It’s been one heck of a long year, but December is finally here.
As England’s second national lockdown has now come to an end, and the country has returned to the three tiered regional system – with Greater Manchester under Tier 3 restrictions – there’s never been a more worthy time to treat yourself to a takeaway.
And what better way to do so than with a festive-themed feast too?
With everything from chippys and pizza parlours, to Indians, burger joints and health food kitchens, there’s plenty of beloved independent and Manchester-based eateries across the region that are #StillServingMCR on Deliveroo and embracing everything the festive season has to offer with some limited edition Christmas specials.
We’ve rounded up a few of the best to get stuck into this weekend.
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BIRD
Salford
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BIRD is London’s original fried chicken and waffles joint.
Founded in Shoreditch in 2014, after having perfected the art of frying, BIRD has now brought its rave reviews and knock-out house recipes right here to Manchester.
As well as helping yourself to the main menu, if you’re after a Christmas treat, The Christmas Burger is a BIRD-style turkey escalope on a bed of roquette and mayonnaise, stacked with sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets and topped with cranberry sauce.
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If a festive burger feast sounds like it’s right up your street this weekend, BIRD is #StillServingMCR across Greater Manchester.
You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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Crazy Pedro’s
Northern Quarter
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Manchester’s cult-favourite “part time pizza parlour” Crazy Pedro’s truly is embracing the festive season with everything it’s got this year, having introduced the Lockdown 2.0: Nightmare Before Christmas pizza earlier last month, which features none other than pigs in blankets, pepperoni, fresh chillies and burrata.
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Need we say more?
If you fancy feasting on festive pizza this Christmas, Crazy Pedro’s is #StillServingMCR at a number of locations across Manchester.
You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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Fosters Fish and Chips
Didsbury
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Fosters Fish and Chips – based at Anchors in West Didsbury – aims to “reclaim the nation’s favourite dish” and bring it into the 21st century, with an unmissable batter made from entirely-natural ingredients (and a very-secret something too).
There’s an impressive six ‘Christmas Specials’ to tuck into this month.
With everything from Battered Pigs in Blankets and Stuffing Balls, to the Battered Turkey Burger with Cranberry Gravy, Breaded Camembert and Deep Fried Christmas Pudding, you really can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a festive feast.
If you like the sounds of your classic chippy tea with a festive twist this weekend, Fosters Fish and Chips is #StillServingMCR at a number of locations in Greater Manchester.
You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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KBK
Ancoats
KBK / Deliveroo
Renowned health food kitchen KBK has the perfect balance of keeping healthy and still tasting bloody great at the same time, and you can tuck into everything from wraps, kebabs and tacos, to salads and a selection of jam-packed box meals.
There’s also two Christmas specials on the menu – Pigs in Blankets, and the KBK Christmas Wrap.
So, if you fancy your food a little on the healthier side but no less festive this Christmas, then KBK is #StillServingMCR at a number of locations across Manchester.
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You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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Rudy’s
Ancoats & Peter Street
Rudy’s / Deliveroo
How does a festive take on award-winning Neapolitan pizza sound?
Believing Neapolitan pizza to be the best in the world, Rudy’s dough is made fresh daily using Caputo 00 flour – which has been left to ferment for at least 24 hours – alongside the best quality ingredients imported twice a week from Naples, including San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius, and Fior di Latte mozzarella.
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It’s the best of the best.
And there’s a Rudy’s Christmas Special too – a pumpkin cream base pizza, topped with bufala mozzarella, rosemary roasted potatoes, sage roasted brussel sprouts and diced pancetta – so, if your taste buds fancy a festive trip to Napoli this weekend, Rudy’s is #StillServingMCR at a number of locations across Manchester.
You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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Bundobust
Northern Quarter
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Bundobust is well-known for its wide array of authentically-flavoured Indian street food.
As fresh and vibrant as on the streets that created them, Bundobust’s dishes are designed to be shared, and it’s recommend that you tuck into two/three per person.
The festive specials this year include Sprout Bhajis, the traditional Festive Curry making a return, and a new sweet addition to the menu in the form of the Mince Pie Paratha – a flaky flatbread filled with spiced dried fruit, citrus, and coconut.
Christmas Combo Meals are also available.
Has the traditional taste of India got your tongue tingling? Bundobust is #StillServingMCR across Manchester this Christmas.
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You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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The Chippy on Burton Road
West Didsbury
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The Chippy On Burton Road is a traditional chippy with a modern Manchester twist.
Not only is its cod and haddock MSC certified, but the sausages are made by award-winning butchers Axon of Didsbury, the pies are produced by award-winning Bowen of Chorley, and the eatery fries all its food using sunflower oil instead of palm oil – which is far lower in saturates and ethically sourced – and uses either compostable or recyclable packaging where possible.
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The menu is chocked full with festive specials too, featuring everything from turkey goujons and stuffing balls, to brie & cranberry parcels and a ‘Pig in a Duvet’.
It also stocks a wide range of soft drinks and alcohol that is made in Manchester.
Chippy tea with a splash of festive flavour sound like the one? The Chippy on Burton Road is #StillServingMCR at a number of locations across Greater Manchester.
