When the country first locked down back in March, the closestany of us came to sipping a cocktail was cracking open those pre-mixed tins available in supermarkets.
For fourteen long weeks, cocktail artists in Manchester had to put down the shakers, leave spirit bottles resting gently on the side, and hang up the glassware.
In July, the return of the cocktail crowd was great to see – but it was fleeting.
Manchester went back into hibernation in November – and suddenly we were left without access to the city’s classiest, most colourful drinks.
What you may not know, however, is that one local business is actually still serving.
By creating and carrying cocktail-making kits to doors around the region, Cocktail Delivery Service is giving Mancs full access to the kind of infused concoctions we were used to enjoying so much pre-lockdown.
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Designed by skilled mixologists, the kits have apparently been created with ease in mind – so all you need to do is add ice and pour.
There’s some cracking options on the menu, too – ranging from classics like Pornstar Martini and Espresso Martini, to weird and wonderful mixes like Unicorn Gin.
There’s also a Chocolate Orange kit available – made with Baileys and flavoured liqueur.
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If the sound of these tipples tickle your fancy, you can save a bit of money when you head to the checkout.
By using the discount code – ‘MANC’ – you can enjoy 10% off every product!
Head over to their Cocktail Delivery to place an order of drink-making kits and make sure you’re all set to get through another weekend of lockdown.
Glitzy Spinningfields bar famed for its bottomless deals shuts down
Daisy Jackson
Popular cocktail bar group Banyan has suddenly closed its glitzy bar in the heart of Spinningfields.
The restaurant and bar, which is part of the Arc Inspirations group that also operates Manahatta and Box, has shut down with immediate effect.
A sign has been posted in the window of the Spinningfields site of Banyan confirming its closure.
Banyan opened in 2018 and was the second site for the brand, which has been operating out of the Corn Exchange since 2015.
Inside, the huge 7,000sq ft space was split into spaces for drinking, dining and dancing, including a large mezzanine and a huge white marble bar.
Banyan is famed for its bottomless deals, whether that’s a classic bottomless brunch or their bottomless Sunday roast (endless Yorkshire puddings, gravy, wine, and roast potatoes).
It also offered two-for-one cocktails, all day every day.
The bar stands on the side of Spinningfields, directly opposite The Ivy and alongside The Alchemist.
Banyan in Spinningfields has shut downThe note in the window of Banyan
But now it has permanently closed its doors, thanking people for their custom over its almost-decade in Manchester.
The sign on the door says: “Banyan Spinningfields is now permanently closed.
“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we’ve loved being part of this wonderful city and have made so many friends.
“Don’t be a stranger, we’d love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in the Corn Exchange. Team Banyan.”
Bangkok Diners Club moves out of Ancoats just months after Michelin Guide win
Daisy Jackson
Bangkok Diners Club, the critically-acclaimed restaurant above the Edinburgh Castle pub, has closed its restaurant space.
The Thai restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide last October, not long after taking over the upstairs of the popular pub.
It also received a rave review in The Guardian from restaurant critic Grace Dent, who said it would be ‘one of Manchester’s hottest dining tickets’.
But now Bangkok Diners Club has decided its time in Ancoats is up, and has closed its beautiful restaurant space with immediate effect.
In an email sent to customers with reservations, they wrote that Bangkok Diners Club ‘sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle’.
Owners and husband-and-wife team Ben and Bo Humpheys aren’t leaving things there though, announcing plans to move into the Exhibition food hall on Peter Street.
Co-owner Ben Humphreys outside Bangkok Diners Club. Credit: The Manc GroupThe food earned them a place in the Michelin Guide. Credit: The Manc Group
They’ll be joining MoreJoy and pasta concept Anatra in the space, but bidding farewell to their own dedicated restaurant for now.
The email sent to customers reads: “We have just noticed that the system has allowed you to make a reservation during a time that we are closed. We apologise that this has happened.
“Ben and Bo are cooking at Exhibition during 2026 and Bangkok Diners Club sadly won’t be returning to Edinburgh Castle.
“Sincerest apologies for all the inconvenience caused.”
The Manc -
19th November 2020 
