Wakuwaku, 54 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 4QU

Wakuwaku is one of Manchester's most distinctive hospitality venues and is widely recognised as the UK's first dedicated 2D Japanese restaurant. The concept has garnered significant attention thanks to its immersive hand-drawn interior, which transforms the entire venue into a monochrome, illustrated environment. Created over many months by the owners themselves, the design extends across the walls, ceilings, fixtures and furnishings, delivering a truly unique customer experience and a highly marketable social media presence.

The premises occupies a prominent city centre position on Portland Street, one of Manchester's principal leisure and hospitality destinations. The property is situated moments from Chinatown, Piccadilly Gardens, Oxford Road and St Peter's Square, benefiting from strong pedestrian footfall throughout the day and evening from office workers, students, tourists and shoppers. The surrounding area is home to a diverse mix of independent operators, national brands, hotels and entertainment venues, making it a highly sought-after trading location.

The premises provide approximately 35-40 covers within an open-plan customer dining area incorporating a feature bar and service counter. To the rear is a fully fitted commercial catering kitchen together with ancillary storage accommodation and customer toilet facilities. The venue is presented to an excellent standard throughout and is equipped to continue trading immediately, offering purchasers a genuine turnkey opportunity requiring minimal additional capital expenditure.

We have been advised that the majority of the fixtures and fittings are owned outright and will be included in the sale, subject to an inventory.

This represents a rare opportunity to acquire an established, highly profitable and fully operational hospitality business in the heart of Manchester city centre. The business benefits from a loyal customer base, strong brand recognition and a unique proposition that is difficult to replicate. The operation can be run fully staffed, making it suitable for both owner-operators and arms-length purchasers seeking a managed business model. The current lease expires in 2029, with the potential for a longer-term commitment available subject to landlord approval. Opportunities to acquire a profitable, fully fitted restaurant with such a distinctive identity in a prime city centre location are exceptionally rare.

Turnover '25 - £1,189,414
GP ' 25 - £707,207 (59.5%)
Adj Nett '25 - £110,883 (9.3%)

Tuesday - Saturday - 12.00pm - 10.00pm
Sunday - 12.00pm - 9.30pm

The Rateable Value is £22,000 with effect from April 2026. Confirmation of actual business rates payable should be obtained from the local authority.

Premises License