Caravan Manchester

Caravan Manchester is a 2024 opening from a small London chain started by three New Zealanders who settled in the UK a decade ago. They began as a coffee roastery, before expanding into restaurants, and chose Manchester’s new St John’s district for their first venue outside London.

It’s an all-day affair with the food styles riffing off an eclectic, New Zealand take on world cuisine. Fresh and spacious, Caravan offers an updated version of nineteenth century Parisian brasseries which pinched dishes from around the French regions and did them well.

Here you’ll find breakfast dishes including the ubiquitous smashed avocado, a ‘dingley dell’ pork schnitzel from Austria, and a Barnsley chop sexed up with salsa verde and preserved lemon yoghurt. (We’re not sure what the Yorkshire farmers would think of that.)

Small plates abound with a good range of vegetarian and vegan options. And much like the Parisian brasseries, you’re welcome for coffee and cake or a celebratory family meal, it’s up to you.

Service is spot on. The wine list is short, clear and doesn’t have the expected New Zealand slant, though it does have a couple of crackers.