After a long baking hot Bank Holiday weekend, it’s time to ignore the trudge back to work and get yourself checking out what’s in store for future weekends long or short. This week we have the unfortunate news of three venues having to shut their doors, happier news of Urmston’s continued rise and a second fancy chippy opening near Great Ancoats St as well as new homes for both Manchester Gin and GRUB.

Trio of closures as Roc & Rye, Grindsmith and Fika shut down
Manchester’s food and drink scene keeps seeing openings but it can also be hit with some sudden closures. The last few weeks have seen Fika and the new Grindsmith close within less than a year, whilst Roc & Rye has also closed its doors. Grindsmith opened their new spot on Bridge Street only a few months ago, but the closed doors and sign on the windows suggest a dispute with landlords, whilst cocktail bar Roc & Rye had only recently had itself a bright pink makeover. Fika had only opened seven months previously, taking the spot vacated when Bakerie was also forced to shut.

‘Third Thursday Every Month’ celebrates Urmston’s growing foodie rep
Urmston’s rise as the hot new foodie destination is continuing, and independent traders in the city have clubbed together to keep the momentum going with late night shopping and deals. Indie Urmston will see bars and restaurants join forces with shops and independent makers to offer deals, such as 10% off at Get Chucked, on the third Thursday of every month. With the first one taking place last week, the next Indie Urmston will be on 16th May and if you end up wanting to continue the Urmston party after 8pm, 3 beer bars are offering discounts on all takeaways as well as wine bar, Kelder.
Third Thursday of Every Month, various venues across Urmston, more info: www.indieurmston.org

New chippy Street Urchin opens on Great Ancoats St
If you thought one fancy chip shop opening in the Ancoats/Northern Quarter area was enough then think again. Hip Hop Chip Shop might be first on the scene, but Street Urchin, from the owners of the Victoria in Altrincham is set to open open on the other side of Great Ancoats St. The Astley groundfloor is to welcome the restaurant that was originally set to open in Ancoats a couple of years ago.
Opening TBC, Street Urchin, Blossom Street, Manchester M4 6AP. www.street-urchin.co.uk

GRUB comes to Salford this Saturday
Street food pioneers GRUB are set to head down to Salford from the end of this week. As well as moving back to their traditional outside space come the first weekend in May, April 27th will see the first of their monthly nights at Islington Mill. The last Saturday of every month will let Salfordians experience the best of the Mayfield Depot street food vendors from midday to 10pm. Alongside eight different food vendors will be the usual array of local brewers such as Track and Blackjack. If you fancy staying closer to Manchester, May 3rd will see the GRUB folks move into their summer home, which is three times larger than before. Read our full preview here.
27th April 12-10pm GRUB, Islington Mill, James St, Salford M5, follow @GRUBMCR for up to date info and traders.

Manchester Gin gets a new home
Manchester Gin have been rumoured to be moving in to a new city centre location for a while and now they have had their planning permission approved they’re further on their way. The new distillery and tasting rooms will be opening in the arches below Manchester Central and will include a restaurant and bar as well as offering masterclasses and tours of their gin making process when it opens later this summer.
Open this summer, Manchester Gin, Watson St, Manchester, follow @mcr_gin for up to date info.

Tue 23 Apr - Mon 29 Apr
Words:
Joe Daly
Published on:
Sat 23 Mar 2019