Wolfpack Lager has launched a limited edition rugby-inspired beer that’s raising money for motor neurone disease
It's been found that MND is 15 times more likely to occur in rugby players, so it's a fitting time of year to be raising awareness and funds for crucial research.
London-based brewer Wolfpack Lager has created a special new rugby-inspired beer that is helping raise money for motor neurone disease and you can find it at a select few pubs in and around Greater Manchester.
Wolfpack Brewing Co. has teamed up with Stonegate Group, who operate around 4,800 pubs throughout the UK, to launch the aptly named ‘Second Row IPA’ in support of players like former professional rugby union star Ed Slater.
So, in an effort to help raise some money for the MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association) and awareness during this year’s Rugby World Cup, which kicked off last week, the pair have now released their brand new charitable beer across 400 different pubs — including several around our way.
With the crisp, floral ale with vibrant citrus notes being served right throughout the tournament and 20p of every pint sold going directly to the MNDA, Hargreaves, Wyles and all the Wolfpack team are hoping to raise lots of money for a crucial cause.
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As Oldham’s very own Kevin Sinfield has often echoed, “MND isn’t incurable, it’s underfunded”, so opportunities like the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which can help bring the issue to the forefront as Sinfield, Burrows, Weir and so many others have done in recent years, are so important.
Co-founder and former rugby union star Hargreaves said in a statement: “We are incredibly proud to be launching Second Row IPA in partnership with Stonegate Pub Group. We’ve set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £10,000 through sales of the beer to support the MNDA – a cause very close to our hearts as ex-rugby players.
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“Equally as importantly, we also want to raise awareness of the disease via this campaign and would encourage people to visit the MNDA website to learn more about why the fundraising is so vital.”
As for the Stonegate pub chain, Chief Commercial Officer, Melissa Wisdom, added: “We are proud to partner with Wolfpack and stand with the rugby and MND community to launch Second Row IPA to raise both awareness and important funds in the fight against MND.
“We hope our guests really enjoy this beer and join us in supporting such an important cause.”
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The Rugby World Cup ends on 28 October and you can try the brand-new Second Row Session IPA from any one these fine pubs between now and then, all of which are within or less than an hour from Greater Manchester:
Barley Mow – Warrington
Cross Keys Hotel – Knutsford
Kings Tap – Cheadle Hulme
Lord Eldon – Knutsford
Old Roebuck – Altrincham
Pride of the Peaks – New Mills
Red Bull – Eccles
White Lion – Disley
Willow Tavern – Failsworth
Although not currently available to order on the website, hopefully you’ll be able to purchase some Second Row and keep helping the charity whilst enjoying a beer soon.
Didsbury favourite Rustik has confirmed its will sadly be closing this month
Danny Jones
West Didsbury favourite Rustik has sadly announced it will be closing for food after a decade at the end of this month.
The beloved Burton cafe and bar has been a staple of the tight-knit foodie neighbourhood since 2015, but now the independent Irish eatery has confirmed that the business will be shutting down permanently in less than a fortnight.
Confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, 17 September, the casual Manc restaurant and hangout informed their loyal followers of the unfortunate news.
Unsurprisingly, their social media has been awash with condolences, collective sadness and support for the local institution.
Posting across all of their accounts, Rustik wrote: “After an unforgettable 10 years on Burton Road, the time has come to close our doors. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come — never in a million years did we imagine Rustik would grow into what it became.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single one of you who walked through our doors and supported us along the way. We poured everything we had — our time, our energy, our lives into making Rustik a space for everyone. And what a ride it’s been.
“From the chaotic, beautiful brunch shifts to late nights dancing on tables to ‘Wagon Wheel’, pushing through the challenges of COVID and helping our community with meals during hard times— we’ve done it all, together.
“To our amazing staff, past and present: thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the love you brought every single day. You helped build something truly special, and we’ll never be able to thank you enough.
“To the incredible musicians who filled our space with life — keep doing what you do. The noise complaints? 100% worth the unforgettable nights.”
The team go on to detail that the official closing date is Tuesday, 30 September, reiterating that it is “business running as usual until then” and urging fans to “come down, grab your last Rustik fix, and raise a glass with us one final time.”
Signing off with an emotional farewell, they add: “Lastly, a message close to our hearts: please support your local cafes, bars, and independents. Hospitality is tough right now, and they need your support more than ever.
“Thank you for the most incredible decade of our lives. It’s over and out from us.”
It goes without saying that we’re gutted to see Rustik go and know how much it meant not only to the Burton Road community, but also to the Didsbury community, Chorlton and many other Greater Manchester natives.
A ‘saucy’ new Korean fried chicken restaurant is opening in the Gay Village
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new Korean fried chicken restaurant and cocktail bar is set to open on Canal Street this week.
CLUK is promising some big deals and amazing giveaways to celebrate its launch in Manchester, including free food and prize draws.
The newcomer in the heart of the city will specialise in Korean-style crispy fried chicken, but also warming ramen bowls, and salt & pepper classics.
Signature dishes will include Korean cheese-powder fried chicken, and Cheese Volcano Chicken.
CLUK will also serve dishes like kimchi cheese loaded fries, salt & pepper chicken, and huge sharing platters.
You can customise your Korean fried chicken order by size, choosing between wings and boneless and picking a flavour out of honey garlic, sweet and spicy, honey mustard, and honey and sour.
They promise it’ll all be ‘saucy, crunchy, and seriously addictive’.
That’s all washed down with ice-cold beers and creative cocktails, like martinis, spritzes and sours.
CLUK is now open in the Gay Village in ManchesterA spread of CLUK dishesInside CLUK ManchesterFried chicken with Korean cheese powderInside CLUK Manchester
The CLUK team are hoping to create a fun late-night dining option for this buzzing corner of the city centre.
To celebrate its launch on Thursday 18 September, CLUK have announced a whole heap of promotions.
This includes free chicken bao for the first 50 guests to visit during the first five days.
Over the two week launch period, visitors can spin the wheel whenever you spend £12 – spend £24 and spin twice.
And there are big prizes available – the top prize is a £100 gift card or £50 cash, with other prizes including free drinks, food and a £3 voucher as a consolation prize.
Plus, anyone who buys a gift card and tops it up with £100 will receive a free beer or cider.
When those two weeks are up, CLUK will run a £1,000 prize draw.
Danny Jones -
11th September 2023 
