Manchester's Finest // issue 03

ISSUE 03 FREE

FOOD • DRINK • ARTS • CULTURE • MUSIC • LIFESTYLE MANCHESTERSFINEST.COM

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Welcome to our printed round up of the best this city has to offer.

For an interactive digital experience as you read, download the Layar app and look out for the icon...

RESTAURANTS

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Meats

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BARS

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From mcr to...

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arts

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MUSIC

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Manchester sampled 74

Cottonopolis, 16 Newton St, Manchester, M1 2AE 0161 236 5144 cottonopolis-nq.com

Secret Supper The New Late-Night Concept from Cottonopolis Writer: Steven Pankhurst

Autumn saw Cottonopolis launch their new late-night menu 'Secret Supper' which takes inspiration from the term Sui-Yeh - which translates into ‘late-night snack’ in the food culture of Hong Kong - a popular fourth meal of the day where families and friends or late-night workers meet to eat and talk about their day.

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Bringing this concept to Manchester, the menu itself will be available between 10pm and midnight every night of the week and is made up of eight dishes created specifically to satisfy those late-night cravings.

Not only will the Secret Supper menu be available to order to enjoy within the Northern Quarter venue alongside the sounds and atmosphere of the nightly resident DJ events, the menu can also be packaged up to take home.

To celebrate the new menu, Cottonopolis created a series of exclusive experiential dining events during the Manchester Food & Drink Festival, with both dates selling out within 48 hours.

The events involved guests arriving at Cottonopolis where they were greeted with a Kitsunebi style fire performance before being taken through to the secret dining room, taking their seats at the long banqueting table in the centre of the room. Lit by candlelight and surrounded by decadent table decorations, bamboo and gold gilled leaves, the event began with a six-course meal including Langoustine DimSum, Octopus Ink Noodles and Truffle Mushroom Miso.

Continuing into 2018, Cottonopolis will be hosting another series of Secret Supper events, each offering a unique and different experience on the following dates:

Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd February Thursday 19th & Friday 20th April

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Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd June

Tickets for the event are £45 per person and can be booked via bookings@cottonopolis-NQ.com

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Tattu Restaurant & Bar, Gartside Street, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB 0161 819 2060 hello@tattu.co.uk tattu.co.uk

Tattu x Manchester’s Finest Journey Through China We’re collaborating with contemporary Chinese restaurant Tattu to take our readers on a journey through China with a unique series of gastronomic events hosted in Tattu’s private dining room.

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Each event will be inspired by one of four regions of China, beginning with the Guangdong province and its traditional Cantonese cuisine, travelling north west to Szechuan, then returning eastwards to Anhui and ending the journey in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

With a three-course menu for each dining experience created by head chef Jon Green, guests will be guided on a tour of the most influential culinary regions that have shaped many of the dishes which have become synonymous with Chinese cuisine across the world.

We sat down with Jon to talk through his inspiration for the journey and why he thinks these events are a must for passionate foodies out there.

“It’s impossible to sum up Chinese cuisine in one sentence, which is one of the reasons why I fell in love with this style of cooking. Once you understand the principles of sweetness, spice, salt and acidity, then you can start to play around with ingredients and seasonings to get those combinations of flavour into each dish.

As it’s such a vast country, it’s only natural for there to be such an array of cooking methods and flavour profiles that have been shaped by the landscape and the produce available. We’re starting our journey through China with the Guangdong province which is one of the areas famed for its Cantonese cuisine.

GUANGDONG Thursday 15th February 2018 3 waves of dishes Tickets: £50

SZECHUAN

In the city of Guangzhou, they like to use traditional cooking techniques and blends of flavour. This is an area we take inspiration from for the foundations of any new dish we look to create at Tattu. It is real nose to tail cooking, with stern and bold statements of flavours, there are no ingredients without a purpose.

Thursday 15th March 2018

For this menu we’ll be serving dishes such as traditional Chinese white cut chicken, with a punchy chicken thigh broth, sesame breast and a five-spiced leg. There’s also a beautiful, deconstructed sweet and sour pork dish that is really special.”

3 waves of dishes

3 waves of dishes Tickets: £50

ANHUI Thursday 19th April 2018

Tickets: £50

SHANGHAI Thursday 17th May 2018 3 waves of dishes

Visit manchestersfinest.eventbrite.co.uk for tickets and more information on each event.

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Tickets: £50

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JJ O W II N NT T EE R R AT AT O II N N U U SS T TH H II SS W

Experience modern Chinese cuisine in unique surroundings, Experience modern Chinese cuisine in unique surroundings, located on East Parade, Leeds city centre and in the heart of located on East Parade, Leeds city centre and in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields district.

Manchester’s Spinningfields district.

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Zouk Tea Bar & Grill 5, The Quadrangle, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5QS 0161 233 1090 info@zoukteabar.co.uk zoukteabar.co.uk

Zouk x Manchester’s Finest Journey through India Continuing our ‘Journey through’ event series we’re heading to India with Zouk Tea Bar & Grill.

Each culinary experience here will be hosted in their Mezzanine dining space and will take you on a journey through the four regions of the Indian sub-continent, North, East, South and West.

THE NORTH (Pakistan, Kashmir, The Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh) Thursday 1st February 2018 5 course dinner with 2 drinks Tickets: £25 11

Few cuisines in the world are as diverse as Indian with it’s geography, climate & tradition all playing a role in shaping the food.

This culinary adventure starts in the North with dishes from Pakistan, Kashmir, The Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Even across this one region the influences on cooking styles are varied with Afgani, Persian and Mughlai techniques being used.

The journey continues to the East & North East combining dishes from the Indian state of West Bengal, Bangladesh and the seven sister states where seafood and mustard and chilli are essential in every meal before heading South to Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa. Our journey through India would not be complete without a stop in Mumbai, the street food capital of India, and the menu for the West features this renowned city along with dishes from Rajistan and Gujarat.

Each stop on this journey with Zouk includes a five course menu that has been created by restaurant owner Mudassar Amjad and his Head Chef Mongal Rowat.

We asked Mudassar about the inspiration behind each menu and what to look out for at the first event.

‘Many restaurants showcase dishes from just one region of the sub-continent but there is so much more to be discovered. If you take 3 dishes from Lahore, Bangladesh and Goa absolutely everything is different.

They just cannot be compared. It’s exciting to be part of a dining experience that gives guests chance to see that for themselves.

We’re starting with the North because that is the region I know best. Growing up I loved going on holiday to Lahore as much for the food as the chance to see my relatives. Dishes like lamb nihari are so reminiscent of those trips for me. This menu is not just about spices, ingredients such as lime, plum, pomegranate and pulses are all important. I think people will really enjoy trying things like Nimbu Pani which is a really traditional, refreshing drink made from lemons and limes. We’re kicking off with this and a superb Lahori appetiser called Golgappa which is literally a flavour explosion in one tasty bite.’

Visit manchestersfinest.eventbrite.co.uk for tickets and more information on each event.

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THE EAST & NORTH EAST (West Bengal, Kolkata & the Seven Sister States) Thursday 22nd March 2018 5 course dinner with 2 drinks Tickets: £25

THE SOUTH (Kerela, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Goa) Thursday 7th June 2018 5 course dinner with 2 drinks Tickets: £25

THE WEST (Rajastan, Gujarat, Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh) Thursday 6th September 2018 5 course dinner with 2 drinks Tickets: £25

manchester's finest presents...

We've recently introduced a new video series spotlighting the 'must have' Signature Dishes on the menu at restaurants that you should definitely try - dishes that perhaps define the venue, or the rest of the menu, or are just so good that it would be criminal not to get involved in. But videos... in a magazine?! Yep. Just download the Layar app and scan to watch! Magic.

Writer: Ben Brown 12

WATCH VIDEO

Samosa Chaat at Scene Indian Street Kitchen One such dish is the fantastic Samosa Chaat at Scene Indian Street Kitchen in Spinningfields.

We spoke to Executive Head Chef Sudesh Singh who talked us through the components of this unique dish.

Samosa Chaat is a favourite street food dish, eaten all over India and as one would expect it is bursting with intense aromatic flavour from the abundance of spices. With its origins in Uttar Pradesh, Samosa Chaat is now extremely popular throughout India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Cooked over a scorching flame, and made up from pastry filled with spiced potato and peas, the dish is topped with chickpeas and drizzled with an assortment of chutneys and sweet yoghurt. The Samosa Chaat is then finished off with Sev (crunchy noodles) and pomegranate seeds, providing a fresh but still spicy dish which is unlike anything you'd ever experience in a 'traditional' curry house.

Scene Indian Street Kitchen, 4 A Leftbank, Spinningfields, M3 3AN scenedining.com RESTAURANTS

vada pav at Bundobust The fantastic Vada Pav at Bundobust manages to not only be a spicy burger, but it’s also veggie friendly and packed full of flavour.

WATCH VIDEO

A spicy potato patty sitting between a chilli smeared brioche bun is pretty much heaven, and something I think everyone should try at least once.

Originating in Mumbai in the 60’s, Bundobust have managed to re-create this on-the-go speciality and are now serving it up in Piccadilly Gardens along with some of their brilliant craft ales.

So check out the video – I went down to speak to their head chef Gopi to see how it’s made, as well as getting my chops around one of them bad boys at the end.

Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly, M1 2AG bundobust.com/manchester 13

Honey Roast Duck Breast at One88

WATCH VIDEO

One88’s locally reared Derbyshire duck breast is expertly seared, glazed in honey and served up with fondant sweet potatoes, orange zest carrots and veal jus. Always the consummate professional, Head Chef and coowner, David Gale explained the steps in preparing and cooking the dish, as well as any potential pitfalls you may experience with cooking duck.

188 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, M45 6QF one88whitefield.co.uk

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Plats De Fruits De Mer at Randall Aubin

WATCH VIDEO

Randall & Aubin, 64 Bridge St, M3 3BN

We sat down with legendary chef Ed Baines, founder of Randall & Aubin, to look at the Plats De Fruits De Mer, a sharing platter consisting of rock oysters, whole crab, Atlantic shrimps, diver picked scallops, cockles, whelks, Cherrystone clams, Mediterranean prawns & Native mussels - truly a sight to behold. The dish continues the whole Randall & Aubin ‘net-to-plate’ ethos of sustainable fishing.

randallandaubin.com

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The River Restaurant, The Lowry Hotel, Salford, M3 5LH thelowryhotel.com

We travelled over to The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel to get to grips with their Cannon of Lamb, served with Cavolo nero (Italian Kale), Polenta and Baby Sweetcorn. A fillet sourced from the loin, the cannon is considered one of the best cuts of lamb for roasting, and one with the most flavour.

Pistachio Cannon of Lamb at the river restaurant WATCH VIDEO

Head Chef Andrew Green has managed to combine his vast experience of running the dining operations at some of the North West’s busiest hotels with a passion for the region’s food providing some top tips for cooking the perfect bit of lamb!

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Randall & Aubin x Manchester’s Finest Seasonal Suppers There’s no denying it – Manchester loves seafood and the finer things in life. The success of new Anglo-French brasserie Randall & Aubin is testament to this; so here at Manchester’s Finest we’ll be partnering up with them in 2018 for some very special “Seasonal Supper” events.

Randall & Aubin’s practice of ‘net to plate’ (working directly with the fishermen for the best quality produce), alongside their ethical meat sourcing and a philosophy of using local British ingredients where possible, means not only are you served delicious dishes of the highest quality but you can also eat with a clear conscience.

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Ed Baines and Randall & Aubin’s Head Chef Brian Hughson have personally designed each of the gourmet three course menus, based around seasonal ingredients, naturally including the freshest British-caught sustainable seafood.

dishes we create - and our regular customers will love the unique nature of the evening.”

The Seasonal Suppers will give Chef Ed Baines and Head Chef Brian Hughson the opportunity to be flamboyant with the seasonal flavours.

The events will run every other month throughout the year.

The next one is on Tuesday 6th February - take a look at the delicious menu:

Each event will be hosted by a different wine connoisseur who will carefully match wines to perfectly suit the menu, and guests will be entertained and enlightened throughout the tasting.

SEASONAL SUPPER: FEBRUARY FEASTING ON LAND AND SEA

Randall & Aubin co-founders, renowned Chef Ed Baines and restaurateur Jamie Poulton, are delighted that Manchester has embraced their restaurant and look forward to an exciting 2018 in the city.

Guinea fowl terrine with Jerusalem artichokes, golden beetroot, baby carrots and a clam vinaigrette

Ed Baines explains: “Our Manchester customers have really welcomed us since we opened in summer 2017 and have shown they have a real appetite for the finest seafood, so we hope to be able to build from this and deliver even more for our customers in 2018...

The approach to dining at Randall & Aubin is ‘everything for everyone’. We serve hearty premium dishes in a warm and light-hearted atmosphere. Honest food, honest cooking, celebrating premium ingredients and cooking them well.

Everything we do, we make from scratch using traditional methods.

Randall and Aubin seasonal suppers enable us to showcase the versatility of British seafood. Using seasonal ingredients enables us to create delicious unique dishes.

