Caravan Manchester
Caravan Manchester in St. John’s neighborhood, designed by Other Side, seamlessly combines New Zealand roots with Manchester’s energy, offering an adaptable, community-focused venue with natural textures and sustainable elements.
Nestled in the heart of Manchester’s emerging St. John’s neighbourhood, Caravan Manchester is the latest addition to the all-day dining brand’s portfolio, brought to life by the London-based interior design studio Other Side. Known for creating character-rich, emotive spaces, Other Side has seamlessly blended Caravan’s laid-back New Zealand roots with the vibrant energy of Manchester to craft a venue that feels welcoming, adaptable and deeply connected to the community.
The 6,600-square-foot space embodies a thoughtful interplay of textures, colours and zones that invite guests to move effortlessly from morning coffee to evening cocktails. Drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s rugged landscapes and rustic structures, Other Side used natural timbers, bespoke leather lampshades, and a warm palette of burnt orange and mustard to evoke a timeless, organic aesthetic. A quarry-tiled floor by Ketley Brick grounds the space with a tactile, textured finish, while the bespoke ‘chimney’ feature above the double-sided fireplace adds vertical interest and a focal point that invites warmth and connection.
The design’s adaptability is showcased through six-metre retractable windows, allowing the venue to transform from a cosy, enclosed dining spot to an open, sunlit destination whenever Manchester’s weather permits. This feature, combined with carefully layered lighting—including handmade leather pendants by Ted Todd and DCW lights—enables the space to shift from day to night, maintaining an inviting atmosphere throughout.
Distinct features include a listening room and a dedicated coffee roastery, each adding unique sensory dimensions to the experience. The listening room, complete with bespoke plywood shelving filled with vinyl records and decks, provides a music-focused retreat that sets Caravan apart from conventional dining spaces. The coffee roastery, framed by an industrial backdrop of exposed concrete columns, ceilings and retractable windows, adds an element of raw charm while filling the space with the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans. These details enhance the overall atmosphere and reinforce Caravan’s commitment to creating more than just a dining spot, but a community-centric hub.
Other Side’s holistic approach also embraces sustainability and craftsmanship. Locally sourced, reclaimed pieces—including vintage furniture and coffee-waste tabletops—demonstrate the studio’s dedication to eco-friendly design. Timber frameworks and hemp-clad walls contribute to acoustic comfort and sustainability, ensuring the space feels as practical as it is beautiful. The centrepiece cocktail bar, clad in terracotta-hued corrugated panelling reminiscent of New Zealand’s wool sheds and paired with leather bar stools, serves as both a visual anchor and social gathering point.
In Caravan Manchester, Other Side has created a space that feels authentic and layered, where thoughtful zoning and bespoke details resonate with the city’s communal spirit. It stands as a testament to the studio’s ability to blend creativity with functionality, making it a distinctive and memorable addition to Manchester’s dining landscape.
Design: Other Side
Photography: Mariell Lind Hansen
