Sneaking in under the wire of 2023, we’ve got some exceptional new bars, kitchens, bistros, markets, bakeries, cabarets, Victorian theme pubs… the works.
To find about the hottest new openings in Manchester and beyond this month, read on…
The Hold Fast
Open now
Since even before the pandemic, there has been a Hold Fast-shaped hole in Northern Quarter nightlife. So it with great delight that we welcome this subterranean gem back into the fold (after closing in 2019) for late-night shenanigans, mini cinema screenings, nautical vibrations, great tunes and great drinks. We’ve missed ya.
50 Newton St, Manchester M1 2EA
Dainā
Open now
Dainā – pronounced ‘day-nah’ – is a new Asian dining concept from the chefs behind the Seesaw Cafe, Jake Huxley and Samuel Jethro. They’ll be grabbing a spot at the Side Street Studios, in the ABC Building, and turning out their own homemade bao buns and red braised pork belly. They’ll also be hosting weekly album listening parties, where you’ll be able to listen to classic albums uninterrupted, fashion pop-ups, workshops and other events too.
Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3 4AE
The Beacon
Opening soon
Where there was once Pi, the much-loved pie and beer bar, there is now The Beacon, from the team behind the excellent Batch Bottlestore. As you’d expect, the craft ales will be available in abundance, and they’ll also be making use of their marvellous hidden beer garden too.
18 Shaw’s Road, Altrincham WA14 1QU
Mama Roux’s
Open now
Already a hit in Birmingham, where the parties at its Digbeth location are the stuff of legend, disco cabaret, bar, club and late-night kitchen Mama Roux’s has now opened up in Manchester on Deansgate, with a host of Ibiza-inspired antics planned. Expect scenes.
76 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2FW
Blank Street Coffee
Open 13 December
Born in Brooklyn, Blank Street Coffee has gone from a single cart in New York to branches all over the world, in barely three years. A celeb fave and TikTok sensation, its pistachio lattes, blueberry matchas and chocolate orange mochas have been circulating social media with a vengeance, so expect all manner of caffeine-fuelled madness once it opens its doors on Piccadilly Gardens.
Piccadilly Gardens, M1 4AH
Piccolino Wilmslow
Open now
The new Piccolino in Wilmslow is a stunner, with its inside-outside ‘winterised’ terrace, and some impressive decor touches, from the Carrara marble bar to the centrepiece pizza oven. There will be Tuscan-style t-bones and the famous ‘carbonara grande’, made in the huge wheels of pecorino and served warm, tableside.
6-12 Swan St, Wilmslow SK9 1HE
Bread Bin
Open now
Altrincham’s bakery game is pretty ridiculous, from top flight indies like the peerless Lovingly Artisan to top end chains like Gail’s. New addition Bread Bin is a real contender, turning out proper croissants serious sourdough, Swedish kanelbullar and homemade Bakewell tarts.
1 New St, Altrincham WA14 2YN
PappaRoti
Open now
Hold onto your fillings – the Malaysian dessert and sweet treats chain PappaRoti has arrived in Manchester. Expect a host of fruity ice teas, milkshakes, iced lattes, saffron lattes, and Arabic and Turkish coffees. But don’t miss the gooey ice cream bun sandwich, or the hazelnut buns, which come with scoops of ice cream.
Transmission House, 28 Church St, Manchester M4 1PN
Parla
Opens 14 December
New NQ cocktail bar Parla has been documenting its journey from empty basement to future hotspot on TikTok. To be found beneath vegan pizza gaff Purezza (like the excellent Speak In Code, the cocktails here will be vegan too), there will be great drinks and a focus on live entertainment, so expect a rotating programme of DJs and bands coming through.
Owen’s Kitchen and Bar
Open now
Another spot to add to the burgeoning food scene in Urmston, Owen’s is a smart bistro championing British produce with an East meets West vibe. So alongside proper fish and chips and slow-cooked short rib, you’ll find a classic kedgeree, butter chicken and chaat ‘bombs’. There’s a roast situation on Sundays too.
31 Station Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 9JG
Christmas at the Fairfield Social Club
From Friday 1 December
Step into Christmas (sorry) with a festive programme of events at Fairfield Social Club. Serving as the first chance for visitors to see what the club’s new, permanent home will look like, enjoy everything from holiday pop-up markets and comedy shows to a supper club and Christmas Tree shop. Located in one of the historic railway arches in Red Bank, FSC is from the good people behind GRUB.
Irk St, Manchester M4 4JT
Yane
Open now
This new Japanese spot – pronounced Yah-Nay – has just opened its doors in Chorlton, next door to the excellent Fell bar. Chef Duncan and his crew were operating as a delivery business last year, but they’ve now got their own place – all low hanging lamps and pleasingly minimal style decor. No clutter, just great food, like traditional Japanese donburi, katsu kare and tsukemono. Irasshaimase to the neighbourhood!
516 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9AW
Stanley’s
Open now
Step back in time at Stanley’s the newest – but also somehow oldest – new bar on Stockport’s Little Underbank. The theme is Victorian times, and they’ve really gone to town on the decor. Upstairs is called the Landlord’s Living Room, and it’s, well… a lot. They’ve even already got a pub dog – a handsome Manchester Terrier, who also happens to be the pub’s emblem.
Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LA
