/manchester.md
What's On in Manchester This Week
New restaurants, best movies, and must-see events in Manchester this week.
New Openings
Restaurants and bars worth knowing about
- Sister Moon — A new glitzy sky-high bar in Manchester that has recently opened and is already attracting celebrity attention. It offers a high-end atmosphere suitable for those looking for a trendy spot with a view. 4.4 stars, restaurant.
- The Crown — This historic Stockport pub has been revitalized following a major transformation in 2025. It has now earned recognition in a prestigious national beer guide. 4.1 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, pub.
- Taylors Fish and Chips — This Stockport chippy has been recognised as one of the top 40 fish and chip shops in the UK. It is a multi-award-winning local favourite known for its high-quality traditional fare. 4.6 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, fast food restaurant.
- Bun Mafia — This Salford takeaway has quickly become a local sensation, earning hundreds of five-star reviews within just six months of opening. Their popular £13.99 munch boxes are a major draw for diners in the area. 4.9 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, meal takeaway.
- Yellowhammer — A highly regarded bakery in Stockport known for its massive brioche-style cakes and long queues. The bakery is currently teasing an expansion to a new location within Greater Manchester. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, bakery.
- Hickory's Smokehouse — Hickory's Smokehouse has officially opened its doors near Manchester, drawing hundreds of guests for its opening weekend. The restaurant brings its signature American-style barbecue concept to the local area. 4.6 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, barbecue restaurant.
- Fletcher Arms — A historic pub in Denton dating back to 1796 that has evolved into an award-winning staple of the local dining scene. It is well-regarded for its carvery and long-standing presence in the community. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, pub.
- Chotto Matte — Chotto Matte has been shortlisted for the prestigious This is Manchester Awards 2026. It is recognized as one of the city's top dining destinations. 4.4 stars, japanese restaurant.
- Nell's — A popular New York-style pizzeria in Greater Manchester known for its massive 22-inch pizzas and individual slices. It is currently in the running to be named the best in the UK. 4.4 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, pizza restaurant.
- Grandpa Greene's — Grandpa Greene's has announced a change of plans regarding their Diggle canalside cafe location. The popular spot is adjusting its operations following customer feedback. 4.3 stars, ice cream shop.
- Campo — This Whitefield tapas restaurant recently addressed customer feedback regarding their pricing with a transparent and honest social media post. The venue is known for its authentic Spanish small plates in the Bury area. 4.7 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, restaurant.
- Luella's — A new glitzy bar is set to open in the former Côte Brasserie site just off Deansgate. The venue will feature late-night hours on weekends. cocktail bar.
- The Boat House — A long-standing canalside pub celebrated for its traditional Sunday roasts for over fifty years. The venue is currently under new management with plans to elevate its existing reputation. 4.6 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, pub.
- Pranzo — Pranzo has officially opened its first Manchester site in the city centre. The restaurant is highly regarded, having been previously named one of the best Italian spots in the North. 5 stars, italian restaurant.
- Clean Greens — A new wellness-focused cafe has opened on Deansgate, offering a health-conscious menu. Highlights include build-your-own salad bowls, fresh juices, smoothies, and various wellness shots. 5 stars, point of interest.
Don't Miss
Events happening soon
- Florence Peake: Vitalities — This immersive solo exhibition at HOME features large-scale luminescent sculptures and live activation, exploring themes of queer grief and community collaboration.
- Zouk Tea Bar & Grill — Zouk is expanding its cookery school with three new regional masterclasses focusing on the flavours of Mumbai, Old Delhi, Lahore, and Lucknow. These hands-on classes allow guests to learn traditional techniques from professional chefs before enjoying the dishes they have prepared.
- Spent Hen — The award-winning dark comedy 'Spent Hen' by Connie Kerr arrives at 53two this October. The play offers a candid exploration of childlessness and social expectations through a deeply personal lens.
- Luella's — A glamorous, Parisian-influenced cocktail bar featuring velvet interiors and marble accents, open for late-night weekend revelry.
