One of the Northern Quarter’s best-kept secrets? Iconic restaurant celebrates 20 years

It’s a milestone few restaurants reach, especially in an industry as tough as hospitality. 

Yet, The Northern Quarter Restaurant (TNQ) is proudly celebrating 20 years at the heart of Manchester’s restaurant scene, having established itself as one of the city’s most enduring dining institutions. 

Founded in 2004 by Jobe Ferguson, he set out with a team of Hammed, Younis, Ben Eagles, and Marcey. 

Fast forward to 2024, and TNQ has weathered two decades of change with a mix of grit, passion, and commitment to quality, innovation and moving with the times. 

The Northern Quarter Restaurant

Jobe Ferguson, the driving force behind TNQ, recalls a journey that began humbly.

“My first job was as a kitchen porter at a local hotel in the Scottish Borders when I was 15, earning two pounds an hour. 

“I ended up getting fired by the sous chef for calling him a name, which you probably wouldn’t want to repeat here,” he laughed. 

This early setback did little to deter him, however, and Ferguson’s career in hospitality blossomed, eventually leading him to Manchester and the then-fledgling Northern Quarter.

In 2004, Manchester’s Northern Quarter was a much different place. 

“The area wasn’t very developed then; there were just a few spots like Centro, Cord, and Matt & Phred’s, plus a handful of pubs.

“It’s always been such a historic place, full of creatives with beautiful buildings. It hadn’t quite found its footing back then,” Jobe recalled. 

“One day, by chance, I was out walking with my brother and passed by 108 High Street—now TNQ. 

“It’s part of the old Smithfield fish market, and I thought, what an amazing place this would be for a restaurant.” 

The next hurdle was finding the money to finance everything. 

“I remember now very clearly heading into HSBC, just 28 years old with my business plan. Incredibly, they approved the loan, £150,000. It just wouldn’t happen nowadays. 

“The lovely lady at the bank even gave me a dozen eggs from her own smallholding when she gave me the news. It was incredible, off and running at 28. It would be much harder to gain that kind of loan these days. 

An area with huge potential

Drawn to the area’s heritage and its promising potential, Jobe signed the lease in August 2004 and opened TNQ’s doors later that October.

Reflecting on TNQ’s start, he remembers the early days as challenging but formative. 

“In 2004, we were everyone’s ‘best-kept secret,’ which I appreciated, though I sometimes thought, great, but I’m still working for free here. The first few years were tough as the area was still developing,” he said. 

Working around the clock, Ferguson ran the front of house himself, with just a few kitchen staff to back him up. 

The local secret to success

A cornerstone of TNQ’s philosophy has been the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. 

“From the start, the emphasis on food provenance has been central.  We source locally whenever possible, make everything in-house—from baking bread to preparing stocks—and keep the design and feel of TNQ classic and simple,” Jobe explained.

The focus on provenance wasn’t just a marketing tactic; it was an authentic commitment to the region’s produce long before it became trendy to highlight local sourcing.

“We’re fortunate to have such a wealth of quality ingredients in the North West, from beef from the Trough of Bowland to fresh seafood from Fleetwood.  

“It’s like the North West is its own garden of fantastic produce,” he said. 

It’s only been in recent years, however, that Jobe and his team have actively promoted this dedication to local sourcing.  “Looking back, it was probably naïve not to shout about it sooner, but now it’s something we’re proud to share.”

The restaurant’s wine list is another showcase of TNQ’s dedication to quality. 

“I’ve been fortunate to visit most of the vineyards whose wines we now serve,” he shared.  Last November, he journeyed to Zuccardi in Argentina, a world-renowned vineyard nestled against the Andes. 

“Standing in the vineyard, looking out over the Andes, was truly the trip of a lifetime.” 

These personal connections, such as TNQ’s relationship with the Spanish winery Casa Roja, enable TNQ to offer a wine list that’s as thoughtfully curated as its menu.

An amazing team of staff

Reflecting on what has kept TNQ thriving for two decades, Jobe was quick to credit his team. 