These events are perfect for anyone who is experiencing Randall & Aubin for the first time, as it will give a taster of the

STARTER

MAIN Roast Peterhead cod with leek and potato galette, buttered baby leeks, sprouting broccoli and served with Morecambe Bay shrimps in a lobster cream DESSERT Oeufs a la neige poached meringue, citrus caramel and crème Anglaise

The menu will be served with paired wines and tickets are priced at £40 per head. The last event sold out in 2 days so make sure you get your tickets early.

Visit manchestersfinest.eventbrite.co.uk for tickets and more information on each event.

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Randall & Aubin, 64 Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BN 0161 711 1007 mcr@randallandaubin.com randallandaubin.com

FEBRUARY FEASTING ON LAND AND SEA Guinea fowl with clam vinaigrette Roast Peterhead cod with leek & potato Tuesday 6th February 2018 3 courses with paired wines Tickets: £40 SPRING TIME FROM WHITBY BAY Wild line caught Whitby sea trout New season prime plaice Tuesday 10th April 2018 3 courses with paired wines

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Tickets: £40 THE WORLD’S FINEST Evesham asparagus, with giant Devon cock crab Wild line caught Lulworth Bay bass Tuesday 5th June 2018 3 courses with paired wines Tickets: £40 LISBON SUMMER SUPPER Dressed langoustine, shrimp and octopus John Dory with wild artichokes Tuesday 7th August 2018 3 courses with paired wines Tickets: £40 MOTHER NATURE’S HARVEST Cornish lobsters, Piedmont truffles, cèpes, girolles and all things wild Tuesday 9th October 2018 3 courses with paired wines Tickets: £40

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DINING • CINEMA • DRINKING UNDERGROUND CURATED EVENTS COMING SOON... manchestersfinest.com/sign-up

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The Best Places To Get Ribs in Manchester Writer: Ben Brown

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Cane Grain Probably the quintessential BBQ joint in the city, Cane & Grain is home to probably the most authentic (and delicious) ribs available, slow cooked until they literally fall off the bone. All the ribs are first coated with Cane & Grain's very own rib rub and can then be glazed with a choice of 4 different sauces, starting with the sweet and sticky BBQ, right up to Hot as F**ck which will likely cause your toes to curl up like Aladdin's slippers.

It's also worth noting that every weekday, Cane & Grain offer a fantastic lunch deal where you can choose from either Baby Back Ribs, St Louis Ribs, a Mexican Bean Burger or Bacon Cheese Burger – all with a hearty dollop of fries on the side for only £5. Available between 12pm and 4pm it’s one of the best lunch deals in town and a frequent winner in the Finest office.

Especially when paired with the coldest pint of Big Wave you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Cane & Grain, 49 -51 Thomas Street, M4 1NA www.caneandgrain.co.uk

CANE & GRAIN

A personal favourite of mine are the St Louis Ribs which are cut from the belly and are proper juicy with plenty of flavour. They are absolutely massive too - with three being able to fully satisfy even a fully grown, gluttonous man. Their Beef Short Ribs are fantastic too – if you don’t find yourself fully embracing the American way and buying a pickup truck and some cowboy boots once you leave, you’re not human.

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Lotus Veggie Kitchen

Tattu

Sakana

What’s a vegetarian place doing on this list I hear you ask? Well, I like to provide for everyone in the city, not just those who want to chomp on some flesh. Lotus in Withington is well known for its fantastic Chinese menu, all of it totally vegetarian or vegan, and so it should come as no surprise to anyone who has eaten from here that they do indeed offer ‘Veggie Ribs’. How can they make vegetarian ribs?! I don’t know.

But just like when you used to see Paul Daniels do one of his tricks in front of Debbie McGee, I don’t care how they do it. All that matters is that it’s good.

And these are very good.

Another set of ribs with an oriental twist, and Tattu pretty much represents the pinnacle of high-end Oriental dining in the city, all while surrounded by some pretty stunning decor and frankly mental cocktails. You’re sat down, you’ve got their menu in front of you and what should you go for? Straight to the Sticky Beef Short Ribs I say, and perhaps the Black Pepper and Honey Ribs if you’re feeling particularly hungry. I’m a massive fan of the Sticky Shorts though, nothing in the world will make me order anything else instead. Nothing.

You may only associate Sakana with Sushi, or with a Pad Thai that is bigger than some peaks in the Pennines, but they also serve up some fantastic Chinese dishes, including some rather moreish Honey Black Pepper Ribs.

Caked in Pepper, Ginger and Chilli, they have a bit of a kick to them but they are always highly satisfying. They’re perfect if you’re not really a fan of sushi, which includes myself, because while your partner slowly eats some raw fish and rice, you can sit there all smug with sauce all over your chops and sticky fingers.

Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen, 536 Wilmslow Rd, M20 4BY

Tattu, 4 Hardman Square, Gartside St, M3 3EB

Sakana, 23 Peter St, M2 5QR

tattu.co.uk

sakanapan-asian.co.uk

Reds True BBQ

Jack’s Smokehouse

Situated on the rather sedate and calm edge of Albert Square, a place that showcases Manchester’s most important and influential people through history, Red’s True BBQ gives you the chance to make your own stamp on the city by scoffing your face full of meat and sauce and bevvies. They have pretty much everything you’d ever expect from somewhere in Texas including some fantastic ribs. My advice – get one of their trays and pile it high with ribs, chicken and those amazing burnt ends and you’ll be in heaven.

The beginning of the year saw me grafting away at the new Odeon cinema in Oldham while I lived at my mam's house. I thoroughly enjoyed myself there, although the job was frequently ruined by the old people who would come in to watch a Silver Screen film and proceed to be rude and obnoxious all day. Down the road from the cinema is Jack’s Smokehouse who offer some fantastic Beef Short Ribs that have been slow cooked for 16 hours and literally fall off the bone.

Scoffing them was the perfect antidote to my frequent old-biddy-bad-moods.

lotusvegetariankitchen.com

El Gato Negro I don’t think there could be more good things said about El Gato Negro that haven’t already been said by the many, many people who have visited since it opened. Fans of tapas, fans of good food and fans of a very authentic Mediterranean atmosphere have all been bowled over and now you can add fans of ribs to the list. They offer a whole rack of baby pork ribs, which have been glazed in Sherry like Michael Elfick and then chargrilled. They’re topnotch as nobody I know would ever say.

El Gato Negro Tapas, 52 King St, M2 4LY

Red’s True Barbecue, 22 Lloyd St, M2 5WA truebarbecue.com

elgatonegrotapas.com

Jack’s Smokehouse, 62 Yorkshire St, Oldham, OL1 3SL jackssmokehouse.co.uk

REDS TRUE BBQ

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TATTU

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Yang Sing

SOLITA

I must admit to not having been into Yang Sing in quite a while, perhaps a couple of years, but I do remember eating some of their ribs and being very impressed. Yang Sing is obviously top-top Chinese food and so it’s much more of a treat than a lot of places.

This shouldn’t dissuade you from going in and giving their ribs a try though, of which the Salt & Pepper ones are a clear winner. You could put Salt & Pepper seasoning on a crocodile’s back and I’d try and give it a bloody good lick – it’s amazing. On their ribs – you honestly can’t go wrong.

KOREANA

Yang Sing, 34 Princess St, M1 4JY yang-sing.com

Koreana 22

The Koreans bloody know how to cook, and I personally feel their cuisine is highly underrated, especially in Manchester. There’s that fantastic Ban Di Bul place near the Art Gallery who do great ribs, but always a clear winner for me will be Koreana over at the bottom of King Street. Their Bibimbap is expertly put together, providing one of the most authentic (and tasty) Korean dishes anyone can ever have.

Their Beef Rib Galbi are fantastic too, and although they’re a bit different than what you’d expect by being cut differently – they’re still ribs and they’re still wonderful.

Koreana, 40A King St W, M3 2WY koreana.co.uk

Solita

Cocka DoodleMoo

As you’d expect from Solita, who probably own more meat than that guy who lets Rocky train in his warehouse, have a nice selection of frankly quite brilliant ribs, alongside their huge selection of steaks, burgers and chicken products. Sure, you could go for their Baby Back Ribs, which come smothered with BBQ sauce, but if you’re a real rib aficionado you’re going to want to go for the Beef Short Rib. They ain’t cheap but what they take away from your wallet, they more than make up for with taste. Just don’t forget your toothpick.

Stockport (& Rochdale’s) answer to a huge Texan BBQ restaurant, Cocka DoodleMoo may have a ridiculous name but they do take their meat very seriously indeed, including their ribs.

As someone who could probably earn himself 12.5% off the St. Louis tourist board, I’m going to recommend their St. Louis ribs because they are fantastic – all thick meat and fat that melts in your mouth. Get a ‘Full Slab’ all to yourself and not only will you probably need a trip to A & E, you’ll be back a week later for some more. Probably with an Iron Lung in tow.

Solita NQ, Turner St, M4 1DW

Cocka DoodleMoo Stockport, 157 London Rd, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 4HH

solita.co.uk

CockaDoodleMoo Rochdale, 3-5 Yorkshire St, Rochdale, OL16 1BH www.cockadoodlemoo.com

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El Capo, 12 Tariff St, Manchester, M1 2FF

0161 237 3154 elcaponq.co.uk

The Macho Mucho Menu at El Capo - Big Eats, Sharers and Challenges Writer: Steven Pankhurst

Anyone who had seen Man v Food, or any mental eating challenges on YouTube where they encase a pizza in Big Macs, deep fry it, wrap it in bacon and top it with KitKats will understand the sheer determination and gratitude that comes from actually finishing a massive bit of grub.

If you want to give yourself a challenge in Manchester, or have loads of mates who are always hungry, then you’d be silly not to give the Gigante Mexicano menu a try at the Northern Quarter’s legendary El Capo.

They have a few challenges too for you to defeat. First up is the 2ft long burrito. Encased within 3 huge tortillas, and measuring approximately 2x 30cm rulers long, can be your choice of chicken, pork, beef, veggie or fish, smothered with one of 4 salsas (of varying spice), guacamole, black beans, veg and cheese.

Finished with additional cheese, guacamole and salsa on top – this bad boy is not to be taken lightly. The good people over at El Capo tell me that this monster can feed up to 6 hungry people, but if you think you’re hard and can handle it all by yourself – be my guest – just make sure you bring your stretchy pants.

Next is the Big Ass chilli burger… and man is it big. Standing 8 inches high this enormous burger is made up from five beef patties (yes, you heard that right), chilli, onion rings, Mexican slaw, pickles, smothered in melted cheese and swimming in loco sauce. From the pictures it looks like it could feed a family of 4. Or a bloody big bloke. There is absolutely no reason why you wouldn’t want head on down and try to get your chops around epic burger…once the burrito is digested of course.

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On Tuesdays you can gorge on £1 tacos to your heart’s content from 4pm. You can choose from all the authentic fillings such as pork carnitas (slow roasted pork), pulled beef brisket, chicken, kale, mushroom & Manchego cheese or Chipotle panga (white fish). Served with all your favourite salsas, Taco Tuesday is just the treat to keep you going through the week. Make yourself a DIY eating challenge by ordering 20 quids worth and put your mates to the test.

If you like it, then you should have put a wing on it. Yup, that’s right, Wednesdays are all about wings and to celebrate this in style, El Capo sells them for 50p each. Enjoy chunky buffalo cut chicken wings with a wide range of sauces such as Green Tomatillo, Smoked Chipotle, Peach Jalapeño and Diablo which comes with a hefty four chilli rating. Oh and you can have dry rub if you’re boring. Again, do a DIY thing and order a shit-load or if you are really brave, the Diablo wings made with homemade habanero chillies and see who can really handle the heat.

If you want to try your hand at Man Vs. Food then there is really only one place to be, and that is El Capo. There is really no feeling greater than finishing an eating challenge, only perhaps a couple of hours later when the stomach cramps finally stop.

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The Bay Horse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1NA 0161 669 5799 thebayhorsetavern.co.uk

The Bay Horse Tavern Reopens It's Doors Writer: Ben Brown

Nothing beats the atmosphere and warmth of a proper British pub, which is why it has come as a welcome development that The Bay Horse Tavern is back open, offering a no-frills, true pub atmosphere right in the middle of the Northern Quarter.

I recently popped down to try their food and sip some ales.

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The gist of the menu revolves around two things. One is the idea of 'Sharing Plates', while the other is the huge rotisserie that sits in the kitchen downstairs and draws anyone in with its golden-brown chicken and succulent rotating pork. This therefore gave me the perfect excuse to try as much as possible, and try I did.

Furthermore, the Duck Hearts were not what I was expecting at all. A plate packed with hearts may sound like something a vampire would have on a picnic, but they were perfect for sitting in the pub, having a drink and chatting.

Almost like an offal version of the Pork Scratching - but much meatier, much healthier and much tastier.

