We all know by now that Christmas is gearing up to be a little different this year.
The UK government has sadly conceded that “Christmas cannot be normal” amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and while it has been announced that up to three families can form a Christmas bubble between 23rd – 27th December, for a lot of people, this still means there will be friends and family members they are unable to spend time with.
This is leading so many to seeing the greater value in gift giving this festive season, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit than a spot of Christmas shopping for loved ones too.
With safety a core priority, finding ways of cutting down on unnecessary travel and minimising the number of shopping trips needed to stock up on presents will likely be at the top of the list for a lot of us, which is why The Royal Exchange Manchester in the heart of the city centre couldn’t be a more convenient place to head down to.
There’s over 30 stores located within one of the city’s most historic buildings.
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Not only can you shop from some of the world’s favourite high street and designer brands, but there’s also a wealth of independent stores and luxury boutiques to chose from too, as well as a collection of artisan cafes and Manchester-based eateries to grab a takeaway drink or bite to eat from while you’re at it.
There’s never been a more important time to support local where you can.
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Royal Exchange ManchesterRoyal Exchange Manchester
No matter what it is you’re looking for, Royal Exchange has probably got you covered, but exactly what shops are under the roof of this iconic building then?
Arcade
Remedy Kitchen
Michaels coffeehouse
Designer Exchange
Amaranth
Alterations Boutique
Lanigan & Hulme
Astons of Manchester
Paper Kisses of Manchester
Jenny Jones Jewellery
Diamond Heaven
Mays Jewellers
City Specs
Swiss Watch Shop
Razors Edge
St Ann’s Square
Arthur Kay jewellers
The Whisky Shop
French Connection
Moss Bros
lululemon
Watches of Switzerland
Old Bank St
Annies tea-room
Nigel Rayment mother of the bride boutique
Yards Store
Fjallraven
Cross Street
Vertigo plant based
London Camera Exchange
Sostrene Grene
Fridays
Market Street
Irregular Choice
Hotel Chocolat
Scribbler
The Body Shop
Lush
L’Occitane
Whittard of Chelsea
Moda in Pelle
Molton Brown
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You can find a full list of opening times for each store here.
For more information or to familiarise yourself with COVID-safe procedures ahead of your trip, you can visit the Royal Exchange Manchester website here.
Business
Award-winning Manchester restaurant Another Hand announces closure with ‘immediate effect’
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular intimate restaurants has sadly announced that it’ll be closing its doors with ‘immediate effect’.
Another Hand – which can be found tucked away up on Deansgate Mews – opened back in 2022 to acclaim from critics and customers, as well as scooping up several awards along the way like Best Newcomer at the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards, and places in the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide along the way.
Not only that, but the 24-seater intimate casual dining restaurant was also named as one of the best restaurants in Manchester merely three weeks ago by respected publication, Time Out.
Launched by the team behind 3 Hands Deli – which operated from a site two units down – Another Hand was known and loved for focusing on sharing plates made with produce from local ethical growers.
And it seemed to be going from strength to strength, but sadly, the restaurant took to social media yesterday to announce its decision to close ‘with immediate effect’.
Another Hand said in its statement on Instagram: “With heavy hearts we are sad to announce that after five years Another Hand will be closing its doors with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately, as most of us know, the current economic climate for the hospitality sector is facing steep challenges, sadly a familiar story. And after five years of operating within this increasingly challenging environment, we feel it’s time for us to step away.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, but it feels like the right time to bring this chapter to an end.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here. From the people who have worked alongside us, to the producers and suppliers who have supported us; and most importantly, everyone who has come through the door and eaten with us…. thank you.
How will the Government’s new digital ID alternative for alcohol sales work?
Emily Sergeant
All licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone – helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you’re buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you’ve left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that ‘it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]’ and that physical ID will ‘still remain a valid way’ for customers to prove their age.
“This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out,” she concluded.
Emily Sergeant -
9th December 2020 
