MAYA

Situated at the bustling intersection of Chorlton Street and Canal Street, in the heart of Manchester, MAYA is a drinking and dining destination set across three uniquely designed floors. A refreshingly unique experience, guests are welcome from noon until the small hours across all the establishment’s spaces, each one telling its own story. First up, the Brasserie. 

Set at ground level, sweeping daylight illuminates a room boasting cobbles in a nod to the surrounding area’s history. Here, you’ll find a modern-European style menu focused on classics, in a bright, lightly toned and open environment. In contrast, the Main Dining Room, set just below, is a distinct departure from what’s above. A sumptuously hued interior provides the setting for an ingredient-led, hyper-seasonal and regularly changing culinary experience. Made all the better by the October 2024 arrival of a genuine Manchester culinary legend, Shaun Moffat — a name some might remember from the exalted Edinburgh Castle in nearby Ancoats. 

No ordinary cook, this guy was crowned Manchester Chef of the Year in 2023 at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards. Ideally suited to a kitchen that’s already found a place in the Michelin Guide, together this innovator and institution are making sweet music. Or at least extraordinary dishes. Listing out specific items is redundant, chances are the menu will have switched up by the time you get there given the seasonal focus. Nevertheless, this is a place where localism reigns, so expect ingredients sourced from some of the North West’s finest producers where and when possible, a faultless Sunday Roast to round off each week, decadent desserts and a cocktail menu that makes most ‘mixologists’ look like novice enthusiasts. Cuisine wise, English, British, French and Italian are the main regional influences. Bottomless Brunch is also a popular shout on the weekend for obvious reasons — there aren’t many places in town where you’ll have this level of food and service with free-flowing drinks.