We started on the sharing plates, which consist of a variety of British dishes, perfect for two people to tuck into while having a pint and discussing the intricacies of Seabrook crisps. We started with everyone's favourite pub and lunchtime snack - the Scotch Egg, which oozed both a perfectly runny yolk and plenty of meaty, peppery flavour.

With the Sharing Plates out of the way, it was time to turn our hands to the rotisserie meats, which are always something I have a particular weak spot for whenever I see one with its orange lights and slowly turning spit. We started with the Roast Chicken, which was exceptionally juicy and easily pulled apart with a fork and some minor wrist action. It was very nicely spiced on the skin, and came with what I would consider the best gravy I've ever had, and I once made gravy sandwiches.

Next up was the Fish & Chips, which was exactly what you'd expect - a perfectly crisp pile of proper chunky chips, with a golden slab of cod in a frankly quite spectacular crispy batter.

My initial thoughts between mouthfuls were that I wouldn’t mind a bag of scraps from this batter, which hopefully anyone reading this at the Bay Horse – you should do.

Next up were a couple of personal highlights, mostly because they could be considered a little unusual by anyone who didn't grow up with their mum serving them liver and lunch tongue at every opportunity she got. Chicken Liver pate, teamed with a couple of crispy Yorkshire Puddings were first - a great idea and something where it doesn't matter what your execution is - it's going to taste fantastic.

The creamy, rich liver pate worked especially well with the slightly salty puds, and you'll find yourself licking the tub clean with you finger once you've managed to cake them entirely in the pate.

I was stuffed by now, but I soon found room for one half of their Rotisserie Beef and Horseradish butty, because once I took a bite, there was no way I wasn’t going to finish it. Beef can sometimes be dry, which I'm sure you already know, but this particular slab of cow was bloody lovely, and I would definitely consider it a 'slab'. There was loads, and it was thick and it was delicious, while the Horseradish offered a very sharp and hot contrast with the subsequent dipping gravy, which was probably my blood type by this point.

The food was excellent, and all through this eating session I was downing pint after pint of the Bay Horse Pilsner, which came served up in one of them proper glasses with a handle and was colder than a penguin's foot. They've got plenty of other beers available too, as well as one of the best Irish Coffee's ever (apparently) so you're not going to go thirsty either. Go check it out.

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Sandinista, 2 Old Bank St, Manchester, M2 7PF

0161 832 9955 bookings@sandinista.co.uk sandinistagroup.co.uk

Writer: Kate Tighe

Friday night tapas just became a thing...

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Did you know that in Spain tapas traditionally comes with every drink?

It has evolved in to a sophisticated cuisine in its own right, but the tapas, or pinchos in its simplest form comes from humble beginnings as a lowly bar snack.

It is said that the first tapa was simply a hunk of bread which was placed over your glass to keep the flies out.

Hence the word ‘tapas’ was born.

Tapa literally meaning ‘cover’ or ‘lid’.

Sandinista offer FREE tapas with every drink purchased on Friday evenings – a fantastic way to celebrate the end of work and the beginning of the weekend.

As the tradition developed, tapas became more of an elaborate event, with each region developing their own specialities. They were still ‘little dishes’ but the personalities of thousands of bar owners all over Spain have stamped them with the identities that they have today.

It looks like us Mancunians are in luck. No more do we have to shuffle on to a cramped Ryan Air flight to Seville on a Friday evening to get our fix, St. Ann’s Square hot-spot Sandinista has brought us a little slice of sunny Spain by taking on this tradition.

I don’t know about you, but I like the sound of any kind of snack-drink combination. There is nothing worse than heading out for your Friday evening drinks on an empty stomach.

Sandinista have always believed it is better to eat in a bar than drink in a restaurant. As such, they are keen to continue this tradition with their free tapas, with dishes rotated week by week, Spanish inspired drinks deals and a soundtrack of Sandinista classics.

Sandinista offer FREE tapas with every drink purchased on Friday evenings – a fantastic way to celebrate the end of work and the beginning of the weekend.

They will typically feature 3 or 4 classic tapas dishes each week on Friday. This can include such delights as sliced steak with chimichurri on toasted baguette, green mojo chicken quesadillas, artichoke and sun blushed tomato croquettes, or my ultimate Friday night treat, Brazilian style fish cakes.

Head on down to Sandinista every Friday between 5pm and 9pm to take advantage of the free tapas and drinks offers. Sandinista offer a wide selection of fantastic drinks deals including Spanish Gin and Tonic (£5), Sherry Spritzer (£5), Sangria (£4), Wine and Bottles of Sol for only £3.

We will see you there.

RESTAURANTS

A week at Black Dog Ballroom

Friday: Fizz Face Fridays // Juicy It’s the end of the work week and if you are anything like me, the only thing on your brain will be booze. Luckily for us, Black Dog Ballroom is the place to be from 5pm until you black out at 10pm.

Things are always better with a bottle of bubbles in hand, so start things off with their Fizz Face Fridays. £12 bottles of Prosecco, £3 glasses or £30 bottles of champagne (if it’s close to pay day).

After you are fully charged with fizz, get down to the best Hip-Hop, RnB and garage sounds with Juicy pumping away late into the night in the NQ.

52 Church St, NQ, M4 1PW 11 – 13 New Wakefield St, M1 5NP blackdogballroom.co.uk Writer: Steven Pankhurst

Monday: 50% off Food Wednesday: Free Pool Saturday: Bottomless Brunch // Footy Monday’s are pretty depressing, and that is a fact. I know you’ll be tempted to polish off a couple bottles of wine whilst trying to remember the weekend’s antics, crying Bridget Jones-style, but that isn’t the way to relieve your Monday blues - I speak from experience. Instead of weeping into a sad takeaway - pop down to the Black Dog and enjoy 50% off all food.

From classic Manchester burgers to artisan Pizzas, Black Dog is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

Unleash your inner Paul Newman, or rather don yourself a snazzy waistcoat and channel the John Virgo inside of you to take full advantage of Black Dog’s Free Pool Wednesday’s. They’re famed throughout the city as some of the best places to play a bit of billiards, so why not get involved and knock a few chunks of resin around a bit of felt while chatting bubbles with your mates over a few wet ones. All you need to do is buy a drink (or round) and you’ll get a free hour of pool. Easy peasy.

Tuesday: Pizza Twosdays

Thursday: Decks Appeal

Who doesn’t love pizza? And, who doesn’t love pizza that little bit more, if that’s mathematically possible, when it comes in at half price? Every Tuesday at Black Dog NWS and NQ you can tuck into 2-4-1 pizzas, so they come in at £6 each. What’s not to love? Chow down on classic toppings like pepperoni or mushroom, or step into the unknown with more adventurous toppings such as the cheeseburger or my personal favourite, the 6 Cheese - swimming in mozzarella, parmesan, jack, cheddar, goats cheese and gorgonzola. In reality it’s a heart attack on bread, but when it comes at half the price, I am completely powerless.

Thursday is the new Friday, which in 1973 became the new Saturday. Sunday is due to become the new Monday around 2019, while Tuesday will always be a bit rubbish (except for the pizza).

To celebrate this well-overdue shuffle of the Gregorian calendar, Black Dog Ballroom NQ have added a new night to their very busy week with Decks Appeal every Thursday. From 10pm until 4am, legendary DJ Gareth Brooks will be banging out some of the best hiphop, RnB, disco and reggae to ensure that your Friday will be completely ruined and you’ll be in the pub again by lunch time.

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Sure, you are feeling slightly fuzzyheaded by now, but did you know that the only scientifically proven cure for a hangover is painkillers, breakfast food and more booze? That’s a fact. Between 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday you can tuck into any dish form the brunch menu and bottomless selected drinks from £25. I will always go for the chicken and bacon waffle smothered in maple syrup and enough prosecco to sink HMS Belfast. Stay on to watch the football matches or come back later in the evening for a little dance and a couple more bevvies.

Sunday: Unlimited wings Have you ever wondered how many chicken wings you can eat in one sitting? I have. In fact I think about it quite often, and often lose sleep thinking about just that conundrum.

I think the number lies somewhere between 40 and 55, but I guess there is only one way to find out. Every Sunday you can have a chance to see for yourself with unlimited wings for just £10 per person. Challenge accepted.

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Sakana transforms into 23 Peter Street Writer: Kate Tighe

Do you know what Sakana means? It’s a Japanese term which refers to the practice of enjoying food with the accompaniment of alcohol.

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With that in mind, it is safe to say that the Peter Street establishment has been providing just that for a number of years.

Think freshly prepared sushi, Pan Asian tapas, seafood specials all served and savoured in plush modern surroundings and paired with expertly crafted cocktails.

They’ve hit the nail on the head.

We love it for their Sushi Mondays, the experimental and expertly crafted nigari rolls, Pan-Asian flavours and cracking drinks. Close to Deansgate, it is the ultimate place to kick off a night-out, there is nothing better than catching up with the girls over a few classic cocktails and some unbelievably good eats and perhaps some bubbles, the placement couldn’t be better.

We know and love Sakana for just those reasons, but it is just about to get a whole lot better.

After months of planning with BDM Petr Kaiser, it can finally be announced that Sakana has transformed. Ocean Treasure, the newly relocated and beautifully renovated sister restaurant opened on the first floor at the end of last year, and has since then joined forces with Sakana to become 23 Peter Street.

Ocean Treasure was founded in 2009 and was originally located in Manchester’s premier casino Manchester 235 at the Great Northern Warehouse, but made the move towards the end of 2017.

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With two fantastic restaurants under one roof you will be spoilt for choice. Sakana will stick to what she knows with an eclectic range of dishes with influences all over Asia from Thailand to Korea, while Ocean Treasure will take on classic, authentic Chinese dishes. It is safe to say that the new 23 Peter Street promises an unforgettable culinary journey around Asia.

23 Peter Street has some pretty exciting things to come. Sushi Masterclasses will run to show you how to make restaurantquality sushi from the masters at Sakana. The specialist chefs

will inspire you with their passions and inspirations as they guide you through the preparation of the signature sushi rolls and sashimi dishes.

You and your friends will have the opportunity to don your aprons to re-create these dishes. This will be followed with a tasting of hot and cold sakes led by a top Sommelier as you savour your very own sushi creations.

We loved the old Sakana, but we love the revamp even more and it is safe to say there are some exciting things on the way for 23 Peter Street.

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Sakana 23 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR 0161 884 1292 (Sakana) 0161 839 7613 (Ocean Treasure) 23peterstreet.co.uk

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Dog Bowl, Whitworth St W, Manchester, M1 5WW

0161 228 2888 blackdogballroom.co.uk /dog-bowl

Dog Bowl’s new breakfast bundle is Manchester’s best excuse to get out of bed on the weekend.

I had more fun than you at breakfast this morning, just sayin’.

Me and some friends rolled into Dog Bowl’s retro-chic digs around 11am, tucked into some tasty grub, lubricated ourselves with cocktails and goofed our way through 10 frames of bowling — all for £12.

Writer: Ian Wallace

Bowling and Booze are Part of Your Balanced Breakfast at Dog Bowl

The deal couldn’t be more simple: Choose one of Dog Bowl’s four American-inspired breakfast plates, grab a drink (hot or cold, boozy or otherwise) and then slide on some rental shoes for a spot of light cardio and competition.

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I chose the Breakfast Bun, which came out looking like a breakfast-cart bap on steroids, piled generously with farmer’s sausage, bacon, egg, cheese and Dog Bowl’s signature tater tots. Everything in this sandwich works: The sausage snaps, the cheese oozes, the egg is rich and silken all at once and the bacon… Oh, guys, the bacon.

Angular slabs of smokey American-style streaky bacon, crisped and carbonized to perfect diner-style doneness, it’s everything that breakfast should be about.

Across the table, my pal opted for the American Pancakes and received a short stack of cakes that are fluffier than the UK’s statistical average but still a little flat by my Canadian standards… Regardless, they’ve got a great chewy texture and, served with fresh red berries & cream, evoke a springy strawberry shortcake.

Your Breakfast Bowl bundle choices will also include a vegetarian version of the Breakfast Bun as well as the Full American, a maple-syrup-soaked variety act of Smoked bacon, sausage, fried egg, BBQ beans, tater tots and grilled tomato.

Of course, Dog Bowl’s full menu of breakfast items is available if you’re okay going a little further out-of-pocket.

The house’s tex-mex leanings are most on display in the Taco Bowl, a hearty scramble of wilted chard and crispy griddled bits of sliced chorizo topped with a dripping fried egg. There’s a lingering heat to every bite and the puffy taco shell bowl is crunchy and decadently oily like a fried fairground dessert.

And after only one visit, I’m pretty sure that capping off breakfast with a fun and frivolous half-hour of bowling is my new favourite thing. You can take your cocktails with you from the table to the lanes and the process of registering is breezy and no-fuss — you’ll be alternating between smack-talk and rationalizing your own pathetic gutterballs in no time!

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Dog Bowl’s new deal runs from 10am – 2pm and is the perfect excuse to round-up some friends, kick off your Sunday (or Saturday) shoes, and throw on a pair of rentals instead.

