Hatch

Since its opening in 2017, Hatch has become an Oxford Road landmark. Not only a vital incubator of independent talent, it’s also a standout destination for lovers of street food, craft beer and thoughtful gifts. 

The open-air seating areas are some of the best in the city, with a great soundtrack of live music and DJ sets whatever the weather. Owners Bruntwood run a socially-responsible operation, offering support for its traders, reducing the risks for start-ups, and encouraging an evolving selection of traders to keep things exciting. 

But Hatch is perhaps best known for its wide range of street food traders. Fancy a burger? Here you’ll find the best in the city – meat-eaters have the much-loved Kong’s Burger Bar, and for vegan diners, Herbivorous serve the ultimate plant-based burger. 

Then there’s Fuku, named after the Japanese word for luck, which serves an out-of-this-world katsu curry. For a North-East classic, pick up a parmo at the brilliantly-named Parmogeddon and you’ll see why this cheese-and-chicken dish has become a national classic. 

Indo-Pakistani fusion food vendor Pukht offers a fascinating take on familiar dishes – start with the lime pickle-marinated olives and go from there. New Brazilian/Tex-Mex fusion outlet Rio-Mex comes with an impressive pedigree – head chef Caroline Martins has appeared on the Great British Menu twice! Then there’s Block Steak Shop, a raved-about steakhouse, which dishes up the best steak and chips dish in town. 

Bondi Bowls is inspired by its founder’s travels in Sydney, and serves colourful, nutritionally balanced bowls. To get an authentic taste of Sicily, head to T’Arricri, one of Hatch’s first traders, where you can try deep-fried delights such as taleggio-filled arancini and pistachio cannoli. Only care about sweet treats? Crumbled is all about desserts, dealing in freshly-baked crumble with more toppings than you can count – plus a never-ending supply of custard. What’s not to love? 

Drinks-wise, a visit to original Hatch resident, ӦL Nano Brewery & Bar is a must. You won’t find many places where you get to sit within touching distance of the beer brewing process in such a great-looking Scandinavian-style saloon. And if you’re in the mood for some dazzling cocktails, there’s the vibrant 80s-themed cocktail bar, Miami Ice – a wildly popular recent addition to the Hatch family. 

Shoppers can indulge in one-of-a-kind retail therapy, thanks to proudly independent boutiques such as Suzy Loves Milo, Curiosity Shop, Atherton Tech, revolutionary trainer refurbisher Sneaker Pharm and DJ Gym. And if you want to look your best for a big night out, you can get a glow-up courtesy of salon Industry Collectives, The Portland Barbers, It’s a Nail Thing and Butterfly Effect Lashes. 

Hatch has taken the traditional town centre experience and transformed it into something fresh and original, courtesy of a next-level collection of independent traders. It’s a one-stop shop for everything positive and progressive about Manchester right now