IPAs might boast some of the fullest flavours and finest aromas – but traditionally these drinks always come with extra carbs and calories we simply don’t want.
A Manchester brand is on a mission to change that.
DrinkWell has unveiled a batch of brand new low calorie IPAs – promising “everything you want in a classic IPA without the calorific drawbacks”.
For IPA lovers, these bottles could potentially prove to be an absolute game-changer.
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In the past, we might have had to cut out beer altogether to stay in decent physical shape. But now – for the first time – beer-lovers can pop the cap, sip a top-tasting IPA, and not worry about the calorie content.
It’s true that good beer is as intrinsic to British culture as cups of tea, a Full English fry-up, or Harry Potter – and the reopening date for pubs was the first thing many of us looked for when Boris unfurled his roadmap to exiting lockdown in February.
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But despite our reputation as ‘boozy Brits’, there’s evidence that suggests we’re beginning to take stock of what goes into our diet – and how we can improve it.
According to research published by market research group Mintel in November 2018, 78% of consumers aged 18 – 35 years old are conscious of the calories in drink and are always on the lookout for lighter alternatives.
These health-conscious habits are becoming increasingly popular among younger demographics, along with a desire to consume meat-free alternatives (UK veganism hit an all-time high in 2020).
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But despite this shift in modern tastes, local entrepreneur Tom Bell realised the thirst for great beer has remained intact.
As a result, his company DrinkWell is incorporating young people’s modern preferences into brewing recipes – whipping up vegan, gluten-free, low calorie IPAs that still pack a punch.
The new DrinkWell IPA range is 4.1% ABV with 99 calories per bottle (over 30% lower than other IPAs) and 3g carbs, also vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
Founder Tom stated: “Maintaining the alcohol and the classic IPA flavour profile was imperative to being successful in a rapidly changing market which is ever adapting to modern ‘healthier’ consumers.”
More info on new DrinkWell IPA range and low calorie alcohol collection is available online. Head over to DrinkWell to learn more.
Enter code ‘THEMANC10’ for 10% off all products.
Food & Drink
Manchester steakhouse Gaucho is serving a bottomless brunch with non-stop wine and cocktails
Georgina Pellant
Manchester has a new three-course bottomless brunch offer, and it sounds like an absolute beast of a deal – with premium cuts of steak, unlimited starters, and an hour and a half of free-flowing drinks.
Launched by Argentine steakhouse pros Gaucho,the new bottomless deal gives diners 90 minutes to indulge in drinks like citrus negronis, pornstar martinis, spritzes, lager and wine, with a choice of red, white and rose.
Spanning three courses and 90 minutes of drinks, starter dishes are unlimited whilst main highlights include Gaucho’s cuts of free-range Aberdeen Angus beef, reared on the flat grasslands of the Pampas. Think premium wet-aged sirloin with chimichurri and French fries and spiral-cute churrasco de cuadril marinated in garlic, parsley and olive oil.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
On the unlimited starters menu, you’ll find a mouthwatering selection of morcilla, chorizo and picante rojo sausage with a lemon aioli, a selection of empanadas, beetroot ceviche with nasturtium and mango nectar, plus prawn tostadas on Arepa bread.
Add in desserts like chocolate brownies with white chocolate ice cream and apple pancakes with Calvados caramel, Nutella and a dulce de leche mousse, and we’ll be surprised if you find yourself going home hungry.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Available on the last Saturday of the month between 11am and 4pm at Gaucho’s glitzy restaurant on Deansgate, dine inside a converted church surrounded by crystal chandeliers and deep leather booths whilst the restaurant’s in house saxophonist plays along to the resident DJ’s beats.
Greater Manchester chocolatier Slattery’s is selling a Hacienda-inspired Easter egg
Georgina Pellant
Greater Manchester chocolatier Slattery’s is selling a Hacienda-inspired Easter egg, and it looks absolutely brilliant.
Featuring an Acid House smiley face in The Factory’s signature black and yellow stripes, a green bucket hat, silver music notes and a Brit Pop-style electric guitar emblazoned in the Union Jack, Slattery’s has really gone all out this year.
The special Madchester Easter egg also features Oasis’s debut 1997 album Definitely Maybe, although the Whitefield-based chocolatiers told The Manc that customers can opt to request a different album cover on their egg if they prefer.
Priced at £21 each, the edible work of art is made of milk chocolate and decorated with edible icing to create the effects of the album covers, bucket hats and other nostalgic Madchester memorabilia.
It is available to purchase in person from the Whitefield chocolatier’s store, and customers can also place orders for collection closer to the Easter weekend if they prefer.
However, it is not available through the online shop as due to its delicate nature the Hacienda-inspired egg is not able to be delivered by courier.
The family-run Slattery Patissier and Chocolatier is one of Greater Manchester’s absolute go to’s for a sweet treat, spanning three floors and attracting visitors from far and wide.
Based in Whitefield, Bury, it’s so much more than a cake shop: selling everything from handmade Belgian chocolate, freshly-made cream cakes, tarts, pastries, tortes and gateaux, all made fresh each morning, plus chocolate novelties, bars and gifts ranging from Easter eggs to chocolate lollies, discs and tubs, plus a dedicated vegan chocolate range.
Add to that bespoke build your own chocolate hampers that are packed and ribboned whilst you wait, and a selection of specially selected wines, beers and liqueurs, and it’s not hard to see why so many flock here – not just at Easter, but all year round.
The Manc -
11th March 2021 
