New Tusk bar brings a knob of the NQ and a slice of South Africa to Heaton Moor

Fresh from a complete refurb and makeover, Tusk Heaton Moor is light and modern, with palm print wallpaper, oak panelling, brass features and neon lighting, giving a colonial yet contemporary feel.

No expense has been spared with  a marble bar top, oak plantation shutters and brass finishes throughout, with sumptuous foliage and a mix of soft cushioned seating and dining chairs for flexible eating.  The innovative lighting and new sound system creates a stunning setting for cocktails, music and food, complete with a snug area for more private or group bookings.

Open from 9am until late, seven days a week, owners Mark Andrew Developments, the name behind Northern Quarter hot spots such as Rosylee, Walrus and Hula, promise delicious cocktails and fantastic food in stylish surroundings.

For breakfast, coffee made from Ancoats Coffee Co beans is served alongside a full breakfast menu that includes homemade potato cakes with streaky bacon (£3), a full English and a halloumi breakfast at £7.95 and £7.50 respectively, and a simply sourdough section which celebrates the finest sourdough bread, delivered daily from the Lovingly Artisan bakery in The Lake District.

Throughout the day, they will be serving quality, grilled meats such as 28 day dry aged sirloin steak with hand cut chips at £17.95, classic salads and lighter bites like the smoked tuna carpaccio £7.25 and toasted sandwiches with skinny fries, which start at £5.95.

The stars of the show are the handcrafted pizzas, stone-baked in a traditional, Italian pizza oven, made from dough handmade daily on site. The pizzas, created by exec chef Jayne Brady and head chef Adam Hinton, start from £7.50 and include wild mushroom and truffle (£9.95), smoked duck and spring onion (10.95) and two vegan pizzas (Green with Envy and The Mediterranean) both priced at £8.50. Gluten-free diners won’t be disappointed, with the kitchen offering gluten-free pizza bases, bread and burger buns.

MAD’s mixologists have also been working up a new cocktail menu that will put Tusk Heaton Moor firmly on the bar map. Featuring MAD’s famous Zombie (£9.50) packed full of rum and tropical juices, there are also some refreshing twists on much-loved classics like the Garden Margarita and South Manchester Bramble, both priced at £7.50, and the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini at £8.

The cocktails sit alongside an impressive selection of draught and bottled beers, a solid wine list and a back bar boasting over 200 spirits. Gin is a favourite, as shown by the Gin Copa list, which offers guests their choice of gin with the perfectly-matched botanicals and specific tonic to enhance the flavour. For anyone looking for some sparkle, there is also a range of prosecco, sparkling wines and champagnes including the very special Ace of Spades.

“I’ve lived in the area for 23 years and I’m ecstatic to be bringing our latest venture here,” says Mark Andrew, managing director of owners MAD Ltd. “We’ve evolved Tusk for Heaton Moor and created a really unique space, which will be the perfect backdrop for enjoying cocktails, music and a casual dining experience.”

Tusk Heaton Moor is open throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, with VIVA Ems on the decks from 9pm on Saturday 27^th August, bringing her mix of funky house and party classics.

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