Medlock Canteen, the popular French bistro and American diner in Manchester city centre, is set to reopen in a new format more than a year after announcing its closure. The restaurant, which first opened in Deansgate Square in March 2024, was led by the teams behind Mexican restaurant Madre, high-end bistro Winsome and Liverpool restaurant Belzan.
The concept quickly gained popularity with locals and national food critics, including Jay Rayner, who described it as 'one of the best openings in the city in years'. In his review for the Guardian, the critic praised the venue for its 'very satisfying' menu.
Closure and customer reaction
The restaurant, led at the time by chef Sam Grainer and named after the river it overlooked, announced it would be closing less than 18 months after opening. The announcement in June last year cited challenging trading conditions.
In a statement at the time, owners said rising costs and increased taxes had led them to make the decision with a 'heavy heart', explaining: “When we opened our doors 18 months ago, our dream was simple: to build a neighbourhood spot where everyone felt welcome, serving proper good food you know, love and can’t wait to eat. But the current climate has made that dream a tough one to sustain. Rising costs, increased taxes, and tighter spending have created challenges we’ve fought hard to overcome but, sadly, they’re ones we just can’t compete with.”
The news was met with heartbreak from the restaurant’s loyal customers, who described the closure as 'gutting' and 'really sad to hear'. At the time, owners suggested it would not be the end of things as they promised they would 'somehow get that rhubarb pie back to you'.
Announcement of return
It has now been announced that Medlock Canteen will indeed no longer remain an all-but-distant memory as its owners took to social media to share the news of its comeback, writing: "Did you miss us? Medlock Canteen is making a return."
Alongside pictures of some of their most beloved dishes, including their deep-fried rhubarb pie and custard and their turkey schnitzel with duck egg, the announcement confirmed it was going to be at a different yet-to-be announced location. They said: “We can’t tell you where or when just yet, but we’ll soon be welcoming diners again from dawn until late, with breakfast classics, lunchtime sandwiches and, of course, the return of some Medlock favourites.”
Responding to the news, one person responded: "Such great news!" Another said: "My dreams have come true x". One other wrote: "Very happy about this." Possibly confirming his involvement once again, chef Sam Grainger added: "Let's go".
Menu and concept
The all-day Medlock Canteen concept, which included the option of bottomless coffee, also included a 'strong sandwich game', as well as the likes of rotisserie chicken, salads, steaks, fish and more. It also served a 'staff dinner', which often sold out and consisted of whatever special had been concocted that day for staff to eat on their breaks.
