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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
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
Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.
The amazing new doughnut shop that’s opened in a churchyard in Wigan
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new doughnut hatch has landed in Wigan, serving fresh bakes and speciality coffee from inside a beautiful local churchyard.
This is Holy Grounds, the latest independent spot bringing together freshly made doughnuts, excellent coffee and a spectacular setting, right beside the Wigan Parish Church.
The Lancashire-born business expanded to Wigan just three weeks ago, and it’s already proving hugely popular with the locals.
As we’re seeing all over Wigan these days, Holy Grounds have taken on a beautiful characterful space and turned it into a great new independent hangout.
The doughnut hatch is connected to the church itself, with the room believed to have once been an old school space. Today, it’s been given a very different purpose, with the smell of freshly baked doughnuts and coffee filling the building.
And you can still get a very real reminder that you’re sitting inside a church – the bells ring twice a day.
Holy Grounds was set up by Sam, who was previously a vicar, alongside his partner Hannah.
They and their team are making doughnuts fresh every day, using a 48-hour proving process, before transforming them into a monthly-rotating selection of flavours.
This month’s specials at Holy GroundsThe selection of Holy Grounds doughnuts in WiganA peach and almond doughnut, and an OGHoly Grounds stands in the churchyard of Wigan Parish ChurchFreshly-made doughnuts and coffee in Wigan
This month’s flavours include The OG, peach and almond, chocolate cornflakes, and blackberry and white chocolate.
Holy Grounds serves speciality coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters in Bristol, making the doughnut-and-coffee combination feel less like a quick sugar hit and more like a proper little ritual.
A beautiful old building, fresh doughnuts, excellent coffee and church bells ringing overhead?
We’re not saying we’ve found heaven, but we’re definitely getting closer.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd December 2020 
