In a heartwarming twist of fate, the Northern Quarter witnesses the transformation of the iconic Cottonopolis, an Asian-inspired eatery, into the latest buzz of the town, “The Lamb of Tartary.” This new public house and grill, nestled within a Grade II-listed edifice at the junction of Newton Street and Dale Street, celebrates its grand opening today. In a gesture of welcome, they are offering the first 100 guests free pints of Heineken starting from 5 pm.
Nick and Hayley Muir, the visionary duo behind the celebrated Edinburgh Castle pub in Ancoats, herald this change. They bring with them the culinary prowess of Shaun Moffat, a chef who has recently been lauded as the best at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards, to steer the kitchen of this promising establishment.
“The Lamb of Tartary” draws its unique name from a whimsical tale, suggesting a lamb believed to emerge from the cotton plant, nourishing itself from the surrounding grass while connected to the plant by a stem. This name symbolizes the rebirth of Cottonopolis into this new venture, promising a departure from its sushi and fish legacy to unveil a novel menu.
Nick Muir, expressing his excitement, shared, “We’re thrilled to open the doors of The Lamb of Tartary to the public. The venue has undergone a total revamp, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy a drink or meal. We aimed to preserve the architectural integrity while infusing it with a fresh aesthetic. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite the Northern Quarter community to find their new go-to spot in The Lamb of Tartary.”
The menu, crafted by Shaun Moffat, aims to captivate with an array of small plates, exquisite meat and fish fresh off the grill, promising a culinary journey that marries casual dining with a touch of elegance. Dishes such as Atlantic prawn cocktail with melba toast and burrata paired with crown prince pumpkin and green sauce are just the beginning.
Moffat, commenting on the menu, said, “The opening of The Lamb of Tartary marks a thrilling chapter for us, especially following the acclaim of Edinburgh Castle. This new venue is a testament to our dedication to quality produce and our suppliers. The Lamb’s menu, while more relaxed, will still dazzle with the same culinary creativity seen at Edinburgh Castle, presenting new favorites and modern twists on classic dishes.”
The establishment also offers a unique brunch menu, available Saturdays from 12 pm to 3 pm, featuring innovative takes on traditional dishes. The beverage selection is equally impressive, with a variety of beers, cocktails, and wines, including 24 different beers on tap and innovative cocktail renditions.
To commemorate its launch, “The Lamb of Tartary” will be giving away 100 free pints courtesy of Heineken on Friday, March 1, from 5 pm. The kitchen will be operational from Wednesday to Sunday starting at 12 pm, with the bar opening hours extending from Monday to Sunday.
“The Lamb of Tartary” is located at 16 Newton St, Manchester M1 2AE, promising a new culinary landmark in the Northern Quarter.