It has been absolutely beyond baltic in Greater Manchester in the last couple of weeks, and all we’ve wanted to do is crawl in front of a roaring fire.
Ideally, we’d have had a giant plate of gravy-covered food in front of us at all times, and a comfy armchair and a pint of Guinness is a bonus.
Thankfully the hills around Greater Manchester are packed with cosy country pubs, perfect for whiling away these chilly winter days.
We’ve picked out five of our absolute favourites here for you to add to your list.
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Expect big plates of locally-sourced food, many great pints, and plenty of character.
The Pack Horse, Hayfield
Credit: The Pack Horse Hayfield
We never stop rabbiting on about this cosy pub, and for good reason.
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Headed up by chef and co-owner Luke Payne, The Pack Horse in the village of Hayfield is an outstanding establishment.
Here is a pub where you can have a world-class meal that shows off the best of British produce, while sipping an ale, with muddy boots on your feet.
In the space of one week last year, it earned a double whammy of successes, scooping up a place in both the Michelin Guide and the Top 50 Gastropubs.
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The menu changes all the time, but you expect things like venison Wellington with local meat, wild rabbit and smoked pig’s head pies, and Shetland plaice with potted shrimp butter.
The Hearth of the Ram is one of those local boozers that makes you hop straight on Rightmove to consider relocating closer to it.
Opened back in 2012 in the village of Ramsbottom, the 200-year-old building has been given a facelift by its current owners.
They’ve built a lovely outdoor terrace during the long months of lockdown last winter too.
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It’s a delightful range of pub grub here, like sausage rolls made with Bury black pudding, baked Inglewhite goats cheese, and Goosnargh chicken supreme.
Take a walk up Peel Tower, take in the views, then come right back down to refuel by the roaring fire.
You don’t even need to cross the threshold of The White Hart to see why it’s one of the country’s best and most cosy pubs – just a glimpse of the views from its doorway are enough to win you over.
The building itself goes way back to 1788 and has at various points in its existence been a police station, a schoolhouse, a WWII look-out point, and a brewery.
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Now, it’s a gorgeous gastropubs with real ales and roaring fires for those who have just ventured over from the surrounding hills, but also an elegant brasserie for anyone wanting a top-notch dinner.
The brasserie menu is packed with steaks and hearty pub classics.
There’s a familiar face behind The Church Green – Manchester’s very own Aiden Byrne, who has run the pub with his wife for more than a decade.
Aiden was the youngest chef to win a Michelin star, at just 22 years of age, so you know the kitchen’s in very safe hands.
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You’d be a fool to visit and not order one of the Church Green’s pies, baked in a perfectly golden pastry with regularly changing fillings.
If, for some reason, you don’t like pie (get out), there’s also mains like salt aged duck with barbecued beetroot, grilled salmon and nduja linguine, and an enormous 12oz Beef Wellington to share.
During lockdown, the couple really turned their attention to the deli part of the business, so you can also take some of those pies home with you.
When most people think of pub drinks, they think of a nice cold pint, but if you’re a gin drinker this is the pub for you.
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The Saddleworth boozer is home to a world record-breaking selection of gins. If you ask to see the list, you’re handed a binder so heavy it would break a toe if you dropped it.
The 18th century building is one of the cosiest pubs in the country, tucked away in the Saddleworth village of Delph.
Its menu is hearty, and properly northern – we’re talking steamed rag puddings, steak and ale pie made with Timothy Taylors, and a four cheese and onion pie served with baked beans.
What to expect from Soho House when it finally opens in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Soho House Manchester is surely one of the city’s most hotly-anticipated (and long-awaited) new openings.
The luxury members’ club has been slowly transforming the Old Granada Studios in the city centre into a multi-storey hub that will include restaurants, bars, bedrooms, event spaces, a gym, and – notably – a rooftop pool.
At one point, its grand opening was locked in for 2022 – but now we’re in 2024 and still no official opening date has been announced.
But there’s good reason for that – you cannot rush perfection. And you can expect perfection when annual membership costs close to £3,000.
We may still be looking at the same set of artist impressions for Soho House Manchester, but after a whistle-stop tour of several other of their UK locations, we finally have an idea of what to expect from their first venture north.
One thing you’re guaranteed to find is attention to detail.
