Manchester, International Restaurant Guide

Chef Nico Simeone’s “amazing-value set-meal” concept, launched in Glasgow in 2017, has now opened in Fitzrovia and Canary Wharf, offering “a six-course tasting menu for only £37” – a “clever formula” with “well thought-out feasts that entice a bubbly audience”. “The menu changes every six weeks”, and is “themed around an experience” – ‘the circus’, ‘the Amalfi coast’ and ‘the chippie’ have all featured – with the cooking winning high praise for “variety, skill and quality”.

“An amazing bar and signature cocktails” are hailed in early reports on this two-year-old haunt in the characterful arches beneath Manchester Central station, from the people behind the successful Manchester Gin brand. Though its selection of small plates is not the main point, nor is it an afterthought.

Justin Crawford & Luke Cowdrey (aka the ill-titled ‘Unabombers`‘, who also run Electrik and Volta) are behind this “rather glam space” in an old Victorian office block. Serving small plates – inspired by their “global DJing trips” – fans say it’s “a mighty fine place to dine”; others that it’s “just OK”.

This grand listed Victorian building in the Northern Quarter (built in 1858) lay derelict for 20 years before being beautifully restored to host a selection of street-food stalls. For a high-quality bite, well worth a visit.

Hot right now in Manchester, two minutes walk from Piccadilly – a street food concept that describes itself as ‘an inspiring new urban landscape carved from a long-forgotten freight depot’. Food offerings include Voodoo Rays wood-fired pizza, asador grills from Baratxuri, tacos from Madre and coffee/cakes from Krum. You can book on the website, or walk-in with the risk of a queue.