The Japanese kitchen moving to new spot under Manchester's historic railway arches

A Japanese izakaya kitchen which started life as a pop-up in one of the city centre’s most vibrant food halls is to open as part of a new culinary concept within a leading cocktail bar and distillery.

Throughout April, Etana was based in Exhibition where it sold a selection of Japanese small plates, including black cod with miso and pickled ginger, and burrata with truffle soy on sourdough.

But from Wednesday (July 17), Etana will open up as a new residency at Three Little Words. The cocktail bar, which is situated within the city’s historic railway arches under Manchester Central on Watson Street, will collaborate with the Japanese kitchen on an ‘innovative dining experience’.

READ MORE: The new café and pizzeria that's aiming to bring a sense of community spirit to neighbourhood

Etana - meaning ‘to eat’ - will offer a traditional Izakaya experience, focused on socialising, eating, and drinking, with a selection of high-grade and accessible meats and fish dishes. Led by Executive Chef Paolo Bianchi, the concept will feature a curated selection of contemporary dishes and weekly specials.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, Etana will offer up a full a la carte offering, a midweek lunch menu and a Sunday lunch menu. Naturally, there will also be expertly crafted cocktail pairings developed by the team at Three Little Words to go alongside each meal.

Chef Paolo, who has worked at the likes of Michelin-starred Jean George, The Ivy and at Gordon Ramsay restaurants, said the concept - which has been co-founded alongside Stephanie Powers - will bring an exciting and fresh offering to Manchester - featuring world-class food incorporating high-quality ingredients.

“We are thrilled to bring Etana to Three Little Words,” Paolo and Steph