Not one inch of Soho House is overlooked when it comes to their design – every corner, nook and cranny has been considered and made beautiful.
Every site is different from the last, lifting inspiration from the building it takes over and the history of the local area.
Bedrooms at White City House in LondonA lounge area at Soho House’s White City HouseWhite City House’s barPen Yen, a Japanese restaurant in Soho HouseAnother Soho House lounge spaceThe rooftop pool at White City HouseClick or swipe through the gallery above to see inside Soho House’s White City House
For example, White City House, constructed within the iconic, circular former BBC HQ, has collages of nostalgic programmes, analog TVs stuck to the walls, and mid-century modern furniture that tastefully nods back to the building’s most significant era.
But then you head to the very first Soho House location, tucked in a tall townhouse in the heart of bustling Soho, and it’s all about elaborately patterned wallpapers, plump colourful cushions, chintzy curtains.
With Soho House Manchester taking shape inside Old Granada Studios, we can expect a nod to our city’s broadcasting heritage, probably some 1960s-inspired interiors (this building held the Beatles’ first television performance in 1962), and hopefully not a Hacienda stripe in sight…
You want another example of attention to detail? Every Soho House even has its own stripe, used on its towels and stationery and other items dotted around the spaces. For Manchester, it’s going to be a navy and ochre wave pattern.
So while there are similarities between every location, this is far from being a copy-and-paste brand.
The same applies to the customer service. It’s quite remarkable to sit and watch how staff at each House will greet members by name at just a glance, very much like that scene in The Devil Wears Prada but I can’t see a panicked Emily Blunt whispering in anyone’s ear here.
Another recurring feature at Soho House will be total privacy. There’s a strict no-photos policy that means even the most A-list of guests (yes, including Harry Styles) can relax and enjoy the space without the fear of having their picture sold to a tabloid.
The pool at Soho FarmhouseSoho Farmhouse bedroomsPrivate dining space at Soho FarmhouseThe ‘Lazy Lake’ hot tubs at Soho FarmhouseAnother Soho House restaurantA look around Soho Farmhouse before Soho House opens in Manchester
If you whip out a phone, you’ll be told politely but firmly not to take photos or videos… not that many people even try. The application process to become a Soho House member is rigorous, so once you’re in, almost everyone plays by the rules.
And it really is private. One does not simply walk into Soho House, even if you do have cash to spend. In fact, the only way you can set foot into these hallowed halls without being a member is to be invited as a guest of an existing member.
Memberships are generally offered to those working in the creative industries, so you’re never more than a few metres from artists, music industry bigwigs, actors, dancers, writers, designers and more.
Inside any one house, you probably will spot a famous face or two (on our trip to Soho Farmhouse I clocked a legitimate Hollywood A-lister), but you might not notice – they’ll be treated the same as every other guest, and will be relaxing safe in the knowledge that they’re not about to be pestered for a selfie.
Restaurants for Soho House Manchester haven’t been confirmed yet, but our tour of existing locations included several signature restaurants that would be very welcomed in our city.
We could get Pen Yen, a vibrant Japanese restaurant; or Little Berenjak, a sister site for the Persian restaurant in London that is so popular, it’s nigh-on impossible to get a table.
Picante, Soho House’s signature cocktailAttention to detail even includes complimentary condoms in the bedroomsAn event space in the original Soho HouseBikes at Farmhouse
One thing we’re sadly not likely to experience here in Manchester is the peace and tranquility enjoyed at Soho Farmhouse, where features include a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs sunk into the lake, pretty green bikes you can cycle around on, and cosy rooms built into wooden cabins or ‘piglet’ style huts.
But if you sign up for the ‘Every House’ membership, you can at least pay it a visit.
But what is on the cards for us is a rooftop pool with sunbeds and a bar; an enormous gym space (Soho House has said this is a priority, and after seeing how busy the gym at White City House is, I can see why), fitness studios; a steam room and sauna; a ninth-floor late-night bar and live music space; casual lounge areas serving food and drink; a formal restaurant; an events space with a bar and DJ booth; 23 bedrooms of varying sizes; and an 80sq metre two-bedroom private apartment. Phew.
Set to be the first Soho House site in the north, it will join other UK sites across London, in Oxfordshire, in Somerset, in Windsor and in Brighton.
An exact opening date for Soho House Manchester is expected to be confirmed soon.
