It’s known as Kampus, and highlights so far include the Red Light cocktail bar, Pollen Bakery, Nell’s Pizzas – and Madre, which began life in Liverpool but has found a warm welcome here. You won’t find any piñatas or Day of the Dead decorations, rather a Mex modernist take on a traditional adobe house, with plants sprouting from alcoves, walls of glass bricks and a bright orange and green colour palette that feels cheery even on the rainiest of Mancunian days. It’s a feelgood place, big on sharing plates and with Margs flying in all directions, with big-hitting flavours at its core – Madre is from the founders of London’s Breddos and has that same food-truck attitude.

Ok, we’re well over the halfway mark now and we couldn’t go any further without mentioning one of the best additions to the world of tapas in Manchester in recent times, which is Madre over at the thriving mini-district that is Kampus, located just across the water from Canal Street. In truth, we come here for mostly for the margaritas these days – especially since the launch of the Salón Madre pool hall and tequila bar spin-off – BUT, the fish tacos are some of the best we’ve tried in years, the crispy cola pork belly bites are to die for and so is the bone marrow.

From the same masterminds behind Belzan in Liverpool and London's Breddos comes an authentic, design-led Mexican eatery that's name directly translates as 'mother'. Just shy of Piccadilly station, Madre's interiors are mesmerising as soon as you step foot through its door - pastel pinks pair with lime greens and are met with the warm, orange glow of domed lamps. Its menu is an agave-focussed drinks list that steals the limelight, with tipples like peach margaritas (£12) and the Lopo Chapo (£10), made with slow berry-infused mezcal and apricot.

The ‘taqueria and mezcaleria’ that's been a huge hit in Liverpool since 2019, finally landed in at the Kampus Neighbourhood in May 2023, and it's been winning over Mancunians left, right and centre. Offering an authentic taste of Mexico through classic dishes like tacos, pork carnitas, beef birria and fresh seafood cooked over a wood-fired grill, it doesn't miss a beat. Complementing the diverse menu is an impressive drinks selection, which samples from a collection of more than 100 tequilas and mezcals.

It’s always great to see a newcomer hit the ground running, and that’s exactly what Madre has done since opening its second location here in Manchester, adding to the team’s immensely popular Liverpool spot. Among all the mouthwatering Mexican goodness is an oyster and raw bar menu — here you can find molluscs with an extra kick, including the signature ‘Oysters Madre’, which come with lemongrass, lime and bird’s eye chilli.

Madre joined the roster of food and drinks at Escape to Freight Island, serving up Asado-inspired tacos in mid-2020. They’re set to open up their very own place at KAMPUS at some point over the next few months too. You’ll find a menu full of delights like Baja Fish Taco and Fried Chicken tacos and these beauties are authentic, tasty and literally the perfect food to scoff whilst sitting down and watching a show.

In its Sunday markets, pop-up events and venues such as NY-style pizza bar, Nell’s, and bakery-café, Pollen, the Kampus residential development is something of a foodie hub. Stylish, clubbable Mexican restaurant Madre is a key draw. Do not miss its slow-cooked beef birria tacos; wood-fired, pistachio-crusted lamb; and epic crispy potatoes with garlic cream.

With its welcoming atmosphere and cosy interior, guests feel right at home. The menu draws inspiration from travels across Mexico, offering various options such as set menus and à la carte selections like tacos and ceviche. Vegan options and a Mexican Sunday roast are also available, as well as a selection of cocktails and authentic Mexican spirits.

Madre is where it’s at if you’re all about keeping it local while getting your Mexican fix. Located slap bang in Manchester city centre, this joint is all about celebrating the best of Greater Manchester’s produce. Tacos, quesadillas, and margaritas?

Madre Manchester, The Churchill, 41 Chorlton Street, Kampus, Manchester , M1 3HN - Visit now. On the seventh day, head to Madre for the excellent Mexican-style Sunday feast, where the vegetarian and vegan options aren’t just afterthoughts.

You’ll find Manchester’s Madre near KAMPUS on the Chorlton Street side of the complex. It’s the kind of place you’d visit with a groups of friends to enjoy good Mexican food, music and mezcal.

Start the year how you mean to go on – with a taco in each hand, and at 50% off, Madre is the place to be!