Vegan restaurant Vertigo is opening a second site in Manchester, just six months after first launching on Cross Street.

The plant-based establishment in the Royal Exchange building has flourished in its first months of trading, to the point that the team have decided to expand with a new, larger restaurant.

Vertigo will be taking over the former Kettlebell Kitchen unit at First Street, able to offer 45 covers inside and an additional 20 outside on a sun terrace.

The Kettlebell Kitchen site has stood empty since the brand went into liquidation in January this year, closing all but its Ancoats store.

(Image: Craige Barker Manchester)

Now it will be completely transformed into an all-day vegan eatery with a natural wine bar.

Owner Michael Jebelli, who was also behind the former Chez cafe on Whitworth Street, said of the business's rapid expansion: "It's gone really well - better than we ever thought it would. It's got to the point where we're having to turn people away all day on Saturdays.

"I always wanted it to expand and grow but we didn't think it would be this quick.

"I mean it's good, it's great, we obviously can't complain! We maybe could have gone for a bigger site for our first site after all!"

The new location will be able to offer a larger plant-based menu, including grab-and-go breakfast and lunches as well as a dine-in menu of stews, curries, smoothie bowls and salads.

Michael also hopes to add all-day brunches at the weekends, and hopefully a Sunday lunch menu in due course.

Their first site has been well-served with foot traffic heading to shows at the Royal Exchange Theatre, and with HOME right on the doorstep of their second restaurant Michael hopes to have the same pre-theatre appeal.

(Image: Craige Barker Manchester)

"The Royal Exchange has been amazing," he said. "When West Side Story was on every table would be full, we'd have the cast and crew and theatre-goers all in there.

"First Street's a great fit for us. There are all the offices around so it should be busy for grab-and-go breakfasts, but I think HOME will be really good for us. I hope we can repeat what we have on Cross Street."

The new Vertigo will be decorated in a similar style to the existing site, with soft greens and greys and natural wood.

It will also have a selection of natural wines, alongside local beers and quality coffees.

Vertigo is due to open its second site at First Street on the August bank holiday weekend.