Manchester’s food and nightlife scene is set for a major new arrival as the team behind Edinburgh Street Food (ESF) announces the launch of Manchester Street Food, opening Summer 2026.
The move forms part of ESF’s strategic growth plan, with the organisation looking to expand across the UK with the opening of a new venue every year for the next five years.
Tapping into Manchester’s rich culture, the venue, which will be situated only 3 minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station. The 15,000 sq ft internal space will have 450 internal covers and include a 32- seater mini-cinema, tequila bar, game rooms, beer tap wall, two stages, a 75-cover private hire space and a winter garden with breakfast service. The south-facing terrace will accommodate a further 180-covers and be home to guest traders keeping the offer fresh.
The venue is expected to generate 180 employee opportunities, expanding Manchester’s food and hospitality industry. Community engagement and social impact are at the heart of MSF plans to become part of Manchester’s ecosystem.
Ben MacMillan, ESF managing director, said: “Manchester has always been a city with incredible energy, creativity and a love of food, so bringing our concept here in this stunning venue is a natural and exciting next step.”
“We want to create a space brought to life by local artists which celebrates the city’s culture and provides line up independent traders and brewers a city centre platform to shine.”
ESF’s Scottish iteration has completed over a million transactions per year since launching in 2003and offers a range of cuisines, including Mexican, Korean, Peruvian, Japanese and South Asian dishes. It is home to a European, UK & Scottish street food award winners and has 4 kitchens run by chefs with Michelin star backgrounds.
MacMillan added: “We’ve seen how much people embraced the spirit of ESF in Edinburgh and we know Manchester, with its energy and hunger for innovation will take it to another level. We’re incredibly excited about making the city our second home.