You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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Wholesome Junkies
Ancoats
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Wholesome Junkies is no doubt a beloved hotspot for foodies here in Manchester, and is known around the country for its 100% vegan junk food.
Yes, you heard that right – everything on the wide-ranging menu is plant based.
The festive offerings this year include the Festive Burger – a chargrilled 1/4 pounder with cheese, bacon rashers, crispy stuffing patty, charred sprouts, cranberry sauce, festive mayo and onion gravy in a toasted brioche bun – and the extra-special sides of Festive Fries and Festive Tots come loaded with festive salt, onion gravy, charred sprouts, festive mayo, cranberry chutney, crispy shallots and bacon bits too.
If it’s a plant based party you’re after this weekend, Wholesome Junkies is #StillServingMCR at a number of locations across Greater Manchester.
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You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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Don Giovanni
Oxford Street
Don Giovanni
Don Giovanni is Manchester’s oldest independently-owned Italian restaurant and it has been proudly serving the city for over 36 years.
The classic, all-year-round menu sure is a thing of beauty in itself, but the festive offerings this year include Suprema di Pollo, Crostata di Salmone, and a range of other mouth-watering treats, with the standout by far being the Tacchino Arrosto – an Italian take on a roast turkey dinner, with potatoes, carrots and pigs in blankets, served with gravy and cranberry jam.
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If it’s an Italian take on Christmas you’re in the mood for this weekend, Don Giovanni is #StillServingMCR at a number of locations across Manchester.
You can view menus and place your order via Deliveroo here.
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That’s not all either.
If we’re going to give a shoutout to all the places with festive feasts on the menu this month, then we may as well save you some pennies too while we’re at it, so we’ve organised a £10 off Deliveroo discount code for our audience of loyal Mancunians.
New Deliveroo customers can get £10 off their first order – using the code “MANC10” – when spending over £15 at restaurants in Manchester.
The offer is valid from now until 6th December 2020.
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The Manc Group has partnered with Deliveroo to help local restaurants deliver during lockdown as part of our #StillServingMCR campaign.
Working alongside Deliveroo, The Manc will ensure all restaurants on the service will get the amplification they need across our social platforms. We’ll update our one million-strong audience on your latest updates and deals and we’ll create conversations with the masses about our favourite scran from your menus.
Basically, we will champion you, and we will go above and beyond to do it.
The best graduation deals and freebies in Manchester this celebration season
Danny Jones
To all those completing their university degrees this year, first off: congratulations – and second of all, we’re sure you’re looking forward to making the most of all those graduation deals, offers and free stuff you can grab in Manchester this year.
We know we were when it was our time (longer ago than we’d like to admit…)
The post-graduation ceremony meal – hopefully at least one final meal your parents are happy to cover the bill for before sending you out into ‘the big wide world’ – is a truly special one, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t still look for savings where you can.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of graduate deals and freebies available in central Manchester for the class of 2026.
15 of the best offers and free things for 2026 graduates
1. Fenix – St. John’s
What is it: One of the best restaurants in Manchester, serving up plates featuring plenty of Greek heritage as well as modern-Mediterranean, elevated cuisine from one of the city centre’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
The offer: Special lunch menu noon until 3:45pm set at just £37.50 or sit down for dinner from £45.50; both include a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and you can even walk away with an engraved bottle of Champagne to take home with you. Available 1 July until 1 August – reserve your table while you can.
2. The Alchemist – Central, Spinningfields and Salford Quays
What is it: Manc-born mixologists and cocktail bar chain which started in Spinningfields, before opening on New York Street and beyond and going on to be a staple of the UK hospitality scene.
The offer: A complimentary ‘Cosmic Oyster’ for everyone around your table when booking ahead – you can do so HERE.
What is it: Stylish London-centric seafood and grill with Japanese and Robata-inspired cuisine, best-known for sushi, steak and their famous caramelised black cod dish.
The offer: Extensive sharing-style menu priced at £55 a head, including all the highlights and a gratis glass of Henriot Champagne for every guest, available until 24 July; you can reserve your spot now.
What is it: A canalside cornerstone of the Castlefield community, with a large outdoor terrace and beer garden, complete with a dedicated cocktail hut on busy sunny days, and two cosy floors inside.
The offer: Graduation set menu, with options for two or three courses and a glass of fizz on them, running from 6-31 July. Find out more.
What is it: Boutique city centre hotel just off Market Street offering numerous luxuries, including afternoon tea packages, set menus and more from the in-house restaurant, tender by award-winning chef Niall Keating, as well as various high-end rooms.
The offer: Free glass of cava with bookings, simple as that; available all throughout July and August.
What is it: Stunning, homely gastropub and bistro with multiple rooms across two floors, as well as a large terrace with various open-air and covered areas.
The offer: Happy hour drinks for your entire party and the chance to be the one lucky winner who’ll have the ENTIRE overdraft paid off in full by the team as part of a prize draw. Book and find the full terms and conditions right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
7. Piccolino – Central, Didsbury, Bramhall, Hale, Wilmslow and Knutsford
What is it: Popular British chain of Italian restaurants operated by the Individual Restaurants Group (IRG), with numerous locations across the country.
