In what is a collaboration nobody saw coming (or even really asked for), but could be the stuff of dreams for some, Auntie Bessie’s and Northern Monk have joined forces.
The UK’s leading frozen food producer and the Leeds-based brewery are already hugely successful and well-loved companies in their own rights, with thousands of fans both here in Greater Manchester and nationwide – but now, the two have decided to come together to launch a collaborative range of ales inspired by British comfort foods.
And the flavours are, shall we say… interesting?
Grabbing headlines left, right, and centre over the last few days, the four ales in the new range include tipples combining the flavours iconic British sweet treats such as Apple Crumble and Sticky Toffee Pudding, and come after the success of the Jam Roly Poly Pale Ale exclusively launched in Morrisons last year.
But it’s not all about dessert, as the one brew that’s sure to catch the eye of us Mancs the most focuses on the main course itself – the Roast Dinner Brown Ale.
Yes, you heard that right. If you wouldn’t consider yourself to have much of a sweet tooth, then how does a beer resembling the heartiest and most comforting meal you have all week sound? Like we said, it won’t be for everyone, but for others, it could be a match made in heaven.
According to Northern Monk, the Roast Dinner Brown Ale is a “rich, hearty and satisfying beer” that has, believe it or not, actually been brewed with Yorkshire Puddings and roast potatoes.
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Northern Monk’s founder, Russel Bisset, said working with Aunt Bessie’s has been an “honour”.
Aunt Bessie’s and Northern Monk team up to launch new roast dinner brown ale / Credit: Northern Monk
“Aunt Bessie’s is a truly iconic Northern brand,” Mr Bisset said.
“There’s nothing quite like a Sunday Roast with all the trimmings, and on a weekend where we’d usually be getting together with our families for a traditional Sunday Dinner, we’ve teamed up to bring you something a little different.”
Each of the Aunt Bessie’s x Northern Monk brews are now available to buy online here, and are also exclusively on supermarket shelves in Morrisons branches nationwide.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Northern Monk
Eats
Bakery chain Gail’s is attempting to win over Prestwich after spelling mishap
Daisy Jackson
Gail’s has announced a plan to try and make amends with Prestwich after spelling the village’s name wrong on the new bakery’s signs.
The massive bakery chain finally confirmed that it would be moving into the suburb on the fringes of Bury and Manchester, but made a fatal flaw at the first step.
The huge posters are missing the letter ‘T’, instead saying ‘Hello Preswich’.
More than a few eyebrows were raised locally, with people saying it’s ‘not a great first impression for the locals…’.
And now Gail’s is attempting to put things right by offering free tea to Prestwich residents.
In new material released today, they wrote: “Oops… people of Prestwich, we owe you a ‘T’.
“You may have seen how we missed out a ‘t’ in our new bakery signage.
“We’re sorry for the mistake, and to make up for it we’d like to brew you a tea when we open.”
The new advertising has a QR code which people can scan to claim their free cuppa.
Gail’s has also passed its thanks on to ‘local resident Clair’, who actually came up with the suggestion on The Manc’s LinkedIn post here.
With this development, Gail’s has now confirmed it’ll be opening in Prestwich – directly opposite the new Rudy’s – in early 2025, with free tea served then to those who scan the QR code.
Gail’s will hand out free tea in Prestwich to apologise for spelling the village’s name wrongHuge bakery chain Gail’s confirms move to Prestwich – but spells village’s name wrong in signage
Salon Madre – A new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A new tequila bar and pool hall is set to open in Manchester in a couple of weeks, from the same team behind Madre.
The huge new space, Salon Madre, will be serving up the tacos and burritos that have made the Mexican restaurant at Kampus so well-loved.
And all that’s alongside a drinks menu that centres around tequila, including frozen, classic and flavoured margaritas and palomas.
Can’t stomach tequila? There’ll also be wines on draft, Corona and local beers.
The food menu will show off signature dishes like al pastor tacos, with daily rotating specials, plus Gringas, nachos and Madre’s huge burritos.
Salon Madre has taken over a spot just off Kampus’s lush garden that was previously home to a Seven Brothers taproom, right next door to Madre itself.
Salon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSalon Madre is a new Mexican pool hall and tequila bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
As well as all the Mexican food and drink goodness, the bar will have four pool tables and will be screening Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) and American sports.
The dream is to bring the fun and liveliness of a Mexican pool hall to the heart of Manchester, in this beautiful spot right near Piccadilly and Canal Street.
Salon Madre will open on 6 December at Kampus, with bookings for Christmas groups and parties now available.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
