In an effort to get people more politically engaged this summer, a number of local breweries have banded together to create a great way of incentivising people to vote: a free pint.
Now that’s talking in the language of the people.
Prime Minister Rishi Suank called a general election last month, with the vote set to take place on Thursday, 4 July, but there is still always the problem of making sure enough people get to the polling booths and express their democratic rights.
As part of the clever ‘Give an X, Get a Pint’ campaign, Manchester Union Brewery, Cloudwater Brew Co, Sureshot Brewing and Northern Monk’s MCR Refectory are all offering a free pint to anyone who proves they went and cast their vote in the 2024 general election.
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The process is simple: head to your local polling station, be it a church, primary school, or library, and cast your vote.
After that, you need to snap a picture outside the polling station as proof of your participation – though strictly NO pictures should be taken inside the building itself as these could incur a legal fine and will therefore NOT be valid – then tag all four breweries and post on your socials.
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Once done, all you need to do is bring along your polling card to one of the breweries’ four participating and show your social media post too.
These are the following watering holes where you can then grab your free pint:
Sureshot Taproom – 4 Sheffield St, Manchester M1 2ND
Cloudwater Taproom – Piccadilly Trading Estate, Unit 9, Gidding Rd, Manchester M1 2NP
Manchester Union – available at The New Cross 6 Cross Keys St, Manchester M4 5ET
Northern Monk Refectory – 10 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF
Aiming to encourage young voters in particular to engage in the democratic process, this is a fun rewarding way to ensure their voices are heard, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate democracy than with some of the best craft breweries in the UK.
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These are fundamentally Northern independent businesses too, and we’re sure you’ll agree that’s something we can and should all get behind at this time.
Commenting on the initiative in a joint statement, the breweries said: “We believe this campaign not only supports democratic engagement but also highlights the incredible contributions of our local breweries. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in spreading the word about this initiative.”
So don’t miss out on your chance to make a difference and grab yourself a free drink, give an X and get a pint this polling day.
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant unveils big refurb
Thomas Melia
Much-loved Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five has just unveiled a beautiful refurbishment at one of its Manchester sites, along with a new menu of fresh, handmade pasta.
Gone is the famous yellow colour palette of this Italian eatery as they swap in a sophisticated and regal turquoise blue at their Liverpool Road restaurant.
This establishment is known for its impressive shop-window pasta making stations where you can see your food prepared live in-store and while walking past outside the venue.
They’re continuing their foodie legacy serving carby creations, like a flaming cheese wheel pasta where staff blowtorch the cheese to ensure it’s as melty as possible.
One of the biggest menu highlights at Italiana Fifty-Five is the cappellacci, which comes in two equally gorgeous forms and much like its English translation, emulates tiny hats.
These cute little plates come in two delicious stuffed pairings – the burrata, combined with a tangy tomato and beef filling, and a salmon with cream sauce and fresh lemon for a match made in heaven.
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb. Credit: The Manc GroupInside Italiana Fifty-Five as it unveils a new look on Liverpool Road. Credit: The Manc Group
How can you think of anything more ideal than a table full of hearty and home-comforting meals than one that also features an array of beautiful sides?
Usual delights like the burrata on a bed of rocket, tomato and finished off with a balsamic vinegar glaze area great addition to your already faultless food.
Cheesy garlic pizza bread is quintessential when dining in an Italian restaurant, and Italiana 55’s lovely flavour-packed favourite is a go-to when ordering here.
The Liverpool Road restaurant also has a tonnata pizza which uses toppings that are an exact ingredient breakdown of the Mediterranean sauce, which it shares its name with.
In photos: Italiana Fifty-Five has undergone a refurb. Credit: The Manc Group
What better way to wolf down some incredible Italian feasts than with some perfectly paired alcoholic offerings like the classic Aperol spritz, trusted espresso martinis and a selection of fine wines.
Their menu is staying as tasty as ever with their delicious pizzas and pastas, with the new fresh pasta menu available at their restaurants on Liverpool Road and in Didsbury.
Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap
Daisy Jackson
Gail’s has announced a plan to try and make amends with Prestwich after spelling the village’s name wrong on the new bakery’s signs.
The massive bakery chain finally confirmed that it would be moving into the suburb on the fringes of Bury and Manchester, but made a fatal flaw at the first step.
The huge posters are missing the letter ‘T’, instead saying ‘Hello Preswich’.
More than a few eyebrows were raised locally, with people saying it’s ‘not a great first impression for the locals…’.
And now Gail’s is attempting to put things right by offering free tea to Prestwich residents.
In new material released today, they wrote: “Oops… people of Prestwich, we owe you a ‘T’.
“You may have seen how we missed out a ‘t’ in our new bakery signage.
“We’re sorry for the mistake, and to make up for it we’d like to brew you a tea when we open.”
The new advertising has a QR code which people can scan to claim their free cuppa.
Gail’s has also passed its thanks on to ‘local resident Clair’, who actually came up with the suggestion on The Manc’s LinkedIn post here.
With this development, Gail’s has now confirmed it’ll be opening in Prestwich – directly opposite the new Rudy’s – in early 2025, with free tea served then to those who scan the QR code.
Gail’s will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village’s name wrongHuge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage