The buzz of city life has once again returned to Manchester over these past couple of weeks and it’s set to continue thriving with the introduction of the ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ scheme from today.
Under Eat Out To Help Out scheme – announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of the UK government’s #PlanForJobs – visitors will receive a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, when dining-in at participating venues on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout 3rd – 31st August.
This unmissable offer – which can be used on more than one occasion and will see participating establishments simply remove the discount from customers’ bills – is available on food and non-alcoholic beverages, but does not include takeaway purchases.
The scheme is designed to encourage people to dine-in and support their favourite local hangouts.
Plenty of Manchester’s hospitality businesses have been dashing to register onto the scheme after it was announced early last month and now well over 30 independent eateries and city centre bar/restaurant branches are currently signed up to take part.
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Are you looking for somewhere in the city centre to wine and dine this month? Or perhaps somewhere to just grab a bite and pint instead? Well, you need look no further.
Here’s your full run-down of Manchester businesses registered onto the #EatOutToHelpOut scheme:
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20 Stories
Spinningfields
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDBFvKADKJ6/
20 Stories MCR is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
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To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Albert’s Schloss
Peter Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC-pUhJHGtg/
Albert’s Schloss is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
The Alchemist
Spinningfields, New York Street & MediaCity
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CC3u_U_I5d3/
The Alchemist is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Almost Famous
Great Northern & Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_zLycg6pa/
Almost Famous is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
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Asha’s
Peter Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLdsHKAEV_/
Asha’s Manchester is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Bab
Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_SS2ZlCMg/
BAB is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
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To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Banyan
Corn Exchange & Spinningfields
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLhDH1n8a7/
Banyan is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Bay Horse Tavern
Northern Quarter
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CCWBh1DAK56/
Bay Horse Tavern is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Blue Eyed Panda
Ancoats
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDBn9JRA3vB/
Blue Eyed Panda is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
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The Botanist
Deansgate & MediaCity
https://www.instagram.com/p/CByhZwil7ly/
The Botanist is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
BrewDog
Peter Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCnzPwsgtXY/
BrewDog is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
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To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Chakalaka
Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJ2yhEAAAO/
Chakalaka is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Cottonopolis
Northern Quarter
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLmYkBAfdm/
Cottonopolis is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Crazy Pedro
Northern Quarter& Bridge Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDN_2hUhbeR/
Crazy Pedro is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
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Doner Haus
Corn Exchange
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC3JBvhl9Lx/
Doner Haus is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
El Gato Negro
Deansgate
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDD8qEbgb7_/
El Gato Negro is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
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To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Evuna
Great Northern, Northern Quarter & Altrincham
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtTyoTAQbN/
Evuna is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Franco Manca
Piccadilly Gardens
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CCx3GyjJ7M1/
Franco Manca is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Food Sorcery
Didsbury
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC-zycTg55o/
After something a little bit different?
Food Sorcery is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
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To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
GRUB
The Redbank Project
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKPSxEn3xv/
GRUB is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Hard Rock Cafe MCR
The Printworks
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLu-l1FHui/
Hard Rock Cafe MCR is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Hideout Lounge & Grill
INNSiDE by Meliã Manchester Hotel
Hideout Lounge & Grill is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Home Sweet Home
Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDL7XWHhezZ/
Home Sweet Home is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn
Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_rz74gLMR/
Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Manahatta is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Mancumium
Todd Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLhHmpjujf/
Mancumium is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Mowgli
Corn Exchange
Mowgli is in the govt 50% off scheme.For us 500 jobs+£500k pa of charitable giving need you to eat https://t.co/FitidQsTse, treasury put its arms around both of us+urged us that it’s safe to open,safe to eat out. So see you at a safe table soon+here’s to recovery dear friends🌱 pic.twitter.com/as52IAGR63
— Mowgli Street Food (Nisha Katona) (@Mowglistfood) July 8, 2020
Mowgli is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
The Oast House
Spinningfields
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC0d_0iAfuY/
The Oast House is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
One Plus
Charles Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJd-qxAaSD/
One Plus is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Tariff & Dale is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Tattu
Spinningfields
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDBUcd_nwaz/
Tattu is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Thaikhun
Spinningfields
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDBh2N9KIRJ/
Thaikhun is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Tre Ciccio
Altrincham, Bramhall & Ramsbottom
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJ1cFRnlbY/
Tre Ciccio is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Trof
Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC_USvtlhCe/
Trof is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Velvet Hotel
The Gay Village
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLjR8el4Jy/
Velvet Hotel is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Viet Shack
Arndale Food Market & Ancoats
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDL33nmgL4r/
Viet Shack is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
Yard & Coop
Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDD27s9AQJb/
Yard & Coop is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
To find out more information about what’s on offer in August and to make a booking in advance, visit their website here.
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The COVID-19 pandemic may have taken its toll on industries of all shapes and sizes over these past few months, but supporting local/independent business has never been more important than it is right now.
The Manc is #BuzzingToBeBack – find out more about eats in Manchester here.
