Just one day after Greens in Didsbury revealed it would be closing its doors, another Manchester restaurant closure has been announced, this time being Cottonopolis. The Asian-inspired restaurant and bar on Newton Street within Manchester’s Northern Quarter will be closing permanently after eight years in order to make way for a new concept.
The venue will not reopen as Cottonopolis in 2024, but instead owners, Nick and Hayley Muir have confirmed there are already plans underway to launch a new brand. All is not lost as the Grade II listed building will undergo a fresh fit-out alongside an entirely new food and drink offering in early 2024.
Named after Manchester’s reputation as the epicentre of the country’s cotton industry, Cottonopolis initially launched in the historic Northern Quarter building in November 2015, serving Japanese food including fluffy bao buns and dreamy dumplings and uniquely-crafted cocktails. But after careful consideration, the founders made the decision to close the much-loved Cottonopolis on a high after a busy festive period.
Director Nick Muir commented: “Cottonopolis has become known as a staple part of the Northern Quarter bar and restaurant scene, we believe we’ve reached the end of our journey in its current guise. It’s been great, we’ve thrown some great parties, hosted weddings and worked with fantastic brands but we want to do something just as fresh. Like when it first came onto the NQ scene. It feels like the right time to bring an exciting new concept.
“We’ve already been hard at work with our team behind the scenes to develop our next adventure, which will bring a new quality place to eat and drink to the NQ, with the same exceptional standards we’ve become known for at Edinburgh Castle. We’d like to thank all of our guests for their loyalty over the last eight years, and we’re looking forward to sharing the next part of our journey with you.”
Nick and Hayley Muir are also the directors behind the Edinburgh Castle pub on Blossom Street, Ancoats. They transformed the derelict 200-year-old pub in Ancoats, building up its reputation for exceptional food and drink, resulting in the pub recently being named as one of the best gastropubs in the UK.
Further details about what will replace the Manchester restaurant and bar Cottonopolis after closing will be revealed later this month, with plans to reopen to the public early 2024.