/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
- Crazy Pedro's — The popular pizza brand has opened a new location at the Trafford Centre. They are celebrating the launch with a massive giveaway of 1,000 free pizzas. 4.3 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, bar.
- Lucky Gyros — A new independent street food concession has opened in the Arndale Food Court. They are celebrating their launch with a giveaway of 100 free gyros. 4.9 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, fast food restaurant.
- La Chouquette — This award-winning Didsbury bakery has reopened following a major transformation. Known for its high-quality sweet and savoury bakes, it remains a local favourite that frequently draws queues. 4.7 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, bakery.
- The Angel — This historic pub located on the edge of Tatton Park has recently completed a significant £350,000 refurbishment. The renovation includes updated interiors and the addition of four new plush bedrooms for guests. 5 stars, concert hall.
- SpudBros — Following an incredibly popular debut, the viral baked potato specialists are returning to the Trafford Centre. Their first event drew massive queues, making this a highly anticipated pop-up return. 5 stars, catering service.
- Bullgogi — Bullgogi is a new addition to the Manchester dining scene, recently visited by MasterChef judge Grace Dent. It offers an authentic Korean dining experience in the city. 4.2 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, korean restaurant.
- Caramello — This popular Didsbury cafe is celebrating a decade of success. The owner reflects on the journey from early struggles to becoming a local staple known for viral dishes like hot honey. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, cafe.
- Riverbank — A peaceful, family-friendly cafe located in a scenic spot along the River Mersey where cars are prohibited. It is a hidden gem accessible primarily by foot or bike, perfect for a quiet outing. 4.8 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, cafe.
- The Crown — A family-run gastropub situated in the village of Hawk Green, offering stunning views and a popular beer garden. It serves as a destination spot on the borders of Cheshire, Stockport, and Derbyshire. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, gastropub.
- Hispi — A highly regarded bistro in Didsbury founded by chef Gary Usher following a successful crowdfunding campaign. It is a staple of the local dining scene known for its modern British menu. 4.7 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, bistro.
- Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant — Gordon Ramsay has opened his first restaurant in Cheshire, offering diners a chance to experience his world-class signature dishes. The venue is situated in a scenic lakeside location. 4.3 stars, restaurant.
- The Coach and Horses — This historic pub in Whitefield is notable for its unique beer garden, which was once used as a turn-around for mail coaches. It serves as a charming piece of local history for visitors. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, pub.
- The Big Crab Shack — This new Printworks restaurant marks the brand's first expansion outside of London. It specializes in seafood boils, offering giant platters and their signature boil bags. 4.9 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, seafood restaurant.
- Equal Tea Cafe — A new neighbourhood cafe in Urmston that serves high-quality bakes. It is notable for its social mission, providing employment pathways for individuals with assessed needs. 5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, coffee shop.
- The Swan — Located in the village of Little Bollington, this quintessential country pub is a perfect destination for a post-walk pint. It is highly regarded for its traditional atmosphere and scenic location on the edge of Greater Manchester. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, pub.
- Slattery — A well-known local patisserie and chocolatier that recently made headlines after bizarre CCTV footage showed customers damaging their cakes. Despite the odd incident, it remains a popular destination for high-quality desserts. 4.6 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, cake shop.
- Peveril of the Peak — This iconic, unpretentious Manchester pub has been ranked as the best in the country by a panel of experts. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking a quintessential and authentic British pub experience. 4.6 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, pub.
- Richmond Tea Rooms — This quirky, quintessentially British tea room in Manchester city centre offers highly-rated, affordable afternoon tea. It has gained international recognition as one of the best tea rooms in the world. 4.5 stars, tea house.
- Chicken Run — A long-standing Whalley Range institution that has been serving the community for over three decades. It is particularly famous for its signature £5 chicken split. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_INEXPENSIVE, caribbean restaurant.
