Stow is among the very, very best of the new wave of Manchester restaurants. The menu isn’t long or overly elaborate, but by Jove it’s mighty. Thoughtful and exciting small plates, that manage to wow outside the Michelin-defined confines of ‘fine dining’.

The Horse and Jockey is back and better than it ever was. Based on this and the Black Friar, the restoration team is doing important, brilliant things to the Manchester landscape.

Two of the North-west’s most respected chefs are teaming up for a one-night collaboration dinner and we couldn’t recommend it more. On Tuesday 27 January, Oli Martin of Aven in Preston, a former finalist and later winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, joins Dan McGeorge, GBM Champion of Champions 2021, at McGeorge’s Liverpool restaurant Vetch.

The six-course menu reflects their post-TV evolution and shared influences. With just 26 seats, the evening is an intimate snapshot of where both chefs are now. Tickets are £95 per head, with an optional wine pairing available.

Our famed guide to the best deals in the city. All restaurants and bars tried and tested, and all doing something above the norm. Keep checking back – we’ll add more throughout the month.

Spring Gardens isn’t historically known as a hotspot for first-rate drinking holes, but with this and the recently-launched Posie, it looks like we might have another destination district on our hands. Just don’t call it a quarter.

Buck your ideas up, sort yourself out, stop eating meat. That’s the kind of tough love you need in January. Follow through on your eco-conscious, healthy eating resolutions with our guide to the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Manchester.

The Black Friar has confirmed the return of its popular £10 Pie Festival, running from Monday 5 January to Friday 27 February 2026. Now in its fourth year, the festival offers four fixed pies alongside rotating specials, with new fillings including mushroom keema with onion bhaji, confit garlic chicken and leek, truffle dauphinoise, and a classic meat and potato pie, all priced at £10. There are also larger sharing pies for pre-order, serving up to four people from £65, plus a line-up of mini dessert pies such as treacle, Mississippi and lemon meringue.

Just in time for those resolutions, Treehouse Hotel Manchester has announced a new limited membership for The Playground, its gym and wellness space (previously available only to hotel residents). In 2026, the gym will open to the public for the first time with a limited number of memberships, providing access to a top-notch training and recovery space.

Bob over to Liverpool for a grand offer at this excellent Berry Street bar: get a cheeseboard for a mere £6 when bought with a bottle of wine (Monday to Thurs). Also, available Weds to Thurs at the Lark Lane location. Lovely.

Sticking with Liverpool, Maray is bringing back its popular Green January offer. That means 50% off a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including the iconic Disco Cauliflower. Available Monday to Thursday, it’s all about that clunkily named Vegan Marketing Board institution we know and love called Veganuary. Also available at the Bold Street venue too, brilliantly.

Zouk’s legendary bottomless curry is back back back, baby. Available Monday to Friday, 5 til 10 pm, unlimited curry, rice and naan for just £20 per person. Each day, there are four curries to choose from – the menu changes daily and features a hand-picked selection of Zouk’s most popular dishes including chicken, lamb, veggie and vegan options.

Cocktail dens, natural wine bars and underground pubs, this storied city has a drinking hole for you.

Casual dining doesn’t mean low effort. Manchester has a host of laid-back restaurants where you can drop in and kick back.

Clear the next few Sundays from your calendar and get booking. Manchester has some of the finest roast dinners in the North, and we’re here to help you discover the one that’s most up your street.