A massive beer festival is coming to Victoria Warehouse next month
Breweries announced so far include Beer Ink, Caps Off, Strange Times, Farm Yard Brew Co, Electric Bear Brewing, Mad Squirrel and Hackney Church Brew Co.
A massive beer festival is coming to Trafford next month as VIctoria Warehouse prepares to host its first ever Craft Brew Festival.
Bringing together a selection of the best micro and independent craft breweries from across the UK, it will feature a diverse range of beers.
Punters heading down can expect to find everything from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to sours, saisons and everything in between, all carefully selected by beer experts.
Offering punters the chance to explore new and exciting craft breweries, festival organisers promise an ‘unforgettable tasting experience’ for those attending the event.
Breweries announced so far include Beer Ink, Caps Off, Strange Times, Farm Yard Brew Co, Electric Bear Brewing, Mad Squirrel and Hackney Church Brew Co, with more to be announced soon.
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Image: Victoria Warehouse
Image: Electric Bear Brewery
However, If for any reason beer is not your thing then not to worry, as the festival will also have a large selection of discovery wines and fine craft spirits.
In addition to the delicious drinks, visitors can also look forward to award-winning artisan street food, live music and entertainment throughout the weekend.
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Due to take place from 19 to 20 May 2023, tickets are priced at £15 and include entry, free samples, souvenir glass, festival programme, a goodie bag and opportunities to meet the brewers, plus plenty of live music, fun and games.
Speaking on the upcoming event, festival organiser Simon Robinson said: “I’m thrilled to be launching the inaugural Craft Brew Festival at such an iconic Manchester venue, that has such a rich industrial heritage.
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“Manchester has a long and proud tradition of brewing, and we’re excited to be bringing together some of the most talented and innovative craft brewers from across the UK all under one roof and putting on one hell of a party.”
Tickets for Manchester Craft Brew Festival are selling fast with the Saturday afternoon session already sold out.
Glitzy Spinningfields bar famed for its bottomless deals shuts down
Daisy Jackson
Popular cocktail bar group Banyan has suddenly closed its glitzy bar in the heart of Spinningfields.
The restaurant and bar, which is part of the Arc Inspirations group that also operates Manahatta and Box, has shut down with immediate effect.
A sign has been posted in the window of the Spinningfields site of Banyan confirming its closure.
Banyan opened in 2018 and was the second site for the brand, which has been operating out of the Corn Exchange since 2015.
Inside, the huge 7,000sq ft space was split into spaces for drinking, dining and dancing, including a large mezzanine and a huge white marble bar.
Banyan is famed for its bottomless deals, whether that’s a classic bottomless brunch or their bottomless Sunday roast (endless Yorkshire puddings, gravy, wine, and roast potatoes).
It also offered two-for-one cocktails, all day every day.
The bar stands on the side of Spinningfields, directly opposite The Ivy and alongside The Alchemist.
Banyan in Spinningfields has shut downThe note in the window of Banyan
But now it has permanently closed its doors, thanking people for their custom over its almost-decade in Manchester.
The sign on the door says: “Banyan Spinningfields is now permanently closed.
“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we’ve loved being part of this wonderful city and have made so many friends.
“Don’t be a stranger, we’d love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in the Corn Exchange. Team Banyan.”
Bangkok Diners Club moves out of Ancoats just months after Michelin Guide win
Daisy Jackson
Bangkok Diners Club, the critically-acclaimed restaurant above the Edinburgh Castle pub, has closed its restaurant space.
The Thai restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide last October, not long after taking over the upstairs of the popular pub.
It also received a rave review in The Guardian from restaurant critic Grace Dent, who said it would be ‘one of Manchester’s hottest dining tickets’.
But now Bangkok Diners Club has decided its time in Ancoats is up, and has closed its beautiful restaurant space with immediate effect.
In an email sent to customers with reservations, they wrote that Bangkok Diners Club ‘sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle’.
Owners and husband-and-wife team Ben and Bo Humpheys aren’t leaving things there though, announcing plans to move into the Exhibition food hall on Peter Street.
Co-owner Ben Humphreys outside Bangkok Diners Club. Credit: The Manc GroupThe food earned them a place in the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ll be joining MoreJoy and pasta concept Anatra in the space, but bidding farewell to their own dedicated restaurant for now.
The email sent to customers reads: “We have just noticed that the system has allowed you to make a reservation during a time that we are closed. We apologise that this has happened.
“Ben and Bo are cooking at Exhibition during 2026 and Bangkok Diners Club sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle.
“Sincerest apologies for all the inconvenience caused.”
Georgina Pellant -
20th April 2023 