Breakfast Bowling Drink £12 10am – 2pm | Sat - Sun

Pie & Ale, Unit 1 & 2, The Hive, Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1FN

Manchester's Finest x Pie & Ale present...

The Manchester Bee Pie Writer: Ben Brown

Here at Finest we had an idea. An idea that started with a small electrical impulse in my brain box and has ended with a near-perfect combination of meat, pastry and gravy and the introduction to the people of the city to the Manchester Bee Pie by Pie & Ale.

0161 228 1610 pieandale.com

There was a choice of 3 pies available to vote on; The Mancunian Breakfast Pie (Locally sourced northern sausage, bacon, egg and Bury’s finest black pudding in a rich tomato sauce topped with two golden hash browns and baked beans instead of gravy), The Bee Pie (Honey glazed gammon with wholegrain mustard, onions, garlic, spring onions and apples in a rich elderflower cider infused gravy) and the Mancunian Caviar & Potato (Mint infused mushy peas, deep fried potato chunks and garden peas in cased in a vegan pastry and served with rich gravy).

After a week of voting over our social platforms, The Manchester Bee Pie came out on top with 52% of the public vote, with the Breakfast Pie earning a respectable 35%, and the Mancunian Caviar getting bronze with 13%. So, there it was - the public had spoken, and much like when they voted Will Young as winner of Pop Idol instead of Gareth Gates - I think they definitely got it right this time.

The Manchester Bee Pie will be available from the 8th January at Pie & Ale, right up until the end of March, so there's plenty of time to try this culinary Mancunian delight.

Not only this, but the lovely people at Pie & Ale have decided to donate £1 for every pie sold to the charity Coffee 4 Craig, which has been set up to support and work with the homeless community.

It was during the hazy, muggy days of the long, hot Summer of 2017 that we set upon the idea - the idea of an epic special pie, designed FOR the people BY the people. You see, being the miserable sod that I am, I just couldn't enjoy the Summer knowing that Winter was on the way with it's cold and wet and snow. Much like Ned Stark, I felt we needed to prepare.

What better way to fend off the cold than with one of the greatest inventions known to man - the pie? We got in touch with Pie & Ale, the fantastic establishment in the NQ, who are not messing around when it comes to their name, to design some pies for the Manchester public to vote on their favourite which would then become a special this Winter.

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Named after Craig White, who died of a heroin overdose in 2013, Coffee 4 Craig aims to provide homeless people and communities with support, better services and a bigger voice - something I'm sure many will agree is much needed within the city.

There we have it. Thank you Manchester's Finest! Ah it's okay, no problemo. It's what we do. We want you to have an amazing pie on the end of your fork this winter - one which goes to help the city too. No worries.

Oh, and if you want to buy us, well me, a nice pint when you see me in Pie & Ale - I'm not going to say no.

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the people behind Altrincham Market bring you...

Mackie mayor Anyone who wants to experience good, local, independent food and drink all in one place, but doesn't feel like spending 32 minutes on a Metrolink to Altrincham, you're in luck. Mackie Mayor is now open!

Located in the long abandoned and sadly neglected Market House over on Swan Street, Mackie Mayor will be serving up some of the best food & drink from independent retailers in the city.

From the staff behind the multi-award winning Altrincham Market and Market House Altrincham, Mackie Mayor will include Tender Cow, Fin Fish Bar, Honest Crust Pizza, Black Jack Brewery, Reserve Wines, Wolfhouse Kitchen and Nationale 7.

Tender Cow Fin Fish Bar Honest Crust Pizza Black Jack Brewery Reserve Wines Wolfhouse Kitchen Nationale 7

Writer: Ben Brown

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Bakerie Bread & Wine Bar, 45 Lever St, Manchester, M1 1DN 0161 236 9014 bakeriemcr.com

Make new friends and get acquainted with unique dishes through Long Table Dining at Bakerie Writer: Ben Brown

When I think of Long Table Dining I think of a few things. One is of Henry VIII sat in the centre of a massive oak-carved table top, chomping on a huge lamb leg while spilling ale and gold all over the place and grabbing girls by the waist.

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Another image is of the 1989 movie Batman, where Bruce Wayne is on one end of a table, and Vicky Vale on the other - a huge distance between them, a rather impossible situation in which to "pass the salt".

BURNS NIGHT HAGGIS, NEEPS & TATTIES

Wednesday 21st February Thursday 25th January

The events are designed to encourage people to get out of their comfort zone a little, by sitting down with other likeminded folk and spending the evening talking about the food, the drink and perhaps even your favourite Bruce Willis movie - of which mine will always be Die Hard by the way.

Everyone has heard of haggis - even if perhaps they've not tried it. A sausage made from the liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep, it's a national dish of Scotland and one of the most delicious things you could ever try.

The liver, heart and lungs are chopped and mixed with suet and oats and seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper, and other spices. The mixture is stuffed into a sheep’s stomach and boiled. On top of this, guests will also be served Cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert consisting of a mixture of whipped cream, whisky, honey and fresh raspberries, with toasted oatmeal soaked overnight in a little bit of whisky.

There's a packed year of events, starting with one of the best nights of the year - Burns Night...

Guests will be served a large glass of red wine and a Scotch whisky with your meal.

Nestled perfectly between these two rather extreme visions are the Long Table Dining events at Bakerie - a chance for people to sit down, converse and enjoy a range of meals, perfectly paired with a chosen drink or drinks.

HUNGARIAN GOULASH

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Still a very popular dish among herdsmen in Hungary, Goulash is traditionally made in a cast-iron kettle hung above open fire, out in the fields. These herdsmen had the best ingredients at hand (most importantly prime quality beef) and the preparation method fitted very well to their work and lifestyle. They didn’t have to stand by the side of the kettle and stir its content all the time, but still had a tasty and hot meal to fill up their stomach at the end of it all.

WATCH VIDEO

BUNNY CHOW

RAG PUDDING

Wednesday 21st March

Wednesday 25th April

Bunny Chow, often just referred to as bunny, is a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry. The precise origins of the food are disputed, although its creation has been dated to the 40's, with the arrival of migrant Indian workers to the Durban region.

As masters of both bread and wine, Bakerie is the perfect place to try out this unique dish alongside some fantastic South African wine.

As an Oldham lad myself, I was immediately drawn to this particular evening as it features one of our greatest exports (apart from Phillip Schofield) - Rag Pudding. If you've never had it - you're in for a treat, with a mixture of minced meat, onions and gravy all cooked up in suet pastry which is wrapped in a cheesecloth.

The dish pre-dates ceramic basins and plastic boiling bags in cookery, and so the cotton or muslin rag cloths common in Oldham were used in the dish's preparation. It's great!

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With Long Table Dining events each month, there's sure to be something you want to try at some point throughout the year. Priced at only £14.50 per person, the evening also represents fantastic value for money.

You'll have to be quick though - there's only 32 seats available for each event, and they tend to sell out pretty quickly - especially with me buying all the Rag Pudding tickets for my mum and all her mates.

Visit longtabledining.fikket.com for tickets.

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Manchester's Late Night Eats 36

Picture this: It's 2am on a Wednesday night. Those after work drinks escalated quickly and not only have you replaced dinner with beer, your drunk stomach is growling for something huge and delicious. We've all been there.

It happens to the best of us. The issue is Manchester can be a little tricky place to grab something decent to eat at this time. Sometimes cheesy chips just won't cut it. But trust me, these treasure troves of late-night eateries are out there, and they are waiting for you to stumble into.

Rusholme As you will know if you have ever had the misfortune of catching the 142 bus home at 4am after a messy night out, the Curry Mile never sleeps. Never. But luckily, it is the place to be if you hear your stomach growling. Not only are there a plethora of kebab shops for you to get your chops into, but ice cream, pancakes and fried chicken too. If you are after something a little more authentic, Camel One is open until 3am, Spice Kitchens is open until 5am and Saajan open until 4am - all offering some of the best kebabs in the city - not just something pulled from the gutter and deep fried, but top-quality meats, perfectly spiced and served up exactly as you'd expect them to be.

CRAZY PEDRO'S

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Writer: Kate Tighe

Crazy Pedro's Pizza has to be at the top of the list for drunk food, and you will be pleased to know you can grab a slice from Crazy Pedro's in the NQ (and on their Bridge Street site) until 4am. What’s more is that you can order by the slice as not to let your tequila filled stomach get the better of you.

The selection of pizza is truly staggering, with many a strange or odd combination of ingredients that 'just work'. There's the World-Famous Hotdog Pizza which is naturally piled high with beer soaked hotdogs, cheese, onions, mustard and ketchup, as well as the truly legendary Fried Chicken and Waffle which comes loaded with extra smoked bacon and maple syrup.

My personal favourite is the Blueberry Hill, which although it sounds a bit odd - is fantastic. It’s a combination of feta cheese, red onion, blueberry, watercress and a balsamic glaze, which all comes to together to create a party in your mouth that you just don't want to end.

Each month sees a new special come to Pedro's, which are usually just as odd and delicious as the rest of their menu. Highlights from 2017 include The Ploughman's Munch (Ham, Apples, Branston Pickle, Sliced Pickled Onions, Wensleydale Cheese and a final sprinkling of Watercress), The Lucky Lucky Katsu (Katsu Curry base, cheese, soy marinated leeks, red and green chillies, crushed cashew nuts and loads of panko breaded chicken) and a particular favourite of mine, The PBJ (lashings of cheese with Pepperoni, Baconnaise, Jalapeños and some Frazzle dust) Pedro's is also famed throughout the city for their huge selection of tequila, as well as it's distinctly more venomous cousin mescal. If you're looking to continue the night, you can expect a packed menu of some frankly brilliant cocktails - many including tequila to ensure that you wake up and instantly regret most of your actions in the morning.

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Northern china town Honourable Quarter Mentions Elsewhere in the NQ you can find West Corner, which is open between Thursday and Saturday until 1:30 - where you can grab a little snack on your way home from those after work drinks.

You can also chomp down on a burger at Common on Edge St. until late, and if you mosey on over to Newton Street, the Japanese inspired delights of Cottonopolis are one of the more refined intoxicated palates.

So you’ve drunk too much beer on a Tuesday night, and you can’t get the craving for crispy duck out of your head. We’ve all been there.

Good news, China Town is your oyster-sauce at 2am, and you can chow down on crispy beef and spring rolls until (almost) dawn.

Hunan Restaurant on George Street is open until midnight, while earl City on George Street and open until 3 am and an absolute winner.

Just don’t expect anything fancy from China Town at this time, and I can guarantee when you wake up in the morning it will feel like a surreal dream.

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WEST CORNER, NQ

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Dotted around the rest of the city and the surrounding areas would be Archie’s on Oxford Road. They have two sites which are both open until two mid-week and until 4 am on the weekend. If you are after burgers, desserts and shakes, then this is always a cracking choice.

Oh, and they plan to open on the Piccadilly Approach too in the coming months.

Grafene, 55 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LQ 0161 696 9700 grafene.co.uk

What does ‘Modern British’ even mean?

Writer: Kate Tighe

It’s a term that is thrown around by the foodies, but what is it? Last time I checked British food was heavy, stodgy and drowning in gravy- but restaurants like Grafene are completely re-writing the rules of British cooking and taking influence from our colonial past.

Beetroot, goats curd, Spanish gazpacho, hazelnuts

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Once upon a time, when we were just a small non-influential island, we lived off bread and cheese and didn’t bother anyone. That didn’t last though. As our empire grew, so did our culinary repertoire, merging foods from the countries we conquered - such as Tikka Masala and tea – with our own, home-grown ingredients to create a new version of British cuisine; with fusion at its very core.

Intrinsically, British food became a melting pot of stolen culinary influences from here or there. Sorry to disappoint.

But instead of getting defensive about that fact, Modern British restaurants celebrate this diversity.

Fillet of British beef, oxtail ravioli, and snail bourguignon - a dish with influences from Italy and France.

So, to answer the question, It is less about the revival of old-fashioned dishes and more of a re-interpretation or fusion. The strength of British cuisine has always been in its excellent ingredients: excellent beef and lamb, fantastic pork sausages and pies and a good variety of fish from the seas surrounding the island. Think Aberdeen Angus beef paired with flavours from India, Scottish Salmon with Far Eastern ingredients and British beetroot with French goats cheese.

Grafene is an excellent example of this in practice, as it uses local ingredients like local meat, root vegetables, fish and uses a fusion of flavours and techniques to make contemporary dishes.

In short, Modern British means an emphasis on good, locally sourced ingredients thats uses traditional dishes as a springboard for a new gastronomic adventure which reflects our colonial past.

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Bream, Satay Chicken Wing, Penang Broth, Wilted Greens and flavours directly shipped over from Asia.

The concept of mEats is simple; we sit down for a meal with some interesting folk and talk about their favourite bars, restaurants and venues around the city – probably among many other things as well.

Don't forget to use Layar to watch the full interviews!

Writer: Ben Brown

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Manchester’s Finest mEats...

Black Josh We sat down with Mancunian hip-hop star Black Josh in Joshua Brooks to discuss Manchester, music and of course - food.

