202 Kitchen has revealed the launch date for an insanely Instagramable new venue here in Manchester.

Following the success of its first restaurant in Birmingham early last year, 202 Kitchen initially launched a pop-up unit on Bridge Street in Manchester from August – November last year.

But after outgrowing the space, they have now opted to move to a bigger, more permanent unit in Spinningfields, investing over £1million into the new larger space. 

@202kitchen / Instagram

202 Kitchen will now be overlooking the River Irwell, occupying a 7000 square foot space in the heart of Spinningfields, a location formerly occupied by Zizzi and GBK.

The new venue will be dishing up street food-inspired cuisine with a 202 ‘twist’ including fried chicken, burgers, mac’n’cheese, waffles and grilled seafood.

The classic 202 Kitchen cocktail menu will be a feature too, with a choice of classics, originals and frozen tipples to choose from.

202 Kitchen Founders, Leon Beckford, Panikos Myrritis and John Sambo said: “After the success of our temporary pop-up on Bridge Street last year, we’re coming back bigger and better, and believe us when we say we’ve taken the brand to the next level. We can’t wait to reveal what we have planned.

@202kitchen / Instagram

“From the moment you walk in, guests will understand exactly what 202 Kitchen is all about. Customer experience is our number one priority and whether that be from the quality of the food and drinks or the service, everyone is going to be talking about 202. 

“We are proud to have been the first to bring this concept to Manchester last year but appreciate that the hospitality landscape is constantly evolving. To provide a unique experience, we have evolved the concept to make sure we’re one step ahead in terms of ideas and concepts.”

202 Kitchen Manchester Spinningfields is set to open its doors on July 15th – bookings will be open from June 27th.

To make your own booking, visit their website here.

Manchester’s very own 20 Stories has been named as one of the best rooftop bars in the whole of Europe.

Opening its doors back in 2018, 20 Stories is perched on the twentieth floor of the NO.1 building in Spinningfields (so that’s where their name comes from…) and is Manchester’s tallest restaurant – despite technically being three storeys below the Cloud 23 bar in Beetham Tower.

The D&D-owned bar is estimated to be about one metre higher, and boasts gorgeous panoramic views of the city’s skyline and beyond.

@20storiesmcr / Instagram

On clear days, guests can even see all the way out to the Peak District from the elusive roof terrace – so, obviously, it’s going to make the cut for a list of the best rooftop bars, isn’t it?

The ranking was put together by travel guide Big 7 Travel, who analysing online reviews from Google, TripAdvisor, and previous media coverage.

In the fifty-strong list, 20 Stories came in nineteenth place, beating other contenders from desirable locations such as Oslo, Berlin, Prague and Ibiza. 

@20storiesmcr / Instagram

Big 7 Travel said about the venue: “The rooftop terrace has fast become one of the must-be places in the city: it has has trees scaling two stories high and an outdoor lounge bar serving cocktails and craft beers.”

However, 20 Stories was beaten to the top spot by The Culpeper in London, which was crowned number one in all of Europe. Damn it.

Over the years, 20 Stories has become famed for its fancy cocktail menu, which includes original and local creations such as the ‘Champagne Supernova’, the ‘Manchester Gin Negroni’ and the ‘Manchester Tart Punch.’

@20storiesmcr / Instagram

It also runs an indoor restaurant up on the terrace, though it was forced to close for three days this week after a Covid-19 outbreak among staff members.

Click here to see the full list and all it’s wonderful contenders.

Just when you thought Manchester’s Neapolitan food scene couldn’t get any better, saucy sandwiches from the heart of Naples have arrived in the city.

MIRA, the latest pop up to grace Manchester’s streets, have set up shop at Ancoats’ popular pub, The Crown & Kettle, where they will be dishing out delicious butties every Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm ‘till it’s gone.

Their first ever weekend last month was a complete sell-out, so they must be doing something right.

The menu offers just three staple Neapolitan options – the Diego, the Balls and the Juicy ‘Gine.

@mira.mcr / Instagram

First up: The Diego. Named presumably after Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona, who features heavily on the MIRA Instagram page, this hearty creation is loaded with Genovese stew – a highly popular dish in Naples consisting of beef brisket, salumi and onions.

Next, we have the classic, The Balls. I mean, it says it in the name, doesn’t it? This sandwich is loaded with twelve-hour slow-cooked beef and pork meatballs coated in a traditional Neapolitan ragu. The filling is then paired with Fior Di Latte mozzarella and basil – Italian perfection.

@mira.mcr / Instagram

And last but certainly not least, is the vegan Juicy ‘Gine, a meat-free butty filled with smoky aubergine parmigiana alongside MIRA’s own cashew cheese, aubergines, fresh basil and pine nuts – a concoction that both meat-eaters and veggies and vegans will love.

To find out where you can get your mitts on one of these colossal butties and to stay updated with their whereabouts, you can follow MIRA’s Instagram page here.