Walrus Canteen & Lounge

Walrus has the quirky look of a loopy children’s TV programme with its livid colours, stripes, spots & waiters wearing replica USSR football shirts from the 1988 European Championships. Welcome to Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter. As for the food, it’s predominantly Japanese: small plates, bento boxes, kushiyaki, donburi dishes & noodle soups. Go for black pepper ribs & a beer if you’re peckish, or work your way through salt & pepper squid, beef & red onion yakitori skewers with egg noodles on the side, & chocolate brownie with coconut & pandan ice cream to finish. Glasses of wine start at £3.50, bottles of saké from £12 (30cl). Spread over a ground-floor canteen lounge & basement area, Walrus is great fun if you’re in the mood.