One of Manchester’s best-loved ice cream brands, Lazy Sundae, has announced the permanent closure of Northern Quarter site.
Opening its doors on Tib Street back in May 2021, and bringing sunshine and colour to the heart of the Northern Quarter, Lazy Sundae became beloved dessert spot along the way, famed not only for its adventurous ice cream flavours, but also it selection of bubble teas, and jiggly Japanese souffle pancakes.
Having proved so popular since opening the Northern Quarter site, Lazy Sundae went from strength to strength, and was soon able to open a second site.
The closure of Lazy Sundae’s original site was announced on the same day that another iconic Manchester burger joint, Almost Famous, sadly shared that it was also closing all of its sites in Manchester – both in the Northern Quarter, as well as inside Great Northern Warehouse – and Leeds with immediate effect.
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Lazy Sundae’s statement reads in full: “With a heavy heart, we have to share that Lazy Sundae has closed its doors on our NQ site. The reasons were beyond our control after facing landlord difficulties.
“Northern Quarter is where our dreams of sharing travel inspired ice cream with everyone was born. We remember the days running up to the grand opening post lockdown were filled with both excitement and anxiety.
“At one point, J was convinced no one would even like ice cream, but the Manchester community really showed up for us. We had no idea how many of you would share our passion for flavours from our culture and childhood.
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“To everyone who has visited our little corner on Tib Street with family, friends and fur babies – we are forever grateful. Watching you all enjoy what we have put so much time in creating has brought us incredible joy. (Sorry for all the awkward stares whilst you lick ice cream!) We have made some wonderful friends and memories.
“Saying goodbye to this space is heartbreaking for us, but we are excited for a new chapter.”
The owners closed out their statement by declaring that the Northern Quarter closure “isn’t the end of Lazy Sundae” only a goodbye to “where it all began”.
“Follow us on our journey to finding a new home for the community to enjoy and share our love for travel inspired ice creams and desserts,” the statement concluded, before thanking Manchester “for the support” throughout the years.
Lazy Sundae remains open inside Manchester Arndale.
Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.
Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.
Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.
Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.
“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”
As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.
Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.
“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.
Featured Image – ELR
News
TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Emily Sergeant -
28th January 2025 