This episode sees Alex talk to Josh about his current projects, both as a solo artist and as a member of Levelz – a Mancunian collective of MCs, producers and creatives with everyone in the group having their own specific skills and connections.

Hailing from South Manchester, Black Josh is one of the most electrifying hip-hop artists to emerge from the UK. We talk to him about growing up in the city, his upcoming projects as well as a very special project with Manchester’s Finest named Manchester Sampled.

Not only this but Big Grillie Style have introduced the Black Josh burger as a permanent fixture to the menu at Joshua Brooks. Taking inspiration from Josh’s tastes and Caribbean heritage, the burger features “Chicken 4 ways” with…

BBQ Fried Chicken Burger, with smoked streaky bacon, red onion, lettuce, BBQ pulled chicken, charred corn salsa, Baconnaise, on a brioche bun topped with a Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wing and Popcorn Chicken.

WATCH VIDEO

50p from every Black Josh Burger sold on the new menu will go to Youth Music Charity, a national charity investing in music-making projects for children and young people who experience challenging circumstances. Their projects help young people develop musically, but also aim to have personal and social outcomes too.

For more information on the charity you can visit them at www.youthmusic.org.uk.

Joshua Brooks, 106 Princess St, M1 6NG 0161 273 7336 | joshuabrooks.co.uk

MEATS

Manchester’s Finest mEats...

Gary Neville We sat down with Gary Neville in The Rabbit in the Moon to discuss all things Manchester, food and of course, a little bit of football.

Check out the video to discover Gary’s favourite places in Manchester, as well as his on-going projects and developments around the city. We talked about Mahiki, the new tiki bar and club which has just opened in the city as well as the upcoming Stock Exchange hotel opening in 2018.

It wasn’t just business though. We talked about everything ranging from Scholesey driving around The Pennines in a golf cart, the pleasure of the chippy as a kid and the vast difference in a footy players’ fitness regime since Gary was knocking balls about the pitch and fighting with Jamie Carragher.

We did all this while sampling a fantastic 14 course taster menu at The Rabbit in the Moon, the spaceage dining destination located at the top of the Urbis building. Gary talked us through all of the dishes that were presented, as well as providing a bit of an education on gourmet dining for a clearly unprepared Oldham savage.

The Rabbit In The Moon, Urbis Building, Corporation St, M4 3BG 0161 804 8560 | therabbitinthemoon.co.uk

WATCH VIDEO

MEATS

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Manchester’s Finest mEats...

Luke Unabomber

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We caught up with DJ and Restaurateur Luke Cowdrey, one half of legendary disc-spinners The Unabombers and owners of Volta, Electrik and The Refuge.

Of course we touched upon The Unabomber's past endeavours within Manchester's music scene, as well as how and why they've ended up becoming restaurateurs in the first place.

Sitting down in Electrik in the heart of Chorlton, we get to grips with their new Yadda Yadda menu featuring what Luke terms "middle-class kebabs" and Middle Eastern meze. Inspired by their travels and love of kebabs, we discuss how the landscape of the Manchester food scene has changed over the last 25 years and how it looks today.

Since opening The Refuge a year ago, they've also managed to put their own stamp on the city, with excellent food, a fantastic indoor space and their extravagant Weekenders.

We talked about how much of a beast The Refuge was, and continues to be, as their most ambitious project thus far.

As we talked, we tried a selection of dishes including Keralan Fried Chicken, Beetroot Biryani as well as the fantastic Lamb Shawarma, all of which have recently become a permanent fixture on the menu.

Electrik Bar, 559 Wilbraham Rd, M21 0AE 0161 881 3315 | electrikbar.co.uk

WATCH VIDEO

MEATS

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BARS

A Tale of Two Venues: The Range and Albatross & Arnold Brand-new additions to Spinningfields at the end of 2017, The Range and Albatross & Arnold are two venues which, while under the same roof, offer very different experiences just waiting to be explored in 2018.

The Range

Albatross & Arnold

Penned as Manchester's first city-centre Golf Members Club, The Range offers a world-class golfing experience, paired with an exquisite interior and extensive menu of food and drinks.

Also located in the 3,500-sq. ft. space on the first floor, directly opposite The Range, is Albatross & Arnold, a sumptuous bar and restaurant serving up a selection of high-end food and drink to the people of Spinningfields.

Housing 5 highly advanced golf simulators, members and non-members alike have the ability to play 100 of the finest golf courses on the planet - all without leaving the city centre.

Offering a large selection of fine wines, cocktails and ales, Albatross & Arnold is the perfect place to sit and relax while taking in the sights of Spinningfields from above.

Using the latest in Launch Monitor technology, the simulators are able to produce in-depth, accurate facts and figures about every single shot you hit - good or bad helping you to keep that handicap down and improve your swing day-by-day.

The Range has been set up by 31-year-old Andrew Mcloughney, a former +2 handicap golfer, who has decided to bring a unique golfing opportunity to our great city Andrew has travelled the world playing the finest golf courses, in some of the most prestigious golf tournaments.

However, injuries curtailed his promising career and brought him to Manchester.

Andrew said: “The technology is remarkable and people who come in are going to have to see it all to believe it. The 100 virtual courses can be played on the simulators but guests will be able to tailor simulators to their needs - for instance, when I play on them, I tend to choose to play nine holes of my favourite golf courses around the world.”

On top of this, the venue will also host events and golf competitions, with Andrew keen to get city centre residents and the business community involved and on the 'green'. The Range is also home to two PGA professional coaches, on hand to give lessons as well as custom fit guests with an array of golf clubs to suit their swing.

Membership is available at The Range, which helps bring the price tag down dramatically as well as providing exclusive discounts on food and drinks as well as specially curated events and tournaments throughout the year.

With an interior that takes inspiration from the vintage Art Deco movements of Manhattan, Albatross & Arnold provides the perfect level of tranquillity in which to enjoy one of their 20 wines by the glass or beautifully blended cocktails.

Perhaps the main event at Albatross & Arnold however, is their fantastic food menu featuring a selection of perfectly balanced small plates which are ripe for sharing with friends or particular loved ones.

Offering an all-day menu served lunchtime until late, the menu of small plates is inspired by the British Isles with carefully-sourced seasonal game, meat, fish and vegetables.

Dishes include marinated sirloin steak, pan-roasted scallops and whiskey glazed pork belly.

Be ready to shake off any premonitions that Albatross and Arnold is "golfy"; it manages to provide a fantastically stylish atmosphere and some hearty high-end dishes that can be enjoyed by anyone, even if you've never touched a club in your life (and never intend to!)

The Range, Leftbank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AN 0161 325 4444 hello@therange.uk.com therange.uk.com

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Roc & Rye, 60 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BQ 0161 414 0057 hello@rocandrye.co.uk rocandrye.co.uk

Get “Picked Up and F**ked Up”with Coffee and Cocktails at Roc & Rye Writer: Steven Pankhurst

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Kate Moss was once renowned for quoting that she wanted something to “Pick her up and F**K her up all at the same time.”

And with that the Coffee - Cocktail revolution was born.

Or actually, the Espresso Martini came to fruition. But what if you don’t fancy one of those? You just, in fact, fancy a decent coffee that doesn’t cost the earth or a truly delicious cocktail?

Well it seems that you need look no further, as Roc & Rye can pretty much cover every element of your coffee cocktail needs. Latte to sit in? No problem. Cappuccino with hot almond milk to go? Straight away. Make no mistake: the coffee is honest and the coffee is strong, which is unsurprising, as it’s supplied by Origin Coffee, one of the most renowned third wave coffee roasteries in the UK. So if you were once a loyal high street coffee lover, it won’t be hard to jump ship. Throw in the option of daily brunch with plates such as poached eggs and smashed avocado; or a scrumptious open sandwich with fig & parma-ham and it seems Roc & Rye has pretty much mastered the “pick me up” element of Miss Moss’ desires.

So how about the cocktails then? Because, lets face it, with a name like Roc & Rye (think American whisky cocktail) it would be rude not to have an incredible Cocktail Menu. The experienced bar tending team behind the brand are proud to have one of the only "cocktail laboratories" outside of London hidden away in its venue. Thus allowing the bar tenders to concoct some of the most unique and home cooked cocktails you will find on the cocktail scene. The kind of stuff that cocktail dreams are made of and which ensure that ideas such as “home - made vegan ice cream,”

and bacon fat - washed gentleman’s Jack are well and truly set to challenge what you thought was once a normal drink. Home-made syrups along with shrubs & carbonated cocktails, will deliver a sensory experience overload like you’ve never had before. Fancy a good cocktail? Then go to any bar across town. Fancy an incredible cocktail? Then go to Roc & Rye. Oh and one more thing… and let’s not forget this… that by night time when you’re drinking said cocktails, Roc & Rye is evolving into one of Manchester’s hidden gems… a late night time venue that lights up - literally - only when the party gets started (stick around and you may catch a glimpse). With a funky soundtrack and a reclaimed nightclub dancefloor, this modern twist on a gentleman’s club is by no means understated.

The 150+ capacity venue is glamorous and indulgent on every level; its state of the art LED light system, illuminating in every colour, gives a nod to Manchester’s club culture that once thrived in the heart of the city. A 2am licence in a coffee-cocktail bar? Well even Miss Moss would be proud of that one.

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Manchester’s Best Secret Speakeasy Bars

Writer: Ben Brown

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When I was a kid I would always get really confused when watching 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' at the bit where they went into the wall at a bar to hide from Judge Doom.

I could just never understand why there was a separate, secret room which had a peep hole in it into the main bar.

Once I got older however, and found out about the Prohibition – all became crystal clear.

The Prohibition, although an idiotic idea and subsequent massive failure, has since provided ample subject matter for movie makers, novelists and bartenders ever since. Without the Prohibition there would be no gangsters and therefore no Godfather.

Without the Prohibition there also wouldn’t be any of the many speakeasies that have popped up in the city over the last few years…

Peggy’s Bar You’re having a midnight walk through Salford, looking for an off licence in which to buy some cheap Buckfast, when you notice a nondescript door down a little alleyway. You decide to walk through the door and you find yourself in a demure but pretty brilliant cocktail bar called Peggy’s Bar. Located on a small side street round the back of the Rovers Return pub on Chapel Street, Peggy’s Bar offers a wide range of excellent cocktails served up by knowledgeable staff that usually know a thing or two about how to mix bevvies.

Peggy’s Bar, 6 Barlow’s Croft, Salford M3 5DY facebook.com/peggysbarmcr

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Behind Closed Doors You’re walking down Oldham Street, it's getting dark and you notice a group of rather attractive people pressing a nondescript buzzer next to that t-shirt shop and walk down some stairs. What’s going on here then? Intrigued, you decide to press the buzzer too. As the door opens you begin to descend into Behind Closed Doors, the city’s newest hidden bar and a veritable den of sleaze and debauchery.

Probably the city's most hidden and fundamental speakeasy, Behind Closed Doors hides a subterranean bar and club which stays pumping right into the early hours of the morning, spinning some of the best funk, soul and disco tunes imaginable.

Not only this, but you'll also be greeted with a substantial list of cocktails and twists on many a modern classic.

There's a massive selection but our favourites include the 50 Shades of Earl Grey, an unrestrained tea pot of Portobello Road Gin, Earl Grey Tea, lemon, honey and lavender.

Not to mention the Love Bite, a refreshing blend of Manchester Raspberry Gin and specially created raspberry and cucumber sorbet. There's also the Stop If I Scream which is served flaming brûlée style with ice cream, Ron De Jeremy Rum, Liqueur 43 and cream with a hint of chilli and cinnamon.

So there's not really much else to do apart from get yourself a cocktail, park yourself in one of their vintage booths and try your best to chat someone up on the vintage telephones that are conveniently dotted around on each table. Just look at the directory at the back of the menu and you can ring up another table, introduce yourself and have your own 70's version of Dream Phone.

Behind Closed Doors, 93 Oldham Street, M4 1LW bcdnq.co.uk

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Science Industry at Cane Grain You’re enjoying a massive plate of some of the best ribs you’ve ever eaten, and your chin, fingers and shirt are coated in a sloppy layer of BBQ sauce as you go to town on your food. As you glance up you notice someone pull the wall away and disappear through a secret doorway. You quickly finish your ribs, pay the bill and head on up through the doorway to Science & Industry – a super-spiffy speakeasy specialising in innovative cocktail creations and the attempt to push the boundaries of scientific and molecular mixology.

This may all sound rather complicated but the lay man can expect a big selection of mental cocktails, mixed up and devised in their own back-room laboratory – giving you some crazy flavours and odd sensory experiences with every sip.

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Wood and Company

The Washhouse

As any HGV driver will tell you – loading bays are not glamorous locations in the slightest. They are typically places filled with cardboard boxes, manky bins and dark corners in which drunk people can have a wee in peace. Not so with Wood and Company though – it’s a loading bay which conveniently opens up to reveal a fully operating and functional bar, which couldn’t be further away from the dank, smelly mess that you’d associate with the typical loading bay. Enter through the ‘Goods Entrance’ door and you’ll find a bar which is impeccably decked out, with an impressive list of cocktails, ales and wines in which to get yourself suitably merry. If you manage to find it, get yourself down and you won’t be disappointed.