- Langdale Chase — This historic Lake District hotel has been awarded the prestigious AA 5 Red Star accolade, marking it as one of the best hotels in the UK. The property features a two AA Rosette restaurant, private cinema, and extensive lakeside grounds.
- Northern Roots — The first phase of the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park has officially opened in Oldham. The site features a new Welcome Building, cafe, and outdoor play areas, with farm-to-fork dining led by chef Mary-Ellen McTague.
- Manic Street Preachers and Suede — Two legendary British alternative bands join forces for a massive Halloween co-headline show at the AO Arena. 31 Oct, Co-op Live.
- Goat — The mysterious Swedish psych collective Goat have announced a UK tour for 2027, including a headline show at Manchester's O2 Victoria Warehouse. The band is known for their masked, anonymous performances and unique blend of psych-rock. 16 Oct, Albert Hall.
- Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos — An immersive family-friendly exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum exploring space, the solar system, and the wonders of the universe.
- TOAST Autumn Winter 2026 Pop-up — Clothing brand TOAST is hosting a pop-up residency at Unitom in the Northern Quarter until October 11th. The event features displays on their design process and a panel discussion on the role of print in contemporary culture.
- Zouk Tea Bar & Grill — Zouk is celebrating National Curry Week with a return of its popular bottomless curry offer. For £20, guests can enjoy unlimited portions of selected curries, rice, and naan during a 90-minute booking.
- Mythic Reinvention — A major exhibition at the Royal Exchange Theatre celebrating fifty years of storytelling through costume, craft, and performance.
- Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos — An interactive, family-friendly exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum that explores space through the lens of the popular BBC series. Visitors can engage with hands-on experiments, see rare space artifacts, and learn about the realities of life as an astronaut.
- Barkouf — The Hallé, Opera Rara, and the English National Opera Chorus present a rare concert performance of Offenbach's satirical opera. The show features English narration by Alistair McGowan and explores themes of political absurdity.
- Michaela Yearwood-Dan: The Practice of Liberation — A multi-sensory solo exhibition at The Whitworth featuring painting, ceramics, and sound, exploring themes of healing, femininity, and joy.
- Wakefield Trinity vs Warrington Wolves — Wakefield Trinity claimed their first Super League title in 58 years with a historic victory over Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford.
- Father Christmas at the Science and Industry Museum — Families can visit Father Christmas in the historic Power Hall, which will be decorated with festive lights and carols. The experience includes a gift, photo opportunities, and access to seasonal museum activities.
- Live From The Grill — A two-day live-fire cooking event at Depot Mayfield featuring top chefs, DJs, and affordable eats like the £5 Stow cheeseburger.
- Sale Sharks — England international flanker Tom Curry has committed his future to the club by signing a two-year contract extension. This secures a key player for the Manchester-based rugby union side. 21 Nov, Morson Stadium.
Worth Watching
What to watch this week
- Bucking Fastard — Directed by Werner Herzog, this film stars Kate and Rooney Mara as sisters who become obsessed with their neighbor, played by Orlando Bloom. The film is noted for its surreal, dreamlike quality and the unique synchronized performances of the lead actresses. 6.4/10, 109 min.
- The Social Reckoning — Aaron Sorkin directs and writes this companion piece to The Social Network, focusing on the investigative reporting that exposed Facebook's internal practices. Jeremy Strong stars as Mark Zuckerberg in a film that functions as a media procedural about holding tech giants accountable. 8.9/10, 112 min.
- Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger — A new music documentary capturing the band's 2025 world reunion tour, focusing on the emotional bond between the Gallagher brothers and their global fanbase. Directed by Steven Knight, the film offers an intimate look at the band's rehearsals and stadium performances. 9/10, 123 min.
- Primetime — Directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson, this film explores the persona and cultural impact of Chris Hansen, the host of 'To Catch a Predator'. It examines the blurred lines between reality television and the internet meme culture surrounding Hansen. 5.5/10, 110 min.
- Take It Or Leave It — This classic film charting the rise of the band Madness is being re-released in 4K. It offers a nostalgic look at the band's journey from Camden Town to national fame. 6.8/10, 83 min.
