Manchester’s got a lot to be proud of, and Vimto is one of those things.
Vimto is a much-loved Manchester-born soft drink that contains the juice of grapes, raspberries and blackcurrants – each in a 3% concentration – which is then flavoured with a selection of delicately-balanced herbs and spices.
If you’re unfamiliar with the backstory, Vimto was created in 1908 at 19 Granby Row in Manchester city centre – now part of The University of Manchester’s grounds – by John Noel Nichols, who was a wholesaler of herbs, spices and medicines that saw the market opening for soft drinks, due to the temperance movement and the passage of the 1908 Licensing Act.
It was originally sold under the name Vim Tonic, which Nichols shortened to Vimto in 1912.
It’s hard to believe it now, but Vimto was originally registered as a health tonic or medicine when it was first created, but was then re-registered as a cordial in 1913.
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As well as its continued popularity throughout the 20th and 21st century, Vimto has even taken on a life of its own as a flavour too in more recent years, and has spawned a number of other popular fruity variations, so it’s really come a long way from its origins.
But the history of Vimto is something that will always be rooted in Manchester.
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Nichols PLC
And so, to celebrate this impressive history, two furloughed friends have launched a “historical Manchester” Vimto-themed virtual escape room that takes you back to 1908 and challenges you to solve the theft of the city’s most iconic and top-secret recipe.
Mystery Escapades provide online escape room adventures “packed with puzzles” for groups of any size, so whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a bit of lockdown fun, this is a unique way for friends, families and colleagues to virtually “work together and flex that grey matter”.
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All escape rooms can be played by teams across households using video conferencing software, such as Zoom and Skype, but there’s one in particular that Mancunians might be most interested in.
The description for 19 Granby Row reads: “It’s 1908 and you’re in Manchester to investigate the theft of a secret recipe. John Nichols has spent his life perfecting the recipe to his new health tonic, and it has been stolen on the eve of its launch. Your job is to track down the thief by following his path around historical Manchester. Each puzzle you solve will give you a clue to unlock the next room, complete them all and get the recipe back to its rightful owner. You can get clues to help you along the way if you get stuck but everything you need is within the game”.
19 Granby Row is suitable for as many participants as you wish, but anywhere from two to six is advised for optimum game play.
There’s no time limit for this particular challenge either, making it perfect to play along with friends.
Speaking on the launch of 19 Granby Row, Mike Lee – co-founder of Mystery Escapades – told The Manc: “We started Mystery Escapades as a bit of fun, but actually we think they’re quite good and we’ve had great feedback from players [so] we’ve set one in historical Manchester, taking in the sights of streets and buildings that remain in the city today.
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“We’ve created this because we love the city,
“It’s where I was born and grew up and like any Manc, I’m staunchly protective of its place in the world”.
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19 Granby Row will set you back just £15 for a pass valid for one month.
You can book your tickets, find more information about the escape rooms and access the all-important FAQs via the Mystery Escapades website here.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United
Danny Jones
Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.
Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.
The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.
However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.
At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.
Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”
As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.
He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.
The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.
Co-op Live has been named the number one arena in Europe following its debut year
Danny Jones
Despite a rocky opening month or so, Manchester’s Co-op Live made the ultimate instant recovery and has now been named the number one arena not just in the UK but all of Europe.
Manc music venues being best in class? Sounds about right.
Yes, even despite some obstacles, delays and early hiccups, Co-op Live‘s debut year as a live music and indoor entertainment venue has seen it beat out the likes of the long-established and iconic O2 in London to take the top spot.
The inaugural 12 months of the arena have not only seen it welcome all manner of music legends, as well as live sporting events such as the UFC and WWE, but the arena welcomed more visitors than any other venue across the continent during that time.
Names to have graced the industry-leading stage so far include Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and Take That; Peter Kay, Elbow, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, and so many more.
Commenting on the successful start, Tim Leiweke (CEO and chairman of the Oak View Groupbehind the venue) said: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year.
“Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come. And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come.
“We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”
It’s fair to say we’ve had some truly unforgettable nights in there already – and that’s just in the last month alone. Case and point:
With a continued commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero’ status too, the venue’s carbon reduction technologies, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, not to mention the recently refreshed CityLink walking in partnership with the Climate Pledge, are all things we can be proud of.
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, went on to add: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London.
“It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”
Meanwhile, things are feeling less fortunate at the grassroots end of the spectrum, as the Music Venue Trust is imploring people to get behind a vulnerable Manc music institution.
Emily Sergeant -
11th March 2021 
