Manchester restaurant The Botanist has confirmed today that it will be closing early on Sunday night to give its staff the night offto watch the Euros.
Bosses at the group have confirmed today that as football is coming home, their staff should be going home to see it.
In response, numerous Botanist venues across Manchester will be shutting early on Sunday ahead of the 8pm Euro 2020 Final kick-off to allow hundreds of staff to watch England play Italy with friends and family.
Inside one of The Botanist restaurants / Image: The Botanist
Some venues in Manchester and Alderley are already fully booked for the football, so they will be staying open – namely The Oast House and The Botanist in Altrincham.
However, for the most part, all of The Botanist venues will close early on Sunday ready for staff to head home at 7.30pm.
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In Greater Manchester, Deansgate, MediaCity and Didsbury will all shut.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy The Botanist’s botanical cocktails and kebabs whilst they count down to kick-off with the last booking on Sunday at 5:30pm – which will give them just under two hours at the table.
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The Botanist is known for its legendary hanging kebabs / Image: The Botanist
“Gareth Southgate has shown us all the value of teamwork in the past few weeks – and how every squad member is vital to being successful. That is why we are announcing we’ll be closing early on Sunday to allow as many of our staff as possible to watch the game,” said Matt Bamber, Operations Director for New World Trading Company who owns The Botanist.
“We still have a handful of sell-out sites showing the game in Alderley Edge, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and Cardiff – we don’t want to be a jinx for any superstitious fans who’ve visited us for every game.
“We’re incredibly grateful to those staff that remain committed to working in this final game.”
The Botanist isn’t the only restaurant in Manchester to be doing this – in fact, quite a lot of venues in the city – including Sugo and Wood Fire Smoke – have been posting about implementing their own “self-imposed curfews” this Sunday ahead of the Euros 2020 final.
The Botanist will be open again as normal from Monday, 12th July – and you can check out their menus and opening times on their website here.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Georgina Pellant -
9th July 2021 
