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It’s time for the August edition of the Food and Drink Guide to Manchester and the North, and we’ve seen a host of new venues, new menus and top-class dining and drinking experiences over the past few weeks.
For obvious reasons, supporting hospitality (while remaining safe and considerate of those around us) is important right now, so we urge you to check out the venues below, and do leave a tip to show support for the serving staff. Restaurants and bars are having a shortage of staff at the moment – which should ideally lead to a rise in wages for this kind of work – so your waiting staff and bartenders will be under a little more stress than usual. With this in mind, play nice.
The food and drink scene in the North West is going from strength to strength
And while the weather is jumping around, from hot to cold, blazing sun to sheets of rain, one thing remains the same: the food and drink scene in the North West is going from strength to strength. The return of the marvellous Manchester Food and Drink Festival is just one sign, and we urge you all to attend and see what this great region has to offer.
The previous couple of months since restrictions were lifted have shown us just how resilient the North’s food and drink world is. Our guide is a small taste of what Manchester and the North have to offer when it comes to food and drink and you can expect much, much more in the coming weeks and months.
Here are our picks
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1. The Refuge
Heritage Tomatoes, Red Onion The Refuge, Oxford Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7HA - Visit now
Afternoon tea at The Refuge is a wonderfully laid-back experience and whether you love tea and scones, or simply want to catch up with friends or family after this past rollercoaster 18 months, you’ll definitely be wowed.
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2. Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2021
Ian Jones Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2021, Until 27 September 2021 - Book now
The much-loved Manchester Food and Drink Festival ended up being postponed last year due to you-know-what, but now it’s back and bigger than ever with a host of exciting food-related events designed to showcase Manchester’s diverse and resilient hospitality industry.
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3. General Store Deansgate
General Store Deansgate General Store Deansgate, Deansgate Square Great Jackson Street, Manchester, M15 4PA - Visit now
The last few years have seen General Store become a familiar face and firm favourite in and around Manchester’s city centre. Now, with their latest opening, the independent retailer could have their most impressive setup to date.
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4. The Tetley Bar and Kitchen
The Tetley Bar and Kitchen The Tetley Bar and Kitchen, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ - Visit now
The Tetley Bar and Kitchen is filled with natural light that pours in from the front terrace, which is freshly decked and sanded. They’ve also brought in a new head chef, Connaire Moran, who made a name for himself at a spell at Kirkgate Market’s The Owl.
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5. The Mews Bar and Charcuterie
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6. Shoryu Ramen Manchester
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7. Dakota Leeds
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8. Pizzaluxe Manchester Arndale
Dominic Fung Pizzaluxe Manchester Arndale, Food Court, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 2HU - Visit now
The Arndale has had many fresh faces and new favourites over the years and the latest newcomers Pizzaluxe may be the next big thing for Manchester. Already popular in Leeds and London, owner Paul Goodale has made the move to bring his pizzas to a city that loves the Italian staple.
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9. Homeground
Manchester Jazz Festival Homeground, Medlock St, Manchester, M15 4AA - Visit now
From the same people that brought you the iconic independent cinema and theatre HOME Manchester, Homeground is an outdoor space full of food and drink, as well as a full-sized stage dubbed the “Autotrader Showground Stage”.
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10. YO! To Go Manchester Piccadilly Station
YO! To Go YO! To Go Manchester Piccadilly Station, Upper Level, Piccadilly Station, Manchester, M1 2QF - Visit now
We’re delighted to see the YO! To Go Manchester Piccadilly Station branch reopen at the end of July with a bunch of new dishes that have the added bonus of providing support to the local bee population.
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