After a thriving 2023 in Manchester – which was surprisingly filled with new openings despite the cost of living crisis – the city is set to gain a number of incredible new businesses, many of which have seen the value in Mancunia after finding cult success in London. Here’s just some of the new openings we’re excited to see in Manchester in 2024.
1. Soho House
Another of London’s huge successes, Soho House is finally making its way to Manchester, and is set to take over the Old Granada Studios this year. Due to open in 2024 after some delays, the exclusive member’s club will consist of a rooftop pool and bar area, event spaces, wellness facilities and a bar and dining room. Soho House also recently held a Secret Sounds gig featuring the Sugababes to kickstart their presence in the city, as well as tease what’s to come. Soho House, Quay St, M3 3GS.
2. Maya
Adding to the exciting new openings coming to Manchester in 2024 is a bar and restaurant serving modern European classics, Maya. Opening its doors in early 2024, Maya, will take guests from day to night, with an electric destination bar, canal-side brasserie serving modern-European classics, and lower ground-floor dining room with an ingredient-led menu curated by Northern-born, Gabe Lea, who cut his teeth at Michelin-starred establishments, Le Manoir and The French at The Midland Hotel. Maya, 40 Chorlton Street, M1 3HW.
3. Ottoman Bar & Grill
Having built up a reputation and fanbase in their home town of Chorley, Ottoman Bar & Grill will be opening a second venue (and their first in Manchester) at Affinity Living Riverside. Ottoman Bar & Grill specialises in authentic Turkish cuisine and will be serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their new venue which opens in February 2024. Menu highlights will include Ottoman’s famous chicken and lamb shish kebabs, served with Turkish rice and Arabic salad, freshly made bread and homemade hummus, and specials such as the Lamb Butterfly. Ottoman Bar & Grill, Affinity Living Riverside. 32 Quay St, Salford, M3 5FZ.
4. Fairfield Social Club
A brand new multi-space events venue, called Fairfield Social Club, is set to open its doors in Manchester neighbourhood Red Bank as part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme. Created by the team behind GRUB, Manchester’s biggest street food venue and events space, Fairfield Social will be located just off Angel Meadow Park and is due to open on Friday 1 March, 2024. Visitors to the club will be able to relax with a drink and enjoy culinary options from all around the world in Manchester’s greenest beer garden as well as attend collaborative supper clubs from the best indie chefs in the region.
5. Skof
Roux Scholar, Great British Menu winner and former executive chef of three Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume in Cartmel, Lake District, Tom Barnes, has announced will be opening Skof, a 36-cover restaurant in the NOMA neighbourhood in Manchester city centre. With a vision to create an unpretentious yet ambitious dining experience in the North, Tom Barnes will open Skof just a stone’s throw away from New Century. Known as one of the most skilful young chefs in the country, Tom has been developing menus that are deceptively simple yet brimming with technique and full of flavour. Skof, Federation and Hanover Street, M4 4BF.
6. Flat Iron
One of London’s budget-friendly restaurants known for serving up steaks for just £13 each, Flat Iron, has set its sights on Manchester with the hope of opening a spot on Deansgate. First opening in Shoreditch, Flat Iron has grown at a rapid pace and now has 12 branches in the capital stretching from Westfield London to Waterloo. The clue is in the name but Flat Iron serves up succulent flat iron steak, despite it being less tender than the likes of ribeyes or fillets, this cut is cheaper but still full of flavour. In December 2023, the planning application was approved, however an opening date is yet to be confirmed. Flat Iron, 200-204 Deansgate, M3 3NN.
7. The Royal Nawaab at Stockport Pyramid
After sitting empty for over five years, it has been confirmed that the iconic 86,000 sq ft blue pyramid in Stockport is being transformed into a massive all-you-can-eat curry house and banquet hall and is expected to open in Summer 2024. Royal Nawaab, an award-winning restaurant chain with roots in Levenshulme, revealed the news on social media, saying: “Unveiling the Grandeur: New Royal Nawaab Manchester Opening Summer 2024. Until we open visit our two branches in Perivale and Ilford.” Royal Nawaab, The Pyramid Building, The Valley of Kings, Stockport, SK4 2JZ.
8. Rigatoni’s
In January 2024, a new pasta joint will open in four Greater Manchester locations, with each restaurant serving hearty bowls of house-made Rigatoni from just £7.50. Founded by the team behind Manchester-born pasta spot SUD, previously named Sugo Pasta Kitchen, Rigatoni’s aims to bring quality pasta to the masses. The new openings will open in the former SUD locations in and around Manchester including Altrincham, Ancoats, Sale, plus Exhibition in the city centre. Rigatoni’s, 22 Shaw’s Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1QU | 46 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6BF | 7-8 Stanley Square, Sale M33 7XZ | St George’s House, 56 Peter St, M2 3NQ.
9. Shipyard
We can’t get enough of the food halls here in Manchester. From Mackie Mayor to Society, Greater Manchester is brimming with food and drink hubs, however word on the street is there are more to come, including one in Spinningfields known as Shipyard. Set to open by the River Irwell, Shipyard will take up residence on the edge of St John’s masterplan (Entreprise City). The new 29,400 sq ft (2,730 sq m) food and drink hall plans feature a terrace, private dining space, a stage for events and plant rooms in addition to multiple kitchens and bars.
10. Medlock Canteen
Last but not least, one of the new openings coming to Manchester is Medlock Canteen, the latest concept from the team behind Belzan and Madre, which will open in Spring 2024 at Deansgate Square. Taking inspiration from two distinct styles of eateries found on the opposite side of the Atlantic; Medlock Canteen is inspired by the informality, accessibility and hospitality of American Diners and Parisian Bistros with a menu centred around dishes ‘you know and love to eat’. Medlock Canteen, Deansgate Square, Owen Street, M15 4YB.