Another month, another round of new openings – and there’s plenty to get stuck into.
Whether you’re into glitzy late-night hang outs, casual dining turnarounds or award-winning burritos, let’s just say there’s something on the list for you this October.
From the brand new Shogun Ramen and Bar, which sees beloved Chorlton restaurant Peck & Yard give it ‘one more shot’ with a ramen and sushi concept, to Mayfair celeb haunt Mnky Hse, keep reading to discover where to put on your list this month.
Shogun Ramen and Bar
Image: Shogun Ramen and Bar
Image: Shogun Ramen and Bar
Fans and staff alike were heartbroken when Chorlton restaurant Peck & Yard announced it was closing its doors for good in August, so we’re all happy to see the team return under a new guise.
Switching from baskets of fried chicken to steaming bowls of ramen and handrolled sushi, bosses will try something entirely new as they delve into the world of Japanese cuisine.
The concept is something they had originally considered before opening Peck & Yard, and they said that “with the times we’re in” they thought “why not go back to the original idea and give this one last shot”.
Soft launch 1 October from 5pm, open from 6 October.
Mnky Hse
Image: Mnky Hse
Image: Mnky Hse
Late-night bar and restaurant Mnky Hse (pronounced “monkey house”) is set to be taking over a space in Lloyd House this month.
First opened in Mayfair, London, in 2016, it will be the second UK site for the restaurant and its first in the north of England when it opens its doors this September.
Known for its ‘hidden entrance’, Instagram-friendly interiors, live music, extensive cocktail menu and Latin American dishes, here you’ll find a great range of tacos – both soft and crunchy – alongside a range of sushi, ceviche and grill dishes.
14 October
Tortilla, Oxford Road
Image: Tortilla
Image: Tortilla
Mexican food chain Tortilla has arrived in Manchester, bringing a new burrito shop to the Oxford Road student stretch this month.
Offering a range of award-winning burritos, nachos and tacos, you’ll also find quesadillas, chips and salsa, salad bowls and more on the menu.
The most hyped brunch restaurant in the city is opening a third site at the Circle Square development on Oxford Road at the end of this month.
With a later license allowing it to stay open longer and serve cocktails, beers and natural wines into the night, Federal Cafe & Bar will look to host occassional events at its new home
Plans for the new site include a new cafe set up, the addition of a corner shop, as well as a late alcohol license.
A new arrival in Longridge, Fell Bistro comes from former Masterchef the Professional finalist Oli Martin who previously spent eight years at four AA rosette restaurant Hipping Hall.
With head chef Rikki Hughes, previousl of Tom Kerridge’s Michelin pub The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, heading up the kitchen we expect great things.
The menu offers a selection of classic dishes with their wood fired oven and grill featuring prominently. Elsewhere, find hearty Sunday lunches and light bites.
Open now
Bread and Bowl, Spinningfields
There are carb overloads, and then there is Bread & Bowls‘ Full English breakfast in a hollowed-out loaf.
First launched in February 2020, these ginormous loaves of sourdough – stuffed with fry-up favourites like high-grade local sausages, crispy streaky bacon, beans, cheese, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and hash browns – became something of a hungover lockdown sensation.
Now, you can find them at the new Spinningfields coffee shop 92 Degrees, housed inside the no.1 Spinningfields building Served between 8am and 4pm every day.
Open now
Bold Street Coffee, Oxford Road
Liverpool-born Bold Street Coffee has just opened its second shop here in the space of a few months.
Moving into the universities territory, the new site is found at University Green just off Oxford Road.
Serving the same menu as its Cross Street site, head down for egg boxes, signature BSC frys, and hearty bowls of super porridge and granola.
Open now
Feature image – Federal / Tortilla / The Manc Eats
The Guides
The 10 best places to get your pistachio fix in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Pistachio is having a bit of a *moment* right now – if it’s not green and nutty, Manchester doesn’t want to know.
This delicious ingredient, commonplace in Italian and Middle Eastern desserts for generations, has become the dessert It Girl of the 2020s.
Moving on from baklavas and gelatos, you’ll now find pistachio infiltrating lattes, cookies, cheesecakes, chocolate bars, pancake stacks and loads more.
Whether you like yours to still come in the shape of a nut, or are happy for it to be whizzed up into that ubiquitous pistachio creme, we’ve found 10 of the best places to get your pistachio fix in Manchester.
Half Dozen Other, Oxford Road and Red Bank
Pistachio cookie at Half Dozen Other, Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Half Dozen Other comes from the team behind Pot Kettle Black, with a huge bakery site over in the Green Quarter and now a cafe on Oxford Road too.