- The Shrouds — David Cronenberg’s latest film is arriving on BFI Player this October. It is a key highlight of the platform's new monthly line-up. 5.8/10, 120 min.
- Hope — Na Hong-jin’s action-packed creature feature is currently playing in cinemas. It is highlighted as a notable entry in the landscape of South Korean sci-fi. 8.391/10, 122 min.
- Late Fame — This new release explores the complexities of age-gap friendships, serving as the anchor for a broader look at the genre. It is currently arriving in cinemas nationwide. 4/10, 97 min.
- Evil Dead II — A ranking of the Evil Dead franchise places this 1987 classic at the top for its perfect blend of inventive gore, physical comedy, and Bruce Campbell's iconic performance. It is cited as the refined peak of the series' horror-comedy formula. 7.533/10, 84 min.
- Verity — Directed by Michael Showalter and starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, this psychological erotic thriller is based on the popular Colleen Hoover novel. It hits cinemas on 2 October 2026 following a high-profile premiere at Curzon Mayfair. 6.955/10, 117 min.
- Late Fame — Legendary New York poet Ed Saxberger's forgotten works captivate an eccentric group of young creatives, reigniting his artistic passion. Their intrigue intertwines with the bewitching presence of actress Gloria. 4/10, 97 min.
- Digger — A satirical film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu starring Tom Cruise. The movie uses a play-within-a-movie structure to critique American capitalism and environmental negligence. 7.196/10, 101 min.
- Comédie-Française — At the Comédie-Française, there is one golden rule: the play is never canceled. Unfortunately for Nina, everything else is—just three hours before the premiere of her first staging. An actor is stuck on a train, tensions explode, equipment breaks down, egos clash, and panic sets in. With no way out and time slipping away, Nina must hold the show together at all costs. Will she make it until the curtain rises? 7.024/10, 75 min.
- Fall 2: Deadpoint — On a perilous climb across Thailand's Mount Kwan, two climbers become trapped thousands of feet above the ground, where vertigo-inducing heights, sheer exposure, and impossible odds turn every moment into a fight for survival. 7.333/10, 98 min.
- Sheep in the Box — Set in the near future, Otone Komoto works as an architect. She is married to Kensuke Komoto, who runs a construction company. The married couple decide to welcome a humanoid robot into their home as their son. 5.167/10, 126 min.
- Nightborn — In Finnish forest, Saga and her husband Jon embark on a new chapter as parents. But Saga's joy is overshadowed by a chilling suspicion about their newborn, unbeknownst to Jon, causing a rift as she alone grapples with the disturbing truth. 5.973/10, 92 min.
- Girls Like Girls — After her mother's passing, 17-year-old Coley navigates new feelings of intimacy with Sonya in rural Oregon, where both girls must overcome their mutual uncertainties and self-doubt to embrace their connection. 7.553/10, 95 min.
- Practical Magic 2 — The Owens sisters must confront the dark curse that threatens to unravel their family once and for all. 6.2/10, 130 min.
- Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass — Small-town Kansas hairdresser Gail Daughtry's fiancé uses his 'celebrity sex pass' on Jennifer Aniston, prompting Gail to travel to LA with her friend Otto to find her own pass, Jon Hamm, to even the score. 5.2/10, 93 min.
- The Yellow Tie — The extraordinary life of Sergiu Celibidache, from his childhood in Romania to his exile in pursuit of a career in music, his struggle for survival in wartime Germany and his rise, fall and rise again, in an unimaginable life journey. 8.4/10, 145 min.
- Just an Illusion — In 1985 suburban Paris, 12-year-old Vincent lives with his distant older brother and quarrelling parents. Amid laughter and unease, he navigates friendship and first love, while beginning to confront the adult world. 7.4/10, 119 min.
- De Gaulle: Liberté — Part two of a two-part biopic following French army officer Charles De Gaulle's life and political commitment between 1940 and 1945, and trace his development towards a political career. 7.806/10.
- Tad and The Magic Lamp — Tadeo, his girlfriend Sara, and his friends Momia, Jeff, and Belzoni embark on an adventure after Tadeo accidentally unleashes an ancient spell. 2/10, 94 min.
- Barrio Triste — On the outskirts of Medellín, Colombia in the late 1980s, local residents report strange lights descending from the sky. When a reporter arrives to investigate, a ragtag group of teens from a lawless neighbourhood storm the scene and steal his camera. In the hands of its new owners, the device records a mesmerising plunge into their frantic existence. 10/10, 84 min.
- Mārama — 1859. When a young Māori woman is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire, she uncovers her horrific colonial heritage and is compelled to confront and destroy the titled Englishman who devastated her family. 6.222/10, 89 min.
- Green Grass — It's no secret that Declan is the university class coaster, which is why his friends refuse to partner with him on their next assignment. Out of options, Declan is forced to pair up with Claire, the new Deaf student who is everything Declan isn't; academic, driven and fiercely proud of her identity. Set against the backdrop of coastal university life on the south coast of England, Green Grass dips into the murky waters of strained friendships, sustainability, and D/deaf identity in this coming-of-age drama. 2/10, 95 min.
- Monster Mia — 12-year-old Mia and her scruffy pet rat Quentin are sent to the mysterious Rotwood Academy after one too many problems at school. The new school gives her the creeps, and Mia needs to figure a way out before the students realize she isn't a monster like them! But the vice principal Van Vlad hosts a particular dislike for humans, and Mia is scared he has seen through her act... 9.7/10, 82 min.
- Fjord — Hoping to rebuild their lives following a family tragedy, a Romanian couple and their children relocate to a remote Norwegian village, but their fragile fresh start begins to unravel when their young daughter arrives at school covered in bruises. 7.167/10, 146 min.
- V — In the early 1990s, this city of desire, once a land of opportunity, was plagued by rampant crime and a breakdown of order. Man Tsz-keung, a working-class man desperate to change his fate, meets flight attendant Lok Ka-yuen, and the two team up to rob a large sum of money. This success fuels Man Tsz-keung's madness, pushing him into a deeper power struggle with wealthy businessman Chan Fai-yin. Meanwhile, mainland police officer Qi Honggang and Hong Kong police officer Guan Suchen continue their investigation of Wan Ziqiang, leading to a joint operation between the two police forces, setting the stage for a clash between good and evil. This film is fictional. 5.7/10, 160 min.
- Forgotten Island — While celebrating their last night together, high school graduates and best friends Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa must race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever. 8.833/10, 109 min.
- Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother — Latif, a devoutly religious hitman, struggles to balance work, faith and fatherhood. When his wife dies, he embarks on a desperate journey across Houston to protect his children, confronting the forces closing in around him – and the beliefs threatening to unravel within. 10/10, 111 min.
- Minotaur — When Gleb, a successful company director, finds himself under siege from mounting corporate pressures, an increasingly unstable world, and the discovery of his wife's affair, the collapse of his carefully ordered life accelerates toward violence. 4.902/10, 93 min.
- It's My Time — At the age of seventy, a fiercely non-conformist grandmother partners with a lethargic, underachieving young prodigy to navigate the highly competitive and eccentric subculture of speedcubing, defying familial skepticism and generational expectations. 6/10, 107 min.
- NAZA — In secret conversations on the rooftops of Tel Aviv at night, the systems behind Israel's calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza are revealed by the people who designed and operated them. 8/10, 80 min.
- Ghost Soldier — Henry “Fitz” Fitzgerald has spent years living quietly off the grid, hiding from a past few people know anything about. But when a powerful foreign corporation moves into his hometown to seize his neighbors’ land for a massive payday, Fitz is forced to reveal who he really is: a former Special Forces soldier and advanced weapons developer. Armed with experimental technology, lethal combat skills, and an unwavering code of justice, Fitz wages a one-man war against an enemy that never saw him coming. 5.3/10, 74 min.
- Ebenezer — Tale of an elderly miser who embarks on a supernatural journey after visits from the ghost of his former business partner and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come force him to confront his past and fight for a second chance at happiness. 3.8/10, 89 min.