- Maison Cafe — A popular Liverpool-based brunch spot is expanding to Manchester's Corn Exchange. The new cafe promises a Parisian-inspired menu with a focus on speciality matcha flavours. 5 stars, cafe.
- Uplift — A popular Stretford café that has become a vital community hub. It is highly regarded by locals as the heartbeat of the area. 5 stars, medical clinic.
- Gaucho — The iconic Manchester restaurant has reopened following its most significant renovation in 25 years. The evolution includes a refreshed menu that expands beyond their signature steak offerings. 4.5 stars, steak house.
- Dahlia — A new two-floor bar and restaurant is set to open in Manchester's Northern Quarter. The venue will feature a Latin-inspired concept with open-fire cooking and late-night DJ sessions. 4.5 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, food court.
- The Horse & Jockey — This local pub has undergone a significant transformation over the past year, evolving into a highly regarded foodie destination. It is now celebrated for its quality menu and improved atmosphere. 4.3 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, gastropub.
- The Lamb Hotel — A charming pub in Eccles that features a hidden gem beer garden and hosts regular comedy nights. It is a well-regarded local spot that has previously been named the best pub in Salford. 5 stars, concert hall.
- The Station Buffet — This family-run Stockport pub is known for its excellent Sunday roasts and unique 1930s rail-themed decor. It has recently been nominated for a major industry award. 4.6 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, pub.
- The Northern Crafthouse — This Wigan patisserie, run by a former Bake Off star, has been drawing massive queues. It has established a strong reputation in the Standish area over the last six years. 4.9 stars, pastry shop.
- Paddy's Pizza Bar — A transformed Altrincham spot that now offers a dual-concept menu featuring croissants during the day and pizzas at night. The project is backed by a notable local pizza operator. 3.8 stars, coffee stand.
- School Bus Kitchen — This independent BBQ joint operates out of a converted 1980s school bus in Oldham. It has recently received a prestigious industry award, marking it as a unique destination for food lovers. 4.6 stars, PRICE_LEVEL_MODERATE, barbecue restaurant.
Don't Miss
Events happening soon
- Witches & Healers — The Portico Library is hosting a new exhibition exploring feminist themes of wellbeing, ageing, and ritual healing. The show features portraits by Rosie Reed Hillman alongside historic texts chosen by local contributors.
- 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.
- Science and Industry Museum Pride Programme — The museum is hosting a special Pride programme featuring spotlight talks on Alan Turing, creative workshops, and a 'Get Curious' event celebrating LGBTQIA+ STEM professionals. The schedule runs from late August through the end of the month.
- Live from Wythenshawe Park — A major outdoor concert series featuring headline acts including The Cure, Lewis Capaldi, Pulp, and Courteeners across two weekends in August. 29 Aug, Wythenshawe Park.
- Spies, Lies and Deception — A major free exhibition at IWM North exploring the history of espionage, featuring authentic artifacts, hidden gadgets, and interactive trails.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sip & Guzzle at SCHOFIELD’S BAR — North America's No.1 cocktail bar, Sip & Guzzle, is hosting an exclusive one-night-only guest shift at Manchester's acclaimed SCHOFIELD’S BAR. The event features signature cocktails crafted by world-renowned bartenders.
- Spies, Lies and Deception — A major free exhibition at IWM North exploring the history of espionage, hidden gadgets, and undercover missions throughout the 20th century.
- Zouk Connect — Zouk Tea Bar & Grill is launching a monthly professional networking lunch designed for informal relationship-building. The event includes a banquet-style lunch and guest speakers in a private mezzanine setting.
- Manchester United v Leeds — Manchester United and Leeds United face off in a historic pre-season football match. The game is particularly notable for being the first association football match held at Croke Park. 27 Sept, AO Arena.
- Spies, Lies and Deception — A blockbuster exhibition at IWM North delving into the secret world of espionage and intelligence history.
- Manchester Pride — Manchester Pride has evolved from its humble beginnings as a small bring-and-buy sale into a major international event. The festival has hosted world-renowned artists such as Ariana Grande and Nelly Furtado. 27 Sept, AO Arena.
