Despite being a main-stay in the Northern Quarter’s hospitality scene for more than a decade, Teacup Kitchen on Thomas Street sadly closed its doors for good during lockdown. Now, news has emerged that Courteeners’ frontman Liam Fray has partnered with leading local hospitality figures to transform the space into a new bar and restaurant. The Smithfield Social is named in recognition of the area’s historic Smithfield Market which once stood in the centre of town and will be inspired by Fray’s favourite bars and eateries from New York’s Northern Quarter-esque Lower East Side.

Together with The Liar’s Club and TNQ’s Jobe Ferguson and fellow TNQ partner Anthony Fielden, Fray’s new venture promises to serve up brunch, sandwiches, organic natural and vegan wines and a selection of main meals – all made with locally sourced ingredients. Local brewers Cloudwater will be pint-duty behind the bar, while the venue promises to serve up the city’s best coffee offering courtesy of beans from Heart & Graft.

With entrances on both Thomas Street and Edge Street at the rear of the venue, The Smithfield Social will be divided into two sections – one for casual cocktails and drinks, and a second providing a swankier restaurant space. Fray, Ferguson and Fielden are hoping to open the doors of The Smithfield Social when lockdown restrictions lift on Monday 12 April, with outdoor seating only. For more information and to keep up to date with the latest news from the venue, follow them on Instagram.

 

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Fri 12 Mar, The Smithfield Social,
53 - 55 Thomas street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, M4 1NA

www.instagram.com/thesmithfieldsocialnq
Words:
Simon Bland
Published on:
Fri 12 Mar 2021