Get a free tattoo with your iced matcha at this Blank Street pop-up
The cult-favourite coffee spot known for that iced matcha, Blank Street, is upping the ante this May with a pop-up Tattoo Studio and Matcha Bar landing in both Manchester, at Aviva Studios, and London, from 9 May to Saturday 10 May from 11am to 7pm. The one-off is in collaboration with celeb favouri...
Created 9 May 2025
This Ancoats tapas bar serves Spanish plates on a serious budget
Maricarmen is an under-the-radar tapas restaurant in Ancoats serving authentic Spanish dishes. It doesn't matter whether you're craving a traditional Spanish omelette or something a little different, like their eight-hour slow-braised oxtail; these guys have your hankering for Spanish food covered....
Created 9 May 2025
The Pizza Pilgrims are coming to Manchester
The popular London-based pizzeria chain is heading north-west, with a flagship site to open in Deansgate later this year.Pizza Pilgrims was launched – and named – when a couple of friends quit their jobs and drove all the way from Italy to London in a tiny three-wheel van, learning everything they c...
Created 9 May 2025
Turtle Bay revamps its bottomless brunch with more flavour, more choice, and more Caribbean soul
Turtle Bay's Bottomless Brunch has had an exciting refresh, now featuring a wider range of dishes inspired by bold Caribbean flavours.New bottomless brunch menu highlights include breakfast rotis filled with smoky bacon or jerk sausage, sweet plantain, and chilli jam, all wrapped in soft flatbread....
Created 8 May 2025
Don't miss this Irish dance spectacular in Manchester
“Celtic Throne – Psalter of Ireland” is an innovative new show touring the UK for the first time, combining traditional Irish dance with theatre, cinematic production, and a powerful musical score. Featuring over 40 performers, the production includes live musicians, elaborate sets, stunning visuals...
Created 23 Apr 2025
London's beloved Italian deli is coming to Manchester
If you've wandered through London's West End, you've likely passed Lina Stores – a green-fronted Italian deli known for their fresh pasta, sweet treats and classic deli goods. They have several spots all around the city, and now the beloved brand is heading north, opening its first site outside the...
Created 11 Apr 2025
The Higher Ground team are launching a seafood listening bar this winter
The new opening by one of the most respected restaurant teams in the city promises to combine fresh seafood with fresh tunes and refreshing drinks.Higher Ground is one of Manchester's finest dining establishments, regularly ranking among the best restaurants in the city thanks to its celebrated seas...
Created 1 Apr 2025
Meet the ledge himself, Peter Rabbit, this Easter
Beloved children's character Peter Rabbit will be making a special appearance at Bury Transport Museum this Easter.Bury Transport MuseumOn Friday 18 and Saturday 19 April 2025, families can meet the legendary bunny at intervals throughout both days. Alongside Peter Rabbit, there will be plenty of fu...
Created 25 Mar 2025
The sun is setting on Sunset, will Ocasa rise to the occasion?
One of the hottest of Mancunian hotspots, the stylish Australasia is changing direction after more than a decade, and good things are on the horizon. Australasia has been one of Manchester buzziest restaurants for years, and its accompanying bar Sunset by Australasia no less so. That's about to chan...
Created 20 Mar 2025
The legendary Stevie Wonder is coming to Manchester
Coming to Manchester just after celebrating his 75th birthday, American music icon Stevie Wonder will visit the city as part of the UK leg of his Love, Light & Song tour.The pioneering singer-songwriter and producer with an immeasurable influence on contemporary pop, R&B, soul, and jazz will be perf...
Created 17 Mar 2025
Local rapper helps bring massive new Joe & the Juice store to Manchester
Manchester, you've got a brand-new juice spot, and it's a biggun. Danish juice bar sensation Joe & The Juice has officially touched down in the city, and you've got none other than local rap star Aitch to thank for it.After cheekily sliding into Joe and the Juice's Instagram DMs, asking them to set...
Created 12 Mar 2025
Manchester United to replace one iconic stadium with another
Manchester United has unveiled plans to construct a new 100,000-seat stadium adjacent to the current Old Trafford site. The £2bn project aims to be world's greatest stadium when it opens in around five years' time.As anyone who's been to Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United for 115 yea...
