Archie’s has announced its latest venture – a hot-pink roller rink, diner and milkshake bar, set to open in Greater Manchester later this year.
Archie’s Atomic will be the legendary burger brand’s groundbreaking new leisure concept, also coming with an arcade area with an immersive gaming platform, private party rooms, and DJ decks.
The new venue at Trafford Palazzo will also, of course, be serving Archie’s legendary smash burgers, shakes, and waffles.
Set to be the largest roller rink in the North West, Archie’s Atomic will span a whopping 25,000 sq ft unit that was previously home to Next, with neighbours including NERF Action Xperience and Sea Life Manchester.
Family-owned Archie’s has invested £3m into the site, ready to reveal its 5,000 sq ft roller rink which will be decorated in the brand’s signature bright pink hues.
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Keen skaters of all ages will be welcomed to come for a spin, before kicking back in the dedicated milkshake bar.
Alongside the rink will be a state-of-the-art amusement arcade, and private rooms available to hire.
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Legendary Manchester burger bar Archie’s to open roller rink
The full Archie’s menu will be available, including VIP food and drink packages for the private party rooms.
The team behind the business want to recreate the all-American roller rink seen in their favourite childhood film.
Phil Holt, Project Manager at Archie’s, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Archie’s Atomic to Trafford Palazzo. This venue will be unlike anything seen before in the UK.
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“Combining our iconic food and décor with a retro roller disco feel, the new venue will be complete with huge LEDs, screens, state of the art arcade games and a vibrant atmosphere.
Legendary Manchester burger bar Archie’s to open roller rink
“We believe this will take the Archie’s brand to the next level and provide an unforgettable experience for our guests.”
Mark Whittaker, Executive Director of Retail and Leisure at Peel, commented: “Archies has been a great success at Trafford Palazzo, and we have no doubt this new concept is going to be received just as positively.
“When you put it alongside the great line-up of experience-led operators such as King Pins, Legoland, and Sealife, you’ve got everything you need for a fun and enjoyable day out at Trafford Palazzo.”
Archie’s Atomic will open its roller rink destination at Trafford Palazzo on Thursday 7 November at 10am, with bookings now live HERE.
The Salmon of Knowledge pub is opening a second site in Didsbury
Danny Jones
A recent addition to the Manchester hospitality scene is building on its early success and opening up another Irish bar over in Didsbury.
Northern Quarter’s Salmon of Knowledge, which launched back in September 2024, is one of countless Irish pubs across Greater Manchester but only a handful in the vibrant district.
Having taken over the much-loved old PLY site – which sadly closed its doors last summer – they had a job on their hands to reach the same heights as the legendary late-night pizza and shuffleboard joint, but these first few months have clearly gone well enough to expand.
The increasingly popular watering hole which is one of the few places around here where you can get Murphy’s (at least in the city centre) is much more than just an Irish-themed venue: it delivers regular live music, sports on the box and great food from local brand, The Last Stop – and Didsbury is up next.
Irish favourite The Salmon of Knowledge’s sister bar comes to Didsbury later this year. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
The caption goes on to read: “Big news, Didsbury. You called and we answered. The Salmon of Knowledge is swimming upstream to bring our second site to YOU very soon!
“By popular demand, we are expanding to the suburbs, so get ready for live music, great food, live sports, and gallons of Guinness. You heard it here first… stay tuned!”
As well as a wide variety of beverages beyond the obviously stunning stouts, fans will be glad to hear the Salmon will be bringing The Last Stop’s talents with them.
From the aesthetic, prices and drinks selection to the reliable New York influences on the Heaton Chapel-based vendor’s menu, we’ve been pretty big fans of this place since minute one.
Manchester, pay attention: The Salmon of Knowledge has some wisdom to bestow upon you — mainly how to pour a proper Guinness and have a grand auld time. 🇮🇪☘️
Although they are yet to give any more information as to when we can expect The Salmon of Knowledge Didsbury to open at present, we do have an indication of where it will be popping up.
It has now been confirmed that they will be taking over the former Dockyard pub (which still has locations in Salford Quays and Spinningfields), meaning that it will sit in the heart of the busy Didsbury Village strip, which should prove great for footfall.
Just like the Stevenson Square spot, live music and sports will accompany Didsbury’s new Irish bar as well and if the phrase ‘gallons of Guinness’ doesn’t get you excited, we don’t know what will.
New pasta kitchen Soots Pasta opens at Altrincham Market
Daisy Jackson
A little piece of pasta paradise has landed at Altrincham Market and it’s got a secret you won’t believe.
Soots Pasta has taken on a spot in the covered market, where owners and co-founders Ellie Proudfoot and Ruth Duarte are hand-making fresh pasta dishes.
They’ve named this fantastic little kitchen after their cocker spaniel, Soots.
Signature dishes here include a satisfying swirl of thick ravioli, stuffed with ricotta and served on a bed of pumpkin puree and sage butter.
There’s also a vibrant green pesto tagliatelle, laced with basil, lemon and pistachio.
As for small plates, there’s freshly-made focaccia with three different butters, plus crunchy tomato arancini.
Soots Pasta is the first solo venture for Ellie, who used to work as a private chef as well as at restaurants around the region.
Soots Pasta in Altrincham Market. Credit: The Manc GroupSoots Pasta in Altrincham Market. Credit: The Manc Group
She’s taken her background – which includes culinary school in France – to create this modern European menu that takes inspiration from Italy.
What’s not immediately obvious, on reading the menu or eating it, is that everything on the Soots Pasta menu is entirely vegan – and they have gluten-free pasta available on request.
The pair hope that Altrincham Market will be a launchpad to them eventually opening their first restaurant, as it’s done for so many businesses that came before it.
Soots Pasta is on Pott Street in the covered market, and is open Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 14 January.
Daisy Jackson -
20th July 2024 
