Sacha Lord is ramping up excitement for another night of celebrating regional hospitality by once again giving away free drinks to locals at a mystery Manchester venue this weekend.
The Night Time Economy Adviser has shown his support for a number of local venues over the past couple of years, especially in the wake of Covid and the cost of living crisis – this is just his latest stunt in his efforts to show his support for local communities.
As teased in the post, details surrounding the night of complimentary drinks are scarce; the 52-year-old would only offer up notice of when Mancs will be told of the location and that the free drinks offer will run from 4-5pm this Sunday.
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In fact, it still remains unclear whether the chosen venue is a pub, bar or something else entirely; given that previous occasions have included hosting a secret gig in a derelict Manchester building which also included an open bar, it could be anything.
Other nights of freebies courtesy of Lord’s wallet have included footing the bill at the Thirsty Korean, giving away free chippy teas last Christmas, and even buying up billboard space to spotlight 10 Greater Manchester businesses.
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The Altrincham-born entrepreneur recently stepped away from his roles at Parklife and WHP to “focus on the next chapter”, insisting that the decision wasn’t an easy one, but continues to have a huge impact on nurturing the evening and late-night scene in the city centre and beyond.
But his roots in hospitality and the Night Time Economy at large have remained strong throughout, spotlighting other notable Manc food and drink figures like Gary Usher, who delivered what he dubbed “one of the best Sunday roasts” he’d had in years.
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It’s likely this won’t be the last time Sacha Lord hands out a load of free drinks to hordes of Mancs but you can guarantee the queue will be massive wherever it happens to pop up.
There’s been no shortage of appreciation for these nights in the past too, with commenters applauding his most recent covering of the bar tab at the. Long may it continue — we’ve got a lot of respect for anyone who always makes sure to get their round in.
We were at the Silly Country Droylsden when rocked up there, brilliant gesture. Massive boost for the local community. Good man all round, now get to Luxembourg
Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
Korean street food brand Bunsik is branching out, with a brand-new restaurant confirmed for the Trafford Centre.
Set to open later this year, the London-born brand will be bringing its viral Korean corn dogs – with cheese pulls that stretch as far as your arms will go – to the huge shopping centre.
As well as that, Bunsik is famed for classic Korean street food dishes like ttekbokki, crispy fried chicken, and kimbap.
The Korean favourite already has a popular site over in Manchester city centre, opening up on Piccadilly Gardens back in 2023.
Bunsik is set to open in the Trafford Centre’s The Orient food hall in June, taking over the old Shere Khan unit.
It joins other recent openings like Joe & The Juice, Jerk Junction, and the brand-new Eastern Garden dining area which is home to Blanchflower, Chit n Chaat, and Hello Oriental.
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Bunsik to Trafford Centre this summer.
“It’s a brand that brings something fresh, fun and exciting to our food lineup, and we know our visitors are going to love it.”
Korean corn dogs from BunsikThe existing Bunsik at Piccadilly Gardens
Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible love and support Manchester has shown us since we opened at Piccadilly Gardens.
“Seeing so many people enjoy our food every day gave us the confidence to believe that Bunsik could truly become a nationwide brand.
“It confirmed that the UK’s love for Korean street food is even stronger than we imagined.
“With that same energy and confidence, we are now thrilled to bring Bunsik to the iconic Trafford Centre. We hope our new home becomes just as beloved a spot for everyone in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We can’t wait to welcome you all very soon!”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester next month
Daisy Jackson
One of the world’s silliest and most-loved experiences is returning to Manchester this year, offering people the chance to step inside the world of Fawlty Towers.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience sees immersive theatre blend with a three-course dinner, bringing Britain’s most infamous hotel to life.
Fans of the hit 1970s comedy will enjoy two hours of mayhem led by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, all while tucking into a delicious era-appropriate meal.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has become an immersive dining phenomenon, scooping awards and selling out venues across the globe since launching almost 30 years ago.
In the years since, it’s welcomed more than one million guests, celebrated 13 years of its West End residency in London, and hosted celebrations for 50 years of the original BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.
And now it’s Manchester’s turn, with the event returning to our city between 3 and 15 February.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to ManchesterThe event is hosted by actors playing Basil, Sybil and ManuelAround 70% of the action is improvisedGuests are served a three-course 70s-inspired meal during the Faulty Towers experienceCredit: Rosie Powell
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience will be taking over the Voco hotel on Portland Street for a limited run, starring Aaron Millard as ‘Basil’, Rebecca Norris as ‘Sybil’, and Simon Hourihan as ‘Manuel’.
You can definitely expect two hours of theatre, chaos, and a 70s-inspired three-course meal, but with around 70% of the performances completely improvised, we can’t tell you much more than that…
Producer Jared Harford said: “It’s such a joy to be bringing Basil and the team back to Manchester. After such an incredible 2025 celebrating 50 years of Fawlty Towers, we can’t wait to continue sharing the laughter, chaos and community spirit that make this show so special.”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in Manchester:
Tuesday 3 February to Sunday 15 February
Tuesday to Saturday – doors open 6.45pm, seating and show starts 7.30pm
Saturday and Sunday – doors open 12.45pm, seating and show starts 1.30pm
Ticket prices, all including three-course meal and two hour immersive experience:
Tuesday to Thursday dinner, and Saturday or Sunday lunch – £67.50 pp (including fees) Friday or Saturday dinner £71.50 pp (including fees). Bookings can be made via the box office on (+44) 020 3700 3138 or online at www.faultytowersdining.com
Danny Jones -
21st August 2024 
