Husband and wife team Stephen and Juliette Wall have opened their 15th branch of Pho in the newly redeveloped Corn Exchange Manchester.
The authentic Vietnamese street food restaurant was started in 2005 by the couple after they were inspired to open the UK’s first specialty pho restaurant, following the quitting of their jobs, travelling around the world, and falling in love with Vietnam’s national dish: pho.
Pho is a delicious and nutritious noodle soup, and this is at the heart of the menu at Pho restaurants. They also offer a variety of tasty Vietnamese street-food inspired dishes including spring and summer rolls, salads, wok-fried noodles, and curries, as well as beers, cocktails (like their signature Phojito) and fresh juices
Stephen is originally from Manchester and Jules is also a northerner, and both are excited to bring their restaurant back home.
The Good Food Guide has announced its 2016 top 50 restaurants and top 50 pubs but there’s not much for Manchester to boast about.
In the top 50 restaurants, just one Manchester eatery has achieved a rating: Simon Rogan’s excellent “The French” is rated at 17th. Looking towards Merseyside, the Michelin starred “Fraiche” has achieved a top ten place for the first time, coming in at 8th place.
The only other North West restaurant representatives on the list are “The Freemasons at Wiswell” in the Ribble Valley (42nd) and Nigel Haworth’s Michelin starred “Northcote”, near Blackburn (50th). It doesn’t come as any surprise to us that the top rated UK restaurant is, for the third year in a row, Simon Rogan’s wonderful “l’Enclume” at Cartmel in Cumbria.
The list of the top 50 pubs contains no Manchester or Merseyside names and only three from the North West. The one bright spot is that the Best Pub in the UK is named as the Ribble Valley’s “The Freemasons at Wiswell”, which also features on the restaurant list. We’ll be making the short trip out there pretty soon to check it out!
At 35th place is another Ribble Valley pub, “The Duke of York” at Grindleton, near Clitheroe, and in 41st place is “The White Hart” at Lydgate, near Saddleworth.
Diners in Manchester can now indulge in authentic Italian cuisine in one of the City’s most popular districts, thanks to the launch of the new Prezzo eatery on Deansgate, the third to open its doors in the city in just three years. Bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Manchester, the new Prezzo Manchester Deansgate restaurant officially opened on Friday 7th August following a £750,000 investment, creating 25 new jobs.
The contemporary style restaurant will seat 140 diners and offers guests a selection of hearty Italian dishes, alongside lighter bites, seasonal specials and delicious desserts. The bar serves a selection of the finest Italian beers, as well as a wide range of wines and specially crafted cocktails, making it perfect for diners to enjoy and relax in both before and after their meal.
James Mundy, a spokesperson from Prezzo Manchester Deansgate, said: “We’re really excited to be opening our third restaurant in Manchester. It’s such a vibrant city with an ever-changing food and drink scene, so we’re proud to be launching yet another eatery here just three years since we first arrived in the city. We chose Deansgate thanks to its bustling and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with diners to the area always looking for a high quality and unique food offering, which complements Prezzo perfectly”.
In recent years Stockton Heath has become one of Cheshire’s hotspots for eating out and we’d heard that the popular ten-year old Piccolinohad undergone a ‘glamorous’ transformation so we went along to check it out. We weren’t disappointed!
The existing unit has been completely refurbished very tastefully and the adjacent unit has been acquired , with fitting out work due to be completed very soon. As well as providing additional covers, the extension will include an ice cream and patisserie bar, a deli counter and, upstairs a new cocktail bar and private dining. But already the new enlarged Piccolinohas a real wow factor.
We were lucky enough to grab a table on the new, very popular, first floor Terrace which adapts between al fresco or indoor space according to the weather. A brilliantly conceived space which is beautifully presented.
The food standard of Piccolinohas always been highly rated and the bar has been raised even further. The a-la carte menu is extensive, focusing on classic Italian dishes, often with a twist, and it’s possible to eat well at low cost with pizzas and pastas or splurge on fine steaks or fish dishes. There’s also an attractive quick lunch menu at a good price.
Being in such a classy place encouraged us to go top end and for starters we plumped for the Carpaccio of Beef, an Isle of Man dressed crab (Granchio), a Truffle Tagliatelle and a House Salad. Four very different dishes and all delicious.
For mains we focused on the fish dishes and tucked into Merluzzo (roast cod with spicy sausage), Chargrilled Swordfish in a Salmoriglio sauce, Roast Salmon and Crab Ravioli. Every dish was nicely presented and excellently cooked.
Not much room left for desserts after that little lot but we shared a Panacotta with strawberries, described by our reviewers as the best they’d tasted, and a Coppa Stregata (an ice cream sundae served with Strega liqueur). A fitting end to a fine meal.
