicken, kimchi pancake wraps and tteokbokki, with loads of lunch dishes for under £10.

This Irish bar and late night haunt The Salmon of Knowledge are opening their third site. The immensely popular Guinness and spice bag spot is set to land in Media City this month. It’s named after an old Irish folktale about a fish that contains the world’s wisdom. While wisdom might not be guaranteed, a fun night certainly is.

Prestwich’s ethical supermarket Village Greens has finally moved into its new premises (after a successful crowd-funding drive), so you can now get all your refills, gentle cleaning gear, fair trade knick-knacks and organic produce and bakes from their new unit. Long may it prosper.

This extremely chic spot in Ramsbottom is serving up very, very good coffee indeed, with guest roasters coming in on rotation (including the likes of Carter Coffee), iced matcha and tempting homemade bakes on the counter.