With another bank holiday on the way, and a glorious forecast for the next few weeks, we’re in the mood for some summery southern European dishes to match the Mediterranean heat. Sugo pasta kitchen opens in June, and an announcement of a new venture from El Gato Negro is music to our ears. There are fish dishes galore at new Chorlton restaurant The Oystercatcher and some exciting news for Castlefield’s Campfield Markets.

Coming soon: Portuguese inspired restaurant, Canto from El Gato team in Ancoats
According to the superstition, Black cats bring luck. El Gato Negro – ‘the black cat’ in Spanish – has proved a very lucky name, with Simon Shaw’s first venture in the city earning him a whole heap of praise, and an award or two. Hoping to emulate the successes of El Gato Negro, the team behind the popular tapas joint have announced plans for a new restaurant, inspired by Shaw’s travels to Lisbon, and headed up by El Gato Negro head chef Carlos Gomes. Opening on Henry Street in Ancoats (and neighbouring Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza), Canto promises to be a laid-back dining experience with a menu of modern and authentic Portuguese fare. Opening in Autumn 2018. Canto, Fairbairn Building, Henry Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5DH. Follow @CantoMcr for further announcements, www.elgatonegrotapas.com

June opening: Chorlton’s new seafood restaurant, The Oystercatcher
Not only is Chorlton home to one of the best fishmongers in the city – Out Of The Blue – the South Manchester suburb will soon be welcoming its own dedicated fish restaurant. Not your usual neighbourhood chippy, The Oystercatcher promises a simple menu of quality, well-sourced produce and a charcoal oven for cooking monkfish tail or whole seabass with salsa verde. Or opt for a Manhatten clam chowder starter, with crab ravioli for main. Is Chorlton the city’s unlikely new seafood centre? We shall see.
Opening June 2018. The Oystercatcher, 123 Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PG. Tel: 0161 286 1961. www.theoystercatcher.org

In the pipeline: Campfield Market to become food hall and event space
Castlefield’s Campfield Market is set to be given a new lease of life as a food hall, event space and studios. Sitting squarely in the council’s conservation area, the two market halls, built in the late 1870s, will need a sympathetic touch. The ambitious new project is spearheaded by Allied London, the company at the helm of the enormous St John’s development (encompassing Old Granada Studios), and taking on the tricky London Road Fire Station conversion. It will be a long while before the builders move in as plans are in their early stages. Watch this space for more information.
Opening date TBA. Upper & Lower Campfield Markets, Barton Street, Manchester, M3 4NN.

June opening for Sugo’s Ancoats restaurant
Good news for pasta fiends as Altrincham’s Sugo make the move to Ancoats for the end of June. Known for their top-notch pasta dishes enhanced with Puglian flavours, Sugo’s expansion is a welcome addition to the booming Ancoats restaurant scene. We love their Cavatelli pasta with mussels, baby squid and king prawns. Head to the website to book a table pronto.
Opening Tue 26 June. Sugo Pasta Kitchen, 46 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6BF. www.sugopastakitchen.co.uk

In short:

Pollen’s temporary closure: Pollen have shut up shop at their Sheffield Street railway arch, in preparation for their move out east to a new Ancoats space. The team behind the accolade-winning bakery will take a brief hiatus from the baking, while they add the finishing touches to their new home, with plans to welcome the first customers in June 2018.
Opening June 2018. Pollen Bakery, Cotton Field Wharf, New Union Street, Manchester, M4 6BT. www.pollenbakery.com

Tickets released for Indy Man Beer Con: Dates have been announced for this year’s Indy Man Beer Con, the ale-lovers paradise, and highlight of manchester’s beer calendar. Held at the stunning Victoria Baths, the first batch of tickets go on sale on the 12th of June, so secure a spot early as this one always sells out.
Thu 4 – Sun 7 Oct, Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0FE. Ticket price TBA www.indymanbeercon.co.uk

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Sat 26 May - Mon 31 Dec
Words:
Olivia Rye
Published on:
Tue 22 May 2018