It’s been in the works for quite some time now, but award-winning sports bar BOX has announced it finally open its doors in Manchester at the end of November.
BOX is aiming to bring the city a new spot to eat, drink, watch live sport, play and party all under one roof.
After first being teased back in July 2020, the “game-changing” 8,000 sq ft sports bar – which already has three successful sites in Leeds – will now open on Deansgate (opposite Spinningfields) and be spread across two floors, boasting over 20 screens to watch live sports matches, two 21-foot European Shuffleboard tables, plus Apres Ski-style live bands, DJs playing floor-fillers, and Bandeoke – giving you the chance to take to the mic and join the house band on stage.
The ground floor features an island bar that’s surrounded by 20 top-of-the-range TV screens, which can be seen from any seat in the venue, and upstairs, there’s a more relaxed and premium viewing experience, with booth-seating and luxurious finishes for parties and private viewings.
It may be a sports bar at heart, but that’s not all BOX has to offer.
ADVERTISEMENT
BOX is aiming to bring the city a new spot to eat, drink, watch live sport, play and party all under one roof / Credit: BOX
As mentioned, there’s also live DJs, Apres Ski-style bands, and Bandeoke on hand ready to bring the party every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Those looking for a tipple or two won’t go thirsty either as there’s beer tanks filled with fresh Budvar, handcrafted secret recipe Pornstar and Espresso Martinis available on tap, BOX’s larger-than-life Cocktail Steins, and four-litre beer towers and shot boxes to make for the perfect group drinks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some of the country’s finest craft beers – including some of Manchester’s own – will also be available, as well as a selection of cocktails, wines, and fizz.
And if you’re looking for something to soak up all the alcohol, BOX is also known for its high-quality food menu.
Inspired by world street foods and only using the finest ingredients cooked on site by a talented kitchen team, you can tuck into pizzas made using double fermented dough, signature hand-formed burgers, marinated kebabs, and the famous BOX platters – with mini burgers, mozzarella fries, crispy popcorn chicken, and succulent BBQ ribs.
ADVERTISEMENT
BOX is also known for its high-quality food and drinks menu / Credit: BOX | The Photo ProjectBOX Deansgate is spread across two floors and boasts over 20 screens to watch live sports matches / Credit: BOX
There’s also an outdoor terrace for alfresco lunches and drinks in the sun right in the heart of the city centre.
BOX Deansgate marks the fourth Manchester opening from bar group Arc Inspirations, following Banyan Corn Exchange, Banyan Spinningfields, and the smash-hit Manahatta branch – which has lit up Deansgate since 2018.
“We’re delighted to finally be introducing our BOX brand to Manchester for its much-anticipated launch,” said Martin Wolstencroft, CEO of Arc Inspirations.
“It’s exciting to be opening the doors next month to guests, especially after what’s been a challenging time for everyone [and] we’re confident the good folk of Manchester will enjoy BOX’s high-energy experience and overall, come to us for some great fun.”
You can find more ahead of BOX Deansgate’s opening here.
Featured Image – BOX
Food & Drink
Northern Quarter favourite Pie and Ale has sadly closed down
Danny Jones
Beloved Northern Quarter eatery and pub Pie and Ale has sadly and quietly closed its doors this week in yet another gutting bit of news for the Manc hospitality sector.
Known for its legendary homemade pies, great selections of ales, craft beers and lagers, not to mention a great little pub when it comes to watching live sport, it’s long been considered an NQ institution.
Unfortunately, however, as confirmed by a sign posted in the window, Pie and Ale has now closed for business after more than a decade.
Safe to say, we’re absolutely gutted, as we’re sure everyone else is.
Credit: The Manc Eats
While no official announcement has been made on their social media as yet, which will no doubt receive love and sadness from its loyal following, the sign in the window simply reads: “Pie and Ale has unfortunately ceased trading. Apologies for any inconvenience.”
The local favourite which was always hailed for being great value for money – celebrated especially for its popular pie and a pint for under a tenner deal – also served up great nibbles and light bites as well as dessert specials.
Although the Lever Street spot previously shut down for a short spell back in 2018 due to what they labelled as “unforeseen circumstances” before reopening just two months later, this latest update looks pretty definitive.
Sister-site Bakerie also ceased trading back in April 2019, with husband and wife founders, Alyson Doocey and David Cook, admitting that all independents had been “feeling the squeeze”.
While we have few other details at this stage, it does look like Pie and Ale has indeed closed down for the foreseeable future.
A mainstay on our list of the best pies in Manchester since day dot and just the latest in the list of losses in 2024 so far, they will be sorely missed.
We sincerely hope this is like last time and will keep our fingers crossed that we see the pie pros and expert pourers back in business at some point.
You can get FREE cookies at this ‘munchie exchange’ in Manchester on Saturday
Emily Sergeant
You can get your hands on free cookies in exchange for other unopened snack foods at a popular Manchester park this weekend.
That’s right, this Saturday is 4/20… and if you don’t know what that means, just Google it.
In a bid to mark the global event, Insomnia Cookies has decided to “spark up excitement” with it’s calling its most “blazing” offer yet.
The cult late-night bakery – which has two sites here in Manchester city centre, on Cross Street inside the Royal Exchange and off University Green, as well as a newly-opened shop in Fallowfield – has aptly-named the event the ‘Munchie Exchange’, and is inviting foodie fans down to a popular park in Fallowfield for some freebies.
You can get FREE cookies at this ‘munchie exchange’ in Manchester on Saturday / Credit: The Manc Group | Insomnia Cookies UK
Set to be hosted across “the green green grasses” of Platt Fields Park on Saturday 20 April, the company‘s dedicated pop-up will offer laid-back Mancs the chance to upgrade their snacks with a one-of-a-kind deal.
All 4/20 celebrators will need to do is bring unopened, non-perishable snacks either to the Platt Fields pop-up, or any of the other three Insomnia Cookies stores in Manchester on the day, and exchange them for a freshly-baked warm and delicious cookie – and no, no that kind of cookie.
The munchie trade-up isn’t only a treat for your taste buds either, as every snack collected will be donated to local Manchester foodbanks.
Beyond the exchange, there’ll also be a ‘secret’ 4/20 offer that’s available for one day only too, and it means you can get yourself a box of four classic cookies for only £4.20 when you head to any of the three Insomnia Cookies stores in Manchester and say “I’ve got the munchies” to the cookie crews serving them to redeem.
“We’re all about bringing joy and deliciousness to our fans, and will be serving up in Platt Fields Park for one-day only,” commented Millie Ralston, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Insomnia Cookies, ahead of this Saturday’s event.
Emily Sergeant -
18th October 2021 