Soho House Manchester – memberships and application process
The full membership gains you access to all 41 Soho Houses globally, and costs £2,950.
But if you want to just use Soho House Manchester, that will cost £1,925.
There are cheaper memberships available for under-27s.
As part of the application process, you’ll need to supply a headshot, information about your work and industry, links to your online profiles, and several other titbits about yourself.
It helps if you already know a couple of existing Soho House members who can refer you, too.
And you must confirm that you’ll abide by the house rules, which you can see here.
Soho House Manchester memberships are open now and you can apply here.
What’s on at Co-op Live, Manchester’s huge new arena with packed programme of gigs and shows
Dean Hadcock
The Co-op Live finally opens its doors in April 2024 and it already has a huge list of shows planned for this year and all the way into 2025.
Manchester’s newest arena, entertainment venue and arts space, which is the largest indoor arena in the UK, is set to host some huge musicians over the next year or so.
The massive venue officially opens on 23 April, with Greater Manchester legend Peter Kay lined up for the first performance.
Then it will be the Black Keys who take the honour of being the first music act on stage – and this venue has been built with music in mind.
Take That have also signed up for a frankly ridiculous SEVEN shows – but there’s sure to be plenty more revealed in the coming months.
Here’s the full list of artists confirmed for Co-op Live thus far.
What’s on at Co-op Live – gigs, comedy shows and other events
In chronological order, here all the Co-op Live gigs on the schedule over the next two years:
Peter Kay – 23-24 April, 2024
Peter Kay has been announced as the opening act for Co-op Live Arena. Credit: Supplied
Bolton’s finest export Peter Kay will be the official opening act for the Co-op Live Arena, after selling out shows for literal years into the future at the AO Arena. He’s promised to keep tickets the same price they were when he last toured more than a decade ago too. You can get yours here.
The Black Keys – 27 April, 2024
The Black Keys. Credit: Larry Niehues
This rock duo are behind massive hits like Lonely Boy and Gold On The Ceiling, and are stopping off at the Co-op Live for a very special gig. They’ll be performing not long after they release their twelfth studio album, Ohio Players, which features collaborations with names including Noel Gallagher, Beck, Greg Kurstin, Dan “The Automator” Nakamura and more. You can get tickets here.
A Boogie Wid Da Hoodie – 1 May, 2024
Known for his collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown and Meek Mill, rising star rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie will be one of the very first to perform at the Co-op Live. He’s on his way to being one of the biggest names in hip-hop.
Olivia Rodrigo — 3-4 May, 2024
Olivia will be hitting up Manchester during her GUTS World Tour. It’s in support of her second album of the same name, which was released back in September. The last time she was in Manchester, fans were shocked to see her casually singing and having a drink in Bunny Jackson’s after the show. Let’s see where she ends up post-gig this time in May.
Keane – 5 May, 2024
They’re back and they’re celebrating 20 years since their landmark debut album Hopes and Fears. They’ll be playing songs from throughout their career, performing the best of the best and to make things even better, they’ll also have support from Manchester’s own, The Lathums.
As if this wasn’t joyous news enough, wait until you see the supports… 👀
Somewhere Only We Know is going to sound magnificent in here.
Take That — 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 May AND 11-12 June (wow…)
They announced a new tour alongside the announcement of their ninth studio album, This Life. We obviously thought these big hitters would be doing a couple of shows here but no one expected their return to involve them ramming seven massive Manchester Co-op Live shows down our throats — not that we’re complaining.
We were going to do the ‘four naan, Jeremy?’ meme but they just kept adding dates…
Elbow – 14 May, 2024
It’s hard to believe Elbow have been going since 1997 since it wasn’t until 2008 they brought out their magnum opus The Seldom Seen Kid. Now here they are about to head on their first arena tour since 2018, celebration their tenth album, due for release early in the year.
Eric Clapton – 18 May, 2024
Adding one last show in Manchester to his UK tour, this is Clapton’s first performance here in over a decade. Expect him to be performing all his classics like ‘Tears In Heaven’ and ‘Layla’, as well as reminding everyone why he’s still at it so many years later.
With a huge legacy that includes multiple awards including a GRAMMY and a Tony, as well as officially surpassing Elvis for the longest-running residency in Las Vegas, our Barry has had quite the career. As for how he intends to spend next year, at least one chapter will include him coming to the Co-op Live for an exclusive Manchester-only show.
