Seven Bro7hers has teamed up with a rugby league legend to launch a limited-edition lager for an extremely worthy cause.
The Salford-based brewery – which was founded in 2014 by McAvoy brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Daniel, Nathan, Kit, and Greg, after being inspired by their dad’s home-brewing – has joined forces with former Leeds Rhinos star, Rob Burrow, for the creation of this 5% ABV “classic and crisp” craft pilsner.
Rob Burrow’s illustrious career saw him win the Grand Final eight times from 2004 to 2017.
Fans will know that Burrow famously played in the number seven position during his career – which the brew pays homage to – and was always quick on his feet, despite being one of the smaller players on the field.
But in December 2019, he was sadly diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
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Since then, Burrow has become a high-profile ambassador for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and was awarded an MBE in the latest new year honours.
He was also the inspiration behind his ex-teammate and close friend’s – Oldham-born former Leeds Rhinos captain, Kevin Sinfield – mammoth mission of running seven marathons in seven days, which raised over £2.7 million for research into Motor Neurone Disease.
Burrow requested that the vegan pilsner be called ‘Roadrunner’ after a playful nickname he was coined on the pitch.
“I’m so proud to have a beer named after me,” Rob said.
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“The name came from Rugby League commentator Michael Stephenson MBE, he would often refer to me as the ‘road runner’”.
Burrow admitted that while his condition is sadly “slowly deteriorating”, his head is in a good place, he is “feeling really good” about his future, and is most-importantly “thrilled that some of the people suffering from MND will be able to benefit from the proceeds of this beer.”
Nathan McAvoy – founder of Seven Bro7hers, who is also a former England rugby league star – added: “To us, Rob is one in seven million – an amazing player and family man, doing a fantastic job to raise awareness in the fight against this awful disease [and] it has been an honour to collaborate with Rob to bring to life his sporting legacy on the can.
“It is hard to not be incredibly moved by his story, and we hope everyone supports the beer as all proceeds will help to tackle MND and fund research for cures”.
The stunning Ancoats restaurant and Manchester favourite, Street Urchin, has announced its sudden closure following a serious health emergency.
Opened by partners Kevin and Rachel Choudhary back in 2019, the inventive dining room has been a firm favourite among local foodies and those visiting Manchester for some time.
However, following the awful news that co-founder and head chef Kevin has recently suffered a heart attack, the city centre food spot has sadly had to close its doors, seemingly for good.
Informing diners and longtime fans online, Rachel confirmed, “We are unable to continue as a business”, adding that they are simply “heartbroken” by the turns of events.
Known for endless creativity and famous experimental dishes over the years, including a viral squirrel dish, Street Urchin has been one of the most envelope-pushing kitchens in the area for some time.
Writing in the caption, Rachel said: Thank you to our amazing team who supported us over all the years and continued to do so in these dark times. Thank you also to our suppliers, we never thought this would happen. We’re so sorry x”
Reacting to the news, local artist Painted By Courtney replied: “This is so sad, I’m so sorry to you both. Forever one of my favourite dining experiences in Manchester.”
Various names from across the Greater Manchester hospitality scene, including the likes of Tameside’s Cafe Continental, have joined in sharing their sadness and heartfelt support, with the Stalybridge spot simply adding: “Sending love. A remarkable place!”
Their menus boasted all the style, quality and flavour of a fine dining establishment without any of the haute cuisine pomp and traditional culinary trappings.
Put simply, they delivered great food served in an efficient market diner fashion. We, along with countless other Greater Mancunian foodies, absolutely loved this place.
It goes without saying that everyone at The Manc Group is shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news; we hope Kev makes a full and fast recovery, and our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.
A brand-new California-inspired Mexican food concept from some familiar foodie favourites is the latest name to be announced as part of Manchester’s newest food hall, House of Social.
The ‘Mexicali’ creation is called OK Taqueria and is set to join the soon-to-open vendor space over on Coleman Street in Manchester city centre, becoming just the third kitchen confirmed for House of Social.
Set to welcome five in total, the upcoming food hall marks just the latest step in the continuing foodie trend, with long-standing staples like Mackie Mayor now just one of many across Greater Manchester.
The description of the food is simple but exciting: “A love letter to Mexican street food — deeply Mexican, unapologetically Californian, proudly un-autentico.”
Credit: Press Shots
House of Social‘s (HoS impending Mexican and Californian fusion comes from the team behind fellow Manc icons Gooey and Evelyn’s, which is already a strong enough advert in itself.
There are plenty more brains behind this new concept, including Public and ‘gem of the Curry Mile’, Mughli, who will also be opening inside HoS – just their second-ever site and first in the city centre.
Inspired by taquerias “from Baja to Boyle Heights”, OK Taqueria will blend Mexican street food staples with California’s own laid-back slant on the cuisine.
As mentioned, OK Taqueria is set to join the already announced Burger & Beyond, as well as ‘gem of the Curry Mile’, Mughli – which will be opening their second-ever site and first in the city centre – the lineup of traders is already looking stacked with lip-smacking talent.
As for OK Taqueria, you can expect corn tortillas, warm off the press, stacked with crispy pork belly al pastor; tinga chicken with chipotle sour cream, vegan chicken-fried maitake mushrooms, and queso birria beef shin ready to dip in a deeply flavoured consommé. That’s just the tip of the sp-iceberg.
That’s a terrible pun, so sorry…
Fish fans can get stuck into Baja-style cod cheek with crema, and there’ll also be a fiery twist on Cali-style breakfast burritos.
The brand is positioning this as “street food energy with sit-down flavour; fast and flavour-first”. They’ll also cater to the in-house students inside the tower block, sharing as well as the bar side of things, with plenty of margaritas to sip on.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd March 2021 
