New in Food: Finca, Nightcrawler Pizza & more

If you're anything like us, you'll sometimes feel overwhelmed by the number of new restaurant and bar openings in Liverpool and Manchester. To help you conquer this feeling – and hopefully give you some new ideas for Sunday brunch – we're going to be rounding up the best new openings across the region every month, from craft beer bars to coffee places, to street food pop-ups and fancy restaurants. Opening a new food and drink venue in Liverpool or Manchester? Let us know – send the details to hiya@theskinny.co.uk.

New restaurants in Liverpool

Finca

While not strictly a restaurant, the guys behind Liverpool’s Secret Diners Club have taken up a summer residency at the Botanical Gin Garden at the Great Baltic Warehouse, much to the delight of the many hungry and/or tipsy boozehounds who enjoyed the sourdough pizzas and small plates from Lento last year. They’ll be branching out with Finca, a new Cuban street food concept specialising in Cubano sandwiches, plus sides like Mariquitas de Platános (plantain crisps) and buñuelos (Cuban doughnuts made from yuca). Botanical Gin Garden, Great Baltic Warehouse, Liverpool. 

Nightcrawler Pizza

More recently it's been the Neapolitan sourdough style elbowing its way through the pizza circuit, but we've not forgotten the gloriously greasy New York-style equivalent – nor have the folk behind prevailing house night Chibuku, thankfully, who are throwing the doors open to their new venture Nightcrawler Pizza later this month to launch in serious style by giving out 2,500 free pizza slices. Slater Street, Liverpool, opens Fri 29 Apr.

The Allotment

From the mind of vegan chef Matthew Nutter (aka Plant Food Power Chef) comes new fine-dining pop-up restaurant The Allotment, which has opened up in the back of wholefood organic shop Purple Carrot on Smithdown Road to serve up a seven-course vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free menu every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Smithdown Road, Liverpool.

Busaba

Hot on the heels of Manchester’s Busaba opening earlier this year, the award-winning Thai brand now has its own 144-cover Liverpool location, which is the second regional outlet for the company. Founded by Wagamama's Alan Yau, Busaba's menu steps away from the world of of katsu chicken and into creations inspired by modern-day Bangkok. Liverpool One, Liverpool.

New cafés in Manchester

Kettlebell Kitchen

So our obsession with squatting, pumping iron and, er, #gains, seems to have reached new heights with the introduction of a gym-themed cafe in Ancoats, aptly titled Kettlebell Kitchen. Expect an 'eat clean, cheat clean' mantra through high-protein, low-carb meals such as protein pizzas and burgers, 'Kettleboxes' packed with quinoa, halloumi and the like, plus dairy/gluten free brownies. Oh, and protein shakes and juices, natch. 5 Nuovo, Great Ancoats Street, Manchester

Chilango

And because Manchester's a bit short of burritos these days (ho ho ho), London-based Mexican chain Chilango will be heading Northwards with a new burrito bar in the city centre. Stand poised for a barrage of free burritos when they open their doors on 22 April. 50 Oxford Street, Manchester. 

New bars in Manchester

The Brink

Anytime a new boozer pops up it’s big news, but when it’s a small and simple micro-pub in Manchester’s city centre, it’s somehow even bigger. Running a mile from the concept bar format (think the former Wood joint on Tib Street for a lesson in how more is often less), The Brink has just opened in a bijou basement space on Bridge Street, where the walls are painted white, the pints are decently priced and it’s all about local breweries. 65 Bridge Street, Manchester.

The Botanist

Seems many of the UK’s usual suspects are out speading their wings again, with a new joint for Living Venture’s ever-popular Botanist series in Knutsford, who can brace themselves for more faux-vintage styling, chirpy bearded waiters and those bloody hanging kebabs. 41A King Street, Knutsford.

Be At One

Its 30th branch nationwide, London bar chain Be At One has now opened up shop in Manchester, taking over the former Circle Bar unit to cater to Deansgate's thirsty many with its standardised yet popular cocktail bar format. Primarily for people that like doing cocktails with the girls. Barton Arcade, Manchester.

New restaurants in Manchester

Hispi

This one's not open yet, but here's a much-needed mention for the unstoppable empire of Gary Usher, whose recent Kickstarter campaign for his third bistro smashed its target long before the deadline thanks to a glowing review for Burnt Truffle from Jay Rayner – and, let's face it, a devoted legion of fans able to recognise hard work when they see it. Hispi is due to open in Chorlton in summer.