With Halloween lurking just around the corner, no doubt plenty of Manchester’s bars and restaurants are getting into the spooky spirit this week with some special creations.
From DGHNT‘s bloody eyeball donuts that ‘burst’ raspberry jam in your mouth, to these similar-looking concoctions at Tib Street’s Siop Shop (not to mention ghosts filled with Diplomat rum chocolate crème and vegan pumpkin spiced donuts), there are some great one-offs kicking about in the name of All Hallows Eve.
The Halloween specials at Siop Shop also feature a bloodied eye, alongside ghosts filled with Diplomat rum chocolate crème, vegan pumpkin spiced donuts and a classic bone glaze / Image: Siop Shop
The guide is not all Halloween-themed this week, though. There’s simply too much going on to focus purely on specials.
Over in Withington a new burger and wings takeaway has opened with a menu that’s entirely plant-based (we dare you to tell the difference), whilst in the Northern Quarter we’ve got not one but two new bars to shout about.
Keep reading to discover the best new openings and eats in Manchester this week.
Bloody eyeball donuts that ‘burst’ with raspberry jam
Artisan doughnut baker DGHNT has created a brilliant set of new themed creations in honour of Halloween, including bloody eyeball treats filled with raspberry jam that ‘burst’ in your mouth.
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Baker Sulin is also selling creepy-crawly chocolate oreo spider donuts alongside some that have been mummified with icing at Mackie Mayor this weekend, over 30 and 31 October. All vanilla flavoured, donuts will be on sale individually or can be pre-ordered in boxes of four.
A neon-soaked, Blade Runner-inspired underground bar beneath District
Hidden beneath District on Oldham Street, this new bar comes from the same team – bringing its distinct, new wave Thai experience underground.
From the smells of char that waft from the kitchen to the futuristic, synth-wave soundtrack and red and blue neons slicing through the darkness, it’s not just an experience. It’s an experience with some truly brilliant new drinks.
All eight drinks on the menu draw inspiration from Thai cuisine, utilising some unique ingredients like fish sauce, beef fat-washed rum, tomato, turmeric and grilled bananas.
Pork belly and crackling from Kong’s new roast concept at Northern Monk Refectory / Image: Kong’s Meat & Three
A new ‘meat and three’ concept from the team behind *that* fried chicken roast dinner
Kong’s chicken shop, not content with launching just one viral roast dinner, has now branched out with a whole new roast concept that they are calling Meat & Three.
Simply choose your roast meat from options like red wine braised short rib, crispy pork belly, half a chicken or sweet potato pickled walnut nut roast, then add on three sides of your choice to create your perfect plate.
Think curried potato salad with chive and crumb, three-cheese macaroni, collard greens, house slaw, mini hash browns, corn on the cob, and fresh flatbreads. Plates are priced from £12 with three sides, or you can purchase sides separately at £3.50 a pop.
Find Meat & Three at Northern Monk Refectory Wednesday to Sunday from 12 – 10 pm.
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Order to your door, pop in and browse, and even opt to drink at the shop itself at one of its tables – either inside or out. / Image: Ad Hoc
A new wine and beer shop where you can sit down and drink inside
Selling premium selections only, the Ad Hoc wine and beer shop on Edge Street has tables inside and out – giving you the option to sit down and pop a bottle in the store.
Run by the very friendly and knowledgeable Miles Burke and Charlie Heyes, it’s well worth having a chat to discover new, unheard-of bottles that can taste just like your favourites but cost half the price.
Bottles range from £10 to £100 and are all handpicked from independent wineries with an organic and biodynamic focus. There are also some top-quality beers and spirits to be discovered on the shelves too.
A new burger and wings takeaway spot in Withington that’s entirely meat-free
Known for plant-based street food dishes, Herbivorous has made a big name for itself as a brand that’s always on the go – but now owners Robyn and Damian have opened their first permanent location in Withington.
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Must-tries include The Big Kahuna Burger and fried chick’n, as well as Herbivorous’s first-ever twist on a lamb kebab, the Tandoori ‘Lamb’ Kofta Flatbread, which has made a special return to the menu in honour of the new opening.
The Peak District walk with amazing views, a cosy cafe, and a great pub at the end
Daisy Jackson
If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
Get as far as Emma’s Sett Valley Cafe and stop for an early break – indulgent hot chocolates, great bakes, and a decent amount of brunch dishes beneath colourful festoon lighting.
Emma’s Sett Valley Cafe. Credit: The Manc Group
Once you’re fuelled, head slightly back on yourself to skirt Birch Vale Reservoir, cross the River Sett, and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
Walk straight over the summit and down the other side, walking along the edge of Hey Wood and across fields full of friendly cows, past Little Hayfield and back into the main village of Hayfield.
Views from the Sett Valley trailSummiting Lantern PikePretty views near Little Hayfield
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in recent years.
Famed for its seasonal, locally-sourced menu, at this time of year you can expect hearty post-hike lunches like sharing pies, Manchester eggs, and incredible Sunday roasts.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
Sharing pie at The Pack Horse in HayfieldThe Pack Horse in HayfieldTheir famous Manchester egg
You can see a map of the circular walking route at AllTrails HERE.
Mercury Prize 2026 review: RAYE takes home the crown as Newcastle celebrates the very best in music
Clementine Hall
One of the biggest nights in music kicked off last night as the Mercury Prize 2026 was awarded.
If there was ever a night to fall head over heels in love with British and Irish music, the 2026 Mercury Prize made a very convincing case.
Bringing together some of the country’s most exciting artists under one roof in Newcastle, this year’s ceremony was a reminder of just how much talent is packed into the current music scene.
From established legends to the names shaping what comes next, it was an absolute belter.
Images: Audio North
Held at the Newcastle Utilita Arena for the second year running, I think everybody in that room felt very lucky to be there to see firsthand who took home the coveted prize.
The shortlist brought together an impressive mix of artists, with Florence + The Machine, Olivia Dean, JADE, Suede, Pulp, Dave and Sir Paul McCartney among the big names making the lineup very star studded indeed.
Suede kicked things off with ‘Dancing With The Europeans’, bringing their unmistakable energy to the ceremony, while Pulp delivered ‘Begging For Change’ as part of the HELP(2) charity compilation.
It was a line-up that demonstrated the sheer range of music being made across the UK and Ireland, from contemporary pop to established rock and even jungle thanks to Bradford’s own Nia Archives.
And of course, there was one woman who had every reason to leave with a smile on her face.
RAYE took home the coveted Mercury Prize for THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., an ambitious, genre-hopping album that blends jazz, soul, R&B and classical influences into something so fabulously unique.
Image: Audio North
Newcastle’s own Knats performance was definitely a highlight of the evening, combining slick jazz with spoken-word poetry against a projection of The Tyne Bridge.
A fitting image, and one that underlines the importance of holding such huge events in the north and highlighting the obvious talent that thrives here.
The 2026 Mercury Prize was a brilliant showcase of the country’s music at its best.
And with RAYE taking home the trophy, it’s clear there is plenty of ‘hope’ left in British music.
Georgina Pellant -
25th October 2021 