- Manchester Pride Fringe — Manchester's first-ever Pride Fringe programme offers a week of LGBTQ+ events across the city, including film screenings, comedy, and art tours. Highlights include events at Aviva Studios, HOME, and the Great Northern Warehouse.
- A Laugh In Stockport Comedy Club - August — Live stand-up comedy in the heart of Stockport. Come and find out why we're 5-star rated on Google and Tripadvisor!
- Filmmaker Mixer + SCENE Shorts Announcement — Connect, pitch, and network with Manchester's filmmaking community at this Film mixer, presented by Screen Manchester and the Queer Filmmakers Network
- 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.
Worth Watching
What to watch this week
- Bitter Christmas — In this new film, a filmmaker struggling with writer's block draws inspiration from his own life. It features a special Q&A with Pedro Almodóvar. 6.5/10, 112 min.
- It Ends — A group of childhood friends on a road trip find themselves trapped in a cosmic horror loop where they must remain in constant motion to survive. This debut feature from Alex Ullom is praised for its clever premise and effective use of limited resources. 5.5/10, 89 min.
- Filipiñana — Rafael Manuel’s award-winning debut feature, which received the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision at Sundance, is set for a UK and Irish cinema release on 20 November. 2/10, 24 min.
- I Swear — As part of the BFI-supported Escapes initiative, this film is being screened for free at over 100 independent cinemas nationwide. It is a great opportunity to support local venues and access independent cinema at no cost. 8.233/10, 121 min.
- Akira — The BFI Southbank is hosting special screenings of a stunning new 35mm print of Katsuhiro Ōtomo's 1988 anime masterpiece. This is the first new print of the film created in decades, restoring its original visual impact. 7.944/10, 124 min.
- The End of Oak Street — After a mysterious cosmic event rips Oak Street from suburbia and transports their neighborhood to someplace unknown, the Platt family soon discovers that their very survival depends on them sticking together as they navigate their now unrecognizable surroundings. 100 min.
- Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma — After years of slapdash sequels and waning fandom, the Camp Miasma slasher franchise is handed over to an enthusiastic young director for resurrection. But when she visits the original's star, a now-reclusive actress shrouded in mystery, the two women fall into a blood-soaked world of desire, fear, and delirium. 9.8/10, 112 min.
- De Gaulle: Résistance — June, 1940. France collapses and signs the armistice. In the midst of the chaos, one man refuses to give up. Alone against the odds, this unknown general flees to London to save what remains of freedom. 7.821/10, 160 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.
- Pinocchio: Unstrung — Influenced by a sinister Cricket and created by Geppetto, Pinocchio launches a violent crusade to carve himself into a real boy like his brother James, one piece at a time. 7.5/10, 82 min.
- Bouchra — Wrestling with writer’s block for her first film, Bouchra, a queer Moroccan jackal living in NYC, starts having difficult yet overdue phone calls with her mother in Casablanca that begin influencing the project. Balancing the precarity of working as an artist, the rift in her cultural identity and an array of romantic interests, Bouchra’s emotional reckoning becomes her path to expression. 5.8/10, 83 min.
- How to Rob a Bank — A crew of social media-savvy bank robbers broadcasts their daring heists, unaware that their growing viral fame has put them in the crosshairs of a veteran FBI agent and a brilliant software engineer. Despite the unlikely duo closing in, the crime ring pushes past their limits, putting everything on the line for their most ambitious heist yet. 5.799/10, 81 min.
- Bad Apples — A struggling primary school teacher begins to make some questionable decisions after one of her students is injured. 4.3/10, 85 min.
- PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie — The Paw Patrol lands on a mysterious dinosaur island after a storm, where they meet Rex, a stranded pup. When Humdinger's reckless mining triggers a volcano, the team faces their biggest rescue mission yet to save the island. 3.5/10, 88 min.
