The Smithfield Social: Northern Quarter newcomer to dining destination

Spotlight on The Smithfield Social in Manchester

From Gary Neville to the Real Housewives of Cheshire cast, there is a long tradition of celebrities putting their time, effort, and cash into the hospitality industry. And when it comes to Manchester, there is no bigger name than the city’s very own indie darling, Liam Fray. In 2021, the frontman of The Courteeners joined forces with two hospitality heavyweights, Anthony Fielden and Jobe Ferguson of TNQ and The Liar’s Group, to establish one of the coolest drinking dens in the Northern Quarter. Fast forward a year and The Smithfield Social now serves everything from boozy brunches to the full Sunday spread. Read on to discover why the venue is the ideal spot for all your social antics this summer.

Manchester’s history meets Stateside style

The pandemic took many casualties on the independent scene, one being quaint coffee shop Teacup Kitchen. In the edgy heartland of the Northern Quarter, its site has been transformed into an all-day dining hotspot, inspired by the modern aesthetic of New York hangouts. In both name and atmosphere, The Smithfield Social pays homage to the historic Smithfield Market that once stood down the road and offered a huge variety of fresh produce to nearby Mancunians. Local and seasonal produce makes up most of the food menu at the venue, which combines original small plates with an extensive list of tipples.

While a lot of the initial buzz around The Smithfield Social was due to the involvement of Liam Fray, the beloved Courteeners frontman, Jobe Ferguson and Anthony Fielden have a track record for getting the neighbourhood excited with nearby restaurant TNQ. With a white brick exterior and al fresco terrace bathed in sunlight, the venue doubles as both a laidback brunch spot and late-night drinking den. Open from 8am to 1am every day, the menu begins the day with a huge selection of brunch dishes, before moving into small plates, salads and sandwiches come afternoon. There’s no mistaking where the ingredients come from, with sausages fresh from award-winning Albert Matthews butchers in Bury and rich Burford Brown eggs from Clarence Court.

From morning meals to midnight treats

While the brunch menu is brimming with Benedicts and bacon, you can also choose from unique dishes such as fluffy matcha green tea and blueberry pancakes, and decadent truffle and pecorino hash browns. If you’re a fry-up fanatic, the ‘Social’ breakfast is the star of the show, complete with famous Bury black pudding and streaky bacon cured in treacle in-house. Alongside a selection of fruity brunch cocktails, the venue also serves the self-proclaimed “best coffee in town” with a specialty roast from local roasters Heart and Graft.

Inspired by the frontman’s international tours, the all-day menu takes inspiration from several corners of the globe. There are clear Italian influences with arancini balls to start and a traditional chicken Milanese with San Marzano tomatoes, as well as Asian flavours with Thai glass noodles and salt and pepper squid. It’s the perfect spot to get your fried chicken fix with the ‘KFG’ burger, juicy Korean fried Goosnargh chicken and spicy gochujang mayo, alongside several dishes piled high with kimchi. Amongst the globe-trotting flavours, you’ll also find some classic British plates including fish and chips and rump steak, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Smithfield Social. Come Sunday, the venue puts on an epic spread with local meats, including rump steak from Deep Clough farm, Forest of Bowland leg of lamb and Gloucestershire old spot porchetta, alongside all the trimmings – and don’t forget the beef dripping gravy.

God bless the band

Food offering aside, The Smithfield Social has also firmly established itself as the go-to venue for cocktails, partying and positive vibes – Liam Fray himself has been known to pop in for an impromptu live set. Sandwiched between Terrace and Cane & Grain on the fully pedestrianised Thomas Street, the venue is in the prime location to attract diners and drinkers into the early hours, especially with an impressive happy hour offering. With its minimalist interior, floral outdoor terrace and indie soundtrack, there’s no surprise the venue has become a magnet for millennials over the last year.

Drinks wise, the wine list covers familiar territory of red, white and pink, with a creative description explaining each tipple. Camden Town brewery dominates the beer selection, but you can also try the signature Social Pils, and various craft beers on rotation from neighbouring brewery, Cloudwater. The cocktail menu offers something unique for Northern Quarter drinking spots, with a contemporary twist on classic drinks and a range of bold ingredients such as sumac, rosemary and cayenne smoke. Jack Daniels Apple meets blackberry cordial in Jack’s Hard Cider, while the aptly named Don’t Even combines spiced rum with sharp espresso and oat milk. With its diverse menu, lively atmosphere and undeniable charm, it’s clear that the venue has a bright future on the Manchester scene.

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