You no longer have to miss out on fudgey, flavourful brownies if you’re vegan – Ditto Bakes is creating a selection of to-die-for desserts.
Baked by Emma, a vegan lifestyle influence based in Manchester, these sweet treats are posted to all UK postcodes, so you don’t need to miss out even if you have strayed far from the city.
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From party rings, jammy dodgers and lotus biscuits amongst many more, you’ll have a difficult time choosing just one of the delicious flavours!
If you’re looking for a summer’s day treat or a perfect barbecue dessert, The Cheesefake Company’s vibrant cheesecakes are the way forward.
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These light and creamy desserts are 100% plant-based and baked in Prestwich, offering authentic-tasting ‘cheesefakes’ that don’t compromise on flavour or texture.
Whether you opt for the healthier fruit toppings or go all-out with their rich and indulgent alternatives, there’s no denying that these cheesecakes are a must-try.
The inventive vegan flavours include Chorlton Crack (salted caramel and peanut butter), Campari & Coconut, and Lemon Treacle Tart – you certainly won’t find ice creams like this elsewhere!
Whatever you fancy, the variety of vegan flavours mean you don’t have to miss out on a delicious and refreshing ice cream during the current heatwave.
Ice Shack
Ice Shack
Ice Shack is the north’s first fully vegan dessert parlour based in Withington, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint!
There’s not just one or two vegan options here – the venue offers every flavour under the sun in the form of ice creams, milkshakes, cakes, truffles and pastries.
This is an essential stop during the summer months, although beware: After one visit you won’t be able to resist returning a handful of times to try every flavour!
Some people assume that a vegan diet is mostly leafy greens but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Indeed, Leafy Creams is proving it: Adding a sprinkle of sweetness with their gourmet artisanal cakes.
This independent bakery is serving delicious plant-based bakes across the Manchester region, focusing on high-quality taste and jaw-dropping designs.
The cakes are astounding and deserve to be a pride of place during a birthday or anniversary celebration, although we won’t judge you if they’re also your sweet-tooth fill on a casual weekday evening.
Food & Drink
Award-winning Manchester restaurant Another Hand announces closure with ‘immediate effect’
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular intimate restaurants has sadly announced that it’ll be closing its doors with ‘immediate effect’.
Another Hand – which can be found tucked away up on Deansgate Mews – opened back in 2022 to acclaim from critics and customers, as well as scooping up several awards along the way like Best Newcomer at the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards, and places in the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide along the way.
Not only that, but the 24-seater intimate casual dining restaurant was also named as one of the best restaurants in Manchester merely three weeks ago by respected publication, Time Out.
Launched by the team behind 3 Hands Deli – which operated from a site two units down – Another Hand was known and loved for focusing on sharing plates made with produce from local ethical growers.
And it seemed to be going from strength to strength, but sadly, the restaurant took to social media yesterday to announce its decision to close ‘with immediate effect’.
Another Hand said in its statement on Instagram: “With heavy hearts we are sad to announce that after five years Another Hand will be closing its doors with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately, as most of us know, the current economic climate for the hospitality sector is facing steep challenges, sadly a familiar story. And after five years of operating within this increasingly challenging environment, we feel it’s time for us to step away.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, but it feels like the right time to bring this chapter to an end.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here. From the people who have worked alongside us, to the producers and suppliers who have supported us; and most importantly, everyone who has come through the door and eaten with us…. thank you.
How will the Government’s new digital ID alternative for alcohol sales work?
Emily Sergeant
All licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone – helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you’re buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you’ve left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that ‘it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]’ and that physical ID will ‘still remain a valid way’ for customers to prove their age.
“This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out,” she concluded.
Daisy Bradbury -
18th June 2021 