- Elsinore — This biographical drama directed by Simon Stone follows the final months of actor Ian Charleson as he prepares for a career-defining performance of Hamlet. It serves as the opening night gala for the 70th BFI London Film Festival and has received significant critical acclaim. 8/10, 170 min.
- At Night — Beatrice Gibson's award-winning feature explores themes of motherhood, desire, and collective authorship through a series of stories shared by women in Paris. It is a highly anticipated premiere at the London Film Festival. 6.6/10, 108 min.
- The Debut — Julianne Moore delivers a showstopping performance in this entertaining film directed by Jesse Eisenberg. It follows a timid New Jersey woman who finds a new lease on life through community theatre. 6/10, 88 min.
- Bucking Fastard — Werner Herzog directs this broken fairytale based on the real-life Chaplin twins. The film is elevated by a mesmerizing double performance from Kate and Rooney Mara. 6.4/10, 109 min.
- Musk — Alex Gibney's comprehensive documentary charts the rise and influence of Elon Musk across his various ventures. At nearly four hours long, it is a significant and deep-dive cinematic event. 8.6/10, 90 min.
- Heart of the Beast — Starring Brad Pitt, this action thriller directed by David Ayer follows a traumatised soldier stranded in the wilderness with his military dog. The film is noted for its strong, quiet character moments. 10/10, 101 min.
- Everytime — Director Sandra Wollner explores themes of grief and digital remembrance in this mesmerising feature. The film uniquely uses the language of video games to depict a family's mourning process. 8/10, 119 min.
- The Incomer — On an Orkney isle, siblings Isla and Sandy survive by hunting seabirds, retelling the stories of their ancestors, and defending the isle from dreaded "Incomers". Their world is upended with the arrival of an awkward council worker who has come to uproot them from their homeland. 6.2/10, 102 min.
- Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger — Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom. 9/10, 123 min.
- Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom — On Halloween Eve at Mossy Bottom Farm, excitement turns to dismay when the clumsy Farmer ruins the pumpkin patch. Shaun tries fixing it with science experiments, but things go wrong when a wild beast appears in the woods. 5.667/10, 80 min.
- Hannibal — A defense of Ridley Scott's 2001 sequel to The Silence of the Lambs, highlighting its grotesque beauty and bold, pulpy direction. The film is praised for its visual style and uncompromising commitment to its dark, horror-focused tone. 6.78/10, 131 min.
- LINKIN PARK: UNSHATTER — After a seven-year hiatus following the devastating loss of their beloved bandmate Chester Bennington, LINKIN PARK'S remaining members struggled to find their way forward. Their shared history and enduring friendship, combined with the fresh perspective of two new band members Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain spark a renewed creative energy that leads them on a transformative journey of artistic reinvention. Following the band from intimate 2022 studio sessions through their explosive FROM ZERO album release and concert in São Paulo, this documentary weaves together rare vault footage, electrifying performances from sold-out shows, and candid interviews with band members and fans—capturing the raw, honest story of what it means to start over. 9.227/10, 108 min.
- Cure — A frustrated detective deals with the case of several gruesome murders committed by people who have no recollection of what they've done. 7.584/10, 111 min.
- Mirzapur: The Movie — The battle for Mirzapur’s throne intensifies as old enemies resurface and a new threat emerges in the form of Babban Babua, a ruthless businessman from Jaisalmer with ambitions of his own. As the Tripathis face enemies from both the past and present, loyalties are tested while Guddu and Bablu Pandit fight to establish themselves in the power struggle for Mirzapur. 7.2/10, 197 min.
- Other Mommy — Young Bela forms a relationship with a sinister entity in her home that looks uncannily like her own mother, drawing her into a terrifying and increasingly dark world. 9/10, 93 min.
- Mandaadi — A fishing captain applies his maritime knowledge in a traditional boat race along Tamil Nadu's coast during a festival, leading a six-person team against other crews. 9/10, 153 min.
- Hanuman Ansh — A grieving boy seeks God to meet his departed mother, and in finding the divine, learns to serve humanity with miracles of love, food and silent blessings, becoming Hanuman Ansh, Neem Karoli Baba. 8.2/10, 150 min.
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