It’s at that latter site where you’ll get one of the best pistachio desserts in Manchester – a luminous green cookie, stuffed to bursting with dark and white chocolate chips and pistachios too.
It’s proven so popular, and so delicious, it’s now part of their core bakes range.
The Half Dozen Other team dream up brand-new bakes every single week to go alongside their staple croissants, and they’re all amazing.
Black Milk, Oldham Road
The full pistachio range at Black Milk ManchesterA pistachio milkshake with pistachio cake on top at Black Milk
Oh hi there, is that you, looking for the best desserts in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place.
These guys are the OG (and best) creators of pistachio creme, sold in jars online, in store, in Co-op and in Selfridges (ooh fancy). They also make their own granola, including a pistachio and white chocolate flavour.
Black Milk has been a firm Manc favourite for years now, thanks to its outrageous cereal bowls (the bowl is chocolate), milkshakes topped with a slice of cake, cheesecakes constructed in a chocolate bowl, and giant pancake stacks.
You can get all of those with lashings of that iconic pistachio creme too – it’s a must-visit.
Sipp, Great Ancoats Street and Deansgate Square
Sipp has teamed up with Black Milk for pistachio matchas. Credit: The Manc Group
Matcha girlies, assemble! Sipp is a coffee shop that’s doing some of the best iced drinks in town.
Based in the General Stores in Ancoats and Deansgate Square – and with their own coffee shop soon to open in Chorlton – these guys don’t mess around when it comes to delicious flavoured matchas.
They’ve got one on the menu that’s made with Black Milk’s pistachio creme – a green dream – or you can order their best-seller, a refreshing coconut and raspberry concoction.
Cocoa Cabana, Cutting Room Square
Cocoa Cabana in Manchester sells the viral Dubai pistachio chocolate. Credit: The Manc Group
If you haven’t yet come across the Dubai pistachio chocolate bars, you simply aren’t spending enough time online.
These enormous bars are stuffed with pistachio sauce and knafeh, a crunchy, traditional Arabic pastry that is sort of reminiscent of when you use to make Easter nests with a Shredded Wheat in primary school.
Cocoa Cabana finishes theirs in a shimmering coat of edible gold (because why not).
This brilliant chocolate cafe also has smores platters, fondue, afternoon teas and loads more – see more about Cocoa Cabana here.
Alex’s Bakery, Deansgate
You can get pistachio tres leche cake at Alex’s BakeryPistachio French toast at Alex’s Bakery
Tucked in amongst all the brilliant local names lining the side of Deansgate and Great Northern is Alex’s Bakery, which shot to fame for its cupcakes and brownies but actually nails every dessert you can think of.
Come for the cakes but stay for the brunches, which include pancake stacks and huge wedges of French toast generously drizzled in pistachio creme and white chocolate.
Oh god and PLEASE don’t skip out on their tres leches cakes – soft sponge cakes beloved in South America, which come in loads of flavours here. The tiramisu and pistachio ones top our list.
If you can’t make it into town, Alex’s Bakery also has a big online shop you can order from.
The Flat Baker, Ancoats
Pistachio soft serve in a croissant from Flat BakerFlat Baker is the home of the pistachio croissant
It would be remiss of me to not include the Flat Baker in any round-up of pistachio flavoured things.
This Ancoats bakery goes viral all the time for its pistachio-stuffed croissants, with steady queues at their little hatch on Radium Street and queues at the Christmas Markets that were so long they actually left the markets altogether.
Known for blending traditional baking with Brazilian influences, here you’ll find crispy pastries baked fresh daily – and it’s the home of the pistachio croissant.
In summer, they even serve pistachio soft serve in a croissant cone.
DGHNT, Mackie Mayor
DGHNT’s pistachio tiramisu doughnut in Mackie Mayor, Manchester
The biggest and best doughnuts in town are being served in Mackie Mayor, by the legendary DGHNT.
These artisan brioche delights are baked fresh daily, with a constantly evolving cabinet full of specials.
One of the best – and thankfully most frequently-returning – is the pistachio tiramisu, where that pillowy brioche dough is stuffed with tiramisu filling before being coated in a pistachio cream glaze and candied pistachios. Yum.
Nur Cafe, Deansgate
There’s an Arabian cafe on Deansgate that’s a nur brainer (sorry) for authentic Middle Eastern pastries and sweet treats – and yes, that means pistachio aplenty.
It can’t stop going viral online for its sweet treats, from tres leches cakes to pistachio lattes.
There’s also really, really good baklava on offer here, plus full Turkish breakfasts, French pastries, spiced Saudi coffees, and shakshuka.
