The hidden city centre neighbourhood home to new taproom and rotisserie

If you had asked any Mancunian a year or so ago for directions to St. John’s, you’d have more than likely ended up somewhere with an ambulance and a first aid course in sight.

And whilst that may perhaps still be the case for many, the rest of us Mancs are starting to know our way around the St John’s neighbourhood - which is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting places in the city centre with an array of top-name arrivals, buzzing start-ups, and out-there concepts.

Set within the shadows of Castlefield, Spinningfields, and Deansgate next to Aviva Studios, the area is already home to the likes of Greek restaurant Fenix, New Zealand-inspired brunch spot Caravan, and the pop-up 'Chalaoke', ice rink and food hub Courts Club. And there’s one new addition to add to the list now too.

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Some of the brains behind Trof, Manchester Union Brewery and Monton haunt Wandering Palate have joined forces to create Trading Route - a new venue on Goods Yard Street paying more than a slight nod to some of Europe’s finest beer halls.

Promising ice cold beers, fine wines, hot chicken and ‘a luxury larder of expertly sourced goods’, the venture opened its doors this week for the first time with a big purpose in mind - to become “The Home of The Foam”.

Serving as a lagerhouse for Manchester Union, with drinks available straight from their Ardwick-based brewery, their continental-style beers offer a ‘full and frothy’ head served via custom-made Tübinger glasses.

“It’s the unofficial tap room for us,” Jamie Scahill at Manchester Union explains. “Working with our friends at Trof and Wandering Palate has been great, with our offerings and expertise perfectly complementing one another. We can’t wait for people to come down to experience our very own lager house over a few pints.”

There's also alcohol-free options from Cloudwater and Chance, alongside a wine selection, bottled cocktails and made-to-order creations like a French Martini and a Ginger Sailor, featuring Havana 3 Rum, lime, ginger ale, crème de cassis and ginger.

Open from dawn until dusk, the bar also features a purpose-built rotisserie where people can order crisp whole and half chicken that’s carved to order and fresh from the oven - served with pickles and dips.

With a selection expertly crafted by the Trof team, there’s also fresh sandwiches and slices using focaccia baked in-house, chicken fat and pecorino potatoes, small plates, salads, desserts and breakfast and lunch menus too.

“We’ve focused on bringing everything that people love about Trof to an exciting space in a new neighbourhood,” Trof’s Matt Nellany says. “The kitchen team have been perfecting a menu ideally suited to our purpose-made rotisserie ovens - think crispy chicken, and some killer vegan options too, all designed to be shared.

“It’s going to be that perfect spot whether you’re grabbing breakfast, stopping in for lunch, or settling in for a proper evening session.”

Meanwhile, Wandering Palate’s line-up of provisions will include a host of artisan goods that can be taken home including some of the region’s finest wines, cheeses, and sundries.

Having opened in Monton three years ago, co-owner Will Evans says he is excited to be arriving in town. He explains: “It’s brilliant to be bringing our wines, cheeses, and deli favourites to a new audience in the city centre.

“We’ve curated a selection of goods that we’re really proud of, and, of course, we’ll be there to help people discover something special to take home. It’s an exciting space, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

The 3,500 sq ft space has been created by Manchester-based studio PHAUS, who have also worked on the interiors for the likes of Jane Eyre, Erst and Freight Island, and can accommodate up to 150 guests at any one time.

Trading Rotue is on 1 Goods Yard Street, Manchester, M3 3BP. Bookings recommended, but walk-in's are available.