Nicki Minaj – 24 May, 2024
Nicki Minaj is coming to Manchester’s Co-op Live on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour
The ‘Queen of Rap’ Nicki Minaj is heading to Manchester as part of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour – her largest to date. The Starships and Anaconda singer is performing in celebration of her fifth studio album and will make the Co-op Live the first stop on her European leg of the tour.
Eagles – 31 May, then 1, 4, 7 and 8 June, 2024
Legendary US rock, country and folk band the Eagles have announced their last-ever UK gigs and Manchester’s Co-op Live arena has been given the honour of bidding them a British goodbye. One of the most successful and seminal bands of the 1970s and beyond, the LA hitmakers best known for tracks like ‘Hotel California’, ‘New Kid in Town’, ‘Desperado’ and countless others, are rounding off their global Long Goodbye tour with five final shows here in Britain and our city’s newest venue. Tickets are available here.
Pet Shop Boys – 9 June, 2024
Iconic UK duo Pet Shop Boys are bringing their incredible live Dreamland show to Co-op Live in June. The show’s already received a flurry of 5-star reviews and is a celebration of all of their greatest hits.
The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer – 13 June, 2024
Two absolutely massive names will come together to co-headline Manchester’s newest – and biggest – arena. Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning, alternative rock pioneers, The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer will gig alongside each other at Co-op Live.
James – 14 June, 2024
One of the longest-running Manc bands, James will be putting on a huge summer hometown show and have chosen to be one of the first artists at the Co-op Live next year to do it, with a little bit of help from Noughties icons Razorlight as support acts, no less.
Liam Gallagher is back and he’s heading out on a massive UK tour next year, with not one but THREE Manchester dates on the lineup. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Oasis’s massively influential debut album, Definitely Maybe, Liam will be embarking upon the ‘Definitely Maybe 30 Years’ arena tour in 2024.
The Killers – 18, 19, 21 and 22 June, 2024
The Killers have announced four massive arena shows here in Manchester for next summer on their Rebel Diamonds Tour. The Las Vegas indie rock legends have announced the tour to celebrate 20 years of hits together, and will release a brand new compilation album of the same name next week.
Pearl Jam – 25 June, 2024
These Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will be another huge rock name playing the Co-op Live, bringing their Dark Matter World Tour to the city. They’ll be supported by special guests The Murder Capital.
Megan Thee Stallion – 5 July, 2024
Megan Thee Stallion announces massive Manchester gig on Hot Girl Summer Tour
Megan Thee Stallion is visiting Co-op Live as part of her 31-city world tour, called the Hot Girl Summer Tour. She’ll be heading across the US and Europe with her first-ever headline arena tour, which will feature a special Chicas Divertidas VIP section. The star will visit several major cities in the states before beginning her international leg here in the UK on 4 July.
Stevie Nicks – 9 July, 2024
Stevie Nicks has announced a Manchester gig at Co-op Live. Credit: Publicity picture
Rock legend Stevie Nicks, famed for her work with Fleetwood Mac as well as her impressive solo career, will be in town in summer. These will Stevie Nicks’ first UK shows in almost seven years, and she’ll be one of the first rock acts to perform at Manchester’s shiny new Co-op Live arena.
Kings of Leon – 10 July, 2024
Kings of Leon have announced a new run of UK shows as part of their 2024 world tour, and they’ll be coming to visit us here in Manchester. Following on from the announcement of their brand-new album, as well as a headline performance at BST Hyde Park this summer, the beloved American rock band have now revealed details of their long-awaited Can We Please Have Fun World Tour that’s kicking off later this year. Tickets are on sale here.
Justin Timberlake – 8 August
Mr Sexy Back himself is indeed back, with the so-called Prince of Pop announcing a Manchester date on the European leg of his massive The Forget Tomorrow World Tour. He’s the voice behind songs like SexyBack, Mirrors, and Trolls hit Can’t Stop The Feeling.
Arijit Singh – 11 August
India’s undisputed superstar Arijit Singh will be delivering a night of massive Bollywood hits when he arrives in Manchester this summer. The multi-award winner has become one of the most sought-after playback singers in the Indian film industry, lending his voice to numerous hit songs.
