Trading Route

Lager house, rotisserie chicken heaven, and deli stocked with upmarket provisions make up this collaboration between three local greats

Monday: 8am – late
Tuesday: 8am – late
Wednesday: 8am – late
Thursday: 8am – late
Friday: 8am – late
Saturday: 9am – late
Sunday: 9am – late

Food served until 9pm

A decade or so ago, St John’s meant very little to most people. Now the neighbourhood has established a reputation as one of the the city centre’s leading cultural, leisure, drinking and dining destinations, from upmarket restaurants to leading arts institution Factory International, professional private members clubs with rooftop pools to atmospheric music venues. This corner of the world almost has it all, including Manchester’s first ‘lager house’, The Trading Route. 

Billed as “more than a bar and kitchen”, nevertheless these seem like logical places to start. Living up to its tagline, The Trading Route invites customers from the bustling streets outside into a large, contemporary space that specialises in lager and rotisserie oven-cooked food. A collaborative project between some of town’s most prominent players in hospitality and refreshments, the teams behind decade-spanning Northern Quarter hangout Trof, super-tasty Monton deli-bar, Wandering Palate, and Manchester Union Brewery are all involved. 

The beer experts responsible for the establishment’s two taps, one pouring out perfect pints and halves of classic Manchester Union Lager, the other Manchester Union Black Lager. You can also ask for a mixture of both, should the mood take hold, and it’s worth noting you’ll be drinking from specially designed glasses, tübingers, with a purposefully prominent head. On the eating side of things, expect to find crisp whole and half chicken carved, sliced and served to order. Choose to match this with roast potatoes and chicken fat mayo, salsa verde and pecorino, then follow with Key Lime Pie or Freshly Baked Cookies. There’s also a selection of Sandwiches & Salads, using freshly baked focaccia, of course, among other small plates and sides. Finally, before you leave don’t miss the Provisions counter, which boasts a “pantry stocked with expertly-sourced” produce, from artisanal cheeses to innumerable sundries, with the emphasis on local suppliers and seasonality.