
Six by Nico Manchester: Menu, Prices, Cancellation & Controversy
You’ve probably heard the name Six by Nico whispered in Manchester food circles — a six-course tasting menu that changes like clockwork every six weeks, with a side of celebrity buzz and a dash of service-charge debate. This guide walks you through booking, pricing, the creative concept, and the gripes that have surfaced, so you can decide if it’s worth a reservation.
Number of courses: 6 · Menu change frequency: Every 6 weeks · Locations in Manchester: 2 (Deansgate and Spring Gardens) · Opening hours: 12:00 – 23:45 daily
Quick snapshot
- Six-course tasting menu changes every six weeks (Six By Nico – Frequently Asked Questions)
- Two Manchester locations: Deansgate and Spring Gardens (Confidentials)
- Open daily 12 pm – 11:45 pm (Six By Nico – Frequently Asked Questions)
- Exact cancellation details – check official FAQ for the latest
- Which specific celebrities have dined at Six by Nico Manchester (official FAQ)
- Exact price for upcoming menus (official FAQ)
- Manchester opening planned for July in former Roc & Rye site (Confidentials)
- First English venture for the Scottish company (Confidentials)
- New themed menu every six weeks – check official site for the current theme
- Book early – tables often fill weeks in advance (Hungry Onion forum review)
Five key details at a glance, one pattern: the brand keeps its core formula simple, but the fine print and public perception are more layered.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Address (Spring Gardens) | 60 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ |
| Address (Deansgate) | 2 Deansgate, Manchester (check official site) |
| Opening Hours | 12:00 – 23:45 daily |
| Menu Change | Every six weeks |
| Typical Price | £42+ per person (diner report: £39) |
What is the cancellation policy for Six by Nico?
If your plans change, Six by Nico’s policy is strict but transparent. According to the official FAQ, you must give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or amend a reservation. Fail to meet that window, and the restaurant says it will charge the full menu price per person.
Booking and refund details
- Card details are required when you book. They are held in a PCI-DSS compliant vault (Six By Nico – Frequently Asked Questions).
- If you cancel within 24 hours, the full menu price is charged.
- There is no mention of a partial refund or grace period beyond the 24-hour cutoff.
The implication: Book only if you’re certain; flexibility is not part of the deal.
What is the inspiration behind 6 by Nico?
Chef Nico Simeone created a concept where every six weeks a new six-course menu appears, each “themed upon a different place, memory or idea” (Six By Nico – Frequently Asked Questions). It’s a rotating narrative that keeps regulars coming back.
Themes and the chef behind them
- Past themes include “Street Food”, “The Chippy”, and “Barcelona” – always a cohesive story from starter to dessert.
- Chef Nico Simeone built the brand in Glasgow before expanding to Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, and beyond.
- The Manchester venue was the company’s first English outpost (Confidentials).
The themed-menu model creates urgency: if you miss one, it’s gone in six weeks. That works in the brand’s favour – but diners who want a quieter experience should note the constant turnover tends to fill tables fast.
The pattern: The restaurant weaponises scarcity, and it works – tables book up fast.
How much is Six by Nico per person?
Six by Nico Manchester positions itself in the middle of the tasting-menu market. The six-course menu typically starts at £42, with an optional wine pairing adding around £30. A diner on the Hungry Onion forum reported a base price of £39 during a visit, plus a 12.5% service charge and a separate “Tip” line on the bill – a practice they described as disreputable.
What the final bill looks like
- Base menu: £39–£42 per person (depending on the menu and timing).
- Optional wine pairing: approximately £30.
- Service charge: 12.5% automatically added (Hungry Onion forum review).
- Additional tip line: present on the bill – critics note it creates pressure to tip on top of the service charge.
The catch: The extra tip line turns a standard dining cost into a potential double-charge.
What is the Six by Nico controversy?
The most concrete controversy attached to Six by Nico Manchester isn’t about the food but the bill. A Manchester diner detailed on the Hungry Onion forum that after paying a 12.5% service charge, an open “Tip” line appeared on the credit-card machine – describing it as a “disreputable practice” that pressures customers into tipping twice.
Service charge debate
- The 12.5% automatic service charge is typical for tasting-menu restaurants.
- The added “Tip” line, however, goes beyond that – no clear explanation of whether the service charge is distributed to staff.
- This issue has been raised on review platforms and forums, but no official statement from Six by Nico has addressed it publicly.
Diners who want to avoid the double-tip loop should ask upfront whether the service charge covers gratuity. If not, the tip line may be the only way to reward staff directly – an awkward position for the guest.
What this means: Transparency around tipping remains a weak spot for the brand.
Where do the celebs eat in Manchester?
Six by Nico Manchester often appears in lists of places where celebrities might be spotted. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is known to dine at top Manchester restaurants, and Six by Nico’s rotating concept draws foodies and influencers alike. However, no confirmed celebrity sightings at the Manchester branch have been publicly documented.
Restaurants in the celebrity orbit
- Six by Nico is mentioned in several “celebrity dining” guides for Manchester.
- The brand’s Glasgow and Edinburgh locations have seen famous faces, but the Manchester venue is still building its VIP reputation.
- Other Manchester hotspots include Hawksmoor, Tattu, and The French – all with stronger celebrity track records.
If celebrity-spotting is your priority, Six by Nico Manchester isn’t the first stop. But if you want a reliably good themed menu that sparks conversation, it’s a solid bet – just don’t expect to sit next to a Premier League star.
The pattern: The restaurant relies on its concept, not on star power.
For a comprehensive overview of the restaurant’s offerings and booking details, check out this Six by Nico Manchester guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Six by Nico offer gift cards?
Yes, gift cards are available on the official site. They can be used at any UK location.
Is there parking near Six by Nico Manchester?
Both Manchester locations are in the city centre. Spring Gardens has nearby pay-and-display parking; Deansgate has limited street parking and multi-storey options.
Can I host a private event at Six by Nico?
Six by Nico does not typically offer private dining rooms, but large parties can book tables. Contact the venue directly for group bookings.
What should I wear to Six by Nico?
Smart casual is standard. No strict dress code, but most diners dress up slightly for the tasting-menu experience.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome, but the tasting-menu format and quiet atmosphere may not suit very young diners. Check with the restaurant for any age restrictions.
Do they accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, the restaurant handles allergies and dietary needs with advance notice. Mention them when booking.
How far in advance should I book?
Given the high demand described on forums (tables unavailable for 7 weeks in one account), booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead is wise for prime slots.
“Each one themed upon a different place, memory or idea.”
— Six By Nico official website (Six By Nico – Frequently Asked Questions)
“The additional tip line after a mandatory service charge feels disreputable.”
— Manchester diner review on Hungry Onion forum
Six by Nico Manchester pulls off a tricky balance: a constantly changing menu that keeps regulars hooked, yet a cancellation policy and tipping procedure that raise eyebrows. For Manchester foodies, the choice is clear: embrace the themed ride and plan ahead, or risk being left out in the cold with a full bill and a bad taste about the extra gratuity.