Manchester is a rapidly gentrifying city. This makes it increasingly difficult to find those unique bars, restaurants and coffee shops shaped by the presence of locals and the history of the surrounding streets.  

Kim’s Kitchen is one of those rare finds. A truly vibrant and one-of-a-kind place, it started life in the early 2000s as neighbourhood restaurant Kim by the Sea. Renowned for its modest but excellent menu, it tempted people from across the city to venture out and visit.

Reopening as Kim’s Kitchen in 2020, this hardworking bar, restaurant, café and social space has once again earned a great reputation for its freshly made, creative dishes, lively atmosphere and welcoming, down-to-Earth crowd.  

Be sure to make room for food on your visit, which always includes inventive vegetarian and vegan options. Choose between the likes of a Kim’s ragamuffin (£5), the jerk chicken wings (£6.50), cheese and onion pie (£10) or sweet and spicy tofu (£10).  

Overlooking the once-famous but now-derelict Junction pub on one hand and Hulme Hippodrome on the other, Kims’ surroundings are rich in history and culture. Grab a pint of Amstel (£5), pull up a seat and you might be treated to a story or two.  

Alternatively, soak up a DJ set from the likes of local legends Dub Smugglers or catch a game of chess with the locals (every second Wednesday evening). 

Whatever you get up to at Kim’s, it’ll be a visit you don’t forget.