On a stretch of Swan Street where red brick meets railway arches, one converted garage changed Manchester nightlife. Since 2020, Ramona Manchester has evolved from a lockdown takeaway hatch into one of the Northern Quarter’s most recognisable independent venues.
What began as a Detroit-style pizza experiment is now something larger. A margarita bar, outdoor courtyard, DJ space and cultural anchor that reflects a wider shift in how Manchester socialises.
In a city where hospitality openings come and go, Ramona Manchester has endured. That endurance tells a bigger story about Northern Quarter regeneration, independent business resilience and the evolution of Manchester nightlife.
What Is Ramona Manchester?
Ramona Manchester sits at 40 Swan Street, M4 5JG, occupying a former MOT garage that stood derelict for years before redevelopment. The project was delivered in collaboration with Manchester-based developer Capital and Centric, known for regeneration schemes including Kampus and Crusader Mill.
The venue is led by Joel Wilkinson, Adelaide Winter and Dan Mullen. All three previously held senior roles within Mission Mars Group, the team behind Albert Schloss, Albert Hall, Gorilla and The Deaf Institute. That operational pedigree shows in the programming, scale and consistency.
Culturally, Ramona Manchester positions itself clearly. Detroit pizza. Margaritas. Live radio. Club nights. It is not trying to be fine dining. It is not pretending to be underground. It occupies the middle ground confidently.
Detroit Style Pizza in Manchester
The food offering centres on Detroit style pizza, a rectangular format baked in blue steel trays. The base is thick yet airy, with caramelised cheese edges and sauce layered after baking, a defining Motor City technique.
Dough undergoes fermentation of at least 24 hours, producing the bubbly texture that differentiates it from Neapolitan or New York styles.
Menu highlights include:
Classic Margherita
Pepperoni
Jabba with nduja, finocchiona, hot honey and jalapenos
Korean BBQ Jackfruit for plant-based diners
Slices begin around £7 to £8. Whole pizzas typically sit at £20 and above. Compared to other independent restaurants Manchester offers, pricing remains mid-range and accessible.
While alternatives such as Corner Slice at Jimmy’s NQ also serve Detroit style pizza Manchester diners recognise, Ramona Manchester remains the largest dedicated venue specialising in the format.
Margaritas and Value
The margarita programme is central to the venue’s identity. Classic, frozen and seasonal variations rotate regularly, including mango and yuzu editions. Standard cocktails sit around £10 to £11.
Midweek pricing strengthens appeal:
£6 margaritas Wednesday and Thursday all day
Friday happy hour from 4pm to 7pm
Sunday bottomless pizza at £15
Bottomless pizza and drinks at £35
These offers position Ramona Manchester competitively within Manchester nightlife without pushing into premium cocktail pricing territory.
The Courtyard That Anchors the Venue
What differentiates Ramona Manchester from most pizza restaurants is its physical design.
The entire site operates as a covered outdoor space. A vast marquee intertwined with existing trees houses long benches, a DJ booth and an outdoor stage. Firepits and heaters extend usability through colder months.
Capacity reaches around 250 in the main beer garden, creating a scale uncommon among Northern Quarter independents.
The preserved industrial structure, including corrugated steel and exposed framework, reinforces authenticity. It feels embedded in Swan Street rather than imposed upon it.
Music and Cultural Programming
Music is embedded in the venue’s identity. DJ sets range from house to psychedelic pop. Evenings transition gradually from dining atmosphere to club environment, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.
This hybrid model, food venue by day and nightlife space by night, positions Ramona Manchester uniquely within the city’s hospitality ecosystem.
Students and creatives dominate weekday evenings. Weekends draw a broader demographic including young professionals and group bookings. Dogs are welcome until 9pm. Children until 7pm.
Survival and Expansion
Opening in mid 2020 during extended regional lockdowns, Ramona Manchester entered one of the harshest periods in UK hospitality history.
Manchester faced prolonged restrictions and many venues did not survive. Yet Ramona expanded.
The Firehouse opened next door in 2021.
DieCast followed in 2023 as a 5,000 capacity events space.
In 2025, the parent company entered administration following an HMRC winding up petition. The founding directors reacquired the business under Caspertron Ltd, safeguarding over 120 jobs.
That recovery matters. It demonstrates operational resilience and local commitment.
Against closures such as TNQ Restaurant after 22 years, with energy costs reportedly quadrupling post pandemic, Ramona Manchester represents a rare growth story.
Practical Guide
Address: 40 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JG
Opening: Wednesday to Sunday
Peak time: After 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Bookings: Via the official website
Last food orders: 9:45pm
Midweek visits offer the most relaxed atmosphere. Sunday sessions remain popular for extended group dining.
Why Ramona Manchester Matters
The Northern Quarter has shifted over the past decade. Rising rents and corporate chains have reshaped parts of the district. Yet venues like Ramona Manchester demonstrate that scale does not automatically dilute independence.
It is not the cheapest pizza in Manchester. Nor is it aiming for Michelin recognition. Its value lies in atmosphere, consistency and adaptability.
In a fast moving hospitality landscape, Ramona Manchester has become part of the cultural fabric of Swan Street. Industrial, independent and distinctly Mancunian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ramona Manchester located?
Ramona Manchester is located at 40 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JG, on the border of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats. It sits inside a converted former MOT garage.
What type of food does Ramona Manchester serve?
Ramona Manchester specialises in Detroit style pizza. The menu includes classic margherita, pepperoni, nduja based options and plant based choices, alongside sides such as loaded tater tots and salads.
How much does it cost to eat at Ramona Manchester?
Individual pizza slices start from around £7 to £8, while full pizzas are typically £20 and above. Cocktails are usually priced between £10 and £11, with midweek margarita offers available.
Is Ramona Manchester good for nightlife?
Yes. Ramona Manchester transitions from a food focused venue into a DJ led nightlife space on Fridays and Saturdays. The covered courtyard and stage make it a recognised part of Manchester nightlife.
Do you need to book Ramona Manchester in advance?
Bookings are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings, especially after 7pm. Walk ins are accepted, but peak times often involve waiting.
Is Ramona Manchester dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome until 9pm. Children are welcome until 7pm, making it suitable for daytime and early evening visits.
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