Archie’s has announced its latest venture – a hot-pink roller rink, diner and milkshake bar, set to open in Greater Manchester later this year.
Archie’s Atomic will be the legendary burger brand’s groundbreaking new leisure concept, also coming with an arcade area with an immersive gaming platform, private party rooms, and DJ decks.
The new venue at Trafford Palazzo will also, of course, be serving Archie’s legendary smash burgers, shakes, and waffles.
Set to be the largest roller rink in the North West, Archie’s Atomic will span a whopping 25,000 sq ft unit that was previously home to Next, with neighbours including NERF Action Xperience and Sea Life Manchester.
Family-owned Archie’s has invested £3m into the site, ready to reveal its 5,000 sq ft roller rink which will be decorated in the brand’s signature bright pink hues.
Keen skaters of all ages will be welcomed to come for a spin, before kicking back in the dedicated milkshake bar.
Alongside the rink will be a state-of-the-art amusement arcade, and private rooms available to hire.
Legendary Manchester burger bar Archie’s to open roller rink
The full Archie’s menu will be available, including VIP food and drink packages for the private party rooms.
The team behind the business want to recreate the all-American roller rink seen in their favourite childhood film.
Phil Holt, Project Manager at Archie’s, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Archie’s Atomic to Trafford Palazzo. This venue will be unlike anything seen before in the UK.
“Combining our iconic food and décor with a retro roller disco feel, the new venue will be complete with huge LEDs, screens, state of the art arcade games and a vibrant atmosphere.
Legendary Manchester burger bar Archie’s to open roller rink
“We believe this will take the Archie’s brand to the next level and provide an unforgettable experience for our guests.”
Mark Whittaker, Executive Director of Retail and Leisure at Peel, commented: “Archies has been a great success at Trafford Palazzo, and we have no doubt this new concept is going to be received just as positively.
“When you put it alongside the great line-up of experience-led operators such as King Pins, Legoland, and Sealife, you’ve got everything you need for a fun and enjoyable day out at Trafford Palazzo.”
Archie’s Atomic will open its roller rink destination at Trafford Palazzo on Thursday 7 November at 10am, with bookings now live HERE.
Hotel Chocolat to open viral chocolate Velvetiser Cafe in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Hotel Chocolat is set to open a Velvetiser Cafe in Manchester city centre, and it’ll be absolute paradise for chocolate lovers.
The popular chocolate shop, which has stores across the UK selling delicious chocolate bars, boxes and more, is now preparing to branch out in town.
Hotel Chocolat then hit a new level of fame with its Velvetiser, an invention that creates velvety smooth hot drinks at the touch of a button.
They’ve been so popular, Hotel Chocolat is now opening Velvetiser Cafes across the UK – and Manchester is up next.
If it follows in the footsteps of the Meadowhall cafe in Sheffield, visitors will be able to customise their perfect hot chocolate from thousands of combinations.
There are 18 flavours, different milks, and a whole variety of toppings available.
Then you drink can be served hot, over ice, or as a choc shake.
Colourful hoardings for the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Cafe have now appeared on Cross Street, just next door to the new Joe & The Juice.
A planning application has also been lodged with Manchester City Council.
Drake-backed fried chicken brand Dave’s Hot Chicken is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
The huge LA-based fried chicken brand backed by Drake is heading to Manchester for the very first time this summer.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to open in the Printworks this August – the first UK branch outside of London and Birmingham.
The cult chicken brand has said that its new venue will feature an ‘industrial design inspired by Manchester’s rave scene’ (if we had a pound every time a new venue used that design style, we’d be as rich as Drake…).
Dave’s Hot Chicken is famed for its signature Nashville-style hot chicken, which is served in seven different spice levels from No Spice to Reaper.
Expect sliders, tenders, ‘next-level’ top-loaded shakes and slushes.
It’s grown so quickly that in 2021, it caught the eye of none other than rapper Drake, who is a ‘significant investor’ in the brand.
The fried chicken spot will be moving into the large corner unit at Printworks, which has previously been Busaba Thai, and Floripa, with 139 covers.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is coming to Manchester
Inside, it will feature towering ceilings, exposed steelwork, and laser lights, claiming to be a ‘full-on sensory trip, where music, light and fried chicken will come together to create a high-voltage experience’.
There will also be custom graffiti inspired by L.A.-based street artists Splatterhaus and Dehm.
Dave’s Hot Chicken still has hour-long queues down in London, several months after opening on Shaftesbury Avenue – next up will be a Birmingham branch in July before Manchester opens later this summer.
And this is just the start of a nationwide expansion.
Jim Attwood, Managing Director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK, said: “Printworks Manchester is the ideal setting for our next UK site – right at the heart of one of the country’s most exciting cities.
“The new restaurant pays homage to Manchester’s legendary warehouse rave scene, with an industrial-inspired design and bold, high-energy atmosphere to match our signature flavours.
“We can’t wait to bring something fresh to this iconic venue and its vibrant mix of entertainment, food and culture.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken will open at Printworks Manchester on 8 August.
Daisy Jackson -
20th July 2024 
