Manchester can often seem like a place surrounded by newness and firsts so it is nice to see an old favourite get a bit of a 21st century rebrand whilst remaining true to its roots. Whilst that is happening, we also have news of London’s hottest burger chain heading up north, a local favourite gaining a new spot, and Manchester International Festival announcing its stellar line-up of chefs for its festival hub.
Syrian restaurant Samir opens at 1116 Bistro in Stretford
A new restaurant Samir is serving Syrian food cooked over a charcoal grill in Stretford. The menu includes aubergine muttabal, hummus, chicken wings and more. Watch this space for a review and more info to follow… for now though, admire the lovely hummus (pictured) and click on the link below to book a table. The restaurant, which has been opened with the help of the area’s community refugee sponsorship scheme, is currently open seven days a week, noon-10pm.
Samir, 1116 Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 OHA. Tel: 07903 310125, www.facebook.com
Honest Burgers pop up at Northern Monk
It does look like Manchester is making a name for itself as the place to be for the London types. Following on from the BBC sending their staff up here, and then Franco Manca looking for a Manchester spot, Honest Burger, are set up at Northern Monk ahead of their launch proper. It’s not long off that the Honest folks will be fully set up at Manchester Hall, but before then, you can get a taste of what they have to offer at Northern Monk’s place on Tariff Street. If you can’t wait until Spring to get your paws on their posh burgers and rosemary chips, you have until Sunday 17 March to get your fill at the temporary space.
Until Sun 17 Mar, Honest Burgers at Northern Monk Refectory, 10 Tariff Street, Manchester M1 2FF. Tel: 0161 236 9876. www.northernmonk.com
Australasia launches new menu
Manchester’s favourite foodie glass triangle, Australaisa, has launched a brand new menu. Now that you can see daffodils just about to pop through, they’ve felt it’s time to update their food choices and the sweet potato tempura amongst others is sure to appeal to plenty. If you want to get your chops around something a bit more meaty, they’ve got you covered with their short rib, and fish fans can make sure to get hold of the sushi.
Australasia, The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3AP. Tel: 0161 831 0288. www.australasia.uk.com
Erst-while opening
It can be hard to keep up with how many openings there are in Ancoats these days, as new buildings welcome new bars and restaurants. One that will definitely be very welcome to the neighbourhood is the new place from the Trove folks. Having become famous for Trove’s baked goods and its brunch, Erst will allow the team to push beyond that and offer an expanded menu of food straight from the grill alongside natural wines and craft beers. This Wednesday sees the first night for the place that seems likely to become a staple.
Opens Wed 13 Mar, Erst, 9 Murray Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BN, www.erst-mcr.co.uk
MIF Festival Hub Line-Up
Once every two years Manchester becomes the centre of the cultural country as the Manchester International Festival takes up residence across the city. Whilst the dance, theatre, and music side of the programme are well publicised, the Festival Square hub is as big a part of the festival as any. July 4th to 21st will see plenty of Manchester favourites such as Honest Crust, Ginger’s, and Firebird Hope providing food as well as supper clubs from some of the North’s finest chefs including Moor Hall’s Adam Birchall. The supper clubs sold out very quickly two years ago and the £65 events will no doubt prove popular again this year. For more on the festival’s lineup click here.
Thu 4 – Sun 21 Jul, MIF Festival Square, Albert Square, Manchester M60 2LA. www.mif.co.uk
- Words:
- Joe Daly
- Published on:
- Tue 12 Mar 2019
