Whether it's rooftop cocktail bars, cosy old-school pubs, Dutch brunch spots and enough fried chicken to keep half the city occupied, it's clear that there are a whole bunch of new openings in Manchester this May. The Northern Quarter has welcomed a couple of strong additions, one Deansgate spot has hopped on the wellness trend, and one long-standing favourite has had a proper glow-up. So, without further ado, let's get into it...
Smaak
Dutch comfort food, tucked down a Northern Quarter backstreet. Smaak is all about loaded fries, bitterballen, pancakes and burgers that demand a nap afterwards. They’re knocking out proper Dutch-style brunches too, plus homemade stroopwafels for anyone with a sweet tooth and zero self-control.
42 Back Turner Street, Manchester M4 1FR
The Trof Pub & Restaurant
Trof’s back with a fresh lick of paint and a proper pub menu to match. Think ox cheek pie, pork collar, excellent pints and one of those Sunday roasts that quietly ruins all future Sunday roasts. The team behind Stow are steering the ship now, so expect classic British cooking without any unnecessary fuss.
8 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1EU
Plant Blends
Cheshire wellness favourite Plant Blends is bringing smoothie bowls and iced matchas to Deansgate. The vibe leans heavily LA-by-way-of-Wilmslow, with a menu packed full of superfood smoothies, immunity shots and colourful açai bowls that look suspiciously good in daylight.
83 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW
The Badger
The team behind Crown & Kettle have worked their magic again, this time turning the old Calcio site into a pub that feels like it’s been sitting on Dale Street since Victorian times. Dark wood, cosy corners, stuffed animals staring at you mid-pint and proper pies. A dangerously easy place to lose an afternoon.
24 Dale Street, Manchester M1 1FY
Egg & Co Deansgate
What started inside Ancoats General Store has levelled up into a full Deansgate site dedicated to gloriously messy egg sandwiches. Soft buns, fluffy eggs, molten cheese and enough sauce to require several napkins minimum. Breakfast on the move just got serious.
247 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
Reign
Perched on the sixth floor of The Rex Hotel, Reign is all velvet, polished service and skyline views. Afternoon tea arrives with live piano in the background, while evenings shift into tasting menus and cocktails in one of the smartest dining rooms currently knocking about town.
100 King Street, Manchester M2 4WU
Mouro NQ
Already a hit in Altrincham and Heaton Moor, Mouro is finally heading into the Northern Quarter. Expect stacked sandwiches, excellent pastries and interiors so clean and polished you’ll suddenly feel underdressed holding your flat white. The harissa chicken sandwich alone is worth the detour.
Tib Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1AF
Reserve
High above King Street, Reserve has reopened as a members’ cocktail bar with not one, not two, but three terraces for sunny day sipping. It’s sitting pretty on top of The Rex Hotel, serving sharp cocktails and small plates with one of the best rooftop views in the city.
100 King Street, Manchester M2 4WU
Popeyes Trafford
Manchester’s fried chicken takeover continues. Popeyes is opening another huge site at Trafford Retail Park, complete with drive-thru for those moments where only biscuits, gravy and several pieces of chicken will do. Sensible queues encouraged, but unlikely.
Trafford Retail Park, Barton Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 7FN