Ornella’s Kitchen, Denton
The pistachio carbonara from Ornella’s Kitchen. Credit: The Manc GroupPistachio gelato in a Sicilian brioche bun. Credit: The Manc Group
Italian restaurants don’t get much more authentic (or popular) than Ornella’s Kitchen in Denton.
This tiny little restaurant and deli has you’ll find proper Italian pistachio gelato, served in a soft Sicilian brioche bun.
And it makes its way onto the savoury menu too, in the form of a pistachio carbonara with crispy guanciale pieces that burst in little salty mouthfuls against the rich and creamy pasta sauce.
This place will have been all over your FYP page if you’ve ever expressed any interest in food.
Chai Cabin in Bolton is serving up the creamiest cheesecakes we’ve ever had (we know, bold statement), plus the viral sensation; Dubai pistachio chocolate-covered strawberry pots, with that delicious crunch from the knafeh pastry.
They also do milkshakes, waffles, tiramisu, doughnuts and more. Honestly, this is a dessert-lovers heaven.
A Manc’s guide to: Rochdale, the Northern town whose reputation precedes it
Thomas Melia
It’s a well known fact that Rochdale has received a bad rep, but this town has a fair few hidden gems waiting for people to try them – and don’t knock it ’til you’ve checked these out.
Well, well, well I’ve been trusted with the job of writing a guide to my hometown, and as someone who is self-proclaimed ‘Rochdale born and bred’, you can guarantee this guide is packed with all the best bits this small but mighty town has to offer.
I have gone against the famous saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ with the title but it’s safe to say that Rochdale has had its fair share of slander, even by the people that live here.
But one thing is for sure, we don’t half have some good spots that are well and truly slept on.
If there’s one thing Rochdale is sure to sort you out with it’s a good hearty meal, a nice brisk walk and some top notch night time locations, this town has got you covered.
Food and drink
Rochdale guide – SuburbThe Martlet in Rochdale
Suburb – Instagramable and tasty, this cafe and restaurant has everything you could need from gorgeous hot chocolates to irresistible pastries. Avocado toast girlies, this one’s for you, the egg menu is chef’s kiss.
Pavilion – Nothing quite hits the spot like a good curry and Pavilion have got this dish mastered. Sit under a flowery ceiling while eating some floury offerings like their poppadoms with pickle trays and soft doughy naans, and of course these are paired with their wonderful curry variations.
The Martlet – Fine diners unite, this exquisite kitchen is serving up some local and luxury cuisine that’s situated in Rochdale’s most gorgeous site, Rochdale Town Hall. Expect proper northern dishes like bacon chop crispy, Scotch eggs made with Bury Black Pudding, and hearty puddings.
Vicolo Del Vino – Just next door is this gorgeous wine cellar and after stuffing your face with small plates, there’s only one remedy to wash it down with, wine. Still peckish? Order a bowl of tiramisu, because what good night ended with a salad?
La Mancha – Everyone boasts about the Mediterranean diet, well Rochdale’s been doing it since 1998. Tucked away down a ginnel on Bull Brow is La Mancha, with plenty for seafood fans, chorizo lovers and veggies alike.
Pavilion Indian restaurant in RochdaleThe Baum pub in Rochdale
The Baum – A place which serves proper ‘pub grub’. Located on Toad Lane, which is like a mini window into Rochdale’s past, sit back, unwind and undo your jean button because you’re about to eat one of the best cheese and onion pies of your life.
Russells – There’s one thing every town needs and that’s a right good caff, Russells is Rochdale’s equivalent. Full English, toasties, jacket potatoes, you can’t go wrong with these lunchtime favourites, and if you’ve left room for more, try a jam and cream scone, absolute heaven.
Milnrow Balti House – This curry house has built quite the name for itself winning numerous awards, most notably, in 2023 winning ‘Best Restaurant in the North West’ doubling down on this by also achieving ‘Champion of Champions’ the same year.
Mr. Thomas’ – Nothing beats chippy chips especially when you can eat them with lovely scenery of Rochdale’s main attraction, Hollingworth Lake.
Bella Vista – This place takes ‘Food with a view’ to a whole new meaning. Not only are you being presented with some of the best Italian home comforts, you’re accompanied with a picturesque bird’s eye view of this lovely town and beyond. Bellissima!
Nightlife and Hotels
Hoochi Koochi – Think 42’s but on a much smaller and intimate setting. Much like the Manchester staple night out venue, there are numerous famous faces adorning these walls and you’ll hear some of the best indie and rock classics.