“The team, undoubtedly. We have an incredibly low staff turnover. For instance, Anthony Fielden, who’s now my co-owner, started here 17 years ago as a chef. 

Steve, our sous chef, has been with us for 10 years, and Martin, our general manager, started over 10 years ago as a waiter,” he said. 

The long tenures of TNQ’s staff speak volumes about the restaurant’s supportive culture and commitment to fair treatment. “Our approach to staff pay, especially around service charges, has always been fair—the team receives the full amount.  “That’s helped build loyalty over the years,” Ferguson explained. 

Happy Birthday TNQ

It’s this ethos that’s fostered a culture where staff feel valued and motivated to stay.  When Ferguson posted a “Happy Birthday, TNQ” message online, he was touched by the responses from former employees who reminisced about their time at TNQ, with many recalling it as one of the best places they’d worked.

Twenty years have seen Manchester’s dining scene evolve dramatically. “Back in 2004, there wasn’t much happening in the city’s food scene,” Ferguson recalled. 

“Now, with all these new concepts and people moving up from London, it’s clear they see the potential here.” 

TNQ was one of the first restaurants to bet on the Northern Quarter, and Ferguson’s intuition proved spot-on. Today, the area is packed with bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, each contributing to Manchester’s dynamic food culture.

Hospitality industry challenges in Manchester

Yet, for all the successes, Ferguson acknowledges the challenges facing the industry. 

The cost of living crisis, inflation, and rising food and drink prices have placed enormous pressure on hospitality businesses. Jobe said: “If business rates relief is taken away, that’ll add tens of thousands in costs.

“And it would be helpful if VAT in the UK, which is currently at 20%, could be reduced to match the 6-10% rate for hospitality in mainland Europe.

“Such a reduction would make a huge difference.” 

These challenges are compounded by labour costs, with increases in employers’ National Insurance contributions adding strain to already tight margins.

Despite these pressures, Jobe is committed to evolving and adapting. 

Each year, TNQ refreshes its menu seasonally, and their popular Gourmet Nights—exclusive dining events hosted in collaboration with winemakers and other culinary talents—remain a highlight.

“Every year, we try to elevate our Gourmet Nights and add some variety,” Jobe shared, hinting at an exciting lineup of eight or nine events planned for the coming year.

Gourmet Nights at The Northern Quarter Restaurant

Here’s a full list of the Gourmet Nights TNQ has planned for 2025

Alpine Adventure 26th March g

Zuccardi 30th April

Chapel Down 21st May

Casa Rojo 25th June

West Coast USA 23rd July

Western Australia 27th August

Champagne and Seafood with the Taittinger family 24th and 25th September

Tea in Tuscany Antinori 15th October

Spotlight on Cabernet 19th November

You can book one of these nights at TNQ by clicking here. 

A loyal customer base

One of TNQ’s most cherished aspects is its relationship with loyal customers. 

“Some of them have been coming in weekly for about 20 years!” Ferguson says, visibly moved by the loyalty of TNQ’s patrons.

“We’ve developed close friendships with them and many other neighbours and local business owners.” 

The restaurant’s deep roots in the community are a testament to its lasting appeal, and TNQ has become a beloved fixture not only for its cuisine but also for its role as a neighbourhood gathering place.

As TNQ celebrates 20 years, Ferguson reflects on the journey with pride and gratitude. 

“The core vision has always stayed the same: we’re a neighbourhood restaurant,” he said. 

This modest description belies TNQ’s status as one of Manchester’s most respected modern British restaurants, built on a foundation of quality, loyalty, and community spirit.

Looking ahead, TNQ is poised to continue its legacy, navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

Whether it’s through their seasonal menus, dedication to local sourcing, or those legendary Gourmet Nights, The TNQ team and his team are committed to providing an exceptional dining experience. 

For Manchester locals and visitors alike, TNQ remains a must-visit, embodying the best of what the city’s dining scene has to offer. 

Here’s to 20 more years of The Northern Quarter Restaurant—where passion for food and dedication to community meet in the heart of Manchester.

You can find out more on their website by clicking here