We know Sunday roasts very much fall into the ‘if ain’t broke don’t fix it’ category of British food -and rightly so, they’re absolutely glorious – but every now and again they’re made fresh and exciting again, and that’s exactly what Maray have done with theirs.
Plus, who on Earth is ignoring a FREE roast dinner?
That’s right, not only are Maray’s incredible Middle-Eastern twists on the classic carvery combination of lovingly cooked joints of meat, exquisitely cooked vegetables and their take on firm favourites like the potato (the best bit, let’s be honest), but they’re also going to be dishing them out for absolutely nothing.
What better way to celebrate one of the best Sunday roasts in Manchester than by serving up heaping plates at absolutely no cost to the hordes of customers bound to line up regardless?
Now, if you’re wondering what exactly it is that makes a Sunday roast from Maray so special and, crucially, showcases those Middle-Eastern influences, then let us tell you: crispy fenugreek roasties, butternut squash Tershi and, the true star of the show, the truly immense protein options.
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Whether you want a simple roast beef picanha sirloin that would slot in perfectly on any roast dinner around the country, a spiced chickpea nut roast for the plant-free patrons, or the quite frankly stunning lemon, za’atar and saffron spiced chicken, either way, your collective mouths will be absolutely singing.
But they’re doing much more than just the standard staples of a Sunday plate. Along with proper Yorkshire puddings as big as your head and the addition of the new ‘disco’ cauliflower cheese side, you can also start and end your meal with a true taste of the East.
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Be it a selection of traditional mezze such as whipped goats’ cheese with pickled apple, dukkah and basil oil; creamy hummus, complemented with aromatic falafels or scooped up with soft flatbreads to start, or the peoples’ favourite Baklava cheesecake whilst polishing off a bottle of red, Sunday truly is a holy day once again.
As for copping a complimentary one, it’s all very straightforward…
Waves of free Sunday roasts will be dished up by the staff at Maray over on 14 Brazennose St (just between Albert and Lincoln Square) on a first-come-first-served basis from midday on 22 September.
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It’s strictly no bookings, just walk-ins and they’ll be giving away the freebies until they run out, so you best get there early to secure a spot and some Sunday goodness.
The same deal is happening over in Liverpool a week later their roast offerings will be available at each restaurant from these respective dates onwards starting from £19pp. Simple as that.
There’s a reason this roast was named one of the best in the country back in January – it genuinely lives up to the hype and it’s definitely the go-to option if you’re looking to mix up your roast dinner game. Don’t miss out, seriously.
Beloved Stockport bar Bask is rebranding as Greater Manchester’s latest Irish bar
Danny Jones
Yes, one of the names synonymous with Stockport’s resurgent hospitality scene, Bask, is set to rebrand into yet another Irish bar following a flurry of openings across Greater Manchester.
The lively bar, breakfast and pub grub spot, also known for live music nights, matchday pints for Stockport County and various other events, has had a bit of a turbulent period over the past few months or so, but remains a much-loved local venue.
Bask were forced to issue a statement following an arrest back in February, and one of the founding members behind the venture also stepped away in August 2024.
Looking to close that door firmly behind them, the team – now headed up by native DJ and producer Jon Fitz – are set to launch the all-new Fitzpatricks “very soon.”
Fitz (a Stopfordian by birth) announced the latest iteration of the unit located just next to Stockport train station on social media late last month, writing: “It’s been a long time coming, and we’ve poured our hearts into this one — we’re aiming to open very very soon…”
Detailing a distinct Irish-American theme, influenced by the “friendly bars of Boston to the lively streets of New York City, Fizpatricks brings that gritty charm and warm hospitality across the pond, fusing Irish roots with American spirit.
Fans of Bask’s roots in entertainment will also be glad to hear that lineups of live music will remain “every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — with the best of Irish, American and Country music.”
With co-creator Benji Taylor, who ultimately stepped away last year, having brought his music industry background to the business model, live entertainment has also been a big selling point of the bar.
Bask Makes Way for a New Look
After 3 unforgettable years of cocktails, creativity, and community, it’s time for a bold new chapter. Bask, the bar that brought Stockport a unique blend of nightlife and culture, is evolving.
In terms of food, Fitzpatricks will be delivering everything from classic American comfort food to “healthy gym options” as part of their new bar and grill approach, along with a proper Sunday roast menu.
Perhaps most notably, much like Taylor’s influence over the course of his tenure, the new-look venue is set to further immerse itself in the local sports experience, promising plenty of cold pints for the punters heading to the match at Edgeley Park, as well as a brand new ‘360 multi-screen experience’ and more.
Fitzpatricks even looks set to embark on an official partnership with Stockport County ahead of the 2025/26 League One season – a big coup, indeed.
Bask may be over, but there’ll always be the memories. In fact, we wagered it was the best night in Stockport, so here’s hoping Fitzpatricks can follow in its footsteps.
There’s a new summer terrace in town with a weekend spritz happy hour
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new summer terrace in Greater Manchester that’s the ideal spot to soak in some rays – and enjoy a few discounted spritzes while you’re there.
Over on Chapel Street – just across the river from Manchester Cathedral – you’ll find Embankment Kitchen, which has opened up its terrace for the season.
This stylish spot is part of the CitySuites aparthotel, and has a menu rooted in the warm spirit of Northern hospitality.
It’s worth a visit all year round for their seasonally-focused, local-as-possible menus, but the summer terrace at Embankment Kitchen is a real added bonus in spring and summer.
And following that spell of absolutely glorious weather, they’re opening up two hours earlier every day too for maximum sun-soaking from 2pm.
At Embankment Kitchen you can tuck into a drinks and nibbles menu from 2pm until 5pm, and Happy Hour drinks deals from 4pm until 7pm.
That means two-for-one cocktails, plus discounted wines, prosecco and beers – an ideal post-work haunt.
Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSmall plates on the Embankment Kitchen terrace. Credit: The Manc Group
It’s usually almost impossible to find a happy hour in Manchester at weekends, but these guys are doing two-for-£12 spritzes every Saturday and Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, with flavours including Aperol, Hugo, and limoncello.
Drinks on the menu include signature cocktails that are inspired by the city’s industrial roots, like The Emmeline, Manchester Exchange (a take on an old fashioned), and the Atomic Zombie, as well as classic cocktails such as an espresso martini, limoncello negroni, amaretto sour, and strawberry daiquiri.
As for nibbles, tuck into treats like garlic bread, edamame beans with smoked salt, garlic and parmesan fries, salt and pepper tater tots, and halloumi fries.
Surrounded by lush plants and gigantic parasols, it’s hard to believe you’re just across the river in Salford when you’re soaking up the sun at Embankment Kitchen. To find out more, head HERE.
Danny Jones -
9th September 2024 
