French restaurateurs set to make Manchester debut at St Michael’s

Big Mamma Holdings has applied for a license with the city council for an Italian restaurant and bar at the Relentless mixed-use development off Jackson Row in the city centre.

The French-based, but Italian-focussed Big Mamma operates a series of restaurant brands including Circolo Populaire, Gloria Trattoria, Ave Mario, Jacuzzi, and Carlotta. A venue at St Michael’s would be its first foray in the UK outside of London.

Big Mamma was founded in 2015 in the South of France and grew in popularity after opening a series of restaurants in Paris. Since then, the Italian cuisine-focused restaurateur has opened locations throughout France and expanded into London, Madrid, Milan, and various cities in Germany.

A hint of what could await Manchester: Circolo Popolare in London. Credit: Jérôme Galland

At St Michael’s, Big Mamma is seeking to take over part of the ground and first floors, with some outdoor space included. The licensing application does not make clear if the restaurant is for the 180,000 sq ft office complex or the 41-storey residential tower at St Michael’s. However, it is likely to be in the office block, as it is to complete later this year – the skyscraper is set to finish in 2027.

Big Mamma is seeking permission to serve alcohol until 3am Monday through Saturday, and 1am on Sunday at St Michael’s. During this time, it has also sought a license to have live and recorded music.

The restaurant itself would be open from 8am to 3:30am most days, and 8am to 1:30am on Sundays.

While it looks likely Italian food will dominate the lower levels of the St Michael’s office block, the roof is reserved for a Japanese-Peruvian hybrid. Chotto Matte has signed for a 20,000 sq ft restaurant. The company released CGIs for the new eatery earlier this year.

Big Mamma and Relentless declined to comment on this story.