Cottonopolis announces shock closure after eight years in Northern Quarter

Manchester’s beloved Asian-inspired restaurant and bar, Cottonopolis, has announced its permanent closure after eight successful years.

But it’s not the end for the Grade II listed site – situated on the corner of Newton Street and Dale Street – as owners Nick and Hayley Muir have confirmed there are already plans underway to launch a new brand with a fresh fit-out and entirely new food & drink offering in early 2024. 

Cottonopolis launched in the Northern Quarter in November 2015, where it has been serving Japanese food and some of the city’s best cocktails ever since, but after careful consideration the founders made the decision to close the much-loved haunt on a high after a busy festive period. 

Owners Nick and Hayley are also the directors behind the Edinburgh Castle pub on Blossom Street, Ancoats.

The pair transformed the derelict 200-year-old pub in Ancoats, building up its reputation for exceptional food & drink, resulting in the pub recently being named as one of the best gastropubs in the UK. 

So, we have high hopes they’ll have something great up their sleeves for the exciting new venture.

As we wave ‘farewell’ to Cottonopolis, Nick and Hayley say  further details of what’s in store for the venue will be revealed later this month, with plans to reopen to the public early ‘24. 

Director Nick Muir commented: “Cottonopolis has become known as a staple part of the Northern Quarter bar & restaurant scene,  we believe we’ve reached the end of our journey in its current guise.

“It’s been great, we’ve thrown some great parties, hosted weddings and worked with fantastic brands but we want to do something just as fresh.  Like when it first came onto the NQ scene. It feels like the right time to bring an exciting new concept.”

He continued: “We’ve already been hard at work with our team behind the scenes to develop our next adventure, which will bring a new quality place to eat and drink to the NQ, with the same exceptional standards we’ve become known for at Edinburgh Castle.

“We’d like to thank all of our guests for their loyalty over the last eight years, and we’re looking forward to sharing the next part of our journey with you.” 

Further announcements will be released in due course.