Whilst we are typically encouraged to stay indoors during the winter, a flurry of new restaurants opening in December are certain to tease you outside. If you are looking for some new food spots to add to your list and see out the final month of the year in style, then look no further…
1. Dainā
Pronounced ‘day-nah’ – Dainā is the first kitchen residency kickstarting a series of collaborations from Side Street Studio. From the chefs behind the Seesaw Cafe, Jake Huxley and Samuel Jethro, you can expect a carefully crafted menu of small plates that meld their love of Asian cooking and local ingredients. Think homemade bao buns and red braised pork belly with marinated egg. They’ll also be hosting weekly album listening parties, fashion pop-ups, workshops and other events.
Open Now
Location: Lower Byrom St, Manchester M3
Dainā on Instagram
2. Fairfield Social Club
From the brains behind Grub, Fairfield Social Club is making its return to Manchester with a festive programme of events before fully launching in Spring 2024. Running throughout December, you can expect craft beers from Blackjack Beers and barbecue from Isit Kitchen (a firm favourite). If you need more reasons to step into Christmas, this winter pop-up will also have gift-wrapping stations, a Christmas Tree shop, as well as comedy shows and supper clubs.
Open Now
Location: Irk Street, Manchester M4 4JT
Fairfield Social Club on Instagram
3. Fondue at the Refuge
Après Ski comes to Manchester with a winter terrace takeover at Refuge. Fully heated and covered, all you need to do when you arrive at Fondue is eat, drink and be cosy. With a rather decadent take on the classic fondue, guests are encouraged to sip and dip on Champagne and settle in for a night under twinkling lights. For those wanting something a little sweeter, or something the little ones can enjoy, the Fondue terrace also features a build-your-own hot chocolate bar. The Refuge is also hosting wreath-making workshops, features a brand-new photo chalet, and will have a series of DJ sets taking place from November.
Open Now
Location: The Refuge, Oxford St, M60 7HA
The Refuge on Instagram
4. Owen’s Kitchen and Bar
If you are looking for something a little bit more traditional this December, Owen’s is a bistro bringing British classics with an Asian flair to Greater Manchester. Named after one of the co-owners, Grandad, Owen’s is putting family at the heart of everything they do and their hearty food will ensure you will be able to please everyone at the dinner table. Alongside proper fish and chips and slow-cooked short rib, you’ll find a smoked haddock and king prawn kedgeree, butter chicken served with aloo tikki and British Raj lentil dahl.
Open Now
Location: 31 Station Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 9JG
Owen’s on Instagram
5. Stanley’s
Step back into the Victorian times at Stanley’s – a new pub inspired by the past and Manchester terriers. Whilst I’m not sure how festive it will make you feel, it is an immediately inviting space adorned with Victorian photographers of owners and their dogs. Spend an evening in the Landlord’s Living Room, with a pint of Stanley’s very own stout and homemade pork scratchings, whilst you learn about the history of the regal breed that is ‘The Gentleman’s Terrier’. The pub is sure to be a hit, regardless of your interest in history and offers a unique bit of heritage to the Stockport bar scene.
Open Now
Location: Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1LA
Stanley’s on Instagram
If you can only take yourself to one place this year, be sure to check out the festive pop-ups at the Refuge of Fairfield Social Club, as there is nothing like the festive spirit and cheer of Manchester.