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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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).
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
Food & Drink
Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
The Manc -
11th March 2021 
