The Trading Route – Permanently Closed

This restaurant closed in October 2026. This listing is retained for reference. Looking for somewhere similar? Explore our neighbourhood guide to St John’s.

The Trading Route, named for its location near the River Irwell and its ties to Manchester’s industrial heritage, is a collaboration between Manchester Union Brewery, Trof NQ, and the Wandering Palate in Monton. If you know any of that bunch, you know you’re in for a treat.

Its short, simple menu is centred around the rotisserie chicken you can see slowly rotating behind the bar. Pair it with small plates such as green salads and potatoes roasted in chicken fat, or have it in a freshly baked foccacia or Caesar salad. There’s burrata or cavolo nero for vegetarians.

Manchester Union brings a steady flow of their craft lagers. Served in bespoke glasses, Czech-style, you can expect a frothy pour that puts foam front and centre. Meanwhile Wandering Palate stocks the food stores in the entrance with a curated selection of wine, cheese, and premium pantry staples.

Just around the corner from Aviva Studios (the base for Manchester International Festival), this is a good option if you’re looking for somewhere to eat after a show.

Fun fact for Coronation Street fans: The Trading Post is where the Rovers Return stood when this was part of the Granada Studios complex. We wonder what Jack Duckworth would have made of those European-style frothy heads.