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.
Festive Bakes return as Greggs unveils its Christmas menu for 2024
Emily Sergeant
Greggs has unveiled its Christmas menu for 2024, and that means the Festive Bake is back again in all its glory.
The UK’s most-popular high street bakery chain has officially revealed the first round of its festive food and drink offering for the 2024 season, and there’s a few brand-new goodies joining the lineup this year, along with the return of some undeniable fan-favourites.
And of course, nothing spells Christmas at Greggs quite like the Festive Bake, right?
The chain’s classic crumb-coated pastry filled with chicken, sage and onion stuffing, and sweetcure bacon in a creamy sage and cranberry sauce goes down an absolute treat each year, and is a serious fan-favourite, so it’s no surprise it’s made a comeback for 2024.
‘Tis the season! Get ready to taste a ‘rapturous riot of flavour’ declares @Nigella_Lawson because the Festive Bakes are returning!
Thankfully for plant-based foodies, the Vegan Festive Bake has also made a comeback this year after being absent in 2023.
Another returning Greggs festive favourite this year is the Christmas Lunch Baguette, which is a freshly-baked baguette “jam-packed full of festive flavours”, alongside the brand-new Festive Flatbread with sage and onion-style chicken, sweetcure bacon, mayo and cranberry and red onion relish.
When it comes to sweet treats, the second round of the Greggs’ festive menu set to be released in late November is expected to feature lots more goodies, but for now, the yummy Toffee Fudge Muffin, and the indulgent Chocolate & Hazelnut Flavour Doughnut have both returned to satisfy your sugar cravings.
The festive drinks lineup this year includes some sweet new additions, alongside the popular Mint and Orange mochas and hot chocolates, and the Salted Caramel Latte.
Gingerbread is the new flavour for 2024, and you can get Gingerbread Lattes both hot and iced, as well as a Gingerbread Flat White.
All drinks are topped with whipped cream, and come with a range of festive sauces and toppings.
The 2024 Greggs Christmas menu is now available to tuck into across the UK from this Thursday (7 November).
Featured Image – Greggs
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‘Dashing dachshund’ pop-up cafe to welcome hundreds of sausage dogs to Manchester this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Big dachshund fan? Love seeing lots of little sausage dogs in the same place? Looking for your little pup to make some sausage friends?
Well, you’re in luck, as the Dachshund Pup Up Cafe is back at the end of next month, and if the concept of the popular event wasn’t flipping cute enough already as it is, this time around, it’s a Christmas-themed edition, and it’s all sounding set to be the perfect festive day out in the city with your four-legged friend.
If you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit early, then the ‘Dashing Dachshund’ pop up cafe – or we should say ‘pup up cafe’ – is returning to Manchester next weekend.
The adorable event will be filling a popular city centre venue with loads of sausage dogs to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
A ‘dashing dachshund’ pop-up cafe is coming to Manchester this Christmas / Credit: The Pup Up Cafe
Last year, more than 250 dachshunds visited the cafe to join in on the festive fun, and this year is expected to be no different, as the event organisers have secured a large city centre space for all the dogs to roam free.
Sausage dog owners and dachshund fans can mingle with many furry little friends, take part in a range of seasonal activities, and stock up on dachshund-related goodies as early Christmas presents.
The pups themselves can enjoy unlimited dog treats and free puppuccinos, while playing until their heart’s content with other sausages.
It’s all sounding set to be the perfect festive day out with your four-legged friend / Credit: The Pup Up Cafe
With up to 50 sausage dogs allowed per session, and festive fancy dress very much encouraged, each pup will get a Christmas present on arrival at the party, and will even have the chance to win some extra prizes if they’re the best dressed.
A dedicated photographer will be getting snaps of each session and there’ll be loads of Christmas props to use in the pictures.
So, if you fancy joining The Pup Up Cafe for “a sausage mad day” when it arrives in Manchester for Christmas on Sunday 17 November, then tickets will set you back £12 if you’re a sausage dog owner, and £15 if you’re just a dachshund fan who’s keen to go along for the fun anyway.