Eats

The UK’s first plant-based barbecue drive-thru to open in Manchester

Meatless Farm is taking over Secret City to launch its pioneering plant-based ‘barbe-thru’ concept.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 29th July 2021

The UK’s first ever plant-based barbecue drive-thru is launching in Greater Manchester this summer.

Meat substitute brand Meatless Farm – which aims to improve health through better eating and reduced dependency on intensive farming – is taking over Secret City in Trafford to launch a pioneering plant-based ‘barbe-thru’ concept.

Located at EventCity right next to the Trafford Centre, the M*** F*** Barbe-Thru three-day pop-up is open to pass through or park up – with picnic benches available to enjoy some “banging beats, barbecue eats and bar drinks”.

A menu is also being served from the grill – including a plant-based ‘Katsu Dog’, loaded fries, and so much more. 

The country’s leading meat substitute brand Meatless Farm is taking over Secret City in Trafford next month / Credit: Meatless Farm

Speaking ahead of the launch, Morten Toft Bech – Founder of Meatless Farm – said: “Our M*** F*** Barbe-thru is serving up a double helping of bangers from both the grill and DJ to celebrate the summer and bring people back together after a challenging year.

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“We want to show people they can still fire up and enjoy delicious barbecue foods without meat so it becomes a preference rather than an option.”

The M*** F*** Barbe-Thru is arriving on Monday 9 – Wednesday 11 August, and will be open from midday – 8:30pm.

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The first 50 visitors each day will receive a free barbecue dish, otherwise prices start from just £5.

Meatless Farm is also giving 50% off for those in electric cars, on bicycles, or e-scooters.

The pioneering UK-first plant-based ‘barbe-thru’ concept will take over Secret City / Credit: Meatless Farm

The M** F** Barbe-Thru

  • Monday 9th – Wednesday 11th August
  • 12pm – 8:30pm daily
  • Secret City, Phoenix Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7TB

Featured Image – Secret City / Meatless Farm

Eats

Inside One Eight Six as Manchester cocktail bar finally reopens two years after devastating New Year’s Eve fire

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Inide One Eight Six as it prepares to open after a fire.

One Eight Six, the Manchester cocktail bar that was destroyed in a blaze on New Year’s Eve, is finally ready to reopen.

The stunning subterranean bar and live music venue has been closed since the very early hours of 2022, when a fire broke out shortly after the midnight countdown.

Terrifying CCTV footage at the time showed balloons across the ceiling catching fire and around 170 people fleeing the blaze.

It’s since been confirmed that the cause of the fire was real pine Christmas trees that were fastened to the ceiling, set alight by celebratory sparklers inside the bar.

Ever since that fateful night, One Eight Six has been quiet – until now.

The popular Deansgate bar is finally ready to quite literally rise from the ashes, having undergone an extensive refurbishment.

Its interior was completely destroyed in the New Year’s Eve fire, but has been reborn better than ever before.

Customers will again enter the bar through a barbershop at street level, with in incredible twisting neon light feature hanging from the ceiling.

The stage is set for more late-night live music at One Eight Six in Manchester.
The stage is set for more late-night live music at One Eight Six in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Customers enter One Eight six through a barbershop on Deansgate.
Customers enter One Eight six through a barbershop on Deansgate. Credit: The Manc Group
One Eight Six's original interior was destroyed in the New Year's Eve fire
One Eight Six’s original interior was destroyed in the New Year’s Eve fire. Credit: The Manc Group

Then after heading down the stairs you’ll find yourself in an art deco speakeasy, with the stage set for live music until the early hours.

Huge curved velvet booths in shades of pink and red will provide guests with a luxurious night out setting.

One Eight Six has installed opulent black marble floors and glowing light arches too – not to mention a giant ‘One Eight Six’ sign in mirrors.

Walls and pillars have been covered in even more mirrors to reflect the huge mirror ball and stage lights.

Founder Dean Mac said: “After nearly two years, we are finally allowed to be back on our feet giving the people of Manchester what they have been waiting so patiently for.

“Thank you again for sticking with us and supporting our journey this far. This new chapter of ONE EIGHT SIX will be better than ever. Same vibe. Same location. Just a whole lot sexier…”

It’s all looking pretty luxurious – just like before.

One Eight Six will officially open its doors this weekend on Deansgate, with bookings live here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Eats

Namaste Nepal – West Didsbury favourite reveals new look and even more phenomenal curry

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Namaste Nepal, one of the best restaurants in West Didsbury – if not all of south Manchester – has undergone a big refurbishment, with new menu dishes to boot.

The family-run business has become a local institution over the last 15 or so years, famed for its comforting, authentic Nepalese food. 

For the first time since it opened, Namaste Nepal has had a full-scale cosmetic transformation to become a modern – but still cosy and welcoming – neighbourhood restaurant. 

You’ll now find green suede, gold, and marble, in amongst the Nepalese artefacts on the shelves. 

Namaste Nepal is known for its menu of curries and street food which takes influences from India and China.

One of its hero dishes is its handmade Momocha dumplings, which are stuffed with lamb mince and topped with a classic peppery, spicy sauce.

There are platters of mixed shashlik, the meat slow-cooked in the tandoor oven; fiery traditional Chwela; and Kantipur Methi, where Tandoori chicken and minced lamb are mixed together. 

Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group
Namaste Nepal is a much-loved Nepalese curry house in West Didsbury. Credit: The Manc Group

Curries range from the mouth-numbingly spicy (looking at you, vegetable naaga) to a crowd-pleasing Makhan Chara (aka butter chicken).

There’s plenty to keep vegetarians well-fed, from saag paneer to aloo gobi. 

Namaste Nepal has been spicing up our lives since 2005 and is well and truly standing the test of time. 

The restaurant is taking bookings for Christmas now. 

You can find Namaste Nepal at 164-166 Burton Road, West Didsbury.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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