Eats

The nation’s first Christmas dinner in a cup will be sold at Boxing Day football match

Move over Bovril.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 23rd December 2022

It’s finally time for Mancs to get their hands on the greatest footy scran of all time – a Christmas dinner in a cup.

Stockport County FC first unveiled the incredible handheld meal earlier this month (and sent us one to try out) and planned to debut it at the club’s clash with Gillingham.

But that big freeze saw the game called off, and our dreams of eating a Christmas dinner in a cup at Edgeley Park were crushed.

The good news is that they’re bringing it back for the Boxing Day match, so all those thousands of people who lost their minds at our pictures can finally try it for themselves.

Stockport County say their creation is set to rival Bovril, adding a festive twist to the warming drink.

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Each cup features all the usual trimmings, from roast turkey to pigs in blankets to stuffing to Brussels sprouts, nestled in a bed of mash and swimming in gorgeous meaty gravy.

And it’s priced at just £4.50 which is an absolute bargain whatever way you look at it.

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The Christmas dinner in a cup was dreamt up to coincide with and celebrate the launch of the County Courtyard fan zone.

Jonathan Vaughan, CEO for Stockport County said: “Fusing Christmas traditions with winter football traditions, Christmas dinner in a cup has been designed to bring some festive cheer to Edgeley Park, adding to County’s already electric atmosphere.

@the.manc

Move over Bovril, make way for Christmas dinner in a cup 😍 @stockportcountyfc #fyp #foryou #christmasdinner #stockportcounty #manchester #themanc

♬ original sound – ✰ Christmas sounds ✰

“Created especially for our fixture against Gillingham, fans visiting the County Courtyard will be able to tuck into delicious festive warmer pre-match, getting them ready to cheer on some tasty action on the pitch.”

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One person tweeted us to say: “I suddenly have an urge to visit Stockport.”

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Another wrote: “Sorry whoever is infront of me cos im gonna end up throwing this 30 feet informt of me wen madden scores his third tmrw.”

Someone else said on TikTok: “Saw this on Facebook but to see a video of it makes me want one even more. Great idea and great value. Well done Stockport.”

Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Worsley-born wood-fired pizza brand set for sensational US expansion

Danny Jones Danny Jones Leopard Pie pizza Worsley Salford expanding into the US

A Greater Manchester food brand that started in the little village of Worsley is about to go international in a big way as local Leopard Pie pizza is set to take America by storm.

In one of the most major and exciting culinary success stories to come out of Salford in some time, perhaps ever, much-loved pizza Leopard Pie have quietly struck a deal to carry out a significant expansion into the US.

Not only does this mean the likelihood of there being more of their restaurants up and down in the UK but with multiple venues scheduled to open across the Atlantic, the brand could be at the start of an unbelievable global journey.

Come on, how often do you hear a Manc foodie name in the same sentence as the States?

leopard pie salford
leopard pie manchester
Leopard Pie and their delicious wood-fired pizza are set to make their debut in the US. (Credit: The Manc Eats)

Speaking exclusively to The Manc, Leopard Pie confirmed: “We’re proud to share that Leopard Pie is embarking on a major U.S. expansion with a multi-location deal over the next five years.

“This marks a defining moment in our journey as we introduce a bold new Leopard Pie identity to the American market—while staying true to the heart and spirit that has made our UK brand and locations so widely loved.

“This milestone represents the start of an extraordinary journey as we introduce the next evolution of Leopard Pie—one that amplifies everything that has made our brand beloved while bringing fresh energy and bold new design concepts to a global audience.”

Already working intensely behind the scenes on what they’re hailing as a “visionary new US restaurant concept” for their pizza empire that not only elevated the dining experience but will “set new standards in the fast-casual dining scene”.

They also detailed plans to set up a dedicated domestic base of operations across the pond which will include a world-class training and development hub “to ensure that every chef and operator joining our US family delivers excellence from day one.”

