New Kids on the Block

Bar Shrimp, Manchester

The team behind Manchester's Higher Ground (and wine bar Flawd) are diving deep into the city's seafood scene this October with Bar Shrimp, the latest addition to the northern powerhouse's thriving hospitality sector. Situated on New York Street – how very appropriate – this new cocktail bar-cum-oyster emporium promises the freshest aquatic delights, a lively, music-inflected ambience, and red banquettes just the right side of garish. Tuna crudo, clams steamed with bacon and sherry, and a multitude of oysters are all present and correct. As for the vino? Expect a surfeit of Chablis, Riesling and super-chilled Muscadet. We hope.

7 New York St, Manchester M1 4JB

barshrimpmcr.co.uk

Bar Shrimp, Manchester will open 22 October

Motorino

Fresh from his enormous triumph at Lita in Marylebone, Luke Ahearne is joining forces with chef Stevie Parle to bring us Motorino in Fitzrovia – another surefire hit with the “Waitrose have under-stocked darling” crowd.  Describing the culinary offering as “Italian-ish”, both Ahearne and Parle have been relatively tight-lipped about the venture, although Parle said in an interview that his new neighbourhood bistro will closely emulate the retro-meets-futuristic décor of Town in Covent Garden. Serving a maximum of 140 covers, Motorino will feature a separate bar presided over by maestro mixologist Kevin Armstrong. The wine list, meanwhile, will surely follow Town's example and showcase a healthy mix of traditional classics and more esoteric options, including a fair few by the glass. Anticipation levels are reaching boiling point.

1 Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3BF.

instagram.com/motorino.london/

Motorino will open in mid-October.

Vinette & Vivien

Edinburgh's food scene, once a pale shadow of London's, is going from strength to strength. The latest big launch is Vinette & Vivien, a Parisian-style bar à vin complete with subterranean cocktail bar and extensive wine list curated by sommelier Stuart Skea. Recently recognised in the Harpers Top 50 Sommeliers Awards, Skea holds WSET Advanced Diplomas (with distinction) and is  a member of the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Gastronomic duties, meanwhile, are being handled by Calum Ralston, who has promised seasonal sharing plates and bistro classics, including Iberico pork chops, pig's head croquettes and venison tartare. If Paris has the boulevards, Edinburgh increasingly has the bravado.

36 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3SB

vinette.co.uk

Vinette & Vivien opened on October 8