- Colony — Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this horror film follows a group of survivors trapped in a building during a biological attack that turns victims into a hive-mind collective. It explores themes of societal collectivity and individuality, marking a return to the zombie genre for the director of Train to Busan. 6.966/10, 123 min.
- Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma — Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, this film is a surreal postmodern celebration of 1980s slasher cinema. It follows a filmmaker attempting to revive a dormant horror franchise while exploring themes of identity and the male gaze. 9.8/10, 112 min.
- I Want Your Sex — When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy, his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder. 4/10, 90 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.
- Momo — Momo is a young orphan girl who lives in the ruins of an old Roman amphitheater and becomes friends with everybody in the neighborhood. But when a powerful international corporation starts stealing everybody’s time, nobody has any time left for her, let alone their friends or families. Momo, together with Master Hora, the custodian of time, are the only ones who can go up against the time thieves before all is lost forever. 7.2/10, 93 min.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day — The latest Spider-Man film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, features a reinvented musical score by Michael Giacchino to reflect Peter Parker's new status quo. The film is set to hit theaters on July 30, 2026. 9/10, 145 min.
- Holy Days — When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off with them on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save their home. 6.8/10, 101 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.
- Hope — In the remote South Korean village of Hope Harbor, police chief Bum-seok and officer Sung-ae are called to investigate a mysterious creature wreaking havoc on the community. But all is not as it seems, and perceptions can be misleading. What begins as ignorance plants the seed of disaster, escalating through human conflict into a tragedy of cosmic proportions. 8.391/10, 122 min.
- Wildwood — After her baby brother is abducted by a murder of crows, headstrong teenager Prue McKeel launches a desperate rescue mission into an enchanted forest hidden just beyond Portland. Joined by hapless but loyal classmate Curtis, Prue risks it all as she navigates a world of bandits, talking animals and powerful figures driven by grief and ambition. 7.3/10, 59 min.
- The Summer Book — The story of the relationship between Sophia, an eight-year-old girl who is growing up fast, and her grandmother, who is nearing the end of her life. They are spending time together with Sophia’s father, at the family summer house on a tiny unspoiled island in the Gulf of Finland. All three are coming to terms with the recent death of Sophia’s mother in very different ways. 7.3/10, 94 min.
- Khalifa — Aamir Ali, a notorious gold smuggling kingpin who inherited his multi-million dollar criminal enterprise from a lineage of gangsters, is drawn into a web of vengeance, legacy and power. 5.2/10, 52 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.
- Fatherland — In 1949, German writer Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika embark on a road trip across a Germany in ruins, from US-dominated Frankfurt to Soviet-controlled Weimar. 6.237/10, 106 min.
- Possible Love — A laid-off worker and his wife cross paths with a documentary filmmaker and her spouse and confront their hidden desires. 5.86/10, 98 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.
- All Wishes Come True! — Eight grassroot mortals use their street smarts and hilarious schemes to defy powerful gods, earning their title as the "Eight Immortals." 8.231/10, 144 min.
- Kiki's Delivery Service — Hayao Miyazaki's beloved animated classic returns to the big screen. A heartwarming tale of a young witch finding her place in a new city. 7.8/10, 103 min.
- Ish — Imran Perretta’s debut feature film has moved from its roots in Luton to international festival acclaim. It is a notable example of distinctively British independent filmmaking. 8/10, 89 min.
- A. Rimbaud — Patrick Wang’s experimental biopic of Arthur Rimbaud is a unique cinematic experience featuring a single actor performing against a backdrop of musical instruments. It is described as an extraordinary and unconventional take on the poet's life. 8.167/10, 141 min.
- Lady — An eccentric mockumentary by Samuel Abrahams focusing on the complex, parasitic relationship between a struggling filmmaker and a narcissistic aristocrat. It is noted for being both oddball and strangely moving. 6/10, 69 min.
- The Last House — Directed by Louis Leterrier, this Netflix sci-fi thriller depicts a family trapped in their home by a sentient, rain-generating force field. The film explores themes of survival, environmental impact, and family connection during a global crisis. 6.942/10, 110 min.
