Circle Square celebrates record year of hospitality openings

Circle Square, Manchester's new neighbourhood development, saw a record year of new business arrivals in 2024 – including several hospitality brands.

The eight-acre site received investment from owners Bruntwood SciTech and Vita Group, resulting in the destination now being home to 23 independent hospitality and leisure businesses. 

Dining at Circle Square

The development closed the year with the arrival of Doug's in December, with the Norwegian Smash burger brand opening its first and flagship UK site at the location. The Oslo-based brand is led by the team behind Madre, Medlock Canteen and Breddo's in London. The restaurant is open for dine-in and takeaway from 11am daily, serving its signature Oklahoma-style burgers plus the 'Happier Meal' option, where the burger and fries meal comes with a martini. 

Meatworks is an independent steakhouse serving classic steaks, small plates and big burgers. The brand will open at Symphony Gardens in early January. 

Other hospitality names set to join the Circle Square Development include Detroit Slims – a new quick-service pizza concept from the team behind Diecast, Ramona and The Firehouse. The city's first Detroit Slims opened in October, serving over 10,000 pizzas in its opening week alone. 

In June, hand-crafted pasta kitchen Onda opened its first permanent venue at Circle Square. The brand has amassed a considerable online following and is known for its handmade pasta and viral 'tiramisu drawer'.

Paddy Brown, founder of Onda, comments: "We're really happy to have opened Onda's first restaurant at Circle Square this year. Where to open and picking the right location was a big decision for us and we couldn't be happier with how it's gone here. The whole area has really come together this year too with a great mix of exciting local businesses alongside us."

Last July also saw the destination welcome independent self-service beer, wine and pizza bar Tap House, while the UK-wide grab-and-go Bagel Factory concept launched in August. 

Further investment in the Circle Square campus will take place throughout the year, with the £87m No.3 development due to open in spring, providing space for further hospitality and retail brands. 

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