Created 11 Mar 2025
Grind heads to Manchester with first northern branch
There's no shortage of good coffee chops to be found around Manchester (we've listed our favourite ones right here, in fact), but any java fiend will tell you that there's always room for one more cup. And as of this summer, you'll be able to get that extra cup from the first northern branch of Grin...
Created 11 Mar 2025
Big Mamma confirms arrival of Circolo Popolare to Manchester
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 som...
Created 5 Mar 2025
Get Baked is bringing its viral chocolate cakes to Manchester
Get Baked, a Leeds cake shop, went stratospheric on social media thanks to its 12-layered chocolate cake, racking up millions of views and having sugar fiends from across the country make their way to Leeds in the hopes of snagging a slice of the sell-out dessert. Now the venture is gearing up to op...
Created 26 Feb 2025
Grub is hosting a taco festival over the May bank holiday
Grub MCR is set to host its annual Taco Fest over the early May bank holiday, celebrating the beloved Mexican dish with a diverse line-up of street food vendors.The event will run from 12 noon to 8 pm on Sunday 4 May and from 12 noon to 6 pm on Monday 5 May. Attendees can look forward to unique taco...
Created 21 Feb 2025
Almost Famous to rise from the ashes this week
A few weeks ago, we reported that after 13 years, iconic burger spot Almost Famous was going into liquidation and closing down all locations. In news that is sure to delight Mancunian burger aficionados, there has been a positive development in the story.The D2 company, which is run by former Almost...
Created 18 Feb 2025
Manchester loses the #1 spot at the Top 50 Cocktail Bar awards
The annual Top 50 Cocktail Bars selection is in the books, with Satan's Whiskers in Bethnal Green reclaiming the top position for the third time. Last year's winner, Schofield's in Manchester, dropped to third place, while Panda & Sons in Edinburgh secured second place.Manchester's Speak in Code jus...
Created 12 Feb 2025
Manchester is getting a lovely new food hall this summer
Opening in summer 2025, House of Social is slated to be Manchester's newest food hall. The venue will feature five independent kitchens, each offering a diverse range of culinary delights to cater to various tastes and preferences.The new food hall, located within minutes of the university campus, o...
Created 6 Feb 2025
The UK's largest Japanese film festival is back this month
The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2025 (JFTFP25), the UK's largest festival dedicated to Japanese cinema, is set to return across multiple cities from 7 February to 31 March. This year's edition explores the theme of “Justice, Justification and Judgement in Japanese Cinema,” showcasing a d...
Created 3 Feb 2025
Parklife Festival reveals full line-up for this year's edition
Following the previous announcement of Charli XCX as one of the headliners, the Manchester festival is fleshing out its line-up with both old and new favourites.Parklife 2025, one of the biggest events of the summer in Manchester, has revealed the full line-up for the 2025 edition, with previously a...
Created 30 Jan 2025
Iconic Manchester burger spot shuts down all locations after 13 years
The iconic Manchester brand Almost Famous is super sad to announce that they have gone into liquidation, with all its venues closing as of 27 January. Inspired by US chain In-N-Out Burger and London's Meat Liquor, Almost Famous leaves behind a legacy of reshaping the classic burger in the UK, servin...
Created 28 Jan 2025
Dough Club is making a big push on Manchester's Detroit pizza market
Dough Club, a Mancunian takeaway pizza joint specialising in Detroit-style pizza, is gearing up for expansion this year.Various industry experts will tell you that pizza is set to be one of the major foodie trends of the year, but not just your boring old Neapolitan pizza. Instead, alternative takes...
Created 23 Jan 2025
The popular One Eight Six bar is returning under new management
A buzzy music and party spot since opening around four years ago, One Eight Six is set to relaunch this January, bringing fresh energy and a new chapter to Manchester's nightlife scene.Now under new ownership, the live music and cocktail venue has been transformed with new booth seating and the retu...
Created 21 Jan 2025
Manchester's Reserve Wines wins prestigious national award
Manchester-based Reserve Wines is thrilled to announce that they have officially been crowned the UK's top independent wine merchant. They took home the Top UK Wine Independent Retailer award at this week's Harpers Awards, which is more than just a list; it's a celebration of those who go above and...
