It’s dark before you get home from work and the winter wardrobe has had its first outing of the year. Thankfully, there are some amazing new openings around town to escape from the cold.
Read on for our round up of new openings in Manchester this November…
Stray Cocktail Bar
Opens November 3
Stray will be opening in Mackie Mayor – and frankly it’s about time this classy spot had an equally classy cocktail offering. They’ll have their own takes on classics – like a tomato margarita, a fig leaf pisco sour and a rhubarb and pine gimlet – as well as a range of low and no-alcohol options too.
Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU
The Pearl
Opens November 3
The Pearl is the new project from Sam Taylor, who was behind lockdown sandwich pop-up Sansan. Taking on a unit on the high street in Prestwich, and hiring top Manchester chef Iain Thomas to do the cooking (previously head chef of The Edinburgh Castle and The Alan), this neighbourhood has been brought to life via a crowdfunder, so it’s already got a community of loyal supporters around it – something that every new restaurant needs. Watch this fly.
425 Bury New Rd, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1AF
Fenix
Opens November, date tbc
From the minds behind hit upscale Chinese restaurant Tattu, this new addition to the Spinningfields dining scene is among the most anticipated of the year. Fenix will be bringing a flavour of Mykonos to Manchester, with its Greek-inspired menu in very smart surroundings. Executive Head Chef Ippokratis Anagnostelis and Head Chef Zisis Giannouras will be in charge of the kitchen, creating a journey through modern Greek and Mediterranean gastronomy. We can’t wait.
Sides
Opens November, date tbc
If you remember the chaos that ensued when KSI’s energy drink Prime was released in UK stores earlier this year, then you’ll know just how popular the Sidemen are. The Youtube giants launched their own fried chicken brand Sides in 2021, and now they’re ready to open the first shop outside of London. Brace yourselves, it’s arriving in the Arndale this month.
Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AQ
Dear Sailor
Opens November 22
The newest watering hole to be throwing open its doors in Spinningfields – on the plot of the former Wolf Italian, right by the new Sexy Fish – Dear Sailor is modelling itself on a 1930s Tokyo-style speakeasy, so the jazz (other music styles will be available, obviously) will be flowing as freely as the liquor in this swish new spot. There will be ‘discreet fine partying and drinking’, per the bar’s founders, so expect excellent cocktails and a generally classy vibe. Open seven days a week and until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights, it’ll even have its own Bloody Mary menu on a Sunday.
1 Spinningfields Square, Manchester M3 3AP
Charity Super.Mkt
Friday 3 November
Charity Super.Mkt is the UK’s first multi-charity store for pre-loved fashion, and it’s heading to Salford Quays this November. The store boasts a huge range of vintage clothing, so you’re sure to find some real gems here. They’re hosting a special preview party on Thursday 2 November – you can grab tickets for it here.
Quayside MediaCityUK, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AH
Hyssop and The Hare
Open now
Once two places, now one – chef Paul Sykes (who’s worked with everyone from Gordon Ramsay to Simon Rogan) and partner Jess Hines will be combining their two businesses, the Hyssop bistro and The Two Hares in Glossop. Hyssop was tragically lost to a fire last year, so the pair opened casual spot The Two Hares to fill the gap. Now they’re combining the two, with the Hares bit doing breakfasts, brunch and lunch, and Hyssop bit handling the evening service. It’ll be brilliant.
3 High St East, Glossop SK13 8DA
11 Central
Opens November 17
This is the new joint venture from the siblings behind the Seven Brothers and Four Sisters brewing family (hence 11), with 11 Central opening up at Salford Quays. This turbo tap room will feature its own brewery area, tasting rooms, a bar – obviously – and food too, as well as a huge outdoor terrace area overlooking the water. Great craft beer and great craft spirits in a great new location, just by the new Kargo MKT foodhall. Ticks a lot of boxes for us.
Central Bay, Salford M50 3XW
Factory Bake
Open now
Manchester is bursting with independent, artisan bakeries. So it can be tough to stand out among the likes of Trove, Pollen, The Flat Baker and even nationwide behemoth Gail’s. Luckily, Factory Bake is already nailing it, the new city centre spot from the folk behind Factory Coffee. Ingredients come from co-founder Kendra’s allotment and everything on the counter is homemade fresh that day – from its melting-middle cheese buns to its majestic crisp aubergine milk roll. It’s already our new favourite bake spot.
33 King Street West, Manchester, M3 2PW
Rola Wala
Open November 8
Leeds’ Indian street food favourites Rola Wala are making their way down the M62 this month, bringing their cult independent eats to Manchester. Healthy, freshly made and authentic, Rola Wala boast proper lunches, epic dinners and late night fixes – including ‘build your own’ naan rolls.
75 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BW
The Garden Bar in Monton
Opening soon
Originally set to open in summer this year, The Garden Bar has taken slightly longer than anticipated to get ready for opening. But perhaps it’s not surprising. They’ve really gone to town on this swanky spot. There’s an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant upstairs, with a breathtaking motorised glass roof for when the sun returns, an sprawling outdoor terrace, tactile marble surfaces and a huge stained glass window at the gable end, plus a room for private hire. Fancy. We can’t wait to head to Monton for a few cocktails.
159 Monton Rd, Eccles, Manchester M30 9GS
Six By Nico Deansgate
Open November tbc
Affordable bistro chain Six by Nico are expanding their Manchester offering with a second site in the city on Deansgate, just a hop from their original site on Spring Gardens. Diners can expect the well established concept Six by Nico have become known for – six courses, changing every six weeks, with plates inspired by everything from places to memories and imagination. A foodie’s dream.
2 John Dalton St, Manchester M3 2NW
Manchester Christmas Markets
From November 10
Love ’em or hate ’em, they’re here. We’re only just taking down the Halloween decs, but the first of Manchester’s Christmas Markets are now open. Ready to serve thousands of locals and tourists their Christmas wares, the Cathedral Gardens area of the city has been transformed into a winter wonderland ready for the festive season. You have a little longer to wait for the main markets though, as the grand opening takes places on 10 November.
Various locations
Gyros Street
Opens November 13
Gyros Street are hoping to satisfy Mancunians taste for the Greek dish with their new opening on Oxford Road. Taking over the former Venus site, the street food takeaway will serve up delicious Greek cuisine alongside established neighbours including Bundobust, Listo Burrito and LOAF on the foodie corridor.
95 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6ET
