After a thriving 2022 in Manchester – which was surprisingly filled with new openings despite the aftermath of the pandemic – 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 2023.
1. Sexy Fish
While only rumoured, it’s reported that Sexy Fish will open in the former Armani unit near Australasia, Spinningfields this year, bringing the highly-esteemed sushi restaurant to the North for the first time ever. Should the new restaurant go ahead, Mancs can expect grand décor and beautiful sculptures, alongside Michelin-worthy food. Stay tuned for more details on the opening.
2. 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 sometime this year, 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 revealed an artist’s impression of the design for its Manchester venue and it looks stunning as members will be able to see some of the city’s iconic landmarks up high and sat by the pool. Stay tuned for more.
3. Maya
Adding to the exciting new openings coming to Manchester in 2023 is a bar and restaurant serving modern European classics, Maya. Situated within an iconic location of Manchester’s nightlife history and split across three floors, Maya will house numerous areas, each with its own vibe, to take guests from day to night. From a canal-side brasserie space serving modern-European classics to a lower ground-floor, elegantly designed dining room that will centre around an ingredient-led, locally sourced and seasonal menu. Maya is expected to open in Spring 2023.
4. Boxpark
Following major success in London, Boxpark is coming to Manchester, rivalling the existing shipping container complex, Hatch, as the city’s street food destination. Pioneering the trend back in 2011, Boxpark will bring its innovative vision to the city for the first time in the business’s history, alongside local street foodie spots, shops, events and more. Stay tuned for more details on this opening.
5. North Westward Ho
One notable name in the Manchester craft brewing world and beyond is Pomona Island Brew Co, who have revealed that they’re embarking on a new venture. Stepping out of Escape to Freight Island where they’ve been pulling thousands of pints, the Pomona team are opening up their very own pub in Manchester. Known as ‘North Westward Ho’, the pub’s name comes from the legendary old pub ship that was moored at Pomona Docks in the Seventies, however the Pomona Island version will be firmly on dry land.
6. Great North Pie
The newest addition to the thriving Kampus neighbourhood, Great North Pie is set to bring new life to Little David Street – one of Manchester’s last remaining cobbled streets. Serving up proper pie and mash with matching beers and prosecco, the concept is set to be an absolute Northerner’s dream, and the first-ever bricks and mortar venue for the beloved piemakers. Stay tuned for more details on the opening.
7. Madre
North West-born taco spot Madre has seen huge success in just a few short years – not only bringing the deep flavours of Mexico to Liverpool’s Albert Dock, but also to cult-fave city centre venue Escape to Freight Island (where, I will admit, I’ve inhaled one or two kilos worth of their nachos in recent months). Now, the taco slingers are set to cast their net a little wider, joining the bustling Kampus neighbourhood sometime this year.
8. Gail’s
One spot that is a bit of a big deal in the capital is Gail’s Bakery, and word on the street is the much-loved bakery could be venturing up north for the very first time. The brand’s first neighbourhood bakery in the North West will open in Wilmslow in early 2023, with further locations in the region to be announced this year, which should include the highly-anticipated Manchester location. The new bakeries will serve Gail’s artisan sourdough breads, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes alongside its specialty house blend coffee.
9. Bohemian Arts Club
Open on Lower Hillgate, Stockport in early 2023, the venue is currently undergoing a huge renovation transforming it from a derelict and run down space to what will be a chic and intimate cocktail bar on the first and second floors and a hair salon on the ground floor. The bar, with an entrance hidden on the cobbled street of Coopers Brow, has been inspired by speakeasies from across the globe that owners Tom and Katie Ogden have visited whilst touring the world.
10. PUBLIC
Opening in Spring 2023, PUBLIC will bring modern Izakaya to Stevenson Square. Spread over two floors, this latest opening will offer a new take on brunch at weekends, with evenings focusing on live-fire cooking, an extensive cocktail list and late-night DJs. With the arrival of PUBLIC, the Northern Quarter is expected to be even more thriving.
11. Lucky Cat
Adding to the new openings this year, Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat is expected to open in Manchester later this year, promising Asian-inspired small plates, Robata grilled dishes with sushi and sashimi too. Gordon and his Executive Head Chef have designed each dish to be shared at the centre of the table in a communal dining experience. Branching out of Mayfair, Lucky Cat will take over the former site of Jamie’s Italian and HSBC on King Street near Hotel Gotham.