One of Manchester’s best-loved independent convenience store brands is finally opening up in MediaCity this weekend.
And you can bag yourself some free ice cream to celebrate.
A Few Scoops – which specialises in alcohol infused ice-cream, sorbets and ice-pops – is bringing its showstopping pink tuk tuk, affectionately known as Jolene, to the launch of the highly-anticipated MediaCity General Store this weekend, and will be parked up outside the new venue to serve 100 scoops of ice cream to visitors free of charge.
Jolene will be parked outside MediaCity General City on Saturday 1st May from 12-6pm, with scoops limited to one per person and whilst stocks last.
A Few Scoops
A born and bred Manchester business launched in June 2019, A Few Scoops is the brainchild of Alanna Atkinson who wanted to create a way to blend her love of ice cream with her favourite tipples, and the addition of Jolene set Alanna on her way to serving the ice cream of dreams to the city.
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The launch of the MediaCity General Store will mark Jolene’s intrepid journey across the city centre and beyond, so keep your eyes peeled for new location announcements.
“When we started A Few Scoops, we knew we didn’t want a standard ice cream van,” Alanna said.
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“We wanted something that was different that made everyone whip out their phones to take a photo [and] we think we’ve achieved this with Jolene and we’re so excited to be at the launch of MediaCity General Store, offering out 100 free scoops for customers to enjoy”.
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Some of the unique ice cream flavours up for grabs at this weekend’s launch include Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned and Pina Colada (vegan).
For sorbets, vegan Peach Bellini and Mojito are both on the menu.
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If a tipple doesn’t quite take your fancy though, the non-alcoholic options include coke float ice cream, and a cherryade sorbet.
Student police officer charged with off-duty rape and kidnap of woman in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A student police officer has been charged with the rape and kidnap of a woman in Manchester while he was off duty.
Mohammad Hassan, 23-years-old and of Asian-Pakistani ethnicity, has been remanded in custody following the charges, and has been suspended Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
The charges – which have been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following a police investigation – relate to reports made to authorities on the evening of Saturday 8 August 2026, which ended in a police pursuit on the M62 in West Yorkshire.
Following the police pursuit, a woman was safeguarded at the scene, and continues to be supported by specialist officers and support services.
Hassan has been charged with oral rape, kidnap, strangulation, sexual assault, theft of mobile phone, and dangerous driving.
He is set to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (11 August).
“GMP detectives and staff have been working on this investigation throughout the last 48 hours to ensure charges are brought in this case,” explained GMP Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Dexter.
“The victim is our priority, and we are ensuring she continues to receive specialist support. Criminal proceedings must now take its course without interference.
“I understand, and share, the feeling among the public and our thousands of hard-working, decent staff who will have seen this news. Proceedings are underway and necessary action will be decisively taken within the regulations.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Cult US sustainable clothing brand Reformation to open in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Cult US sustainable clothing brand Reformation is set to open its doors in Manchester very soon.
Since it was first founded in Los Angeles all the way back in 2009, Reformation has gone on to become one of the largest sustainable womenswear brands on the planet, and is now known and loved for making beautiful, timeless apparel and accessories that aim to ‘inspire confidence’ across life stages and occasions.
Operating on a business model that pairs a smart approach to merchandising with a responsive supply chain, Reformation now operates more than 70 retail stores across the US, UK, Canada, and France.
At the heart of the Reformation story is a genuine commitment to ‘doing things differently’.
Since day one, sustainability has been woven into everything the brand makes – from the eco-certified fabrics and responsible factories, to its famously transparent sustainability reports.
Currently, Reformation has five UK stores to its name – but, it may come as no surprise to fans of the brand that they’re all in London.
That’s why the news of this new Manchester opening is such a big deal.
Set to be the label’s first UK store outside of the capital, Reformation has secured a prime spot on King Street in the heart of the city centre, and although there’s no confirmed opening date as of yet, if the shop windows saying ‘Summer 2026’ are anything to go by, we can only imagine it’ll be very soon.
“For Manchester, it’s a landmark moment, and for King Street, it’s the latest signal that this is one of the UK’s most exciting retail destinations,” a spokesperson for King Street said in a statement.
Stay tuned for details on opening dates to be announced in due course.
Emily Sergeant -
28th April 2021 