The lengthy wine list merits a special mention. Almost exclusively Italian good quality wines, at sensible prices. We enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc from Trentino so much that we just had to double up on it.
Add a large glass of Chianti Reserva and a 10 year old Vecchia Romagna brandy into the mix and we came away with a warm glow.
The bill? We’d done the menu and wine list full justice and we were very happy to fork out £190 for our party of four people. We’ll definitely be back in a few weeks’ time to see the fully completed transformation. - restaurants of manchester - August 2015 (visited on a Sunday Evening)
Wahaca has announced that it will open its doors at the Corn Exchange on Thursday 10th September, bringing its award winning style of Mexican market eating to Manchester. The Wahaca menu will offer a selection of Street Food dishes, such as the signature Pork Pibil Tacos (£4.10), British Chorizo & Squash Quesadillas (£4.25) or Pea & Mint Empanadas (£4.15), which are perfect for sharing. Also available on the menu will be Bigger Plates to enjoy all to oneself, such as MSC Fish Tacos, three Baja beach-shack style tacos with panko crumbed MSC cod, shredded slaw, chipotle mayo & pickled cucumber (£9.50) or a British Bavette Steak, marinated in a pasilla rub, served with grilled cheese, green rice & smoky meco salsa (£10.50).
Since opening in 2007, Wahaca has flown the flag for proper tequila, that is, the double distilled, 100% blue agave sort that earned the name ‘elixir of the gods’ in Central America. Along with its smokier, peaty cousin mezcal, varieties of the spirit will be a mainstay on the drinks menu. Wahaca’s cocktails blend the best mezcals and tequilas with Mexican flavours such as the Hibiscus Margarita, Tamarind Margarita and of course the Classic Margarita, with freshly squeezed lime (all £6.95). Also available will be twisted classics including the Bloody Maria, a Mexican take on the classic Bloody Mary with tequila, home mixed sangrita and a hit of spicy tobacco (£6.50), wines by the glass (from £4.40) and of course, Mexican beers by Corona, Pacifico and Modelo (from £3.65).
For Wahaca, sustainability is of the utmost importance, the new tostada uses the first MSC-certified crab in the UK and all ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, or transported with care for the environment. Where specialist ingredients have to be delivered from Mexico, the approach is to buy direct from local co-operatives that support local farming communities. The 180-cover restaurant extends over two floors, with additional seating for 40 people outside. Wahaca Manchester will also include a takeaway deli, open from 12-3pm, serving Wahaca’s signature burritos and salads as well as ingredients for anyone wanting to recreate a taste of Mexico at home.
The interior will uphold Wahaca’s commitment to fun and original site-specific design by showcasing specially commissioned graffiti art from Mexico City street artist, Le Super Demon. Renowned for his mix of geometry and metamorphosis with a dash of psychedelia, his beautiful murals explore the cycle of nature, life and death. In Manchester, Le Super Demon has taken inspiration from Mexican mythology and the Gods of Agriculture, specifically the God of Corn as a nod to the British agricultural heritage of The Corn Exchange.
Since the inaugural Covent Garden site, Wahaca has won numerous awards for quality, sustainability and design; including the SRA’s Sustainable Restaurant Group of the Year 2012 and 2013 as well as the Sustainable Innovation award in 2015, Best Pop-up from the Restaurant Bar and Design Awards 2013, the Observer Food Monthly Award for Best Cheap Eat in the UK, The Catey’s 2015 Sustainable Business Award and the title of one of the ‘UK’s coolest brands’.
Arc Inspirations has confirmed it will be opening the doors to Banyan Bar and Kitchen, its first bar and restaurant in Manchester, in the Corn Exchange at the beginning of October. With a sumptuous all-day offering using fresh, local ingredients, beautifully cooked and catering to all tastes and occasions, Banyan is ready to make an immediate impact in the city centre.
Occupying the corner unit of the Corn Exchange, Banyan has an impressive outdoor South facing terrace, offering 125 covers, giving customers the chance to enjoy the sunshine and views across Exchange Square, while two below ground private dining and party rooms, aptly named The Root and The Well, will enable guests to enjoy their special event in style.
During the day, the stylish and relaxing bar areas with floor to ceiling windows offer customers a perfect place to meet up for coffee and cake, breakfast/brunch, sharing boards, a nice chilled glass of champagne or a cocktail crafted by award winning mixologists. The comprehensive drinks menu includes an incredible array of cocktails, offering a mixture of the classics and some with a Banyan twist. The beer and wine list has been personally chosen by some of the best beer and wine connoisseurs in the country ensuring all tastes and palates are catered for.
