Exhibition, the sleek and contemporary foodhall in the heart of Manchester, has quickly become one of the city’s go-to dining destinations. Home to three of Manchester’s best independent kitchens and a thriving bar scene, it’s a space that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and seriously good food.

Now, Exhibition has taken things one step further with the launch of the Exhibition Incubator Programme, introduced in June 2025. The initiative was created to help talented chefs make the leap from behind the pass to running their own business — offering the environment, support, and resources needed to turn a concept into a fully-fledged kitchen.

The goal? To remove barriers, nurture new talent, and give Manchester’s rising culinary stars a platform to grow and thrive.

Two New Kitchens, Endless Flavour

As part of the Incubator Programme, two new kitchens have recently joined the Exhibition line-up — and both are already making waves.

First up is @morejoyfoodco, where comfort and creativity go hand in hand. Their beef short rib is a standout dish: slow-cooked until perfectly tender, rich in flavour, and beautifully balanced. It’s one of those plates that reminds you just how good simple, well-executed food can be.

Another must-try from Morejoy is the Pork Char Siu, topped with cured egg yolk and spring onion. Beautifully cooked, it’s packed with immense umami depth — the kind of dish that hooks you from the first bite and keeps you going back for more. It perfectly encapsulates what Morejoy does best: bold, confident flavours underpinned by real technical skill.

Next, I tried to @anatra.mcr, where Italian classics are given the attention they deserve. Sometimes you can’t beat the timeless simplicity of a cacio e pepe, and Anatra’s version is flawless — silky, peppery, and just indulgent enough to keep you going back for more.

There are also a number of desserts to try from a combined kitchen menu if you still have space after trying these and other dishes.

Supporting Manchester’s Independent Food Scene

What makes the Exhibition Incubator Programme so exciting is the long-term vision behind it. By supporting chefs through the transition from culinary talent to business owner, Exhibition is helping to build a stronger, more diverse food scene for the city.

Manchester has always been full of creative energy, and this programme feels like a natural next step — a way to ensure that new voices and fresh ideas continue to find space to thrive.

If these two kitchens are anything to go by, the future of dining at Exhibition — looks incredibly bright.

Visit Exhibition MCR

📍 St. Peter’s Square, Manchester
🍴 @exhibition.mcr