The first images of a brand-new bar and restaurant opening at Manchester Central have been released.
When it opens this spring, Junction will function as a restaurant, cafe and social workspace, right on the doorstop of the city’s famed conference centre.
Junction is now taking shape in the entrance of the iconic domed building, which was formerly a railway station but closed to passengers in 1969.
The CGIs that have been released show how the design of the restaurant will pay homage to the building’s past, with curved industrial architecture.
There’ll be floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on this bustling corner of the city centre.
Junction will be decorated in peaches, sage greens and stone, with the designers’ envisioning a space that’s relaxed in the day but intimate and warm in the evenings.
It’s been designed by renowned local business Up North Architects.
The space will be open for coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner, ready to welcome locals and visitors alike, and will be a new workspace for freelancers or remote workers.
The entrance to Junction will be up the podium steps to the main entrance of Manchester Central.
Junction is a new restaurant that’s set to open at Manchester Central. Credit: Supplied
Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, said: “We are extremely excited to open Junction in the Spring. This is set to be an incredible space that will be open to everyone, all day, every day.
“It will be a place to game-plan the day with great coffee in the morning, catch up on emails at lunch, make connections with new contacts, and meet friends over cocktails and small plates in the evening.
“We don’t think there is anything like this on this side of the city, and we know it will be a huge boost to this area.”
Customers can sign up to receive the latest news and offers from the venue at junctionmanchester.com.
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Drinks prices for Manchester Oasis gigs announced – and you’ll be pleasantly surprised
Daisy Jackson
The prices of drinks at Heaton Park for the five huge Manchester Oasis shows have been released in advance.
With the Gallagher brothers reuniting on stage in their hometown for the first time this weekend (and then again next week), it’s a huge moment for our city.
Those lucky enough to snag tickets have already forked out a small fortune to witness this moment in history (still scarred from the dynamic pricing debacle).
And most of us were probably bracing to spend another small fortune on beers at the Oasis Manchester gigs.
But you might be pleasantly surprised at the drinks prices up at Heaton Park for Oasis Live ’25.
It’s now been confirmed that pints of lager and cider will be just £6.50.
Before you turn your nose up, remember that pints at our two arenas – the AO Arena and Co-op Live are now sitting around the £9 mark.
Prices for other drinks, like wine and spirits, we’ll have to wait until Friday to see.
Heaton Park will also be the home of the ‘largest beer garden’ and the longest bars in the city for the Oasis reunion.
With a major heatwave predicted for the first shows, fans are being encouraged to stay hydrated (on WATER, not beer, please).
Ticket-holders will be allowed to bring a sealed bottle of water up to 500ml in with you, but it must be collapsible plastic.
Solid plastic and metal containers will be rejected on safety grounds.
There’s a free water point on site where you can fill up your bottles again.
Oasis will perform at Heaton Park in Manchester on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
Daisy Jackson -
4th March 2024 
