Italian restaurant group Big Mamma, known for its ostentatiously over-the-top venues found around the world, has confirmed it's opening a restaurant in Manchester under its Circolo Popolare brand.
There's already a branch of Circolo Popolare in London, and though its Manchester sibling will bring some of its defining characteristics up north, there will be some differences too. Instead of the London original's Sicilian influences, Circolo Popolare Manchester will be looking to another Italian island, Sardinia for inspiration, with decor including an eucalyptus-clad ceiling, Moorish head statues, and a courtyard with a wishing well. The signature Circolo Popolare bottle walls will make an appearance again as well. There'll be no shortage of space either, with 280 covers spread across two floors.
On the food side of things, diners can expect an exclusive new menu boasting Big Mamma's largest selection of produce, sourced directly from Italy. Dishes will include everything from grilled seafood to Neapolitan pizza, and though the menu will be different to the London one, it will be designed in the same spirit of decadent indulgence with a dash of show-stopping pizzaz.
Circolo Popolare Manchester is set to launch at the St Michael's development in June 2025, with an exact date still TBD.