For several years, Prestwich has revelled in its reputation as the ‘next place to be’ in Greater Manchester. Estate agents have spent the better part of a decade branding the area as the most exciting part of the region, urging homebuyers to get in on the ground floor and join the up-and-coming community in the north.
It seems they might have been onto something. Head into Bury today, and there’s evidence to suggest that Prestwich is flourishing in a way that the experts were anticipating.
The town enjoyed a £2m high street makeover in 2017, with trendy bars and restaurants pitching up in the area before the local council acquired Longfield Shopping Centre as part of some big redevelopment plans.
But for all the colourful new neighbours moving in over the past couple of years – brunch spots, lively bars, intriguing restaurants – there’s been one thing Prestwich still didn’t have: A place that served genuinely authentic South American cuisine.
That’s where four locals saw an opportunity – and Gorge was born.
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Gorge has been launched in Prestwich / Image: Gorge
Drawing on the culinary knowledge of his Brazilian partner, Steve Vickerstaff and his wife Luciana teamed up with another couple to launch Gorge – an authentic Latin restaurant that would serve as an exotic new piece in Prestwich’s crystallising international jigsaw.
Battling against a series of setbacks enforced by rolling lockdowns, the quartet have realised their ambition and opened a stylish eatery on Bury New Road where diners can tuck into bonafide Brazilian food in rustic surroundings of bare brick, polished wood and artwork.
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Immersing guests in what the restaurant calls a “true South American dining experience,” Gorge presents popular staple dishes from the continent such as Picanha na Chapa, Salgadinhos, Vegeterian Moqueca & Pao de queijo.
The restaurant specialises in Latin American cuisine / Image: Gorge
And of course, there’s a real medley of meat dishes to try – all supplemented by a glorious rainbow-like array of cooked vegetables.
Skilled mixologists have also whirled up some cocktail creations to pair with the meals – such as the Caipicoco, Espresso Latini & the Floresta Tropical, alongside an array of classics.
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“We’re planning to offer something Prestwich has never had before – something new and exciting with a really nice vibe,” says founder Steve.
“But at the same time, Gorge will be independent and family-owned – fitting right in with the vibe of the community.
“We’ve fully rewired the venue from top to bottom. Everything’s been designed and built from scratch.”
Gorge is the first restaurant of its kind on Prestwich high street / Image: Gorge
Now the hurdles have been cleared and the doors are finally open, Gorge’s focus is on delivering a new experience for the increasingly multicultural Prestwich community – complementing the food with a Latin soundtrack.
The Gorge team added: “It’s been a long road for us as a business due to COVID, however, to finally be open and working on a dream that started in a household kitchen in Brazil is truly amazing.
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“We’ve been given such a warm reception by the public so far, and we are super excited about our future.”
It’s been a long wait. But a local taste of Latin America is finally on the menu in Prestwich.
And it looks terrific.
Head over to the Gorge website to learn more and book a table.
Featured image: Gorge
Bury
Family pays tribute to ‘gentle young man’ who died after a ‘targeted’ car attack in Bury
Emily Sergeant
The family of a young man who was involved in a collision with a car in Bury earlier this week have now paid tribute to him.
The man has been named as 19-year-old Brandon Porter Kershaw.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to reports of a road traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Porritt Street, in Bury, at around 8:10pm on Monday (19 May), and when officers attended the scene, they found a man lying with ‘serious injuries’ in the road.
Despite the best efforts of all emergency services involved, the teenager sadly passed away as a result of his injuries.
Police went on to inform the Greater Manchester community that they believe this was a ‘targeted attack’, with no wider threat to others in the area.
Following this admission, a 38-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday (Tuesday 20 May) and was taken to custody ahead of being questioned by detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team.
With a murder investigation now underway, Brandon’s family have paid a touching tribute to the ‘devoted dad’ via police.
“We are all truly shocked and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Brandon,” their tribute begins.
“He was a gentle, kind-hearted young man whose warmth and social nature touched everyone around him. Brandon was a devoted dad to his young daughter, who he loved deeply. His family meant everything to him, and the bond he shared with his mum was incredibly special, they were best friends.
“Brandon was taken far too soon, and his passing has left a deep void in all our lives. As we come to terms with this devastating news, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and support one another through this difficult time.”
Porritt Street in Bury, where the ‘targeted attack’ occurred / Credit: Google Maps
At this time, police confirmed the driver of the vehicle is still yet to be located, and they are now appealing to the public for information.
“We still have people of interest we are keen to speak to,” explained Detective Chief Inspector David Moores, of GMP’s Major Incident Team. “The driver of the vehicle remains outstanding and relentless efforts are currently being conducted by specialist units to locate him.
“I ask anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area that evening to come forward and know that information will be treated with the strictest confidence. It only takes one crucial piece of information that may be key to achieving answers for Brandon’s family and friends.”
Anyone with any potential information is asked to either call police on 101 quoting incident number 3460 of 19/5/25, report it via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk, or submit it through the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Featured Image – GMP
Bury
A massive ultra and trail running event is coming to Greater Manchester this summer
Danny Jones
Has this past month’s Manchester Marathon and Great MCR Run heroics got you feeling all hyped up for the next big challenge? How does an epic ultra/trail running event sound?
Best get those legs resting because there’s a brand new event coming to the race calendar.
The advent of ultras and trail running, in particular, looks to be growing ever more popular and with some brilliant terrain to be enjoyed around the North West, it’s not hard to see why.
Greater Manchester has loads of these runs throughout the year already, and now beloved event organisers, Beyond Trails, are bringing their first-ever Manc date to life.
Simply titled ‘Beyond MCR‘, this dual event will see runners offered the chance to take on one of two races, both of which will see them plodding beyond the half-marathon distance.
Depending on your disposition, you can take on either a 25k trail around Manchester, Trafford and Salford, or an ultra around even more nearby boroughs.
The ultra marathon distance will see participants putting in the ones and twos for a total of 55k, passing through the likes of Bury, Bolton, Salford and more. It’s one way to see 0161, put it that way.
As described on the website: “See a little of Manchester’s wild side with Beyond Manchester: a running event with a 25km trail option or a 55km ultra route for runners and walkers.”
Beyond Trails will also be teaming up with local favourites Track Brewery to supply some much-needed suds after the slog is done, with runners being handed tokens to claim their free pints there afterwards.
Now that’s the kind of motivation we can get behind.
The announcement goes on to add: “With its accessible city centre start and finish, plenty of signage, and a trademark Manchester welcome, Beyond MCR is for every kind of runner, no matter whether it’s your first trail event or your umpteenth ultra.
“Parkland, street, disused railway, reservoir trails – you name it, Beyond Manchester’s got it. The city just feels different when you go beyond your usual route – and we think you’re going to love it.
No matter which one you choose, both runs will begin and end in the picturesque Castlefield district, and whether you’re lacing up your trail shoes or your most cushioned trainers for some serious mileage, you’ll be able to take some stunning views from around the city and beyond.
Taking place on Thursday, 26 July, with an 8am start for the ultra and 10am for the 25k, we reckon it’s a great excuse to book a long weekend off work. You can find out more information and enquire about booking a place HERE.
The Manc -
19th August 2021 