Eats
GRUB On The Docks returns to MediaCity this summer with street food, World Cup screenings, and more
Emily Sergeant
Indie street food traders will be lining the Salford waterfront this summer, as GRUB On The Docks returns once again.
Summer is right around the corner, and MediaCity’s waterfront site will once again be transformed into a vibrant open-air destination built for warm weather and big moments across the season, as GRUB On The Docks returns later this week.
Running across the summer months, you can some of Greater Manchester‘s best street food traders to be serving up global flavours and summer-ready drinks, alongside live music, DJs, and just an all round laid-back atmosphere turning daytime hangouts into evening sessions.
There’ll be a rotating lineup of independent street food operators, including the likes of Sizzling Seoul’s East Asian bowls, Dukes Po Boys big American flavours, and Umami Cartel’s Japanese and Mexican fusion dishes all on the menu, as well as Oppa Korean Dogs, Sazume Sake, and Ilovebrioche – with many more ‘special’ traders and chefs still to be announced.
Aside from the food, the events calendar this year is packed with open-air screenings of the World Cup, classic films, and summer blockbusters, as well beer and wine festivals, wellness workshops, a New Faces Comedy all-day event, and even a dedicated Meet The Neighbours resident meet-up.
For families, there’s the popular Baby Mosh party, and plenty more activities to pass the time while schools are out for the summer.
GRUB On The Docks is returning to MediaCity this summer with street food, World Cup screenings, and loads more / Credit: Supplied
“GRUB On The Docks is all about creating a space people want to spend time in,” explained Jason Bailey, who is the Director of GRUB.
“Summer by the water, great food, cold drinks, and a proper atmosphere. MediaCity is a unique waterside location, and this is creating a pop-up for the summer months which reflects the energy of this creative campus. With the World Cup in the mix as well, it’s shaping up to be something really special.”
GRUB On The Docks returns to MediaCity this Thursday 28 May, and it’ll be open weekly on Tuesday to Sunday from 12-10pm.
Featured Image – Supplied
Eats
The very best ice cream and frozen yoghurt places around Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
We know it’s not often sunny out in these parts to enjoy the proper summery joy of lapping up lots of ice cream, but there are still bloody wonderful places to get it here in Greater Manchester – and we know some of the best.
Of course, it always hits different when the sun does come out.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer it chock-full of chocolate chips and coffee, mouth-frothingly fruity sweet, you’re in your pistachio phase or cannot get past the raspberry ripple, there are plenty of places to get whatever you’re after.
Be it Manchester city centre or beyond, we do ice cream pretty darn well for a place that basically rains for two-thirds of the year.
15 top ice cream, soft serve and fro-yo places around Manchester
In no particular order, by the way, because we already hate playing favourites and all those serve our infinitely sweet tooth are created equal.
1. Grandpa Greene’s – Oldham
First up, there are few other fitting enough places to start than the Diggle Lock’s legendary Grandpa Greene’s, which serves not just some of the best desserts we’ve EVER had but stunning, homemade ice-cream that we here at The Manc have even helped make in the past.
In fact, this place has been such a hit in the area that they’ve gone on to open their own bistro and, unsurprisingly, it’s proved just as impressive and popular.
2. Midnight Brownie Club – Ashton-under-Lyne
Heading over to Tameside now, Midnight Brownie Club is one to indulge at any time if you ask us, especially if you treat yourself to one of their sumptuous sundaes, which you can top with everything from kunafa, Lotus Biscoff crumble, raspberry ripple and more.
You can go wrong with those fudgey little chocolate squares, of course, and they obviously do lots of different stuff besides just ice cream and their namesake brownies, so our own recommendation is that you give it a try sooner rather than later.
From Oldham over to the borough of Bolton, and native favourite, Milk Maids, whose award-winning dairy farming expertise has seen them garner an iconic status among locals, and it’s no wonder.
We’ve been on to this place in Over Hulton for ages, but now they’re approaching a decade of serving their oh-so-sweet scoops, we can’t pretend to take even the remotest bit of credit. Their reputation precedes them and is about as long-standing as their lines.
4. Hello Oriental – Oxford Road Corridor
This one might come as a surprise, but if you’re in the market for some really good soft serve, subterranean pan-Asian food hall Hello Oriental just so happens to have it on offer.
Available in tubs or even served on top of a cute little animal-shaped waffle cone hybrids (there’s even a little chocolate surprise inside), they’re not just smooth and silky, they’re also adorable.
In at number four is arguably the ice cream and dessert parlour with the very best name in Manchester, and that’s Big Licks, which recently relocated from Liverpool Road over in Castlefield to Printworks. Now positioned in a much more central location, it’s no surprise that the spot has seen an increase in queuing.
You’ll find pretty much every combo you could ask for here; they also do some pretty banging burgers if you fancy eating both tea and afters here. We’re big fans of their ice cream sandwiches, as well.
As a native Stopfordian myself, my grandma only ever called dessert a ‘sweet’ or ‘pudding’, regardless of what it was, but regardless of what you call it around your way/in your family, we have a Stopfordian ice cream spot that you need to visit.