You’ve spilt beetroot juice all over your new Frankie Says Relax t-shirt and so you quickly run down to the local laundrette on Shudehill to get it cleaned up before you head on over to an 80’s party at Tiger Tiger. As you enter you notice that they don’t have many machines and it’s a bit quiet, but screw it – desperate times and all that.

Unfortunately, none of the machines work, and as you frustratingly scramble around with your packet of Bold, you realise that a young couple with trendy haircuts have walked in, picked up a phone and then disappeared through a door on the wall disguised as a dryer. Well, this is The Washhouse – a speakeasy bar disguised as a laundrette – offering a range of cocktails and fizz in a small, comfortable environment packed with trendy peeps and modern songs. To enter you will need to book on the phone – otherwise instead of impressing your date you’ll just look like a right knob.

Wood & Company, 39 S King St, M2 6DE woodandcobar.com

Cane & Grain, 49 -51 Thomas Street, M4 1NA

The Washhouse, 19 Shudehill, M4 2AF caneandgrain.co.uk the-washhouse.co.uk

SCIENCE & INDUSTRY AT CANE & GRAIN

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Dusk til Pawn

DUSK TIL PAWN

You’ve had a bit of financial difficulty recently and have managed to slip your Nan’s ring off her hand and into your pocket while she was sleeping. If only you could get that bloody thing pawned you can head on out this weekend with the girls – it’s Sarah’s birthday after all. Apparently there’s a pawn shop on Stevenson Square, but as you enter, you realise that it’s a bloody bar and not a pawn shop at all! Well, it’s Dusk til Pawn and although the exterior is set up to look like a shop, the interior is very much a buzzing bar complete with a great jukebox, loads of cocktails and a great selection of craft ales. They also have a fantastic selection of whiskeys and bourbons, so you can probably have one of the best Old Fashions in town here.

You’ll just have to secretly slip your Nan’s ring back on her finger and think of another way to scrape 50 quid together.

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THE WASHHOUSE

Corner Cocktail Club

17 Below

You’re milling around Stevenson Square, walking past the new West Corner restaurant on Spear Street and you notice a buzzer with ‘Please do not press here’ written on it. As a notorious maverick and rule-breaker, you decide to press it, and upon entry are greeted by basement cocktail bar the Corner Cocktail Club. Down here you will be treated to a massive selection of cocktails, as well as comfy booths, loads of tiles and the odd classic movie projected onto the wall. At the moment the bar is a very classy combination of table service and bookings only, so if you want to go – you will have to get in touch and get your name on the list. The place is open on Friday & Saturdays only.

You’re sat in Dogs N Dough, scoffing a massive hot dog, watching Uncle Buck on the screens and drinking a strong cocktail. You slowly realise that a few people who come in are just walking straight past the bar and heading to a non-descript door on the back wall.

What’s going on here then? You get up and go through the door – down some steps and you’re in 17 Below, a hidden den of pool, 80’s themed cocktails and FREE arcade machines. Get yourself a ‘Fistful of Quarters’ cocktail, park yourself in front of Donkey Kong and try to beat Billy Mitchell’s score of 3,333,360 while getting absolutely blotto’ed.

West Corner, 21 Hilton St, Northern Quarter, M1 1JJ

17 Below, (under Dogs N Dough) 17 Bow Ln, M2 4FW 17below.com

westcorner.co.uk

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17 BELOW

The Refuge, Oxford St, M60 7HA 0161 233 5151 info@refugemcr.co.uk refugemcr.co.uk

Come As You Are at The Refuge Writer: Ben Brown

It's now just over a year since The Refuge barged its way into the city and set Manchester alight with their Come As You Are parties featuring some of the biggest and best DJs and nights that anywhere else has to offer.

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Hyperbole aside, The Refuge appeared at The Principal and has managed to stick a rocket up the arse of the city's hotel bars, providing a stunning space which is both exciting and comfortable for all. Nestled within you'll find it filled with parties, weekenders, exhibitions, cocktails, Voltini, DJs and one of the best Sunday Roasts known to man.

The place certainly knows how to party, which could probably be attributed to DJ's turned restaurateurs Justin Crawford and Luke Cowdrey, owners and frequent performers at The Refuge and one of the reasons for the place being such a shake up to the city.

Starting way back in 1995 with The Electric Chair, the duo became known as The Unabombers and managed to create some of the greatest nights and sounds the city has ever seen. With a brew of house, disco, hip-hop, broken beat, Latin, R&B, techno and northern sulphuric soul, The Electric Chair was a revelation to a rather dwindling mid90's Manchester scene, and created the perfect place for everyone - from strangers and soul mates, straights and gays, north and south, students and scallies to dance and let it all hang out.

From there Luke and Justin went onto bigger and better things, including their first foray into the bar and restaurant business with Electrik in Chorlton, shortly followed by Volta in West Didsbury and finally The Refuge in the city centre.

Their influence can be seen throughout the place, most noticeably with their fantastic 'Come As You Are' parties and weekenders, which see some of the world's best DJ's

descend on the venue for events as bright and electric as this city of ours deserves. 2017 saw the likes of Gilles Peterson, Ruf Dug, Derrick Carter, Dicky Trisco and Krysko (to name but a few) come down and bash out the tunes for the pleasure of all.

A very successful collaboration with Pikes Hotel in Ibiza also took place in 2017, with a musical exchange taking place through the Summer. The May Bank Holiday saw Pikes takeover 'The Electric Weekender' offering up some serious Ibizan legends and Balearic jocks galore, complete with wine selections and food by award-winning Levanter. The Refuge returned the favour in September with a visit to Pikes in Ibiza for a massive closing party.

The year also saw The Refuge collaborate in terms of food, with Robert Owen Brown and Volta coming together to create ‘The Manchester Kebab’, lots of street food pop-ups as well as drink with ShinDigger, Perrier-Jouët and even a Winterway Bar pop-up this Christmas serving up mulled wine and Prosecco galore in the courtyard.

It's been a busy, busy first year for The Refuge and they don't look like they're set to stop anytime soon. Not only do they pack out their weekends with a variety of evenings and events, both in the main bar and the basement, but they have a packed calendar of Bank Holiday Weekenders to fill with their eternal proclamation - 'Come As You Are'.

See what a Refuge party is all about by scanning the next page with the Layar app...

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Around the World in 100 Rums with The Liars Club

The Liars Club, 19A Back Bridge St, Manchester, M3 2PB 0161 834 5111 theliarsclub.co.uk Writer: Ben Brown

Maybe it's because I went around Central America last year and started loving the stuff. Perhaps it's because I watched the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie this week and it still holds up.

Or perhaps it’s just because it’s Tuesday and I’m starting to look forward to the weekend – but I’ve decided to pelt you with loads of information about rum.

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In order to do so, I went down to The Liars Club, who take pride in stocking over 100 bottles of the stuff from all over the world. Here’s a snippet of what’s on offer…

Barbados

Colombia

Antigua

Barbados is home to the world’s oldest commercial rum distiller, and therefore pretty much deserves the crown as the centre of the rum producing world. Ever since the crop was introduced to the area by European ‘settlers’, Barbados has grown it, with rum now being one of the fundamentals of their whole culture, and clearly something they take very seriously.

Growing up I always thought of Colombia as a bit rough – to put it mildly, and what with Pablo Escobar blowing up planes and bombing shopping centres, it’s not hard to see why. The country has had its problems in the past, but now it’s safe as houses and I can honestly say that it’s probably one of the best places I’ve ever visited.

Antigua is an absolutely stunning island paradise in the Caribbean Sea, providing the kind of clear seas and sandy beaches you’d likely find in a Sandals brochure in your local travel agents.

As with most of the islands and countries in the region, they have been producing rum for hundreds of years, with Liars Club stocking the island’s biggest and most popular – English Harbour. This rum has won more awards than Meryl Streep and rightly so – it’s an absolutely cracking drink, perfect for cocktails – or just to sip on its own with ice.

The Liars Club have a huge range of Barbados rums including many blends of Mount Gay and Doorlys. They also serve The Real McCoy (named after the founder – a rum runner during the Prohibition, who transported the drink from the island to NY), as well as the sublime Plantation Grand Cru. Top of my list however would be the RL Seals 10 Year which is smoother than a Snooker Ball with alopecia.

At the Liars Club they stock La Hechicera (Pronounced ‘etch-ee-seh-rah’) which literally translates as ‘enchantress’ in Spanish. Produced at a small family-run distillery near Cartagena, La Hechicera is an ‘unpolished’ rum – meaning it has no additional additives or sugar added at the end. This gives you a deep woodiness with scents of toffee and orange peel – topped off with notes of tobacco and roasted coffee. Everything you’d expect coming from Colombia basically.

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Puerto Rico

Germany

Nicaragua

I never knew that Bacardi came from Puerto Rico until now. Well, until the hurricane there recently caused Bacardi to pledge aid with the rebuilding process and help the people of the small island get back on their feet and get back to making probably the most well-known rum in the world.

Who’d have thought the Germans could make rum? Well of course they can – they can do anything they put their mind to. Clearly not satisfied with producing some of the best beers in the world, what with that 4 ingredients only thing, they’ve now moved onto Rum with Bonpland Rouge, a unique blend of Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana, Guatemala, and Nicaragua rums.

I was in Nicaragua over Christmas last year and it was truly one of the best places I’ve ever been. Slap bang in the middle of Central America, Nicaragua is not only cheap, but there’s a million things to do, from surfing right up to surfing down the side of a bloody volcano on a bit of wood. It’s also home to Flor de Caña, one of my new favourite rums and one that can be quite difficult to find in the UK.

Upon further investigation though, the long history of Bacardi is a bit all over the place, with it being founded in Cuba in 1862 and continuing to be produced there until the Cuban Revolution. Since then it moved to Puerto Rico and you will not find Bacardi anywhere in Cuba – no matter where you look.

One place you will find it is Liars Club though and as you’d expect they have an absolutely huge range of weird and wonderful blends. One is Bacardi Reserva Limitada, a super rare and (limited) bottle that was initially only available in the Bacardi Rum Tour gift shop. It has a splendidly rich and complex flavour, with notes of fruit, vanilla and spice.

Additionally, Liars Club also stock the Puerto Rico legend Don Q Rum which is the best-selling rum within Puerto Rico with over 70% of all rum sales on the island. It’s been produced on the island since 1865 and as well as being popular with Puerto Ricans, it’s also a favourite of Marky Mark Wahlberg. Probably gives him Good Vibrations. Sorry.

This rum is rather special insofar that the Germans then mature it in Pinot Noir barrels (hence the ‘Rouge’) which gives it further hints of chocolate, raisins and red berries – perfect for warming your winter cockles this Christmas. Preferably with cheese.

Japan Years ago people scoffed when the Japanese started making Whiskey. Look at them now though. They create some of the best and most revered whiskeys in the world, giving the Scottish a run for their money any day of the week.

Well it looks like they might be turning their hand to Rum too with Ryoma 7 Year which uses high-quality Japanese ingredients combined with traditional foreign methods to produce a unique and refined taste. The sugarcane used to make Ryoma is grown by the oldest sugarcane farm in Japan giving the drink a taste of rich vanilla and caramel.

If you’re in Liars Club though you’re in luck because they stock a couple of blends, including the Reserva, their Centenario 12 and the Centenario 18.

It’s a cracking rum, with almond and cherry flavours – perfect with some full fat Coke and ice. Buy yourself a Nicaraguan Cigar to go with it too, ideally whilst sitting by a roaring open fire in a cravat.

Guyana Tropical and densely forested, Guyana is one of South America’s great hidden gems, and is slowly turning itself into a world-class eco-tourism destination.

Plonked right at the top of the continent, Guyana shares borders with the rest of South America, but culturally and historically it is more closely linked to the Caribbean region. These links continue with their love of rum, with El Dorado being their biggest producer.

El Dorado has become much more prevalent in the UK in recent years, and you can find it in most large supermarkets nowadays. The Liars Club is no different, with a range of El Dorado blends stretching from 12 years old right up to 21 years. It’s a multi-award winning rum, which provides a sweet mellow taste that’s perfect in a Mai Tai. Additionally, Liars also stock XM VXO (Very eXtra Old) 7 year rum, with flavours of winter spice, chocolate and tropical fruits.

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Jamaica Ahh yes – Jamaica, home of my absolute favourite rum in the world – Wray and Nephews Overproof. Coming in at a whopping 63% it’s one of the strongest spirits money can buy and is definitely not for any lightweights amongst you. Perfect in a cocktail, it’s also my absolute pleasure to buy a few tins of Ting from Tesco and get absolutely blotto’ed while watching Robocop.

In fact, The Banana Drink at Liars contains Wray and Nephews and it’s amazing.

Elsewhere in Jamaica you can expect to find Appleton rum, which coincidentally was bought out by Wray and Nephews a few years back. Over 90% of all rum drunk in Jamaica is owned by Wray and Nephews and the majority of that will be Appleton.

