16 vibrant new Manchester food & drink ventures to get excited about in 2017

The food and drink scene in Manchester just keeps going from strength to strength, with some independent traders, artisan markets and a number of other new openings to look forward to in the New Year.

The Laundrette

First Street’s new haunt is set to be famous for its cocktails and carbs including gin cocktails with popping candy served in little bathtubs. Opened earlier this month, the cocktails are expected to get even more inventive in 2017, plus you can also enjoy their supercharged food menu.

The Refinery

One of the newest additions to Manchester’s Spinningfields, this a restaurant offering seasonal menus, quirky cocktails and fine wines, British classics as well as dishes inspired by worldwide travels, all in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Where The Light Gets In, Stockport

Not for the fussy foodie. A £65 tasting menu awaits you at in this hidden warehouse loft, with all dishes made from what’s turned up on the day. Served from ‘Europe’s most open kitchen’, you’ll feel part of the show as you nervously sip your matching wines (£35 a flight).

Sevenbro7hers Bar

Salford-based brewery Seven Brothers plans to launch a city centre bar in 2017 following a Crowdfunding boost. The seven McAvoy brothers have secured a two storey property in Ancoats which will feature two bars and a kitchen. The plans are to serve Italian food and, of course, plenty of craft beer.

Bock Biere Cafe

Say goodbye to beef and hello to Belgian beer as the Bock Biere Cafe takes over the former site of the Filthy Cow restaurant on Tib Lane. Expect a three-storey continental beer cafe serving what is expected to be the biggest selection of Belgian beer in the city as well as a new food menu for January, with simple cheese and meat boards, fondue and dessert platers.

Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli comes to Don Giovanni

Renowned French-Italian chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and Manchester’s oldest Italian restaurant have joined forces, introducing a number of bespoke dishes to the menu and offering an exclusive ‘Chefs Table’ evening on January 17 2017 with tickets available now. Guests will be given the opportunity to meet the four-time Michelin Star and AA Rosette award winner and enjoy a five course menu. Tickets for this unique opportunity are available to purchase in the restaurant or online through Eventbrite.

Veggie-friendly and craft beer loving at Bundobust

This new street food restaurant and craft beer cafe opened recently at 61 Piccadilly and it’s expected to be a cuisine hotspot for the coming year. Specialising in small dishes influenced by southern India, many dishes are vegan and gluten-free. There’s also plenty of alcohol to enjoy – including a range of regularly-rotating guest beers, Indian-inspired cocktails and wine.

Gary Neville brings Mahiki to Manchester

Former United player Gary Neville has confirmed he will bringing the iconic celebrities’ favourite bar Mahiki to Manchester. It’s set to be the third in the world with sites already in London and Dubai, with the Manchester venue set to open in spring 2017 with a 20-year lease.

Food and Drink Hall set to open in The Northern Quarter

Inspired by Altrincham’s award-winning market, the Grade II listed Mackie Mayor building on Swan Street, one of the last remaining buildings from Smithfield Market, is set to become an artisan food and drink hall with seating for diners at a communal level and a mezzanine floor. Traders expected to feature include Tender Cow steakhouse, Katie’s Cakes, Blackjack Brewery and wood-fired pizza specialists Honest Crust.

Shoryu Ramen

Opened in December 2016, this Japanese-style ramen restaurant at 1 Piccadilly Gardens is expected to be a big hit.. It offers highly-crafted, quality Japanese cuisine and relaxed, stylish interiors. There is also a brilliant bar selection to enjoy, including sake, shochu and umeshu.

Mexica

One of the latest additions to Ancoats’ growing food and drink scene, this is a Mexican-inspired restaurant with bespoke interiors including beautiful murals from artist Peter Sheridan.  There will be fresh, inexpensive South American food and a selection of beers, wines and cocktails for you to enjoy. Great for grabbing a burrito or tucking into a taco.

Patisserie Liberté Manchester

This new French cafe and cake shop in the Northern Quarter opened on 10 Hilton Street in December and serves beautiful patisserie, breakfasts and lunches with a largely vegetarian menu. More vegan specials and gluten-free options are planned for 2017.

Cooper Hall

This massive underground beer hall recently opened in the Northern Quarter and features a range of European beers, street food traders and DJs.

Jimmys NQ

Good beer, good music gigs and Tim Peaks Coffee are the promise at this new Northern Quarter bar launched by One Night Only frontman George Craig.

Oxford Street Bistro at the Palace Theatre

A stylish new restaurant for the hungry theatre crowd at The Palace Theatre. The Oxford Street Bistro is on the first floor in the former Revue Bar, serving traditional favourites – and even the option of ordering dessert to eat during the show interval!

London favourite The Ivy comes to Manchester?

West End celebrity hotspot The Ivy appeared to hint at opening a branch in Manchester, with a recent Christmas video featuring Kylie Minogue wishing the city a Merry Christmas and saying ‘We look forward to seeing you in 2017!’ This is understood to refer to the Ivy Cafe, a branch of the original restaurant which turns 100 next year.