Noah Kahan – 13 August, 2024
Singer-songwriter sensation Noah Kahan is heading to the Co-op Live next summer, showing off his incredible music from three full-length albums as well as his collaborations with Hozier and Julia Michaels. He had his highest album position in the UK to date with last year’s Stick Season.
Niall Horan – 27 August, 2024
He’s already announced he’ll be playing in Manchester at the AO Arena in March. He’ll be back though after his world tour ends as he’s also announced he’ll be playing at the Co-op Live in August. With Harry Styles an investor in the new arena, One Direction reunion when?
Jonas Brothers – 12 September, 2024 (RESCHEDULED from 17 June)
They’ve been doing their own solo stuff for so long that we almost forgot they were a highly successful boy band in the 2000 and 2010s. In case you weren’t aware, they’ve been back making music together since 2019 and in May released their sixth studio album, but we’re looking forward to them playing all the hits, of course. Alexa, play ‘Burnin’ Up’…
Pop phenomenon Melanie Martinez has just announced arena gig here in Manchester as part of her The Trilogy Tour. The singer is currently performing as her alter-ego ‘Cry Baby’, which involves her wearing an other-worldly mask that transforms her into a cat-like creature with four eyes and gigantic ears.
Glass Animals – 2 November, 2024
Glass Animals have announced details of their long-awaited global tour, including a gig here in Manchester. The Grammy and BRIT-nominated British band already have three studio albums to their names and smashed into the UK Singles Chart with their biggest hit, the four-times Platinum certified Heat Waves. That song? Oh yeah, it’s just the biggest international hit from a British band in almost 30 years.
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Hits Radio Live – 23 November, 2024
This night will bring together the biggest current names in music – previous years have featured Ed Sheeran, Busted, Sam Smith, Anne Marie, Lewis Capaldi, Rita Ora, Becky Hill, Tom Grennan and many, many more.
Sleep Token – 26 November, 2024
The fast-rising and genre-bending rock group Sleep Token have announced their biggest-ever headline tour in the UK and will be coming to Manchester later this year. The masked outfit is probably providing one of the most unique and sprawling sounds in the industry right now.
Charli XCX – 27 November, 2024
British singer Charli XCX has announced the tour in support of her forthcoming album BRAT, her sixth studio album. Charli XCX was discovered through Myspace way back in 2008, hitting the big time in 2012 with the release of the two-time platinum single I Love It. She went on to have huge success with tracks like Boom Clap and Doing It, as well as featuring on huge songs like ‘Fancy’ with Iggy Azalea and ‘Girls’ with Rita Ora.
Slipknot – 17 December, 2024
Heavy metal legends Slipknot will visit the Co-op Live on a massive European tour, which will celebrate 25 years since they first played on the continent. They’ll also bring Scottish heavy metal group Bleed From Within on the tour as support.
Slipknot will come to Manchester on their 2024 tour. Credit: Publicity photo
Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium – 30 January, 2025
Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium have announced a huge joint arena tour, including a date in Manchester, where they’ll be playing their respective albums in full to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Both bands will be performing at the Co-op Live arena as part of The Poisoned Ascendancy UK Tour in 2025.
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Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – 6 April, 2025
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds will be coming to Manchester as part of a monumental new arena tour. The much-loved musical spectacular, based on the dark Victorian tale by H. G. Wells, will feature a 3D hologram of Liam Neeson, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.
Simply Red – 27 Sept, 2025
We don’t know what we’re doing next week, never mind in winter 2025. Mick Hucknall does though as he already has ‘playing in Manchester’ on his calendar for September 2025 to celebrate 40 years of Simply Red.
Lastly, Jason Manford was the first comedian to be announced to perform at the Co-op Live. Jason Manford fans will be beaming to see the local funny man performing on such a big stage. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait two whole years to see him — but at least you’ve got plenty of time to sort tickets!
And that’s your lot: top acts for you to enjoy in 2024 and 2025 already with plenty more to come.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a brand new venue of this kind of size and calibre open anywhere in Greater Manchester, so we’re looking forward to seeing what it looks like in the flesh once it’s open.
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In fact, The Manc even had the pleasure of popping inside earlier this year to take a glance at how it’s coming along.
Daisy Jackson -
16th December 2022 