When it comes to Manchester food and drink brands that have blown up, you’d be hard-pressed to any that have gone from an idea that started as recently as 2015 and gained traction during lockdown to expanding within such a fast time frame, let alone on such a massive scale – not even Rudy’s.

The big news now put to one side, it won’t surprise you to learn that Leopard Pie has stated “This is just the beginning”, teasing that they plan to expand into several other key territories and keep building the brand as much as possible.

Owner Lee Chester told us that America always felt somewhat in the stars for the neighbourhood staple; “From the very beginning, Leopard Pie was built with global ambition— the word ‘Pie’ itself a subtle nod to our U.S. vision, a hint as to what was to come.

“I am incredibly proud to be leading the brand into this exciting new era, where my role will evolve to mentor and empower new entrepreneurs to achieve success under the Leopard Pie name.

“I believe wholeheartedly that Leopard Pie’s next chapter will be one of exponential success, built on passion, innovation, and leadership. For those who partner with us now, the potential is immense—and the journey promises to be unforgettable.”

The brand has remained 100% independently owned since day one, having turned down multiple investment offers to date, but is now embarking on what feels like an unprecedented chapter for a local restaurant as they open up to “select strategic partnerships and investments”.

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While specifics regarding how quickly the move into America will get underway and just how many sites there will be are still being kept under wraps, more details will be released soon enough.

Lee summed up the next steps by adding: “I believe with absolute certainty that Leopard Pie is entering a decade of unparalleled growth and excitement. For those who choose to partner with us now, the rewards and the legacy we will create together will be remarkable.”

And last but not least, you don’t have to worry about a local joint that started in Worsley forgetting their roots – the Salford staple isn’t just one of the best pizza places in Manchester but their hometown story is what makes this so special.

For now, you’ll still find them serving up full wood-fired Neapolitan pies and slices over in Worsley and from their stall in Kargo MKT in Central Bay, so give it a try if you haven’t already.

leopard pie opening in america
Their Kargo MKT site in Salford Quays.
manchester pizza restaurant expanding into the US
It really is very good.
Credit: The Manc Group

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

Eats

Bold new Mexican restaurant and bar OCASA to open in Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Bold new Mexican restaurant and bar OCASA to open in Manchester

A vibrant new Mexican restaurant and bar is set to open in Manchester, taking over part of Australasia’s long-standing Spinningfields site.

The former Sunset by Australasia bar and terrace will be transformed into a colourful new Mexican spot called OCASA.

The beautiful space, set to open in time for the Easter bank holiday, will be serving premium tequila, cocktails, and Mexican-inspired food.

The 80-seat sun terrace on The Avenue – just behind Australasia itself (which is currently closed for refurbishment) – will take inspiration from the shores of Tulum to the street food scene of Mexico City.

There’ll be music and entertainment including mariachi bands, ice-cold frozen margaritas, and tableside guacamole, plus BBQ tacos fresh off the grill, Sunday feasts, and loads more. .

In the kitchen will be executive chef Lucie Sainerova, formerly of the prestigious Novikov International, who’ll whip up a contemporary take on Mexican street food.

Lucie said: “We’re taking familiar flavours and elevating them in ways that surprise and excite. From our Dragon Salt Wagyu Tacos to the Lobster Thermidor Nachos, every dish tells a story. This is Mexican food like you’ve never seen before.”

Bold new Mexican restaurant and bar OCASA to open in Manchester
Bold new Mexican restaurant and bar OCASA to open in Manchester

The interiors at OCASA have been designed by BAPPT, and feature textured rock walls, terracotta hues and jade green accents.

It’ll be a relaxed space by day, and a vibrant social hub with DJs, live music and more by night.

The terrace will also have two exclusive Bed Booths for private group dining.

OCASA will become the city’s ‘ultimate tequila destination’ with one of the country’s most extensive collections of premium spirits,.

You can follow the latest on OCASA HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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