Iconic Manchester-born burger and shake bar Archie’s has announced it will finally be opening in the Trafford Centre next week after a what has been a turbulent year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
But a series of unfortunate hold-ups as a result of the ongoing pandemic have meant the opening of the new restaurant – which was initially slated to take place in April – was postponed on a number of occasions, with legions of hungry fans just awaiting a confirmed date.
And, after over 10 months, it’s finally been confirmed that doors will open on Tuesday 8th December inside the mall’s The Orient food court.
What’s more is that this new branch will be Archie’s flagship and biggest store in the UK too.
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Speaking on the new Trafford Centre restaurant – which will “taken to the next level” – back in January, Imran Shezad – CEO at Archie’s – said: “The Trafford Centre restaurant is going to be the flagship store, it will be really cool – very Instagrammable.
“We’ve got a room with pink banana swings and a ball pit just for that.”
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The new location was also set to include a pink room with a ball pit, and will also have swings which will provide “playful posing opportunities”, however it’s believed some of these facilities will be out of action for the time being due to COVID-safety precautions.
It’s safe to say the well-known fast food brand is a Mancunian icon at this point, famous not just for its creative and wide-ranging menu of burgers, shakes, waffles and more, but also for its amazing-award winning bright pink Instagrammable interiors, which has made it prone to regular celebrity visits.
People flock from all over for the Archie’s experience.
The beloved brand started out 10 years ago on Oxford Road in the city centre, and has gone from strength to strength ever since, now with four branches in Manchester and one each in Liverpool and Birmingham.
Two other restaurants are also planned to open in Manchester Airport and Leeds in 2021.
The constant innovation of the menu and brand has continued to keep Archie’s relevant, and its massive expansion over the past few years is testament to the group’s extremely hard work.
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Archie’s Manchester The Trafford Centre will open on Tuesday 8th December 2020.
Unit R7A, 132-134, The Orient, Trafford Centre, Manchester.
You can find more information about Archie’s, as well as menus, takeout/delivery options, and COVID-safety precautions via its website here.
Eats
Medlock Canteen confirms gutting closure after just 18 months
Danny Jones
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Relative Manchester newcomer and city centre gem, Medlock Canteen, has announced that the business has now closed, sharing a lengthy statement on their social media.
The Deansgate Square favourite, which looked tipped to be one of the founding members of the emerging New Jackson foodie district, has sadly confirmed its immediate closure, with all existing bookings being unfortunately cancelled.
Medlock only opened back in March of 2024 and left a big impression on its many diners during that time, but sadly, the ever-present pressures of the hospitality industry don’t discriminate.
Writing on Instagram, the restaurant said: “With heavy hearts, we’re announcing the closure of Medlock Canteen. When we opened our doors 18 months ago, our dream was simple: to build a neighbourhood spot where everyone felt welcome, serving proper good food you know, love and can’t wait to eat.
“But the current climate has made that dream a tough one to sustain. Rising costs, increased taxes, and tighter spending have created challenges we’ve fought hard to overcome but, sadly, they’re ones we just can’t compete with.
“We’re proud to say our amazing team has been looked after, with payroll up to date and everyone offered roles elsewhere in our family of venues. If you’ve got opportunities going, drop us a message – we’d love to pass them on to anyone ready for their next chapter.”
Owned by the same group behind Belzan in Liverpool and Manchester’s Madre over in Kampus, the team led by co-owner Owain Williams has offered replacement reservations at their other venues by way of an apology to their loyal customers.
It was only back in April last year that renowned food writer Jay Rayner described it as “special” and dubbed the admittedly swankly skyscraper location a “welcome haven for all.”
Couldn’t agree more. Few could’ve seen Medlock Canteen closing barely a year on from such a glowing write-up.
They signed off by adding: “To everyone who dined, left us a rave review, shared a laugh, or came back for seconds: thank you.
“You made this little place feel truly special. And yes, we promise, one day, somehow, we’ll get that rhubarb pie back to you!”
We’ve lost another impressive little spot far too soon, but we’ll always have the unbelievable scran, and it goes without saying that while Medlock Canteen may have closed, there’ll still be plenty of continued support for the likes of Madre and its sibling down the Mersey.
Fingers crossed we get a comeback one day, but until then, let’s just stop and appreciate how stunning their food truly was.
There’s a midsummer party coming to IKEA with a live ABBA tribute act
Thomas Melia
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Swedish household furniture giant and flatpack masterminds IKEA are hosting a midsummer party with a live ABBA tribute, because why the hell not?
I definitely don’t need to be soundtracked by a live ABBA tribute while shopping for new homeware, but hey, don’t threaten me with a good time…
IKEA‘s Manchester branch is hosting a party with a three-course meal, drinks and live music from none other than the Abberettes, a duo which covers classics by Swedish pop icons, ABBA.
Starters include a marinated salmon plate, salmon wrap or a small salad bowl, while one of the mains also features this fish favourite served with a bean mix.
The friendly Ikea team will be able to assist any queries on the day.
There are two more main menu options in the form of their menu highlights: meatballs, which always go down a treat, and veggies get to sample the meat-free alternative, plant balls.
In terms of a sweet treat, there are two dessert choices, both of which are equally delicious. Partygoers can choose from a Daim cake or an apple pie, and all guests are entitled to a hot or cold drink too, yum.
Kids can choose from the famed meatballs, plantballs or a tomato pasta meal, alongside a soft drink and a piece of fruit, a super meal for your little ‘Super Trouper’.
If you’re worried this special midsummer party and live ABBA tribute is going to cost you lots of ‘Money, Money, Money’, fear not as tickets are only £7.50 for Ikea family members and get this – kids eat free.
The Abberettes are doing two performances throughout the day, one from 5:30-6:15pm and a second show at 6:45-7:30pm, ‘Mamma Mia’.
Here’s a taster of the kind of crowds they pull in:
All I have left to say is I’ll have to get my tickets fast before they end up ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ or before ‘The Winner Takes It All’.
The midsummer party with a live ABBA tribute is coming to Ikea in Ashton, Greater Manchester, on Thursday, 19 June from 5pm, with tickets available now.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd December 2020 