The Kitchen area will seat 90, offering meals for everyone in a more formal setting. A huge open kitchen and a 20 cover Chef’s Table form part of the dining experience with attention to detail on the menu second to none, using fresh local produce to provide customers with a meal of the finest quality.
Martin Wolstencroft, Managing Director of Arc Inspirations, said; “The Corn Exchange is a unique, historic location, right in the heart of Manchester’s retail core and we’re excited about introducing Banyan into this burgeoning mix of restaurants and bars. Banyan is a stylish and genuine bar, serving beautiful food and drink – every last detail focusses on these principles. As a result, we’re a destination for all occasions and we’re looking forward to forging a path in the North West. We pride ourselves on hand picking personable members of staff, to ensure all our customers enjoy a welcoming experience on every visit. Banyan is a place you visit once, set down roots and return time and time again. We look forward to meeting you all in October!”.
La Meets Nq As Retro Diner Opens Its Infamous Doors With Vip Launch
The one million pound Infamous Diner opened its doors in style on Thursday, July 23, with a star studded VIP party. Coronation Street stars Brooke Vincent, Katie McGlynn and Catherine Tyldesley joined a host of other celebs, journalists and VIPs, to celebrate the opening of the diner, which brings together LA and the NQ.
The 1950’s inspired ‘all American’ diner with more than a side of the Northern Quarter, opened with a stateside splash with guests tucking into mini burgers, dogs , mac n cheese, toasted sandwiches, marinara meatballs, French toast, waffles and New York cheesecake all made fresh daily on the premises.And they enjoyed tipples from the newly created cocktail menu including Strawberry Daiquiris, Californian Caiprinha and frozen maragarita shots, whilst being entertained by the Infamous cheerleaders, the Norternettes band and Elvis and Buddy Holly impersonators.
Open from 7am until late, seven days a week (9am on Sunday) and with capacity for more than 80, MAD (Mark Andrew Developments) the name behind favourite hot spots Rosylee, Walrus and Hula among others, promises big flavours, big plates and service with a smile from its 50’s styled servers. With no expense spared, there’s a perfect ‘back to the future’ marble counter with raspberry pink booths, silver ceiling and LA neon lighting throughout, creating a stunning setting for cocktails, food and fun, including a juke box with retro tunes from the era.
In true diner spirit, there’s also free refills on filter coffee, an authentic American breakfast menu that includes pancake stacks and waffles with maple syrup available through the day, as well as hot dogs, burgers, shakes, fries and sides, all created by Group Executive Head Chef, Chris Byron and starting from £3.75 for a breakfast.
MAD’s mixologists have also been working up a new cocktail menu that will put Infamous firmly on the bar map with American Bourbon classics including the Maple Manhattan and Salted Caramel Old Fashioned. Plus the newly created Infamous Invents list, with concoctions that include the Coconut & Lychee Margarita, Californian Caiprinha and Palm Springs, starting from £6.
“Manchester thinks it has had American diners before but there has been nothing like the Infamous Diner,” said Mark Andrew, Managing Director. “We have created the perfect diner that comes straight out of ‘Back to the Future’, Hairspray and all the classic movies. The name sums it up. It will be Infamous and we can’t wait to open the doors on a new experience for Mancunians.”
And Infamous made sure it didn’t leave out customers on launch day, giving away 300 free burgers and bags of popcorn ‘in a first come first served’ giveaway at noon before the VIP party. “We wanted to give our customers a taste of Infamous Diner and had a huge queue today where we gave out free burgers and popcorn and we’re looking forward to giving them an Infamous Diner welcome on our first day of opening tomorrow,” added Mark.
A new wine bar/casual dining restaurant is to open on Deansgate, and will be named 'Tapeo'. The business operates from Salford, but further information on the new venture is currently unavailable. _ August 2015
An application has been received by Manchester City Council, to open a new restaurant; My Pasta by Gino D'Acampo, in the former Zinc unit located in the Corn Exchange. This is the latest confirmed new eaterie in the soon to land revamp on the building. _ August 2015
Lunya Liverpool has recently been voted as the Good Food Guides NW reader's restaurant of the year, which is great news in itself. However, this is now to Manchester's benefit too, as they are launching in the city, to be situated in Barton Arcade. _ August 2015
The former Lucha Libra unit in The Great Northern Warehouse has quickly been snapped up by Northern Quarter sweet sensation Home Sweet Home. Specialising in pancakes and all things sweet, Home Sweet Home GNW will feature a new open-kitchen, a coffee shop 'vibe' out front, a lazy lounge area and American-style booths. _ August 2015
