Ben’s Cookies, one of the most legendary bakeries in the UK, has finally opened its first location here in Greater Manchester.
Since launching in the Trafford Centre the bright red bakery stall has had queues snaking all the way down the concourse.
It’s pretty easy to see why – these cookies are ultra-soft with a perfect crunch to the outside.
They’re baked with chunks, not chips, so you’ll always get a proper gooey filling.
Ben’s Cookies has been a staple for sweet treats down south for 40 years, since launching in Oxford’s Covered Market in 1984.
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It was launched by cookery writer and self-confessed chocaholic Helge Rubinstein and is still going strong today, with locations across the UK.
But until now they’ve never made it into the north west.
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Ben’s Cookies has opened at the Trafford Centre in Greater ManchesterBen’s Cookies has opened at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester
With flavours including triple chocolate, white chocolate and cranberry, chocolate orange, and caramelised biscuit, if you can walk past without grabbing a box full you’ve got more willpower than us.
Ben’s Cookies are served in signature red boxes or metal gift tins, with a character sketched by the legendary illustrator Quentin Blake, who also did the Roald Dahl books.
There are 14 different flavours sold here, each one rolled and baked fresh on site so they’re usually still warm when you pick up your box.
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You can find the new Ben’s Cookies in the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, on the upper floor near Boots.
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.
Daisy Jackson -
8th March 2024 