Liars stock a wide range of variations and blends including Rare, Reserve, 21 Year and ‘Joy‘ – which celebrates the 20 year tenure of master blender Joy Spence with a combination of rums aged between 25 and 35 years old.

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Cuba Well known for their cigars, revolution and rum, Cuba has recently opened its borders to the USA – so it might be a good idea to head there before they start erecting Wendy’s everywhere and Disneyland Havana opens.

Nestled on the cusp of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, the tropical climate is perfect for making rum, and the island is home to one of the biggest producers in the world – Havana.

Initially created in 1934, Havana is pretty much everywhere now and as you’d expect The Liar’s Club have copious bottles and variations available. Probably the most popular is Havana 15 Year but they also stock the rocket-fuel ‘Selección de Maestros‘ – a special “Cuban Barrel Proof” grade rum equalling 45% ABV. The casks this rum is matured in are picked by the ‘maestros roneros’ – hence the name – who could be considered the Obi Wan Kenobi’s of the rum world – so it’s good stuff.

Haiti Haiti is home to Clairin Sajous – one of the strangest and most unique rums available anywhere in the world, and one that you are unlikely to ever really see off the island.

Luckily for everyone though, Liars Club stock it and so you can experience this wonderful rum with your own tongue and throat.

It’s produced in a rather rudimentary way, with locally grown sugar cane and concentrated cane juices. It’s then fermented with wild yeast, then distilled twice and bottled at a staggering 53.5% ABV. I recommend you give it a try!

If you’re looking for a more traditional, but by no means any less special Haitian rum, Liars Club also stock Barbancourt 3 and 5 star, the rum you will see pretty much everyone downing on the island.

The Liars Club have over 100 bottles of Rum from all over the world. For more information on these, it’s best to speak to their very knowledgeable staff members. Maybe not on a Friday night though.

Liar’s Club also stock Ron Cubay, a rum which was only available within Cuba until recently.

Since 2010 they’ve let the rest of us give it a try and it still provides one of the most authentic Cuban rum experiences you can have. Perfect for a Cuba Libre.

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Junkyard Golf Club, First Street, Manchester, M15 4FN

Bozo Roll up! Roll up! It’s the greatest show on Earth - or something like that. This course is all about dark fairgrounds, circus freaks and twisted clowns. Winner takes it all in a homage to all things carnival! Avoid some pretty shit scary clowns, try to get your ball on the devilishly difficult Ferris Wheel, traverse the Hall of Mirrors and take a few selfies in the genuine oldschool Bumper Cars.

junkyardgolfclub.co.uk/manchester

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Since moving to their brand new First Street location last year, the Junkyard Golf Club team promised to take the concept to the next level with more courses and bigger, more dramatic immersive environments that are even weirder than anything you've seen before, and it must be said - they've delivered.

Pablo Here we have what can only be described as a jungle themed course, complete with a deep-cave bear-wrestling-cage, a drug-smuggling speed boat and a huge disgusting giant spider that sits atop one of the most annoyingly difficult holes in the whole building. There's extensive junglist massive influences everywhere including a real-life Aztec pyramid, shipped all the way over from Mexico in 1439, which manages to both annoy and entertain in equal amounts.

For anyone who has never been to Junkyard Golf Club, the format revolves around the well-loved crazy golf idea; to get the little round ball into the little round hole in as few hits as possible. Standing in your way though, throughout the 27 different holes spread over 3 courses are some of the weirdest and most challenging obstacles you could ever think of.

Gary While doing this, you'll also have access to a wide range of fantastic party cocktails and drinks (which you can take on the courses with you), as well as a nice little menu of snacks to keep your energy levels up while navigating a particularly difficult bathtub or 3-wheeled van.

Time to take a scrapyard challenge with Gary, winding your way through towers of tyres, written-off cars and other random bits of auto-junk. Take on the giant loop the loop of Tyre-som Fury, putt off the top of a Mini and slide down a slide, before you find yourself in the back of a van full of priceless art. The course then takes a rather unexpected turn by plonking you in Gary’s UV garage rave where you can 'big-fish, littlefish, cardboard box' the rest of the night away.

All under one roof there's 5 boozy bars, some killer tunes and of course - 3 big courses, each with its own theme;

It's a fantastic night out, and brilliant place to get tipsy with your mates while getting competitive, or indeed the perfect venue for that date you've been looking forward to for a few weeks - because even if the conversation goes a bit dry, there'll be plenty of drinks and giggles to ease everything along.

Writer: Steven Pankhurst

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Whiskey Jar, 14 Tariff St, M1 2FF 0161 237 5686 thewhiskeyjar.com

What to expect when attending a ‘Tasting’ Event at The Whiskey Jar Writer: Ben Brown

Going to a specific tasting event in a bar or restaurant can be quite daunting especially if you don't really know what to expect and what's going to happen.

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It’s common for many establishments to be rather stingy on the details, preferring to let the event do the talking, instead of actually providing decent information on what to expect.

This is all well and good, but doesn’t really help when you are a newbie and perhaps apprehensive about attending. For one, there’s going to be other random people there, as well as some bartender pouring drinks and shaking cocktails while the likelihood of looking like a complete knob by saying the wrong thing is usually rather high.

Personally I’ve attended quite a few of these events with Finest and still get butterflies before walking in, especially conceding the fact that I pretty much look like a knob most of the time anyway. And sound like one. Therefore we thought it a good idea to look into exactly how these events are run, and hopefully what you can expect.

In order to do this, we spoke to Max Phillips, Assistant General Manager at Whiskey Jar, who hosts regular Whiskey Tasting events and therefore should know exactly what I’m talking about – whiskey of course, being a drink that many find difficult to “get into” or perhaps a bit snobbish.

“Whenever I talk to people about Whiskey Tastings I always try to emphasise how relaxed they are, especially considering how intimidating whiskey can be, and the fact that we have nearly 400 of them“. Max says “trying to alleviate the fears and apprehension of the customer is one of the most important aspects of our events.”

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He is keen to emphasise how the best way to “run the tastings is the same way [they] try to run the bar; which is a laid back approach with definitely no snobby-ness. It’s more of a conversation about whiskey with a lot of back and forth between everybody, with the person running the event sitting down and trying the drinks alongside the guests” Looking at what Whiskey Jar offer, their Tasting Sessions last between 1.5 and 2 hours and include an in-depth look at production techniques and regional differences, and allows for any questions throughout. They cover a range of whiskeys from all over the world, usually entailing 4 different drinks that are picked on the day.

Max explains how the “tasting sessions are very relaxed and not in the least bit intimidating with all customers leaving smiling, even the odd couple that didn’t like whiskey to begin with!” Something which may be music to the ears of anyone who is keen to get stuck in, but may feel intimidated about the setting in general.

There are always plenty of taster evenings all around the city each week – last week I attended a Gin tasting event at The Lowry Hotel, as well as a Pickled Gin event at Sugar Rays with Portobello Road Gin. Even though I’ll probably still get butterflies, and probably still end up looking a knob, they are the perfect opportunity to try something new, or get to know more about something you already enjoy.

For more details on Whiskey Jar’s Taster Events, check out their Events page at thewhiskeyjar.com

From Mcr to...

Here in Manchester we're lucky enough to have the most connected airport in the UK. True fact. Recently introduced long hall ights direct to China and even more parts of the USA strengthen this position and brings new opportunity to our doorstep.

One thing we have enjoyed though for some time is budget short haul hops to Europe, with ights costing just tens of pounds my thoughts immediately turn to SkyScanners "Everywhere" search functionality. Team Finest are branching out, we bring you - from MCR to...

BARS FROM MANCHESTER TO...

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Ibiza’s Hidden Gems Writer: Natalie Jackson

When you think of Ibiza you think of partying in DC10 until 6am, a 2 hour kip on a sun lounger, a Miami breakfast and then doing it all over again until returning to the UK in a body bag!

What lots of people don’t realise is that this is just a small part of the island. Therefore we’re going to attempt to give a rundown of, what is essentially the “un-obvious hidden gems”

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FROM MANCHESTER TO...

LA LUNA NELL’ORTO

AMANTE

Hacienda Na Xamena and La Posidonia

Amante

While Ibiza is only a 2.5 hour flight from the UK, when you land it’s imperative to get into the Balearic laid back vibe.

Simply take the scenic route up a cliff side on the north of the island to the stunning hotel Hacienda Na Xamena.

After living the rustic life, the next Beach Bar is high-end and perfect for “clean sunbathing.” Set on a cliff side, Amante is filled with the kind of people who have just stepped off their yacht. Be sure to book as it gets very busy and don’t go here if you love going for a dip as the sea is a bit of a cliff hike to get to!

Attached to the hotel, the spa La Posidonia is a sanctuary set in a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean and Ibiza’s most famous sunset. Inside, each whirlpool will revitalise all of your senses and infuse a deep overflowing sense of relaxation.

La Luna Nell’Orto By this point you will probably be ready for a G&T! Head down the road to a locally run restaurant named La Luna Nell’Orto where the twinkly lights will lead you to a garden in the heart of Sant Miguel. Set under a ginormous tree in probably one of the most romantic settings in Ibiza, the menu is fresh seafood with an Italian twist. Whilst one of our most favourite restaurants, it is also fantastic value for money.

El Chiringuito Cala Gracioneta El Chiringuito, translates to small beach or bar serving drinks and tapas, and Cala Gracioneta may be small but makes up for it with a big personality! It’s a rustic, organic Beach Club and is perfect for a chill day away from the San Antonio where sun beds can be rented in the tiny cove.

Come evening, we recommend you retire in to the bar and restaurant where the sunset is like no other and the paella the best on the island!

KM5 KM5 is super-famous and one of the longest standing restaurant lounges on the island. Set exactly 5 kilometres from the airport, each waitress is perfectly groomed and serves in the white shisha garden lounge. There is a house DJ, body painting, Ibiza angels offering massages and of course, amazing cocktails. Our recommendation, try the steak!

Locals Only In contrast with KM5 is “Locals only“, where locals are welcome from all over the world and the menu consists of local produce only. Set in the hustle and bustle of Ibiza Town, this little street cafe offers amazing food with an Italian twist! Even though it may not sound like much, we feel like you just need to take our word on this, please go and try it!

It’s just amazing!

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ARTS

coming soon Neha Choksi

Rasta Liv

Hamlet

30.09.17 - 05.02.18 Manchester Art Gallery

25.01.18 - 27.01.18 HOME

26.01.18 - 03.02.18 The Lowry 65

THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES

Slap Talk

Miss Saigon

09.02.18 - 24.02.18 Royal Exchange Theatre

10.03.18 HOME

21.03.18 - 12.05.18 Palace Theatre

HAIRSPRAY

MY DAD WROTE A PORNO live

Week 53

26.03.18 - 07.04.18 Opera House

11.05.18 Opera House

17.05.18 - 28.05.18 The Lowry

ARTS

HOME ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON from FEB - SEP 2018

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Theatre + DANce Theatre highlights include the welcome return of Hofesh Shechter Company in early 2018 with a HOME co-commission, the critically acclaimed Grand Finale – part dance, part gig, part theatre and wholly original. HOME will also present its new production of Circle Mirror Transformation, directed by Bijan Sheibani and introducing Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Annie Baker to Manchester audiences, and, in co-production with Citizen’s Theatre, Glasgow, present Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Eugene O’Neill’s devastating masterpiece that shows a family’s grief unravel over the course of a single afternoon. Also heading to HOME’s Theatre 1 and Theatre 2 stages are many worldclass touring shows including work by Action Hero, Actors Touring Company & Orange Tree Theatre, The Bare Project, Breach Theatre, Hoipolloi, David Hoyle, Kneehigh, Lyric Hammersmith, Jake Murray, National Theatre, Sh!t Theatre and Scottee.

Walter Meierjohann, Artistic Director: Theatre, HOME

Circle Mirror Transformation 09.03.18 – 24.03.18 Photo credit Jonathan Keenan

don't miss GRAND FINALE Presented by Hofesh Shechter Company & co-commissioned by HOME 31.01.18 – 03.02.18 Choreography and music by Hofesh Shechter Performed by Hofesh Shechter Company

Internationally celebrated choreographer Hofesh Shechter will return to HOME with his latest work, Grand Finale, a spectacularly bold and ambitious new piece featuring 10 dancers. Designed by Tom Scutt with lighting by Tom Visser, this new work sees the company return to live music, played on stage by a band of six musicians. Grand Finale is at once comic, bleak and beautiful, evoking a world at odds with itself, full of anarchic energy and violent comedy.

Filtering this irrepressible spirit, Shechter creates a vision of a world in freefall, part gig, part dance, part theatre and wholly original.

