February is full of exciting new food and drink openings, from the long-awaited arrival of cake sensations Get Baked in the Northern Quarter, to the majestic return of The Cat Cafe to a new location in the city centre, promising felines and brews to your heart’s content.
There’s also new fresh pasta in Altrincham Market and a cosy coffee spot in Stockport.
Basically, there’s a whole raft of new spots to check out…

Blanchflower Trafford Centre – Open tbc
Some of the very best brunch (and lunch) around, Blanchflower has been setting the bar high since opening its first site in Altrincham in 2017. Now you’ll be able to drop in for a first rate coffee during your retail therapy session, as well as great small and large plates.

Cat Cafe Manchester – Open tbc
We’ve missed having furry friends lazing about while we have a brew, since the Cat Cafe in the Northern Quarter sadly closed its doors. Thankfully, the cats are back – and they’re taking up residence in the old classic football shirt store on the edge of Barton Arcade and Deansgate. With those big windows, those cats will be able to bask to their heart’s content. And we’ll be able to get some nice coffee and cake too.

Coffee Block Petersgate – Open now
This independent coffee shop has had a spot in the iconic Merseyway shopping centre for some time, and now they’ve joined the food and drink establishments of Petersgate too. Head there for freshly prepared coffee, sandwiches and bakes in a cosy, un-pretentious environment.

Get Baked – Open 28 February
Finally, after a couple of minor delays, Leeds-based cakemakers Get Baked will be opening up on Stevenson Square. While there will be all kinds of top flight bakes going on, the slab everyone is waiting for is the Bertha – the multi-layered cake that made Get Baked a viral sensation.

Meatworks – Open 5 February
Serving up steakhouse classics, burgers and small plates, Meatworks will be lighting its grills up at Circle Square on Oxford Road. From the folk behind smash burger chain Boo, they will be rustling up their signature cheeseburger dumplings and slow-cooked short rib pancakes alongside the steaks. Lunchtime value specials, meanwhile, will include a smash burger and fries for a tenner. It’s a booze-free restaurant, and will boast a full menu of mocktails.

The Northern Light – Open 12 February
Sale is getting it’s own new cinema. The Northern Light is in Stanley Square, joining foodie independents like Blanchflower and Idaho. South Manchester residents, you have new Saturday night plans.

O’Malley’s – Open tbc
There’s been a glut of new Irish bars in Manchester in recent months, from the Salmon of Knowledge in the NQ, Mother Mary’s on the site of the old Font bar, Fibber McGee’s in Sale, and Kennedy’s in Altrincham. O’Malley’s will be joining the throng, bringing the craic – and likely a few pints of Guinness – to Portland Street.

Rise and Grind – Open now
In the location which was once Cheshire Cupcakes on Altrincham’s Market Street is Rise and Grind, a chic cafe serving incredibly pretty brunch dishes and pastries as well as coffees and smoothies. Whether you opt for sweet or savoury, you can be sure it’ll be Instagrammable.

Smoke & Pepper – Open now
Smoke & Pepper is opening its new flagship spot in Manchester. They specialise in juicy burgers and fried chicken of all stripes, from Texan to Korean, and everything is Halal. If you’re avoiding carbs, their burgers with fried onion for buns are an innovation. The deserts and shakes are something to behold too.

Soots Pasta – Open now
Soots is the new pasta kitchen taking up residence in Altrincham Market. Co-founded by Ellie Proudfoot and Ruth Duarte, they’ll be turning out homemade tagliatelle and ravioli, alongside arancini and their own focaccia. Soots is named after their cocker spaniel, in case you were wondering.

Swig – Open tbc
After setting up his coffee van to caffeinate the ramblers and dog walkers heading out onto Chorlton Ees, mobile barista Kai is setting up his first place that’s not on wheels just by Stretford’s Metrolink stop. Great coffee, great spot, lovely guy.
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