Manchester is not short of fried chicken spots, we know, it’s the kind of 3am standard fare you tend to find in most late-night takeaways.But when a really good one comes along, we feel we need to shout about it.
Enter Bird of Prey, the latest arrival at Manchester’s Circle Square development specialising in fried chicken ‘with a difference.’
Promising ‘Manchester’s hottest chicken wings’ alongside a host of fried chicken comfort food classics, you’ll find it down on Oxford Road pretty much where the BBC’s New Broadcasting House once stood.
The brainchild of family restaurateurs Asad, Sadaf, Saify and Saj, after years of honing their skills and tweaking their secret recipe for buttermilk fried chicken the trio is finally opening their doors in Manchester.
Bird of Prey serves up a menu of signature fried chicken sandwiches, wings, strips, sides and shakes, as well as an intriguing-looking brunch menu.
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Image: Supplied
Think dirty loaded fries topped with fried chicken strips, house fries, cheese sauce, turkey bacon, white Alabama BBQ sauce and jalapenos; fried chicken and waffle stacks with maple syrup and peanut butter mousse; and even ‘hash nuggets’.
All chicken here undergoes an extensive marinading process with meat soaked in buttermilk for a minimum of eight hours overnight. It’s then double dredged in a special mix of flour, herbs and spices, being dropped into the fryer to turn crisp and golden.
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As for drinks, you’ll find Vimto, Irn Bru, Sunkist and pink lemonade all on tap, as well as a selection of milkshakes that promise to use the same attention to detail as is applied to the fried chicken.
Sadaf Bukhari, Co-Owner of Bird of Prey said: “Bird of Prey is about incredible fried chicken and baskets of comfort food with great shakes, sodas and an awesome soundtrack.
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“We are beyond delighted to be bringing our fried chicken to Manchester, this is the city we are from, and we can’t wait to throw open the doors and get frying at Circle Square.”
Feature image – Supplied
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Oasis announce surprise exclusive song on new War Child album HELP(2) releasing this week
Emily Sergeant
Surprise… we’re getting a new Oasis song on Friday.
Well, not actually ‘new’ – but we had to get your attention somehow, and hopefully we succeeded. That’s because, if you didn’t already know, this Friday (6 March) is release day for the new HELP(2)album in aid of War Child, and even before this announcement, it was already gearing up to be one of the most anticipated projects of the year.
But now, it’s got even better, as War Child Records has today announced that Oasis will feature on the album with a very-special inclusion – a stand-alone 7” single.
Fans of the iconic Manchester band will be able to listen to the track enclosed within the gatefold of the vinyl edition and as a hidden track on the double CD version, as well as it also being available to stream from this Friday too.
The band have generously contributed an exclusive live version of the fan favourite song, ‘Acquiesce (Live from Wembley Stadium, 28 September ‘25)’, to the album.
This marks the first physical release of a live recording from Oasis’ record-breaking 2025 world tour, with the recording taken from the final night of their seven-show run at Wembley Stadium.
In case you don’t remember, Oasis actually previously featured on the original HELP album all the way back in 1995, opening the record with ‘Fade Away’, and Noel Gallagher also contributed as one third of The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, alongside Paul McCartney and Paul Weller, so this is actually the band’s return nearly three decades on.
Oasis’ return proves their enduring support for War Child’s mission to ‘protect, educate, and stand up for’ the rights of children affected by conflict.
HELP(2) is being released on Friday 6 March / Credit: Supplied
‘Acquiesce – Live’ follows other recent releases taken from the HELP(2) record, including ‘Begging For Change’ by Pulp, ‘Opening Night’ by Arctic Monkeys, ‘Flags’ by Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest, and ‘Let’s Do It Again!’ by The Last Dinner Party.
Other big-name artist set to feature on the album are Fontaines D.C, Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Foals, Wet Leg, Ezra Collective, and countless more.
HELP(2) will be released on Friday 6 March via War Child Records, and you can pre-order the album here or stream it on all streaming services.
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Supplied)
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Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th June 2022 
