Eats

Manchester institution Cafe Metro forced to close as developers swoop in

The family business, run by father and son team George and Michael Stavrinou, had sat opposite the Arndale for decades.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 13th January 2023

Manchester institution Cafe Metro has closed its doors for good after forty years trading in the city.

Despite the fact that the cafe has been a part of the fabric of the city centre for decades, owners explained in a heartfelt goodbye message that their hands had been forced to close due to pressure from developers.

Writing that it was with ‘regret and great sadness’ that they were closing their much-loved cafe, they went on to explain that they had come to the end of their lease and ‘the landlord’s plans to redevelop means that we can’t stay’.

The post also added that they had looked to relocate but had not been able to ‘find premises that come close to enabling us to offer our customers the same service and pricing.’

Image: The Manc Group
Image: The Manc Group

As a result, the longstanding family business has now ceased to trade – closing its doors for the final time on Christmas Eve 2022.

The full post read: “It is with regret and great sadness that we announce the closure of Cafe Metro. We have come to the end of our lease and the landlords plans to redevelop means that we can’t stay. Although we have looked to relocate we have not been able to find premises that come close to enabling us to offer our customers the same service and pricing.

“With Christmas Eve being our last day, George, Michael and the family would like to thank all our customers for their valued custom and support over the last 25 years, we’ve enjoyed serving you and will miss our chats about life in general, families, cars, F1, football, you name it we’ve probably talked about it.

Read more: BBC acquires US version of smash-hit reality show The Traitors and drops entire series on iPlayer

“Thank you to our valued staff for your hard work and support, particularly now in our final week and last but not least Aida who has been part of the Cafe Metro family for over 20 years – thank you for all your hard work and support until the very end.

“We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year 2023 & the very best for the future. Goodbye for now .”

Image: Cafe Metro
Image: Cafe Metro

Commenting on the announcement, one person wrote: “We only found out today! We went to the cafe for lunch .. we are devastated.. fabulous friendly Cafe Metro… my late husband and family always had lunch when we’re in town even my grand daughter was gutted today as she was looking for to your lovely food.

“We hope you find premises very soon it would be a great shame if not…. another door will open in 2023 !! We will see you back … best wishes The Thompsons xxc ”

Another comment read: “Only found out today George my mum was going in .Came home heart broke xxx”

Read more: Popular Canal Street restaurant named Manchester’s best in 2019 closes its doors

Run by father and son duo George and Michael Stavrinou, Cafe Metro first opened its doors in 1982 before relocating to its High Street location on the edge of the Northern Quarter after the IRA bomb destroyed its former premises.

It then relocated opposite the Manchester Arndale, serving up an unpretentious mix of butties, fish and chips and other British favourites.

The building is now sitting empty with a handwritten sign in the window that simply reads: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023. Thank you all.”

Feature image – Cafe Metro

Eats

Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade

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. 

Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in Manchester
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Breezer 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. 

Follow @breezer on Instagram for more.

18+, please drink responsibly.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Drinks prices for Manchester Oasis gigs announced – and you’ll be pleasantly surprised

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Drinks prices for Oasis at Heaton Park in Manchester

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.

You can see our full guide HERE.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

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