Revolución de Cuba is handing out free cocktails this month and they’re only asking for one thing from the people of Manchester in exchange for it: warm clothes and accessories.
The well-known chain of Latin-inspired bars, restaurants and live entertainment venues is chipping with its own offer as part of the January deal season but instead of just giving people savings on their usual menu items, they’re making sure that as many Mancs benefit as possible this winter.
Serving up complimentary cocktails exclusively from their popular Peter Street venue on Deansgate, all locals have to do to get their hands on free drinks is come into the venue with warm garments to support GreaterManchester’s homeless community and those in need.
Sadly, as the low temperatures continue throughout the colder months, the number of people at risk as a result of sleeping rough is a more pressing issue than any other time of year, so the bar group have taken it upon themselves to do their bit where they can.
Revolución de Cuba is helping out the homeless this Jan with their warm clothes drive. (Credit: via IG/supplied)
The catch is as simple as it sounds: to take part in their ‘From Cuba with GLove‘ initiative this January, Revs is asking people to bring in spare hats, gloves, scarves and other warm layers/accessories — at which point they will receive a free cocktail.
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Known for their specialising in rum, those participating will receive one of their brand-new ‘Banana Manaña’ cocktails, made with Banana Peel Rum from Discarded Spirits.
Teaming up with local charity partners, chosen by the staff and customers themselves (including local Manc poverty and homelessness charity Mustard Tree), all items received go directly to those in need of support this winter. You can nominate your own organisation to donate to HERE.
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All warm clothes and accessories must be cleaned before being handed over and can be only donated to Revolución de Cuba’s Peter Street site, with the offer ending on Wednesday, 31 January.
The group’s Brand Operations Director, Alex McMillan, said: “As temperatures are forecast to drop and snow to fall, we hope that ‘From Cuba with GLove’ will make a positive impact on the lives of those who live in the communities around our Peter Street venue and across the city, whilst shining a spotlight on Cuban kindness.
“The Cuban people are known for their affection, gentleness and humanity and they’re sentiments that we share here at Revolución de Cuba Manchester. The New Year is an excellent time to declutter and clear out, setting us up for 2024 whilst making a real difference to those who need our support – especially as an icy blast prepares to hit the UK.
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“In return, you’ll brighten up what is no doubt a chilly January day with a deliciously fruity sunshine cocktail in a glass, as our way of saying thanks for your support.” Sounds like a fair deal to us — and for such an important cause.
We’re proud to say that this city has done a lot to combat rough sleeping over the last 12 months and for all the other top January food and drink deals around Greater Manchester, you can see our list in full down below:
Featured Images — Supplied/Revolución de Cuba (via Instagram)
Food & Drink
Full list of Manchester restaurants set to add an extra £1 to bills to tackle homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
A handful of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
As November arrives, the temperatures begin to start dropping, and the nights set in a little earlier, people in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 15 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launches today (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Proloco, Erst, Ezra & Gill, Stretford Canteen, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
Now in its 29th year, StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
Since launching in 1998, the campaign has raised over £16.2 million to support charities across the UK, providing practical help, from meals and emergency accommodation to healthcare, training, housing advice and routes towards finding a permanent home.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2026, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2026
Proloco
Hache MCR
Bar Posie
SAMPA
Blue Eyed Panda
Ezra & Gill
Erst
Little Seeds
Lina Stores
Stretford Canteen
Hawksmoor
Manahatta
San Carlo Bottega
Tampopo
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
“Every £1 added to a bill adds up and makes a huge difference.”
Featured Image – John Carey (Supplied)
Food & Drink
Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant team to take over iconic NQ venue
Daisy Jackson
The team who earned Cantaloupe a Michelin Bib Gourmand are moving into Manchester city centre – and into a site we all know pretty well.
The Cantaloupe team are about to embark on a new venture with Rasade, a new French restaurant in the site of the former TNQ in the Northern Quarter.
The old neighbourhood restaurant announced its shock closure earlier this year, after more than two decades serving Manchester.
But now the beautiful corner building on High Street is under new ownership, and in very safe hands.
Shortly after pivoting Cantaloupe into Bar Caput (a more casual neighbourhood offering), the duo behind it, Joshua Reed Cooper and Mike Thomas, have announced they’re launching Rasade in Manchester city centre.
Rasade in French refers to a glass filled to the brim, traditionally of wine or another drink.
The new French restaurant will showcase regional French cooking and seasonal local produce, drawing inspiration from France’s diverse regions.
This won’t be a stuffy French restaurant though – they’re aiming to create the relaxed spirit of a bistro with their serious commitment to traditional cooking.
Early menus show dishes like oysters with mignonette, langoustine with Karri-Gosse, and pâté de campagne, plus brill with rancio sec and mushroom fricassée, and pork chop with garniture Mirabeau.
And as for desserts, expect classics like a tarte Tatin designed for two to share, alongside flan pâtissier and Opéra religieuse.
Alongside the cooking, an extensive French wine offering will span the many, many wine regions of the country, featuring both small and unusual producers as well as more established names.
Mike and Josh now want to build on the success they quickly found in Stockport with this new city centre venture, bringing the same focus on good produce, thoughtful cooking and an informal approach to hospitality.
Rasade will open at 108 High Street in the Northern Quarter later this year.
Danny Jones -
8th January 2024 