- The Odyssey — Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of the Homeric poem has become a major box office success, praised for its practical effects and commitment to traditional filmmaking. Experts note that while the film takes significant liberties with the source material, it remains a compelling and visually striking work. 5.75/10, 172 min.
- On the Sea — Jack has been married to Maggie for over half his life. He works as a Hand Raker on the mussel beds in North Wales alongside his younger brother, Dyfan, and Dyfan’s three sons. Jack has always assumed that his own boy, Tom, will join the family business on leaving school but Tom’s resistance to follow in his footsteps creates familial tension. Tensions are further inflamed by the arrival of an itinerant deckhand, Daniel, who makes known his feelings for Jack. In this remote, rural community where life revolves around Church and fishery, Jack is faced with an impossible dilemma. On The Sea is a beautiful, sensual and at times, tragic exploration of masculinity, place and desire. 6.5/10, 115 min.
- Chennai Love Story — Two young people navigate their first experience of love, dealing with its powerful emotions and obstacles while discovering the delicate nature of newfound romance. 4/10, 184 min.
- Coyote vs. Acme — After Acme products fail him one too many times in his dogged pursuit of the Roadrunner, Wile E. Coyote decides to hire a billboard lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation. 7.429/10, 103 min.
- Bethlehem Kudumba Unit — Ashley's homecoming from abroad takes an emotional turn when a wedding next door stirs memories of her first love, Justin. 8.333/10, 155 min.
- Irumudi — An alcoholic with a violent past—living peacefully with his daughter beside a waterfall—decides to take Ayyappa Deeksha (a 41-day spiritual vow and period of intense austerity) at her request. 3/10, 152 min.
- The Dog Stars — After the world's population has been ravaged by a pandemic, a man lives a lonesome existence in a Colorado airplane hangar with his dog and a dour gunman he has befriended. When a mysterious transmission comes through on the radio while he’s flying his old Cessna, it sparks a hunt for the provenance of the sound. 7.3/10, 119 min.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day — Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn't remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter Parker he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves - a powerful villain no one can even see. 9/10, 145 min.
- Dhamaal 4 — The Dhamaal boys are back for another treasure hunt, facing hilarious challenges in their quest for the Treasure of Life. 3/10, 143 min.
- Jana Nayagan — A clash of ideologies. One stands for the people, the other feeds on control. Their paths collided once before. Years later, a child’s silent fear ignites the past, drawing a former police officer into a battle far bigger than personal revenge. 5.5/10, 183 min.
- Super Troopers 3 — When Farva's over-the-top Indian engagement to Thorny's sister spirals into chaos, the Super Troopers must navigate Thorny's schemes to break up the relationship, all while trying to bring down a pernicious new drug ring. 6.3/10, 100 min.
- Vishwanath & Sons — Sanjay Vishwanath is an acclaimed professional handgunner in his 40s with a major stake in fame and wealth. When he comes across a woman named Maddy in her 20s, their dynamic poses many issues that they must come to terms with. 8.7/10, 161 min.
- Chasing Home — A 30-year-old British-Mexican comic creator visits her parents to secure a deposit for her first flat, only to find help won’t come because her mother, 51, is pregnant. 10/10, 75 min.
- Nimrods — Three friends journey from Kansas City to Los Angeles, mistakenly believing that their band is opening for Green Day on New Year’s Eve. 6.4/10, 116 min.
- Sunny Dancer — Ivy is a teenager in remission from cancer, whose mum and dad insist she attend Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer. However, as Ivy is reluctantly dragged through camp experience, she discovers new feelings with new friends. 9/10, 106 min.
- Brunello: The Gracious Visionary — A farmer's son transforms into a fashion mogul, building a billion-dollar luxury empire while staying true to his humanistic values and commitment to ethical business practices and fine craftsmanship. 8/10, 121 min.
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