Lupo
If you build it they will come. And should anyone doubt it, there’s an obscure little corner of Rome in an obscure stretch of an obscure industrial estate in a North Manchester suburb. Lupo is a tiny pasticceria and coffee shop, with a touch of the speakeasy about it, that a surprising number of people are in the know about given its zero footfall. Super-barista-cum-baker Nico Pasquali, however, has a loyal customer base who have followed him from various city locations, unwilling to forgo fluffy multi-flavoured doughnuts, perfect pizzette, feather-light arancini and arguably the best espresso in Manchester. There are two weekly changing lunch dishes and a small selection of well-curated deli produce such as guanciale from Norcia (essential for carbonara) is also available. Come early, they sell out before you can say A.S Roma. Just don’t ask for a flat white.
lupocaffe.co.uk
Osma
Further along Bury New Road, there’s another European outpost that’s established itself on the city’s gastro-map. Osma is Oslo meets Manchester: generous open sandwiches, excellent salads and cinnamon buns during the day, ‘creative’ small plates four nights a week defined by local artisan ingredients and a deft and skilful touch in the kitchen.
osmakitchenbar.com
Chips @ No. 8
Bog-standard chippies are so much part of the Mancunian landscape, it’s an eye-rubbing moment to discover one that both elevates and celebrates the genre. The friendly and acclaimed Chips @ No.8 in Prestwich village is relatively new but has an old school look with ceramic tiles, pickled eggs and Manc’s own Sarson’s malt vinegar. There’s a modern vibe though with eco-aware packaging and a large map that indicates the ports where the fish was landed. Everything is cooked to order and ‘proper’ chips are fried in beef dripping (or vegetable oil if preferred). And last but not least, genius mushy pea fritters. An instant classic.
chipsatno.8
