There’s no slowing down for Manchester’s food and drink scene as Christmas approaches with bars either open just in time for Christmas, or a few that are holding off until the New Year. There’s also news of a couple of unfortunate closures and a very special beer festival to look forward to.

Liverpool restaurant Silk Road expands to Manchester
Popular Liverpool restaurant Silk Road has got plans to head down the East Lancs and add a third spot to their group. After success in Wirral and Liverpool the restaurant, named for the cuisine found down the famed Silk Road, has targeted a massive 2,500 square foot premises in Bramhall. Hoping to be open just in time for Christmas, the Cheshire suburb dwellers will be able to try their unique combination of cuisines before the year is out.
Opening soon, Silk Road, Bramhall Lane South, Stockport SK7 1AH, www.silkrd.co.uk

New beer festival from Cloudwater: Friends and Family and Beer
With beer festivals becoming ever popular in Manchester, it’s no surprise that Manchester beer royalty, Cloudwater, have decided to get in on the act. The simply titled ‘Friends & Family & Beer’ is a festival announced at Upper Campfield Market for the first weekend of March 2019. Read our full preview here.
Fri 1 & Sat 2 Mar 2019, Friends & Family & Beer, Upper Campfield Market, Barton Street, Manchester M3 4NN, £60, www.friendsandfamily.beer

New bar: Vanitas to open at Manchester Hall
The failure of Fable, a pan-Asian restaurant planned for the new Manchester Hall development has given rise to a massive new bar project. Vanitas is a 400 person capacity bar that is very much aimed at the monied end of the market. If you want DJs from the minute the bar opens and a ‘gentleman club’ feel then you’ve got yourself a new spot in the building housing Dishoom and Mason’s.
Coming soon, Vanitas, Manchester Hall, 36 Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BT. www.vanitasbar.co.uk

Vegan Christmas Fair at Victoria Baths
Christmas can often seem to be a treat intended for the meat lovers amongst us, but the Vegan Christmas Fair at Victoria Baths aims to show that animals don’t have to be at the centre of the dinner table over the festive period.
Taking over the Baths on 1st and 2nd December, the fair will feature a Santa’s grotto, ethical gifts, and all manner of Vegan Christmas food, and obviously some mulled vegan wine. The fair is in support of homelessness charity Barnabus.
Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec, Vegan Christmas Fair, Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0FE, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Federal Cafe to open second location on Deansgate
The continual queues waiting for a table to come available at Federal’s current location opposite the Arndale, suggests that it may need to expand a bit. Thankfully for those hoping to spend more time with their Antipodean brunch rather than waiting, Federal has got its sights on a second location. Aiming to open in early 2019, the new spot is double the size of their cozy first space and a bigger space will mean a larger kitchen and it will stay open into the evenings with supper clubs and kitchen takeovers.
Open early 2019, Federal Cafe, 194 Deansgate, M3 3ND, www.federalcafe.co.uk

Grill on The Alley and Al Fasail Closures
Two establishments that have long held a spot in Manchester have found themselves out on their ear. Grill On The Alley has become a victim of owner Blackhouse Restaurants’ restructure as part of their CVA whilst Al Fasail has fallen prey to developers as the space will soon be a boutique hotel.

New Ancoats wine bar from Hanging Ditch wine merchants, Blossom Street Social 
It’s not a food news round-up without a mention of the latest proposal for Ancoats, and news of Blossom Street Social is going to be a treat for the residents of the numerous new flats in the area. Manchester wine stalwarts Hanging Ditch are opening the wine bar concept early next year, and aim to provide a bar that works throughout the day. There will be a repeat of their wall of wine, craft beer, and deli plates from local producers as well as possibilities for live music thanks to the excellent acoustics of the building.
From early 2019, Blossom Street Social, Unit 4 Smiths Yard, 51 Blossom Street, Manchester, M4 6AJ.

Tue 13 Nov - Sat 2 Mar
Words:
Joe Daly
Published on:
Tue 13 Nov 2018