ARTS

Chinese Artist Film, Wang NewOne, Hive Volume 1: 15.02.18 & 19.03.18 | Volume 2: 26.03.18

VISUAL ART

don't miss

HOME’s visual art strand will present a solo exhibition

by Noor Afshan Mirza & Brad Butler, The Scar, a new fiction-film installation weaving together conspiracy, gangster, noir, politics, fantasy and reality into a disrupted narrative and exploration of genre; artist film season NOW: Moving Image By Chinese Contemporary Female Artists, presenting a specially curated programme of contemporary moving image by female artists working across China today; HOME Artist Film’s next distribution, the award-winning Rey, directed

by American screenwriter Niles Atallah; and a whole new series of the ever popular HOME Projects with exhibitions by Mario Popham and Tom Baskeyfield, Jez Dolan, Susan Gunn, and Camille Smithwick.

NOOR AFSHAN MIRZA & BRAD BUTLER: THE SCAR

Sarah Perks, Artistic Director: Visual, HOME

10.02.18 – 31.03.18 | Preview 09.02.18 Curated by Sarah Perks

“That brutal power, that brilliance and thrill, that outpouring of joy when you finally meet what is most terrifying. That’s how it happened.” Noor Afshan Mirza and Brad Butler’s three-part large-scale film installation weaves together conspiracy, gangster, noir, politics, fantasy and reality into The Scar. Reimagining the story of a car crash in Turkey in the late 1990s, the sole female passenger Yenge addresses politics of corruption as she begins to imagine an alternative society no longer dominated by patriarchy. Mirza and Butler work in an international context and are interested in expanded notions of art that turn to such areas as the ectoplasm of neoliberalism, state enforced violence, and women’s bodies as sites of resistance. A new HOME commission with no.w.here in partnership with FLAMIN, Spectre Productions, Delfina Foundation, Centre national des arts plastiques, Edith-Russ- Haus and àngels barcelona.

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FILM Highlights include One Film Wonders, by directors with just a sole directorial credit; May ’68, exploring the films that document the volatile period of civil unrest in France – a cultural, social and moral turning point in the history of the country and beyond; The Dark Page, exploring the literary background of film noir and seasons dedicated to influential filmmakers and actors including Albert Finney and Harry Dean Stanton. HOME favourite Jazz on Film returns; HOME Artist Film presents the UK release of Rey, by Niles Atallah, and NOW: Moving Image By Chinese Contemporary Female Artists, showcases moving image by female artists working in China today.

Jason Wood, Artistic Director: Film, HOME

One Film Wonders, Night of the Hunter Throughout March 2018

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don't miss REY (2017) Distributed by HOME Artist Film Dir. Niles Atallah Rodrigo Lisboa, Claudio Riveros Chile, France, Netherlands, Germany, Qatar (Cert tbc)

Once upon a time, a man travelled to the end of the world. There, at the tip of recently independent South America, he founded his kingdom. It was 1860 and this French adventurer, Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, was perhaps a little crazy. Armed with a constitution penned by himself and a new flag, he fought his way through the rugged wilderness on horseback.

After arriving he managed to unite the natives and was chosen to become their ruler. At least, that’s one version of this true story. Or, he was helped by a native traitor. He was a French spy! He succeeded, but was captured.

Banished. Died. But returned? Who remembers the what and where of it? In Rey, the problems of history and memory are emphasised by the degradation of image and sound. Director Niles Atallah shot some segments in 2011, then buried the 35mm, 16mm and Super-8 film in his back garden. What does time do to a story? The results of these burials recur throughout the film – as deteriorating memories and the king’s wild visions. Everything culminated in this astonishing, delicate work of art: an ode to film and a fascinating fairy tale.

ARTS

¡Viva! Ghetto Bienniale, Louis Henderson 21.04.18 – 10.06.18

FESTIVALS

homemcr.org

¡VIVA! SPANISH & LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL 2018

HOME’s full Feb – Sep 18 programme can be downloaded from their website.

Presented by HOME 12.04-18 – 05.05.18

From Thu 12 Apr to Sat 5 May, ¡Viva! returns with a HOME-wide celebration of theatre, film and contemporary visual art from across Spain and Latin America. For 2018, inspired by Latin America’s long history of political turmoil, the festival will be exploring and celebrating the art and artists that have attempted to articulate, support and sometimes challenge these revolutionary moments and movements. Highlights include the world premiere of Corrido, a HOME and The Tiger Lillies co-production set in Mexico, a major new co-commission and solo exhibition from awardwinning artist Louis Henderson, who has produced a film based around a collaboration in the Haitian city of Port-au-Prince, alongside an extensive season of season of films with UK premieres and special guests.

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coming soon Elder Island

LIIMA

ZARA MCFARLANE

26.01.18 Castle Hotel

31.01.18 Soup Kitchen

08.02.18 Band on the Wall

Wild Beasts

Alvvays

First Aid Kit

16.02.18 02 Apollo

19.02.18 Manchester Academy 2

26.02.18 & 27.02.18 Albert Hall

THE GAME

IDLES

the streets

24.03.18 Victoria Warehouse

18.04.18 Gorilla

21.04.18 02 Apollo

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WATCH VIDEO

GREG WILSON AND COLIN CURTIS: RETURN TO LEGEND [DOCUMENTARY] In preparation of The Refuge's 'Return To Legend' night revisiting one of Manchester's most iconic clubs, we met up with its most celebrated resident DJ, Greg Wilson, as well as the exuberant Colin Curtis to look back at the venues and the scenes that came together to create some of the most important music movements in Manchester.

We took a tour around the city, exploring all of their old haunts and venues which came to define the series of movements they were integral in curating.

Greg Wilson is perhaps most noticeably remembered as a pioneer of the sounds of soul, funk, jazz-funk and jazz-fusion - all staple sounds every Wednesday night during his famed residency at Legend in the early Eighties, a nightclub that featured, among other things "around half a mile of neon" adorning its walls.

His Mid-Week Jazz-Funk Night became the busiest and most successful night in the city, which was almost unheard of for a Wednesday night event at the time.

The concept was to bring jazz-funk, and subsequently the electronic sounds coming out of New York at the time, to the streets of Manchester and it became a scene which he will always fondly remember as "the greatest night I've ever played".

The night would see people travelling from all over the North and the Midlands, even as far as London

to attend, but more importantly, it saw the predominantly young black community from Moss Side descend into the city and forever change the way people looked at clubs and how they could bring people from different cultures and scenes together.

Accompanying Greg was Colin Curtis, who recently celebrated 50 years of DJing and was at the forefront of the Northern Soul and Jazz-Funk scenes of the 70's. Together they remember the big players and the key venues which made up these scenes in the city from the mid-70's until the mid80's.

As you'd expect from a visit into Manchester's music past, a trip to the Haçienda is on the cards, but Greg's recollection of the venue is not as positive as many would think.

Starting in 1982, shortly after it opened, Greg hosted his Friday Night Funk evening at the venue, which he found "cold, big and with not enough people", as Tony Wilson and the Factory team struggled to see their vision come to fruition in the early years.

Despite a few fantastic one-off nights, the club was considered a failure in its early days, but as we all know now, they stuck with their vision and a few years later, as Colin says; "the equation worked and we got the Haçienda everyone remembers."

Further down from The Haçienda

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was, and still is The Ritz, which was a massively important venue for the city as it helped bring together the Northern Soul and Jazz-Funk crowds for the first time.

Originally a predominantly Northern Soul venue, with its impressively bouncy dancefloor, Colin and Greg were integral in bringing a more JazzFunk sound to the venue as the 80's progressed and their legendary 'AllDayers' took the biggest and best DJ's from around the region and brought them all under one roof.

A mention of Northern Soul merits a visit to the old site of The Twisted Wheel Club, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of the scene, and holds fond memories for the DJs. Given exposure by record shop and label owner Dave Godin, the venue was integral in bringing the rare, imported Soul records from the US right into the lives of the masses of Northern youngsters looking for an identity in often rather grim times.

With additional visits to old record shops, clubs including Rafters, The Playpen, The Reno and Berlin, where Colin Curtis pioneered early house music in the city, the pair manage to take you on a trip through some of the most exciting and influential times in the city's past, scenes that laid the foundations for the rave explosion that burst out of Manchester in the late ‘80s.

Writer: Ben Brown

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Our favourite music videos to come out of manchester in 2017 Last summer many of us music lovers were rocked to our core by the tragic attack at the Arena. Whilst we’ll never forget, in true Manc spirit we’ve come together at many a gig since with a mixture of love, pride and defiance: setting an example for the rest of the world to follow.

Now, as the new year kicks in thick and fast, we figured it was about time to give props to some of our local music-making champions by shining light on what we think to be the best music videos to come out of our fair city last year...

Levelz - Front Face

Children of Zeus - Crown

No need for introductions here, if you don’t know about Levelz we’ll assume you’ve been living under a rock for the past four years. The riotous collective just dropped new single Front Face, with a video focused on their time at Outlook this September just gone. As we’ve come to expect from the crew, the video is jam-packed with sweaty and ravey, no-fucks-given antics. A must watch if only to see Truthos drop a heavy verse atop an inflatable unicorn. You can also download the track for free through their BandCamp.

Anthemic doesn’t even it cut it on this one. Children of Zeus have been on our radar for a very long time, but earlier this year they finally got round to putting out a proper release (meaning not just on SoundCloud) and things have been sky-rocketing for them ever since. This beautiful song’s video features many of our city’s music legends, including most of the people on this list… so we couldn’t possibly leave it off.

Mali Hayes - Hate on Me 72

Definitely, one to be keeping an eye on for 2018, Mali Haye’s uplifting and fun-filled track Hate on Me is the perfect anthem for strength, community and togetherness after a testing year for us Mancs.

Incorporating shots of people dancing in Piccadilly, Manchester’s more iconic street art and many a worker bee, prepare to get lifted ‘cause it’s positive vibes all around.

With support coming from local icon Zed Bias, who earlier in the year remixed this tune under his Maddslinky moniker, we fully expect to be hearing big things from Mali this year.

Free Wize Men feat. Lay Fullstop Starz This dreamy beat from Manchester rap trio Free Wize Men’s is one of our tune highlights of the year. Carried by smooth feature vocals from Lay Fullstop and accompanied by hazy, visuals from Jay Bannister, hit play and be transported away from wet and dreary Manchester for a quality 4 and a half minutes.

IAMDDB - Shade Provocative AF, IAMDDB’s Shade is currently sitting at 4M views and counting on Youtube with more rewinds than you can shake a stick at. Diana Debrito has had quite a year of it, coming up from pretty much nothing to take on the likes of Ray BLK and Jorja Smith on the international stage. Watch out for this girl in 2018, she’s without a doubt going to be huge.

Sparkz - Stay Awake Sparkz’ newest video Stay Awake features beautiful shots of Manchester with some topical cuts, looking back at significant events including the Conservative party conference, the Arena attack, the Grenfell tower fire, the homeless encampments in our city and more.

Beautifully shot, there is a bittersweet edge to this one as it makes us aware that we need to keep pushing if we want to create positive change for our communities in the New Year.

The Mouse Outfit feat Fox and IAMDDB - I Wonder Coming in strong on a wavey, soulful tip, live hip-hop band The Mouse Outfit pushed their popularity to new heights over the summer with this absolute belter. Catch IAMDDB in full union jack get-up as she features alongside the godfather of Manchester’s underground scene, MC Fox, on this slinky and mellow track.

Kinkai - Aztec Gold With a melodic, laid-back rapping style that sets him apart from many of his peers, young Manc Kinkai has been making waves across the UK this year with his latest project ‘Mellow Mermaids & Malibu’. Taken from this release, ‘Aztec Gold’ sees him mobbing with his mates eating waffles and the like, with jazzy synths and invigorating drums pushing things forward. We look forward to hearing more in the New Year.

Scan the next page with the Layar app to watch these music videos...

Writer: Georgina Pellant

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WATCH VIDEO

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We’ve created a new series – Manchester Sampled – which explores the Manchester music scene, by getting well-known producers and artists to create their own unique tracks – using the works from existing Manchester-based artists.

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From The Smiths to The Stone Roses, via Take That and N-Trance, the history of the Manchester music scene is famously illustrious and well documented. - but what's going on now?

What exactly is Manchester music nowadays?

Our first episode features none other than Black Josh and Biome. Hailing from South Manchester, Black Josh is seen by many to be one of the most electrifying hiphop artists to emerge from the UK. Starting off with his crew Ape Cult at 17, he’s since produced some belting albums and joined Levelz – A Mancunian collective of MCs, producers and creatives, where everyone in the group have their own specific skills and connections.

Josh is your man when it comes to demonstrating an adeptness across a range of tempos and styles, while Biome is renowned for his deep dubstep tracks.

Manchester Sampled sees Josh and Biome head on down to Piccadilly Records and choose some vinyls from some fantastic Manchester artists. Down at the Levelz studio, the two get to work sampling and constructing their track (with a little help from close collaborator Mennis) completely from scratch – using the vinyl’s they chose that day. Once the vocals were laid, they ended up with something altogether quite special…

The 5 vinyls they chose were: Begin EP Garth Be – Hipnotony Ruf Dug – Island Remixes Ste Spandex – EP2 Chunky – Threats EP

WATCH VIDEO

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