Macari’s Gelateria opened up over in Heaton Moor back in 2023, and it’s quickly grown a passionate cult following – ourselves included. From their punchy and/or fruity flavours, to the super soft texture that their perfectly flaky wafers just about hold up to, it’s pretty perfect. Remember the name.
Credit: The Manc Group
7. Lazy Sundae – Manchester Arndale
We’re past the halfway mark now, and if you’re not already feeling a bit sluggish after this sugary feast for your eyes, you almost certainly will after looking at the super indulgent Lazy Sundae, who do everything from bubble tea and creative Korean desserts to standard ice cream cones.
But make no mistake, there’s nothing plain or basic about this place: it’s remained one of the best places for ice cream in Manchester, and while we may have said goodbye to their OG spot in NQ back in January 2025, the Arndale parlour now serves as the perfect flagship location.
Sticking with the city centre and whipping our way back to NQ (pun very much intended), we’ve got the brilliant Black Milk up next, who we confess most regularly visit for a proper good milkshake, but they do shine when it comes to pretty much anything sugary, to be honest.
Ice cream-wise, you can’t go wrong with their cookies and cream sundae, and their special St. Patrick’s Guinness gelato is still one of the most unique desserts we’ve ever had. Speaking of gelato…
Heading out to Trafford now, and the ever-growing foodie scene in Sale, their increasingly well-known Gelato Creamery® store has been making waves for some time now, and by waves, we mean perfectly swirled scoops of ice cream’s somewhat healthier but still just as tasty Italian cousin.
They have a more central pod at Jacuna Kitchen over in Ardwick on the outskirts of the city centre, but really do recommend visiting their shop on School Road for a lesson on what proper good gelato should taste like.
Another Stopfordian stop on this ice cream tour comes in the form of All Things Nice, who couldn’t be more appropriately named if they tried – both when it comes to the scran and the service.
Over in the hilly village of Marple, this lovely little cafe on Market Street is known for all manner of bakes, brunch plates, pastries, and a fair few sweet treats, including their ice cream, which is just about as delicious as everything else on the menu. No surprise here.
Credit: The Manc
11. Wazuzhi – Chinatown
Here’s another one that might surprise people: yes, the affordable Manchester city centre favourite and Chinatown staple formerly known as Wasabi isn’t just great at the savoury side of things; they also have some lovely desserts, too.
Specifically, they do ‘shaved ice’ cups, which come in a variety of flavours, many of which are super fruity and fresh, but we do heartily reccommend coming for the sushi first and this for afters.
Since we’re mixing things up a bit, now it’s time to throw some ‘fro-yo’ into the conversation, and if you haven’t tried MAST over on King Street West – that little backstreet just off Deansgate and around the corner from Crazy Pedros – you’re really to correct that oversight.
There’s something about this one that feels like a proper treat whilst also balancing that sugar content, thanks to the healthier ice cream alternative, as you still get that fix from toppings like Smarties, crushed Oreos, classic candy lovehearts and tonnes more. Pretty as a picture.
13. Frurt – Various
Sticking with the frozen yoghurt theme, it’d be foolish to overlook the kings of the local game, as this may be a franchise, but it started right here back in 2010 with husband-and-wife team, Syed and Shaza Hassan, and they’ve only got bigger and better, still offering healthy, dairy and gluten-free cups.
You can find them in the following locations: the city centre (a pair of them), Stockport, Sale, on Bury New Road, Bolton, Oldham, not to mention soon the Trafford Centre and beyond Greater Manchester.
The penultimate blood sugar pincher is the famous Get Baked, which barely even turned the key to unlock the doors before they had a crowd waiting outside the shop window of their first permanent Manchester location.
Whether you’re three for big cookies, the famous Matilda-inspired ‘Bertha’ cake or their free-flowing soft-serve that is easier to drink than water – we know we have a problem, we’re working on it – you won’t be disappointed, no matter how long you wait.
Credit: The Manc
15. Baby Mayhem – Ancoats
Last but certainly not least of the latest newcomers to the Manc dessert scene, and while it may not be strictly just an ice cream parlour, it is one of the best places for anyone who is powerless to resist their cravings for things fresh, cold, filled, fried and covered in sugar.
Baby Mayhem is where ice cream and doughnuts collide in one superior pudding. How does a ‘donut ice cream sandwich’ sound? Incredible? We thought so… It’s popped in the old Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria site and is already following in its footsteps of filling locals’ bellies to the max.
That should just about do you for now, and if this list wasn’t sickly enough, don’t you worry…
You best believe we’ll be going around all around Greater Manchester in search of more ice cream and the best places that do it whenever the sun is out.
So, just keep your eyes peeled for when we inevitably update this one, because there’s always room for one more scoop.
Well, speaking of…
Honourable mention
Take issue with this if you want, but any place that offers a free ice cream sandwich on your birthday deserves to be on the list if you ask us, so here’s our nod to the wonderful Nell’s.
Available in dulce de leche, cherry pie, cookie dough and, of course, that birthday cake flavour – not to mention various one-off specials through the year – nothing quite compares to a slice and one of these sweet little frozen sandos.
The Manc -
3rd August 2020 
