Lucky Mamas
Open now
From a trailer in their backyard in Eccles to now – their very own restaurant in the centre of Chorlton – Lucky Mamas has been a rollercoaster journey for owners Mamadou and Gaby. They now have their own restaurant right next to Jasmine, still serving up their signature Italian/Senegalese/Spanish/Chilean inspired pizzas and pastas. Try the Rasta Pasta Malfadine – it’s insanely good.
Station South
Open now
Levenshulme’s old railways station, the one on the Fallowfield Loop that hasn’t been in use for decades, has been transformed into a cycle cafe, bar, co-working space and garden. They should be open right now as you’re reading this, and they’ll be serving up teas and coffees, alongside craft beers from local breweries, and food. Expect modern classics – from light bites to hearty meals and seasonal specials, made using quality produce.
Ornella’s Kitchen
Open now
Ornella began her business during one of the early lockdowns, delivering homemade Italian food across Manchester alongside her partner Jamie whilst on paternity leave from her job at Pollen Bakery. Ornella’s set to launch her own deli pasta shop and takeaway in Denton from the first of April – and let me assure you – these pasta dishes are well worth the trip out there to try.
Crunched Tacos
Open now
The ‘hard’ taco specialists are now located within Pollard Yard in Ancoats, from Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 3pm every week. You just have to get down there for their sublime Pulled Pork Tacos, which come loaded with pork shoulder, Frazzles (yep, the crisps) and best of all – a Strongbow Dark Fruits sauce! They’re also doing chicken nuggets and nachos now too.
House of Habesha
Saturday 2nd April
Previously at Blossom Street Social in Ancoats, the truly magnificent House of Habesha will be coming to Salford’s Eagle Inn pub from early April. If you didn’t go in when it was in Ancoats – you’ve been seriously missing out. Specialising in authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisines, you’ll find dishes here that are unlike anything you’ve probably ever had before. Their platters are also spectacular – perfect alongside a few pints of Diamond no doubt.
Fat Pat’s
Early April TBC
This will come as very welcome news to anyone who has tried one of Fat Pat’s fantastic sandwiches, or anyone in general who is a fan of craft. These butties are each a work of art – massive and brimming with freshly prepared fillings – they’re now going to be available in the city centre – from round the back of a takeaway joint in Chinatown. Grab their Italian Meatball Sub – it’s ‘effing amazing.
Salt & Pepper
Wednesday 6th April
There was an uproar across the city as Salt & Pepper announced their withdrawal from the coveted Arndale Food Market back in March – the result of issues with extraction that would mean a £100,000 bll to sort out. So they’re moving instead to Black Dog, just down the road under Afflecks – who’ll be opening from lunchtime to accommodate. It’ll be open Tuesday – Sunday from 12pm.
Carnival
April TBC
Carnival is set to be a new collaboration concept from Richard Turner, co-founder of some of the best grill restaurants in the country including Hawksmoor, Pitt Cue Co, Blacklock and Meatopia Festival. Taking over the old Baratxuri unit in Escpae to Freight Island, Carnival’s menu will include Premium Rib, Porterhouse and T-Bone steak, as well as Pork Chops, Lobster, Smoked Beef short ribs, Crispy Fried Scampi, and more.
Come Together
April TBC
A new concept from the man behind Stockport’s Ate Days A Week and Notion, Come Together will be located in the old Porky Pig unit just off Princess Street behind the Town Hall. Expect an expanded menu of pies, sandwiches, fish & chips and Sunday roast dinners on the weekend. The 36-cover restaurant will also include a Pie & Pastry Counter for a quick lunch, and to service deliveries.
Batard
April TBC
Local favourite Batard will be heading to Escape to Freight Island’s Plant Room with a brand-new Diner concept – offering sweet American pies and ice creams. They’ll be working in partnership with Wildfarmed, a community-led farming system on a mission to fix soil through regenerative farming, co-founded by Andy Cato of Groove Armada.
Gooey
April TBC
The city’s most sought-after doughnuts and cookies are heading to Escape to Frieght Island in April – with a couple of exclusives. They’ll be creating Hot Cookie Doughs and Ice Cream – which will only be available from Freight Island – so you’ll have to go if you want to try them. They’ll also be serving up their usual doughnut and cookie specials too.
Lucky Foot
April TBC
Another new food concept coming to Escape to Freight Island this April, Lucky Foot comes from the team behind Belzan who will be updating their current counter with a brand-new deep fried and charcoal-grilled chicken offering. They’ll be serving up “first class birds” and will hope to showcase modern cooking using the best chicken – made from scratch.
Sugo Pasta Kitchen
“End of April” TBC
It’s finally upon us. After months of planning, a super-fast Crowdfunding drive and lots of graft, Sugo Pasta Kitchen in Sale is set to open at the end of April. Located in the recently re-developed Stanley Square, Sugo joins the new Sale Food Hall, Portuguese restaurant Petisco and the upcoming new Blanchflower venue.