Created 20 Jan 2025
Legendary NQ barber offers pay-what-you-can haircuts this January
January can be a challenging time for everybody, especially when it comes to finances post-Christmas. With Christmas expenses often leaving wallets feeling lighter, it's no surprise that many people are looking for ways to stretch their budget. But to soften the January blues and to make things a li...
Created 17 Jan 2025
This new pop-up is redefining fast food one cow at a time
Humbug is a new pop-up restaurant at The Bungalow at Kampus, dreamed up by the brilliant minds behind Where The Light Gets In. It's so much more than just another spot to grab a burger in Manchester; it's where fast food meets conscious consumption through a journey of just one single cow.With this...
Created 9 Jan 2025
Start the year with free beer 'n' chicken
A recent addition to Manchester's social scene – it only opened a month or so ago – The Trading Route is starting 2025 with quite the power move. Who's going to say no to free beer and a hot chicken sandwich, after all? If you're up for it, you can click over to their website, fill out the form to g...
Created 3 Jan 2025
Where The Light Gets In turns off the lights until April
The popular Stockport restaurant will be closing temporarily for renovation, but you'll still be able to get your fix of their cooking in the meantime.Where The Light Gets In (WTLGI) is one of the more high-profile restaurants in Stockport, renowned for its commitment to seasonality and locally sour...
Created 24 Dec 2024
Matte Popolare: A pair of established heavy-hitters are coming to Manchester in 2025
In news that's sure to be of interest to Manchester's foodies, influencers, and people who just like to treat themselves to a nice meal out, two internationally renowned restaurant groups will be opening their inaugural Manchester branches in 2025.The first of these is Big Mamma Group, whose Italian...
Created 20 Dec 2024
The Trafford Centre is getting its own Blanchflower
If things go according to plan, the popular Greater Manchester bakery and kitchen will be opening its third location as soon as next month.Blanchflower also has its own bakeryBlanchflower is a family-run café and bakery that started out in Altrincham, later opening a site in Sale as well. These rela...
Created 18 Dec 2024
New pub opens in former Manchester bike shed
Commuters celebrated when Victoria Tap launched in Manchester last year, bringing the popular Piccadilly Tap to Victoria Station, making delays that little bit more bearable. Now, the team has quietly debuted a third venue: the Oxford Road Tap, catering to travellers at the UK's worst train station,...
Created 18 Dec 2024
Forget Coca-Cola, this is the Christmas truck the UK needs
Notoriously cheeky Scottish drinks brand Irn-Bru is launching its own Christmas truck this year, and here's where you can catch it.You could get your hands on one of these, ya fannyFamed for their irreverent ads campaigns as much as for the unique flavour of their flagship soft drink, Irn-Bru have t...
Created 13 Dec 2024
Blank Street brings nostalgia to Manchester with festive gifting pop-up
From 13 to 15 December, Blank Street is bringing festive cheer to Market Street with a one-of-a-kind Gifting Grotto pop-up. They're inviting locals to step back in time with a nostalgic Christmas gifting experience that marks the brand's first-ever holiday experience.The pop-up is an ode to the feel...
Created 10 Dec 2024
The perfect chicken and beer pairing lands in Manchester this week
Located between Castlefield, Spinningfields, and Deansgate, St. John's is quickly gaining attention with its eclectic mix of local hotspots. Now, there's one more addition to the list—Trading Route.The new venture is a collaboration between beloved Manchester gems Trof, Manchester Union Brewery, and...
Created 10 Dec 2024
The National Portrait Gallery is going on tour with an epic immersive experience
The National Portrait Gallery has partnered with Frameless, the award-winning company behind large-scale immersive exhibitions highlighting iconic works by some of history's greatest artists, for the first major touring immersive art experience inspired by a UK art institution.National Portrait Gall...
Created 10 Dec 2024
Win a year of free pizza in Nell's charity raffle
Manchester's beloved pizzeria group Nell's is hosting its annual Christmas raffle again and there's a bunch of excellent prizes to be won.Nell's Pizza, who just recently opened its new site in Altrincham, is hosting Nell's Big Raffle to close out the year, and some of Manchester's most popular busin...
