Born out of chance and circumstance, over the past seven years Little Window Alty has become a staple for regulars at Altrincham’s Market House. That is, until Wednesday night when it announced it will be closing up shop for good.
Leaving fans of its inventive, ingredient-led salads, soups, large plates and snacks bereft, the team shared an emotive post to the Little Window Alty Instagram page saying that now felt like the right time to hang up their aprons.
Describing their time running Little Window as ‘an incredible journey in food’, they thanked their audience for the support and spoke about their pride in the food they have created whilst reflecting nostalgically at how, a little over seven years ago, Little Window was born.
Image: Little Window Alty
They wrote: “A little over 7 years ago the honestcrustsourdoughpizza team, still very much in its infancy, started using the vacant unit in the corner of @altymarket to mix and roll dough. Then came a little chalk menu with a couple salads and snacks. And so Little Window was born.
“That became the start of an incredible journey in food for us. We took on some great suppliers, some excellent people and bought some lovely cookbooks. Over the years we’ve built an audience that we’re really proud of.
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Read more:‘Crispy pig tails take nose-to-tail dining to the next level’: The Moorcock Inn, reviewed
Sharing images of different chefs who’ve worked for them over the years, the team sang the praises of those who’ve passed through the kitchen – tagging prestigious Manchester eateries and bars with whom they now work.
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The Creameries, The Moor Cock Inn, Sugo, Flawd, Pollen, The Pack Horse at Hayfield, Cinderwood Market Garden and Isca Wines all got an honourable mention.
The post continued: “@hammancheese will open her own space in Marple later this year. Lucky Marple.
“If you’ve eaten with us in the past few years and enjoyed what you’ve had it’s almost certainly down to Beth. She is the single most talented, intuitive and naturally gifted cook I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside.
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“I expect if you’ve read this far and not skipped to the end you’ll know what’s coming. This Friday will be the final day of Little Window.
“I’d like to thank everyone who’s joined us for food in that 7 years. A massive thank you to Jen and Nick @altymarket who’s encouragement, feedback and support have been so instrumental in our progress. Thanks to our amazing suppliers. And thanks and love to all our team, wherever they are now.
Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Featured Image – Henry Redcliffe (Publicity Picture)
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening date announced – including new spots
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Christmas Markets are merely months away, and the opening date and important details for 2026’s return have been announced.
It’s official… holidays are coming, and the countdown is on.
Just as we do every year, the Greater Manchester public has been eagerly awaiting news of when the city’s iconic Christmas Markets would be making a comeback for the 2026 festive season. And now, Manchester City Council has announced – initially via the MEN – that the famous wooden huts will be lining the city’s streets once again from the first week in November.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bring thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and to soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event, with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 return date has officially been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
And there’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action this year.
There will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square this year, according to the Council, with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.
There’s officially eight weeks to go until the iconic wooden huts line the streets / Credit: Manchester City Council
Promising to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages, it has been confirmed that 2026 will see the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
Of course, everyone’s favourite big red legend, Zippy Santa, will also be back this year, although his location has not been set in stone just yet, so stay tuned.
“There’s nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council.
“The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we’re looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.
“Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year’s markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann’s Square.”
He concluded: “Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them.”
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 will officially open across the city on Friday 6 November and close on Tuesday 22 December – with the exception of Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open right through until Sunday 3 January.
Georgina Pellant -
5th May 2022 
