Honest Burgers pops up at Northern Monk before Bridge Street opening in April

Honest Burgers has unveiled plans to open up shop in Manchester this April. The company, which launched in Brighton in 2009 and added a second restaurant on Brixton Market a year later, has expanded over the past decade – now boasting 27 London restaurants as well as branches in Bristol, Reading and Cambridge. Its first outlet in the north will take over the Bridge Street spot previously occupied by Garage Bar, opposite Crazy Pedro’s and next to the recently opened Dishoom. We tested an abridged version of its forthcoming menu at its week-long pop-up at Northern Monk (ending Sun 17 Mar). Its signature ‘Honest’ burger (featuring red onion relish and smoked bacon) and US-inspired (read as: fancy Macdonald’s) ‘Tribute’ burger are both served medium rare – while the vegan ‘Plant’ burger (pictured, boasting a juicy Beyond Meat patty) was a big hit on our visit. We also recommend accompanying the excellent rosemary-seasoned chips with beef and bacon gravy or chipotle mayo (or both ideally). With the Bridge Street restaurant set to feature a much-expanded menu, including a burger featuring locally sourced ingredients (our money’s on Bury black pudding), plus a specially brewed beer by a local brewery, Honest Burgers looks set to be a strong addition to this fast-improving area.

Northern Monk Pop-Up: Mon 11-Sun 17 Mar, Northern Monk Refectory, 10 Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF, Tel: 0161 236 9876, times vary, northernmonk.com

From April (date TBA): Honest Burgers, 36 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BT, Tel: 0161 359 4039, www.honestburgers.co.uk