Created 3 Dec 2024
New NQ bar hidden behind a fridge invites you to leave your ego at the door
Behind the fridge door of a bustling burger joint lies the Northern Quarter's newest hotspot, Ego Death. This cool cocktail bar is tucked away in the basement of Super Awesome Deluxe on Thomas Street and is inspired by New York backstreets with a Manchester touch.This intimate, candlelit spot is a c...
Created 2 Dec 2024
Manchester's Outbreak Festival reveals first names for 2025, launches London edition
Outbreak Festival is one of the buzziest festivals on the local hardcore and hip-hop scene, regularly knocking it out of the park with line-ups featuring some of the biggest names in alternative music, and it's no different this year.Taking place at the B.E.C Arena, Outbreak Manchester 2025 will fea...
Created 27 Nov 2024
Greater Manchester train station crowned UK's least used
Greater Manchester's Denton train station has been named the least used in the UK, with just 54 entries and exits between April 2023 and March 2024. Although it is known for its proximity to Manchester and the Peak District, the station still sees minimal traffic, primarily due to its isolated locat...
Created 26 Nov 2024
Parklife Festival reveals first names for 2025 edition
Parklife, one of the highlights of Manchester's festival summer, has announced the first wave of acts for next year's edition, and it looks like we're in for another Brat summer.That's right – none other than pop royalty Charli XCX is coming to Heaton Park in Manchester next year, riding the massive...
Created 26 Nov 2024
Yankee Candle Christmas bus brings free gifts and hot chocolate to Manchester
Move over Coca-Cola, there's a new big red bus on the scene; the Yankee Candle Express is coming to Manchester this November, where visitors can soak up seasonal scents like cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and pine trees. You'll find the bus stationed at Piccadilly Gardens from 29 November to 1 Decembe...
Created 22 Nov 2024
Home is launching a free creative hub for artists and here's how you can help
In 2025, Manchester's beloved culture complex Home will open a new artist development hub. The £3.5m project aims to provide free, high-quality studio and training spaces for artists. Located across three railway arches near Whitworth Street West, the facility was designed with input from the artist...
Created 21 Nov 2024
Madre team hits the mark with new bar and pool hall opening
Next month, The team behind the popular Mexican restaurant Madre is launching a brand new bar and pool hall, Salon Madre. It's located right next door to Madre, in the space once occupied by the Seven Bro7hers bar, and is set to be an exciting combo of entertainment, food, and drinks.Salon Madre wil...
Created 21 Nov 2024
Iconic Manchester bakery to open new location
The team behind the iconic Manchester brunch spot Pot Kettle Black is opening a brand new bakery and café next month, Half Dozen Other, at Circle Square on Oxford Road. This new location will be a sibling to the Cheetham Hill branch.The new café, located at Circle Square on Oxford Road, will feature...
Created 13 Nov 2024
Christmas dinners
With the festive season just around the corner, it's the perfect time to gather family, friends, or colleagues and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Many of Manchester's restaurants will offer festive seasonal menus throughout the most wonderful time of the year, from trad...
Updated 9 Oct 2025
Christmas activities
Manchester transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, offering a wealth of activities and experiences that capture the festive spirit. From twinkling Christmas markets and outdoor ice-skating rinks to enchanting Christmas light displays and heart-warming performances, the city...
Updated 4 Sep 2025
Voting is now open for the 2025 Manchester Food and Drink Awards
Voting is officially open for the Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2025, with a shortlist including many local favourites like Nell's Pizza, Where the Light Gets in, and Higher Ground.Other restaurants hoping to be in with a chance of nabbing Best Restaurant of the Year are Urmston's Restaurant Örme...
Created 7 Nov 2024
This Christmas, Diecast welcomes you back to the Winterhood
Diecast, the food court and nightlife spot near Piccadilly, will be transforming into a unique winter wonderland for the festive season, complete with an array of holiday-themed activities and offerings.Diecast during the holidaysBilled as a creative neighbourhood, Diecast is a vibrant space where v...
Created 5 Nov 2024
Have a cold one: Grub's Winter Beer Festival is coming back in January
The folks over at Manchester's popular hangout Grub have announced the return of their much-loved Winter Beer Festival in January. This year's event promises a fantastic selection of winter brews, featuring brewery bars and over 30 guest taps.Attendees can look forward to a variety of street food, h...
Created 1 Nov 2024