Mollies Diner Manchester has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about destinations for brunch, burgers and classic American comfort food. Located inside the iconic Old Granada Studios, Mollies blends retro diner styling with modern Manchester energy — and after giving them time to settle in, it felt like the right moment to visit.

Waiting It Out – A Considered First Visit

Rather than rushing in during the opening weeks, I waited until the end of January to give Mollies time to iron out any early teething issues. By the time we visited, the restaurant felt confident and well-run, with a relaxed atmosphere and service that felt settled rather than rushed.

Location, Decor & Ambience

Set within the historic Granada Studios complex, Mollies benefits from one of Manchester’s most recognisable addresses. Inside, the decor leans confidently into classic Americana — leather booths, chrome accents and warm lighting — and visually, it works. The space looks great, feels lively and has an easy, social energy that makes it a pleasant place to spend time.

That said, while the decor and ambience do a lot of the heavy lifting, the food doesn’t quite reach the same level.

The Food – Comfort Classics That Don’t Fully Commit

We skipped starters altogether, opting instead to go straight for the dishes Mollies is best known for: chicken and waffles and mac and cheese.

The chicken and waffles arrived well presented, and while the flavours were good — crisp chicken and a light, fluffy waffle —

I was a little disappointed by the amount of chicken on the plate. Given the dish’s reputation and price point, it felt slightly underpowered.

The mac and cheese, while undeniably comforting, leaned a little too heavily on mustard, tipping it from rich into slightly overpowering.

We also ordered the chilli and cheese fries, which were fries mixed through with a chilli con carne and topped with melted cheese. Messy, indulgent and easy to enjoy, this was one of the more satisfying dishes on the table.

The hot dog was best described as just ok. It did the job, but it didn’t stand out and felt forgettable compared to the rest of the menu.

Overall, this is where Mollies slightly loses its way. The food sits somewhere in between what you’d expect from a proper American diner and something more polished or upmarket. It’s not quite indulgent enough to feel authentically diner-style, but not refined enough to feel like a premium offering either. The result is food that’s pleasant, but a little ordinary — and not quite shouting “come back again”.

Drinks, Beer & Milkshakes

Drinks are more convincing. Alongside classic diner options and milkshakes, I opted for a Seven Brothers Easy Ale, which added a welcome local touch and paired well with the rich, comfort-heavy dishes. It’s good to see a Manchester brewery represented on the menu.

I have to also say that the downstairs bar looked very welcoming and a great place to catch up for a drink.

Coffee is solid on the menu too, making Mollies a viable all-day option rather than a novelty visit, with a number of people chilling in the lounge area while we were there.

Service & Atmosphere

Service was friendly, efficient and well paced, benefitting from visiting after the initial launch period. Staff were attentive without hovering, and the overall atmosphere remained upbeat and social throughout.

Value for Money

For a central Manchester location, Mollies Diner offers reasonable value, though expectations are naturally higher when dishes lean on classic comfort-food. A major step up in execution would help justify repeat visits for me though.

Final Verdict – Mollies Diner Manchester

Mollies Diner gets a lot right visually. The decor, setting and ambiance are all strong, and the location inside Old Granada Studios gives it immediate appeal. However, while the food is perfectly fine, it currently lacks a clear identity — caught between classic American diner indulgence and something more elevated.

With a step up in execution and confidence in the kitchen, Mollies could become a regular go-to. As it stands, it’s an enjoyable visit — but not one that’s immediately calling you back.