Glamorous At 7.30pm on Saturday, February 16, this colourful stalwart will unleash its own Lion Dance, guaranteeing good fortune, followed by a martial arts demonstration. From 8pm experienced vocalist Paul Hand will take the mic as punters tuck into a four course Year of the Pig banquet for just £27.50 a head. Full menu here. 1st & 2nd Floor Wing Yip Business Centre, Cassidy Close, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5HU. 0161 839 3312.
Yang Sing Manchester’s highest profile Chinese restaurant always celebrates the New Year in style, so from February 3-10 they’ll be offering traditional wishing trees, fei chun calligraphy and poon choi (abalone and assorted sea ‘treasures’). Star turn in all this is the Year of the Pig Banquet, including a traditional prosperity toss (raw fish salad) with Master Chu’s troupe performing the Lion Dance as well as a kung fu show. 34 Princess St, Manchester M1 4JY. 0161 236 2200.
Tattu This stunning new wave Chinese in Spinningfields is marking the New Year with a celebratory sharing menu, whose dishes include Szechuan Iberico pork wontons and a honey-glazed baby chicken served with miso, sesame and sweet potato. The dessert is a Gift of Oranges (above), inspired by New Year traditions. It comprises a zesty orange trifle, chocolate and orange truffle and a refreshing orange sorbet. Guests can also raise a glass with the Red Envelope cocktail (£10). A selection of prizes will be hidden in some of the lucky red envelopes, from a bottle of Champagne to a £100 gift voucher. The special menu is priced £50 per person and will be available for parties of two to eight people from February 3-9. Book online. 72 Gartside Street, Manchester M3 3EB. 0161 819 2060.
Ivy Asia Celebrating its first Chinese New Year in the city, the new Pan-Asian bar/restaurant on the second floor of The Ivy Spinningfields is out to impress. According to the Chinese zodiac, the ‘Hour of the Pig’ sees him assigned to govern the time between 9pm and 10,59pm, the time the fun-loving pig enjoys his life the most. Ivy Asia plays up to this by hosting entertainment on Saturday, February 9 with a live performance from the House of Pyramid. The decor lives up to this. Lucky red Chinese umbrellas will unfold to create a beautiful installation as you enter the lavish space. A new roster of cocktails to toast the Pig has been created, each named after the five pigs in the Chinese Zodiac - metal, water, wood, fire and earth. We like the sound of ‘Metal’ (£11.95) – Chivas, Chinese spiced syrup, Port and mint– served Julep style in a metal cup, garnished with a banana leaf. The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Manchester M3 3HG. 0161 503 3222.
WowYauChow This fellow newcomer (on a more modest scale) is offering complimentary lunches to Altrincham residents 12pm-1pm on Wednesday, February 6 to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Free portions of the restaurant’s popular dishes will be on offer, including Chicken Hot & Spicy, Beef Rice Bowl and Salt & Pepper Tofu Rice Bowl. Owners EatsMeatsWest launched this ‘British Chinese favourites’ casual dining restaurant just before Christmas and have plans to launch a second in Rochdale this spring. From Wednesday 6th to Sunday 17th WowYauChow will also be offering exciting mystery prizes for every table that dines with them; each table will receive a red envelope containing a prize ranging from a complimentary cocktail to a meal for two voucher worth £50. 59 Stamford New Road, Altrincham WA14 1DS. 0161 928 9931.