City’s first ‘free-from’ café to open at Royal Exchange Manchester

Squared Ventures Group has signed a deal with international estate firm Hines to open Manchester’s first ‘free-from’ café at The Royal Exchange Manchester.

Due to open next month at Unit 19 of The Royal Exchange Arcade, 3Squared Café aims to redefine ‘free-from’ food, providing a wide selection of tasty and well-presented dishes to be enjoyed by everybody while also legislating for vegans, vegetarians, coeliacs, and allergy sufferers.

Andy McGlynn, founder and chief executive of Squared Ventures Group, said: “3Squared Café removes the ingredients that cause bloating, fatigue, low mood and energy slumps, to ensure people leave feeling less-stressed and more energetic than when they arrived.”

A former Royal Marine Commando from Manchester, McGlynn launched Squared Ventures Group in June 2017.

Andy, an experienced mentor of personal trainers, also has future plans to convert the 12,000-square-foot basement space — formerly Brannigans nightclub and before that the popular underground shopping centre — to create Manchester’s first exclusive high-end gym, launching in 2019.

Heading the 3Squared project for Squared Ventures Group is Katie McIntosh.

Katie is the brainchild behind 3Squared and its concept and said: “Our entire menu comes free of wheat, gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free as standard, and we go out of our way to find the best local and organic produce.”

She added: “3Squared café will also be able to cater for pre- and post-workout needs, with plant-based protein shakes, wellness drinks, and a full range of menu options.”

Emme Haycock, asset manager for Hines UK, said: “The addition of 3Squared to The Royal Exchange arcade, with its free-from concept, brings a completely new element to what we have to offer.

“Their future plans are also incredibly exciting, and we are delighted to welcome them on board.”

Hines acquired The Royal Exchange Manchester in November 2016 on behalf of Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK), Germany’s largest pension scheme group.

This latest letting is part of Hines’ strategy to reposition the tenant mix to reinforce the Grade II-listed Royal Exchange building as a prestigious location in Manchester’s retail landscape.

Hines recently announced further additions to The Royal Exchange of funky footwear and accessories brand, Irregular Choice, which is due to open soon on the Market Street side of the building, and technical apparel brand lululemon, opening on St Ann’s Square.