While many of Manchester’s restaurants, pubs and bars began to reopen last weekend, more will be starting to open their doors again this coming weekend and throughout the month, should you wish to venture out.
From breakfast at Dishoom and new menus (including a vegan one) at Wood, to al fresco tapas at El Gato Negro or a Sunday roast with all the gin at Three Little Words, here’s where will be open this weekend, with new safety measures in place.
“I was really pleased to see how smooth the reopening of the city’s bars and restaurants was last week. Everyone worked together to keep us all safe and I hope to see the same this weekend,” says Councillor Pat Karney.
“Although it’s encouraging that we are seeing a more normal Manchester returning, it doesn’t mean that we’re out of the woods yet. Think about your family members and those who might be more vulnerable than yourself. Think that you might be exposing loved ones to risk if you don’t stay safe yourself.
“So please have a great time – but do so responsibly and follow the guidelines put in place to limit the potential spread of the virus.”
Wood Manchester
Wood Manchester will be reopening from Friday 10th July along with a new menu, which is set to include vegan dishes for the first time.
Simon Wood’s all-new 5, 7 and 10 course tasting menus have been designed to cater for all diets including pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan guests, while the theatre and a la carte menus will be replaced with a 3-course, fixed price menu for £28pp.
New dishes include osso bucco with oregano and tomato vine oil and veal tenderloin, a vegan dish of artichoke, purple potato, truffle and blueberry, and a Big Purple One for pudding – which we hope is a nod to the popular chocolate.
Dishoom
Dishoom are bringing back their first-class Bombay comfort food and award-winning drinks in a beautiful (albeit slightly adjusted) space in Manchester Hall from Friday 10th.
As part of their measures to keep everyone safe, Dishoom have (for a limited time) opened reservations for groups of up to six at any time of day, including evenings.
Or if you’re happier at home for the moment, you can still get stuck into their new bacon naan roll kits, which are now available for nationwide delivery.
Three Little Words
Cocktail bar and restaurant Three Little Words and The Spirit of Manchester Distillery will reopen this weekend with a new set menu, a new summer gin, and a range of distillery experiences.
With two courses for £18.50 and three for £22.50, dishes include rainbow trout in nduja butter, and vegan options like coconut laksa, and a radish, apple and fennel summer salad – or there’s a piled-high Sunday roast (vegetarian option available) for £15.
To celebrate the launch, Manchester Gin have released a brand-new rose and hibiscus gin, available in Three Little Words as a summery G&T.
El Gato Negro
With al fresco pavement dining and a stunning terrace with retractable roof, El Gato are now back open in their historic three storey townhouse on King Street.
Their top tapas dishes to share include salt cod or jamon croquetas, harissa-spiced chicken with romesco sauce, and a stunning roasted cauliflower dish with shabu shabu satay dressing and fried chickpeas.
Booking is recommended, though they are open for walk-ins.
The Jane Eyre
The Ancoats neighbourhood bar is now back in business for cocktails, beers and small plates such as salt and pepper and salt cod scotch egg.
They’re taking taking bookings through the website, and each table will have a two hour time slot (which can be relaxed if they’re not at capacity).
Walk-ins are still accepted, though with reduced capacity there could be a wait, and there will be a one-way system clearly marked through the building and multiple sanitizing stations throughout.
Bundobust
The vegetarian Indian street food and craft beer specialists opened this week, with reduced capacity and new safety measures in place.
To enable physical distancing, they’ve increased the number of bookable tables, with a maximum of six guests per booking. Walk-ins are still available, and they’ve replaced the waiting area with a virtual queue if nothing’s immediately available.
Contactless menus and ordering are available via a QR code link on each table.
Southside
Not a reopening, but something brand new as a new late-night bar and restaurant has opened in Withington this week.
Southside, which specializes in tequila and tacos, has taken over the former Solomons Cafe Bar on Wilmslow Road, and sees the former owners teaming up with Crazy Pedro’s boss Lyndon Higginson.
The menu offers a range of tacos (including vegetarian and vegan versions), chips and drips, and a frozen margarita of the week.
BAB
The Little Lever Street kebab house opened this week, with their robata grilled breads, locally-sourced ingredients and homemade marinades and sauces.
New safety measures are in place, and you’ll need to book a table in advance – or they’re also on Deliveroo and are introducing apps for click and collect, so you can still enjoy some great tasting babs without dining in the restaurant.
Pen and Pencil
The Northern Quarter bar and restaurant has reopened its doors again this week, with an extensive list of safety measures in place.
Food serving hours have been extended to 9pm on a Friday and Saturday evening, and a £10 brunch and lunch with a drink menu is served Tuesday to Friday until 4pm, including the Hangover Hash: fried eggs served on a breakfast hash of BBQ beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, sausage and sauté potatoes.
They won’t be doing weekend DJ nights or open mic nights at the moment, but will still be holding the weekly quiz night on a Tuesday. Advance booking is advised.
Rev de Cuba
The Peter Street party bar opened its doors this week, with new measures in place including increased distancing, no cash payments, sanitiser stations and perspex screens between some tables.
There will be no live music just yet, though the Latin tunes will still be playing (at a reduced volume). Reservations are not essential but are highly recommended.
Mowgli, Gino and Cosy Club at Corn Exchange
Banyan, Berlin-inspired Doner Haus, authentic, family-run Italian restaurant Salvi’s and pan-Asian Tampopo are all opened on 4th with new measures in place.
Now Mowgli, Gino D’Acampo and Cosy Club have reopened their doors this week.
The Corn Exchange has implemented appropriate measures such as social distancing and a one-way system to ensure visitors can dine, relax and socialise in safety. Reservations are required.