A huge independent restaurant that will change its appearance four times a year is opening in The Printworks next month.
Blank Canvas will take over a 160-cover vacant unit on Withy Grove, which faces out on to the Corn Exchange and Exchange Square.
In a prime location for Manchester Arena audiences, the restaurant and bar plans to entice customers in with an ever-changing food menu and regular decor makeovers.
Due to open in early May, Blank Canvas will be decorated with wooden panels affixed to the walls on hooks, which can then be easily swapped and updated to create new looks.
Owner Joseph (Joe) Bolger's impressive hospitality background includes positions at Michelin-starred Lake District restaurants HRiSHi (at the Gilpin) and Forest Side.
This will be his first venture under his own steam, and also a rare independent restaurant opening within The Printworks, where other restaurants include large chains such as Nando's and Wagamama's.
A rooftop craft beer taproom is opening above a new Manchester burger bar
"I think The Printworks is ready to have a bit of life breathed back into it, and I really think it's time an independent business opened up there," Joe said.
While the ground floor of the restaurant will be a fluid, ever-evolving dining space, which Joe describes as: "A never-ending pop-up", upstairs will be transformed into a lounge bar.
Decor upstairs will create an urban jungle, with vintage street lights and street art surrounded by plants.
The menu will adapt with the seasons, though will focus on simple, good-quality, crowd-pleasing dishes such as burgers and salads.
Freakshakes will be a regular staple on the drinks menu, loaded high with sugary baked goods.
Joe has brought the bar manager from The Gilpin on board to create a high-end cocktail menu, with many drinks being theatrically made at your table - expect fire and smoke.
There will be seating for up to 40 people outside the site, with plans to stay open until late.
Blank Canvas is due to open within The Printworks in early May.
The Girl on the Train comes to The Lowry theatre
Aldi is selling a bottle of Parma Violet gin for half the price of brand versions
