House of Social Food Hall

The newest addition to Manchester’s First Street, House of Social is primarily a student accommodation, but at its base lies a 12,000-square-foot food and drink space featuring five independent kitchens and a central 360 bar.

Barely 50 metres from the beloved HOME theatre, the new food hall fits nicely into the effortless feel and creative energy of this corner of the city. With household favourites such as Bunny Jacksons and Gas Works as neighbours, House of Social is ramping up First Street’s sense of community. 

Created by former Mackie Mayor director Jake Atkinson, this new hub is designed to be a cool, refreshing space for residents and the public at large. The wider development will include flats, obviously, a fitness studio, co-working space with pool tables for fun work breaks, a private dining area, coffee bar and, of course, the food hall. 

Spread across two floors, there’s space for hundreds of diners, cocktail drinkers and coffee sippers, all supplied by some of the UK’s top food and drink traders. Atkinson and Vita are working closely with local breweries, adopting a rotating line-up of beers including Shindigger. Spirits will be stocked by Hammonds of Knutsford, and coffee comes straight from Blossom Coffee Roasters in Trafford Park. 

Let’s talk food. Five independent kitchens, five different cuisines. We started with Ok Taqueria – tacos with a touch of California flair. Meatwise, there’s crispy pork belly al pastor with green and red salsa. You wouldn’t imagine a crispy crackling and pork scratching topped taco to be described as “fresh tasting”, but so it was and there you go. The gentle kick from the salsa and lime certainly helped.

The second, a birria beef shin taco with queso fundido and consommé, is a strong contender for best dish. It’s all about the pulled-pork-like filling, elevated by coriander, onion, and house seasoning.

Over to Choi Wan, a cheeky and fun concept by restaurateur Victor Yu, a modern take on traditional Hong Kong cuisine. Choi Wan serves salt & pepper chicken wings, Warburton’s prawn toast crumpet, chicken curry and veggie satay with half rice and half chips. It’s a menu drawn from the family recipes, traditions and flavours Victor grew up with. Enticing items like chicken bamboo and his own take on a full rotisserie chicken will be available from opening day. 

There’s also Burger & Beyond, described as “the best burger ever” by the brains behind House Of Social, Jake Atkinson. It’s the first venue outside London from these burger boffins, and excitement and expectations are high.

Plus, Mughli, the longstanding authentic Punjabi restaurant based in Rusholme for more than 30 years. We know it, we love it, and it’s very likely you will too. Finally, pizza. Dough Religion’s style is driven by a deep love of proper fermentation, a passion for tradition, and creative toppings.

House of Social ticks its boxes: the new social hub of First Street. A food-led venue, yes, but word on the street tells us there’ll be regular music events, DJ nights, workshops and pop-up shops. Live the life of a student again, even if you’re not one.