Hogarths – Ever fancied drinking in an impressive and historic old bank? Enjoy a drink or two in the heart of Rochdale’s town centre while admiring this public house’s grand interior. One of the old safe rooms even doubles as a karaoke booth.
Empire – Rihanna, Tina Turner, ABBA, you name it they’ve played here – tributes of course! Either way, you’re guaranteed a good turnout at this late night establishment.
In terms of hotels… there’s a Hampton by Hilton right in the centre of town if not try staying near Hollingworth Lake, trust me it’s stunning.
Music and culture
Volunteers at the Fireground MuseumThe Fireground museum
Rochdale Town Hall – After years of painstaking work, the magnificent, historic Rochdale Town Hall reopened its doors to the public last year following its multi-million pound revamp. This incredible building is packed with history, sweeping staircases, and hand-painted walls and ceilings. A must-visit.
Touchstones Museum – Currently undergoing a refurbishment, this is your go-to for any Rochdale history related queries, you name it, they usually know the answer. It’s very interactive and perfect for any age, especially kids.
Fireground Museum – Rochdale’s old fire station is now an engaging and interesting building dedicated to the history of fire and rescue in Greater Manchester. The site showcases a handful of old engines, an onsite cafe, and the volunteers on hand are all ex-fire workers, wow.
Rochdale Pioneers Museum – The birthplace of The Co-operative Group and that proper pub grub we mentioned earlier is just next door. Once you’ve enriched yourself in culture, you have to enrich yourself in a hearty homemade meal as well, right?
Rochdale has a rich music history
Music – Did you know that Joy Division recorded their music here from 1978 onwards and even had equipment custom built into the recording studio ground floor on Kenion Street?
The same recording studios were used to film ’24 Hour Party People’, in a scene that recreated the New Order and Joy Division drummer Stephen Morris playing his drums on the roof of the building.
Rochdale is also home to local star and hitmaker Lisa Stansfield whose 1989 single ‘All Around The World’ topped the UK charts alongside groundbreaking album ‘Affection’ released the same year.
And you can’t mention music without paying homage to ‘Our Gracie’. Perched outside our iconic town hall, is triple threat Gracie Fields, who contributed to film, music and TV – the 1930’s equivalent to Taylor Swift.
Walking routes
Greenbooth in summer. Credit: The Manc GroupGreenbooth in the autumn
Hollingworth Lake – This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all and if you’ve worked up an appetite there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.
Greenbooth Reservoir– Situated in Naden Valley, there’s three different reservoirs to walk around, you can choose how many you feel like tackling. A real hidden beauty spot.
Healey Dell – There’s grand arches, big trees and a nice cake and a cuppa waiting for you in the nearby tearoom.
Wardle Reservoir – A dog friendly circular trail around a man made reservoir. If there hasn’t been a downpour for a while, you can catch a glimpse of the old village that’s now underwater.
Purple Plaque Trail – Rochdale have purple plaques dedicated to their favourite daughter, Gracie Fields. You can visit nine town centre locations relating to the northern star, check out the trail HERE.
Transport
Rochdale Town Centre is the very last stop on the Metrolink dropping you in the middle of all the action and helpfully right next to the town’s bus station too.
There are also excellent train links with Manchester and beyond.
If you enjoy your own company the M62 is close by, why not take a trip over the hill to Huddersfield, you can even make a pitstop in Oldham on your journey home.
Shopping
This borough is home to some lovely little independent retailers ranging from clothes and records to trinkets and cakes, it really does have it all.
Butterworth’s – An independent retailer that has sat on the streets of Rochdale for over 40 years bringing the biggest brands like Adidas, Berghaus and Fila.
Okeechobee – Marketed as a ‘Ladies’ Boutique’, this vendor sells everything you can think of including chunky knits and formal office wear.
Rocks Off – Adorning Drake Street for over 30 years with music releases from all the greats, Rocks Off brings Rochdale physical music to Rochdale, like vinyl, cd’s and even cassettes.
Little Gift Box – Halfway between Rochdale town centre and Littleborough, this family-owned business stocks cute decorations and ornaments, as well as wholesome cards and keepsakes.
Brown’s Cakes – Not hard to miss, if the bright pink shop front doesn’t entice you in, the cakes in the window will. Everyday is your birthday over at Brown’s, after all that shopping you deserve a treat.
Property
House prices in Rochdale have an overall average of £217,343 over the last year.
The majority of properties sold in this borough over the last twelve months were terraced, selling for £156,553 on average.
Other properties include semi-detached which sold for an average of £209,529, and detached properties fetching £343,025.
Georgina Pellant -
30th September 2022 
