Popular American chicken spot, Popeyes, is officially opening its doors to the chain’s first-ever Manchester restaurant next week and, as if that wasn’t exciting enough, they’re going to be handing out free chicken sandwiches too.
Absolute scenes.
Beloved in the States for many years, it was only last month that Scotland caught Lousiana fried chicken fever when Popeyes opened their first location up there and saw customers queuing for over 18 hours to get a taste of the world-famous fast food brand. Yes, apparently it’s that good.
With Mancs soon to see what all the fuss is about — the city centre opening up at 11am on Thursday, 26 October — guests are being encouraged to arrive early not only to try and get their hands on a free chicken sarnie but to be in with a chance of winning other exclusive prizes too.
The all-new fried chicken shop will be located at One Piccadilly Gardens office complex and will mark the franchise’s 16th opening in 2023 so far, which will also be just the 33rd UK site since landing on this side of the Atlantic back in November 2021.
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On opening day, the first three people in the queue will win a free supply of Popeyes Chicken Sandwiches for a whole year and the first 25 customers in the queue will also be rewarded with a free sandwich as well as exclusive Popeyes® UK merchandise, so you best be in line bright and early.
Better still, they’re pulling out all the stops to showcase that famous Southern hospitality, including rolling out an orange carpet, giving away hundreds of their iconic Chicken Sandwiches, as well as bringing a live Mardi Gras-style band, Brass Funkeys, and their New Orleans sound to Manchester.
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Not only that but to celebrate the launch of their new breakfast offerings alongside the day-time menu, they will also be handing out their new Big Cajun Roll to the first 25 customers in the queue the following day (Friday, 27 October).
Popeyes and plenty of free chicken comes to Manchester next week. (Credit: Popeyes UK)
They start serving breakfast from 8am and the menu includes other items like the big breakfast roll, cajun hash browns, Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits and more. Again, you’ll have to be quick if you want them freebies.
Once again, you need to be there in time for opening at 11am on Thursday and 8am on Friday if you want to get your hands on some free food. Best of luck!
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See you in the queue, we guess — and don’t think we won’t fight you for a place in line either…
Glitzy Spinningfields bar famed for its bottomless deals shuts down
Daisy Jackson
Popular cocktail bar group Banyan has suddenly closed its glitzy bar in the heart of Spinningfields.
The restaurant and bar, which is part of the Arc Inspirations group that also operates Manahatta and Box, has shut down with immediate effect.
A sign has been posted in the window of the Spinningfields site of Banyan confirming its closure.
Banyan opened in 2018 and was the second site for the brand, which has been operating out of the Corn Exchange since 2015.
Inside, the huge 7,000sq ft space was split into spaces for drinking, dining and dancing, including a large mezzanine and a huge white marble bar.
Banyan is famed for its bottomless deals, whether that’s a classic bottomless brunch or their bottomless Sunday roast (endless Yorkshire puddings, gravy, wine, and roast potatoes).
It also offered two-for-one cocktails, all day every day.
The bar stands on the side of Spinningfields, directly opposite The Ivy and alongside The Alchemist.
Banyan in Spinningfields has shut downThe note in the window of Banyan
But now it has permanently closed its doors, thanking people for their custom over its almost-decade in Manchester.
The sign on the door says: “Banyan Spinningfields is now permanently closed.
“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we’ve loved being part of this wonderful city and have made so many friends.
“Don’t be a stranger, we’d love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in the Corn Exchange. Team Banyan.”
Bangkok Diners Club moves out of Ancoats just months after Michelin Guide win
Daisy Jackson
Bangkok Diners Club, the critically-acclaimed restaurant above the Edinburgh Castle pub, has closed its restaurant space.
The Thai restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide last October, not long after taking over the upstairs of the popular pub.
It also received a rave review in The Guardian from restaurant critic Grace Dent, who said it would be ‘one of Manchester’s hottest dining tickets’.
But now Bangkok Diners Club has decided its time in Ancoats is up, and has closed its beautiful restaurant space with immediate effect.
In an email sent to customers with reservations, they wrote that Bangkok Diners Club ‘sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle’.
Owners and husband-and-wife team Ben and Bo Humpheys aren’t leaving things there though, announcing plans to move into the Exhibition food hall on Peter Street.
Co-owner Ben Humphreys outside Bangkok Diners Club. Credit: The Manc GroupThe food earned them a place in the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ll be joining MoreJoy and pasta concept Anatra in the space, but bidding farewell to their own dedicated restaurant for now.
The email sent to customers reads: “We have just noticed that the system has allowed you to make a reservation during a time that we are closed. We apologise that this has happened.
“Ben and Bo are cooking at Exhibition during 2026 and Bangkok Diners Club sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle.
“Sincerest apologies for all the inconvenience caused.”