The offer: Graduates get a complimentary glass of champagne alongside their classic recipe tiramisu on the house. Booking in advance is advised.
What is it: Another one of the IRG brands, offering similar Italian cuisine as well as great deals and an expanded drinks menu.
The offer: Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Credit: The Manc
9. The Lowry – Salford
What is it: One of Greater Manchester’s most famous hotels, located right on the edge of the city centre, with a highly-rated bar and restaurant to boot. Needs no introduction really.
The offer: Those staying in town for their ceremony can enjoy a luxurious stay with 10% off the best available rate, plus 15% off food and drink, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, AND 50% off a second room for family members, too. A perfect package for out-of-towners – you can book HERE.
What is it: One of the best curry houses in all the region, specialising in contemporary Indian food and Pakistani flavours, too.
The offer: Their popular annual graduation deal is back for 2026, with the customary welcome drink making a return alongside a signature pudding to finish off; make sure to write ‘graduation’ and add ‘dessert’ in the booking notes. They’re also right near the main uni stretch, which is always handy.
What is it: ‘Feast of the Wise’ graduation menus are available from £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, both including a complimentary glass of Prosecco
The offer: ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menu – £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner – with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Credit: The Manc
12. Browns – Central
What is it: A mainstay of the King Street strip, just around the corner from Cibo and The Rex hotel (another good option for those stopping over), specialising in British and European brasserie classics.
The offer: Receive a complimentary glass of Browns’ very own Champagne for the graduate and every accompanying guest, with two courses for £29 or a trio for just £36. You can book HERE.
What is it: Authentic Lebanese cuisine in a classy city centre setting, with covered outdoor seating and some great vegan options, too.
The offer: Graduates and guests can enjoy a 25% student discount, a wrap and fries offer for £10.95, or mark the occasion with a full ‘Graduation Feast’ for £32.50, including a free glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative. *This offer cannot be used alongside other offers, however.
Credit: The Manc
14. Chotto Matte – St. Michael’s
What is it: A sky-high rooftop food and drink spot where Japan and Peru meet in an incredible fusion that makes for a fantastic culinary experience.
The offer: ‘Nikkei’ dining experience throughout July, with a curated sharing menu (£40pp/£35 for vegetarians) and a complimentary glass of Pommery Champagne for the graduates.
What is it: The Yorkshire-born brand now serving up us locals from their New York St site and arguably one of the best places for a posh tea or meal out no matter the occasion, with top-quality steak, seafood, bubbles and more.
The offer: Three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff – pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Stockport bar that took a chance on Underbanks announces shock closure
Daisy Jackson
A bar owner who was called ‘mad’ for opening his business at The Underbanks in Stockport has announced he’s closing down for good.
The Cracked Actor was launched by actor Joe Patten back in 2019, long before the Underbanks was considered one of the coolest districts in Greater Manchester.
Joe said he ‘saw the beauty in those bricks’ and took a chance on the unit on Little Underbank, transforming it into a Victorian-inspired blues bar.
And although other operators told him he was ‘mad for opening anything on that street’, Joe proved everyone wrong, and The Cracked Actor became a real Stockport favourite.
Sadly, he has now announced that The Cracked Actor will be closing its doors in just a few weeks’ time.
Joe said that he wants the business to ‘go out at its height’, stressing that ‘it’s not a sad note we are closing The Cracked Actor – it’s more of a thank you for getting me all I had dreamed of’.
He wants to focus his attention on other projects, like The Banshee and Holy Diver.
His full statement reads: “So Stockport, its taken a long old time to make this decision. But some things have to end on a high. And boy its been a whirlwind.
“The Cracked Actor was my first bar in Stockport and has always weathered the storm. Sadly, these days I have a lot going on. And some things take away from the attention I can pay to my little bar. I want to call time on The Cracked Actor and go out at its height. It’s odd as I have always defended this bar against everything it came up against in this climate. I thought I would always pass this bar down to my kids.
“But it feels the right time to call time. This bar got me on the map and its opened the doors to soo much more that came afterwards. We now have The Bansbee and Holy Diver and exciting opportunities are always pulling me away from where I started.
“I want to focus on whats next and make sure what I’m doing has my full attention. So it’s not a sad note we are closing The Cracked Actor, it’s more of a thank you for getting me all I had dreamed of the day it opened.
“When I opened the bar 7 years ago every bar owner called me mad for opening anything on that street. Now its booming with bars that have come after wards. Some times you just gotta see the beauty in those bricks.
“I want to pay a massive thank you to my fiance Amy, whome without this bar would have closed 4 years ago. She took to it and saw how much it meant to me. And her Aiden and Oliver bought it back from a slump. Shes bought it back to all its glory and made it better than I ever could have,working endless hours.
“I want to thank all my customers many of of them who have been coming since day one Gary. TeJ & Gary, Boby Dylan, Simon and Ash, to name a few.
“We will be open for the next Two weeks to have a massive send of. And our final day to public will be Saturday 11th July. With a private send of on 12th.”
Emily Sergeant -
4th December 2020 
