The Hive – a new neighbourhood restaurant and bar – has reopened at Stretford Mall
After four patient months of sitting tight, the new Stretford eatery finally got to reopen this week - giving the Manchester town a much-needed boost post-lockdown.
But then, well, everyone knows what happened next.
The Hive didn’t get to enjoy the grand curtain-raiser it anticipated, and within days of setting up, it was forced to shut down.
But, after four patient months of sitting tight, they finally got to reopen this week – giving the Manchester suburb a much-needed boost post-lockdown.
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More than a year in the making, The Hive has been launched by a group boasting decades of experience in hospitality – and the result is a refreshing change of pace for a region that’s been crying out for brand new bars and experiences.
They’ve chosen to cast a wide net and capture the attention of almost everyone in the area – and perhaps a few people further afield, too.
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After taking our seats at the pre-launch event, we catch many of the other guests gazing at the ground.
At first it looks like a bit like they’ve all been reprimanded for refusing to follow the one-way system – but on closer inspection, it becomes clear they’re actually checking out the rows of vinyls embedded into the restaurant floor.
It’s a lovely design touch – giving diners the rare experience of tucking into meals whilst sitting above classic music from decades gone by.
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When the rules relax a bit, some of these records will be played overhead, too. And the volume will rise high as the sun goes down.
The breezy ambience at The Hive is reinforced by its exposed brickwork, lovely thick seating (with a vital tipping function to lean back when you’ve hit a wall after devouring a big meal) and the sunny, helpful staff – who manage to keep tabs on the dining area whilst adhering to all the necessary rules and regs.
Big wide windows keep natural light streaming into the venue at all times – helping to light up the vibrant, eye-catching artwork adorning the walls.
As for the grub, the choice is plentiful.
The sharing platter alone has more than half a dozen different deep-fried small bites to tuck into – which we tackled together with relish before moving onto fish burger, chicken kiev and steak mains.
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With a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, The Hive has a bit of everything depending on what you fancy.
There’s a few different full English options and butties served at the crack of dawn, with sandwiches, burgers, a nice selection of small plates, desserts and kids menu available right up until 9pm.
Sunday Roasts are also in the mix – with options covering topside beef, lamb leg and roasted vegetable galette.
The Hive is all part of a big plan to get Stretford buzzing again.
The corporate crowd can pop in for a catchup over coffee with a client. Groups can book the private room upstairs and kick back with some beers and sport. And the night owls can congregate for cocktails before floating off into the big city.
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It’s a diverse, refreshing addition to Manchester in an uncertain climate – and it could turn out to be a real neighbourhood favourite.
If you fancy taking a peek at the new nest in Stretford, head over to their website and book yourself a table.
Eats
Beloved Manc butty shop Bada Bing set for a sensational return to the city centre
Danny Jones
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Sandwich lovers rejoice because one of the finest butty shops to ever grace Manchester is returning: that’s right, Bada Bing is bada-back!
The Sopranos-inspired deli and sandwich shop that took its name from one of the central locations featured in the iconic US drama (yes, the strip club), was a huge success when it first opened in Manchester a few short years ago, so it was a huge blow when it closed in February 2022.
Starting out by serving sandwiches out of a window at The B Lounge pub on Paton Street near Piccadilly, before moving to a small kitchen on Radium Street and eventually setting up their stall inside Ancoats General Store, they would regularly have lines around the block every lunchtime.
These Italian-American sarnies were so popular you’d often struggle to get your claws on one – and believe us, they really are a two-handed task – as they’d sell out on what felt like most days. But now, whether you were a regular or someone who missed out, there is hope once again:
Announcing their sensational return to a new site over in the Northern Quarter, which will now mark the fourth premises they’ve popped up at, Bada Bing is back with a bang and, as you can, they dropped the news with one of the best reveal videos we’ve ever seen.
If you know, you know…
Set to take over 125 Oldham Street, owners Sam Gormally and Meg Lingenfelter haven’t yet graced us with an opening date but the new unit should hopefully be open sooner rather than later.
The duo, who previously worked at fellow NQ favourite Another Heart to Feed, came up with the concept during lockdown and it didn’t take long for the idea to take off, nor for them to earn their spot amongst the very best sandwich places in Manchester.
Seriously, these things were so big and unwieldy (in the best way possible) that they even used to come with eating instructions: both hands and the trademark Tony Soprano hunch recommended, though the slightly stained wife-beater, boxer shorts and open dressing gown look is optional.
From slices of provolone cheese, all the thinly sliced Italian meats you could think of and the closest thing to actual ‘gabagool‘ as you’ll find in Greater Manchester, the menu was fitting of being served up to the iconic characters that once sat outside Satriale’s and a big approving grin from the man himself.
Simply put, we cannot wait and we will certainly keep you posted when we find out exactly when Bada Bing confirms their official reopening date.
Burger King is giving away free burgers to new drivers today
Emily Sergeant
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Burger King will be giving away burgers to drivers who have recently passed their tests for free of charge today.
In case it wasn’t on your radar, tomorrow (Thursday 24 July) is actually National Drive-Thru Day, and in a bid to properly celebrate this unofficial holiday, Burger King has decided to hand out a bunch of freebies to newbies today.
The fast food chain is asking all new drivers to “buckle up”, head on down to their nearest Burger King drive-thru, and help themselves to a free burger.
All newly-qualified drivers will be able to take their pick from either the Whopper or Chicken Royale without parting ways with a penny, and all they’ll need to do the claim their freebie is simply show off their learner’s ‘L Plates’ to the staff at their local Burger King restaurant.
/ Credit: Burger King UK (via Instagram) | Supplied
Hundreds of Burger King drive-thrus across the UK are taking part in the one-day promotion – including several across in Greater Manchester.
Although it might seem a little too good to be true, there’s a reason Burger King has chosen to dish out the freebies, and that’s because the company says it knows that one of the first activities newly-qualified drivers like do once they’ve passed their test is make a pit stop at a drive-thru with their mates to show off their new wheels and skills.
Sometimes though, navigating a drive-thru for the first time can be tricky, and this leaves new drivers feeling a bit like a rabbit in the headlights.
Luckily with this one-day Burger King offer, new drivers’ first drive-thru trip couldn’t be any easier.
The offer is available nationwide today (Wednesday 24 July) at Burger King drive-thru lanes only, while stock lasts, and newly qualified drivers must verbally mention “BK Plates” at the drive-thru lane to unlock their free burger.