Manchester’s beloved Bada Bing sandwich shop is getting in the festive spirit and looking to give back that Christmas by hosting a 24-hour charity run on behalf of Greater Manchester’s homeless.
The Sopranos-themed deli and butty makers made their long-awaited return to Manchester city centre earlier this year after closing back in 2022, much to the delight of us fellow bread-lovers, and it didn’t take long for them to get back on top.
Coming back with a bada-bang this past September, Bada Bing once again has people lining up out the door and down the road for their unreal sandwiches pretty much every lunchtime.
However, apart from the daily queues, another thing that sadly remains a constant on our streets is the homeless community and with this time of year a particularly difficult one, the foodie favourites have decided to lace up their running shoes to help make a difference.
Teaming up with Sam from Peaks and Pubs, who posts his own running, hiking and general outdoor content to more than 40,000 followers, the digital creator will be helping lead the 24-hour charity relay run around the city, starting and ending at the sandwich shop itself.
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Put simply, the aim is to raise as much money as possible for the local non-profit Mustard Tree by running 2k loops on the hour every hour. The first lap will kick off at 11am on Friday, 20 December and will finish with one final loop setting off at 10am the following day.
The Ancoats-based charity combats poverty and aims to prevent homelessness all over the 10 boroughs and has been making a huge impact in central Manchester for more than three decades now; their important work only becomes more vital during the holiday season.
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As for Sam and co., they will be running at a super social and steady pace meaning no one gets left behind and, more importantly, everyone can get involved to do their bit for a community that desperately needs our help – especially during the winter.
No doubt taking inspiration from the city’s annual 24-Hour Run Against Homelessness on behalf of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, which absolutely smashed its fundraising target in 2024, we already know how brilliant a turnout these events can produce, so we can only hope for similar success.
Manchester has been putting in the hard yards to help the homeless for many years now.
Announcing the run last week, Bada Bing reiterated that as well as coming along for the charity run, “all donations, little or large, are hugely appreciated and go a long way”, adding that they “will also be accepting tinned food donations at the shop throughout the challenge.”
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We’re sure the sandwich stars will be serving up the odd ‘Bing’, ‘Chicago Beef’ and even a festive special or two to help keep the runners fuelled but, above all else, they’re playing host to a wonderful heartwarming event and we’re always happy to hear of charity events like this.
So, if you fancy getting involved you can turn up any time from 11 onwards this Friday and even if you’re not the running type, you can donate directly to the fundraiser HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Peaks and Pubs (screenshot)
Eats
Medlock Canteen confirms gutting closure after just 18 months
Danny Jones
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
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.
Danny Jones -
19th December 2024 
