Eats

The amazing new doughnut shop that’s opened in a churchyard in Wigan

When they say heavenly doughnuts, they mean it

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 28th August 2026

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.

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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.

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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 Grounds
This month’s specials at Holy Grounds
The selection of Holy Grounds doughnuts in Wigan
The selection of Holy Grounds doughnuts in Wigan
A peach and almond doughnut, and an OG
A peach and almond doughnut, and an OG
Holy Grounds stands in the churchyard of Wigan Parish Church
Holy Grounds stands in the churchyard of Wigan Parish Church
Freshly-made doughnuts and coffee in Wigan
Freshly-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.

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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.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Andy Burnham's favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast

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 Manchester
The Peveril of the Peak pub in Manchester
The Edinburgh Castle has ranked highlight in the Top 50 Gastropubs list. Credit: The Manc Group
The Edinburgh Castle
Firehouse
Firehouse
Some 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.

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Featured image: Shaun Peckham (via GMCA)

Eats

Huge Manchester street food event postponed amid severe weather

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Huge Manchester street food event postponed amid severe weather

A big food festival that was set to take place in Manchester this weekend has been postponed due to the severe storm warning.

GRUB at The Club, which is set to celebrate 11 years of the street food heavyweights, was meant to be taking place at Fairfield Social club this weekend.

The brilliant GRUB team had planned two nights of great food and DJs to celebrate their birthday, with free birthday cake for the first 50 people through the door on Friday night.

But as Manchester is battered by basically more rain than we’ve seen all summer, organisers have made the decision to postpone the event for now.

Remember when it felt like Manchester would always be sunny, dry and warm? Those days are over, my friend.

There’s a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms today, then a forecast that features a bit more rain than we’d like for a bank holiday.

GRUB have said that this severe storm forecast has made it ‘impossible’ for the event to go ahead as planned, as they prioritise the safety and enjoyment of everyone on site.

They’ve said that the event will be rearranged to take place in September, with the exact date announced very soon.

GRUB posted: “Due to the severe storm forecast this week we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone the event. The safety and enjoyment of our guests, traders and team always comes first and this weekend’s weather makes it impossible for us to go ahead as planned.

“We’re gutted. This one meant a lot to us and we know it did to you too. But GRUB At The Club is not cancelled! It’s coming back in September and we cannot wait to do this properly. Keep your eyes peeled for the new date announcement coming very soon

“The launch of FSC’s brand new pizza menu is also being pushed back. But not for long! That one’s coming very soon and trust us, it’ll be worth the wait.

“Thank you for your understanding and sorry for any inconvenience caused. We’ll see you soon.”

Keep an eye on GRUB’s Instagram for the rescheduled dates.

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Featured image: Fairfield Social Club

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