Food and Drink in the North

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Peak summer in the North brings a wave of new openings and revamped menus at old favourites. This month’s picks include progressive cocktail spots in Liverpool, standout Japanese cuisine in South Manchester, a blissful spa experience in Cheshire, Italian small plates in Ancoats, and plenty more in between.

Find an outside table, tap open your calendar app, and work your way through this month’s food and drink guide to Manchester and the North.

Our top picks

Yane

Yane, 516 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9AW - Visit now

In Japanese, Yane – or rather, 屋根 – means roof, as in the roof of the owner’s home. It fits. There’s a family-style feel here, where the welcome is warm and friendly and the food is unfussy but meticulous, all at the same time.

Bruco

Bruco, 5 Murray St, Ancoats, , Manchester, M4 6HS - Visit now

It’s early days, but Bruco has the makings of an Italian-led Erst. The dishes are ideas-led without feeling gimmicky, and from start to finish, everything feels effortless.

The Spa at Manor House Alsager

The Spa at Manor House Alsager, Audley Rd, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent , ST7 2QQ - Visit now

The pastoral surroundings of the Spa at Manor House are beautiful and peaceful, full of wildlife and ripe for rejuvenating even the most jaded spirit.

Ban Di Bul

Ban Di Bul, 77 Princess St, Manchester, M2 4EG - Visit now

A meal at Korean BBQ restaurant Ban Di Bul is all about cranking up the well-worn hob and flinging meat, seafood and vegetables at it, then gobbling before they lose a single Kelvin of heat.

Sampa

Sampa, 24 Dale Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1FY - Visit now

Sampa has released reservations for the months of September, October, November and December – plus tickets for their NYE party. Act quick. It’s a small chef’s table restaurant, and seats will fill up quickly.

Picante

Picante, Brewery Village, Cains, Stanhope St, Liverpool , L8 5XJ - Visit now

Picante has launched Late Night Más. Every Saturday from 8pm until late, upstairs transforms into a late-night tequila den with dimmed lights, house and Latin beats, and an intimate dance floor. Of course, all of Picante’s signature Margaritas, classic cocktails, beers, spirits, and bar snacks are also available. Celebrate with the Picante team as this great space enters the second half of its season.

Picante
Ian Jones

Samsi

Samsi, 36-38 Whitworth St, Manchester , M1 3NR - Visit now

Samsi doesn’t get bogged down with viral trends or keeping up with the Takahashis. This quietly impressive restaurant has been doing its own thing since 1993, and doing it damn well.

Samsi
Ian Jones

CUPRA City Garage

CUPRA City Garage, 4-6 St Ann Street, Manchester, M2 7LG - Visit now

One of Europe’s fastest-growing car brands has chosen St Ann’s Square in Manchester as its latest home. The CUPRA City Garage is now open, but don’t expect a traditional showroom.

CUPRA City Garage DJ Decks
Demi Sheridan

Arts Bar Baltic Liverpool

Arts Bar Baltic Liverpool, 27 Parliament St, Liverpool, L8 5RN - Visit now

Arts Bar Baltic is a bar that supports the local arts scene without getting all worthy about it. It’s a fun, friendly space that just happens to host some of the most cutting-edge events in one of the UK’s most cutting-edge cities.

Stables Tavern

Stables Tavern, 1 Grape St, Manchester, M3 4PG - Visit now

Stables Tavern is a place that serves up genuine warmth and heart. And, most importantly, a really good Guinness.

Stables Tavern
Stables Tavern

Festa Italiana at Cathedral Gardens

Festa Italiana at Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, 22–24 August 2025, Free entry - Find Out More

Manchester’s most joyous summer celebration is back. From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August 2025, Festa Italiana returns to Cathedral Gardens for its eighth edition.

More food and drink events

Walking Tour Stock imagery
Until
ActivityCity Centre
The Manchester Music Walkabout

Manchester’s famous musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day.

From £25.00
Africana and Caribbean Food Fest
FestivalsLeeds
African & Caribbean Food Fest 2025

Calling people of Leeds and beyond! The city’s favourite African and Caribbean Food Fest is back, and this year it’s turning up the heat with Harmony of Colours, a celebration…

Free entry
Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
Until
ActivityManchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse

From £45
Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Food and Drink in the North

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

Offering a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Briton’s Protection

Standing on the corner of a junction opposite The Bridgewater Hall, The Briton’s Protection is Manchester’s oldest pub. It has occupied the same spot since 1795, going under the equally

A table with a view of Liverpool at the fine dining restaurant Panoramic 34
Liverpool
Restaurant
Panoramic 34

Panoramic 34 boasts ceiling to floor windows with a breathtaking 360 degree aspect, but there’s plenty more to get giddy about than just the views.

Yard Bar at District
Baltic Triangle
Event venue
District Liverpool

District Liverpool is a multi-purpose venue in the Baltic Quarter, hosting gigs, club nights, films, cabaret, festivals and much more.

Culture Guides

Two women stand next to an orange car.
Cinema in the North

August brings a huge LGBTQ+ film festival, plus a reggae classic and a spotlight on Japanese animation.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Blondshell by Hannah Bon.
Music in the North

From Lyra Pramuk’s sacred synths to the sugar rush of YAANG, our latest music picks bring ritual, rebellion and ridiculous levels of fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Monumental sculptures, charcoal confessions and a show of two paintings only - all this and more in this month's exhibition picks.