Greater Manchester dessert favourite Ginger’s Comfort Emporium has unfortunately closed its long-standing site in the city centre.
The Northern Quarter-based ice cream icons have been serving delicious artisan scoops out of Afflecks for over a decade, but now they’ve decided to call time on the original location.
Having somewhat quietly closed this past weekend, those in the know came along for their final scoops from the pretty little parlour tucked away in a corner on the first floor of the indie shopping palace.
Officially closing on Saturday, 4 October, Ginger’s NQ is sadly no more.
Explaining the decision on social media, owner Claire Kelsey wrote: “There’s no sad reason. We’ve had a fantastic 12 years here, but unlike the other sides [of] the business, it’s 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, and I need to start having proper time off over winter.
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“I’m looking forward to the extra energy for ideas I’ll have for our events & markets, and not spreading us out so thin! THANK YOU to the wonderful staff over the years, I appreciate your care and your time x
“THANK YOU to Afflecks and Bruntwood [property firm] for being such supportive landlords and THANK YOU to you, our customers, everyone from nervous parents waiting for their kid getting a tattoo to the OG Ginger’s fans getting their fix, kids learning to play chess – it’s been a joy. X”
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Kelsey’s comments have been filled with loyal customers bidding farewell to the local favourite, ex-staff members expressing gratitude for being made part of the team, and even parents thanking Claire directly for giving numerous kids their first jobs.
One of those is influencer and now fellow independent business owner, Zack Hipps, who shared a lengthy post paying tribute to the veteran dessert venue.
“The best ice cream in Manchester is no longer so easily available in the city centre, but omg did this place mean a lot to me”, says Hipps.
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“This venue had been going for over 13 years, it was the place I got my first job, the place that I first got into coffee, and the indie food scene, it’s where I first took a picture for social media (the second picture) and saw me develop into my content creation career
“It’s opposite where I’ve opened my own lil’ coffee shop and never has something felt so truly full circle as saying goodbye. I would not be the same person without it.”
Perhaps most notably, he signs off not only by wishing them all the best but by teasing that they’ve got “some mad interesting plans coming up”, before clarifying that he can’t say any more.
We don’t know exactly what he’s been sworn to secrecy over, but you best believe we, as well as the rest of Manchester and its boroughs, will be watching closely to see what the brand does next.
And don’t worry, ice cream lovers; you’ll still be able to find their vans popping up all over the region and serving their incredible flavours at events across the North West.
First look inside Social Osteria, Stockport’s buzzy new Italian restaurant
Lydia Mastrolonardo
That’s right Stopfordians – we’re gaining yet another brand new addition to our town’s blooming food and drink scene, as Social Osteria opens its doors at Weir Mill.
It’s safe to say we’re in good hands, with the geniuses behind The Social Trattoria, named best Trattoria at the Italian Awards UK 2025, being the ones to bring this new taste of Italy to South Manchester.
Just because we are no longer experiencing the weather to match an Italian summer, doesn’t mean we can’t continue eating like we’re there.
Social Osteria can now be found overlooking the River Mersey, as a beautiful 2,000 sq ft space within the buzzing new canalside development, fully equipped with the classic exposed red brickwork, vaulted ceilings and even the restored original kiln.
As you approach the restaurant, you are greeted by a sunken courtyard and riverside seating, making for the perfect alfresco dining spot, when the warmer weather finally rolls back around.
With the meaning of Osteria being an Italian tavern, for locals to gather and enjoy each other’s company, good wine and honest, flavourful food – the team have stayed true to the name. You can expect dim, ambient lighting, an open kitchen, fresh small plates, flavourful 48-hour pizzas, and traditional pasta.
Vibrant dishes at Social Osteria in Stockport. Credit: The Manc Group
This glamorous new restaurant is promising a spectacular menu, from cacio e pepe butter beans to guanciale topped pizzas and their very own slow-cooked beef shin and pork shoulder paccheri ragu, you know we’re in the right place.
With Italian food running in the family, the team’s cooking practices are rooted in traditional methods, passed down through the generations and then presented to us, with the freshest of ingredients.
It suits Capital&Centric, who’ve taken the same approach to Weir Mill itself – embracing the character of the historic mill whilst transforming it into a vibrant community, for generations to come.
Inside Social Osteria at Weir Mill. Credit: The Manc Group
Set below Stockport’s iconic viaduct, the £60m neighbourhood is now home to 253 apartments alongside bustling cafés, wine bars and stunning restaurants akin to Social Osteria, accompanied by plenty of outdoor seating, green spaces, and riverside viewpoints.
Where Osteria Social now calls home is part of Stockport’s £1 billion Town Centre West masterplan, adding to the town’s growing reputation as one of the best locations to live in the UK.
Social Osteria will officially open Thursday 22 October, at Weir Mill. Be sure to book your tables early as we fear this one might get a little booked up.
Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at two Manchester pubs this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.
The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.
On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”
Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including two in Manchester, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.
He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”
The pubs he picked out in Manchester are the iconic old boozer The Peveril of the Peak, and the excellent pub and comedy venue The Old Monkey.
The Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street is a real icon in the city centre, with its green tiled exterior and its cosy interiors.
Until recently, it was run by legendary local landlady Nancy Swanick, who died in July at the age of 96.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterInside The Pev
Commenting on Joe Lycett’s post about his pub offer, they wrote: “You are all more than welcome at The Pev. Give me a shout and I will sort you out with a pie, Joe.”
The Old Monkey, meanwhile, is famed for its comedy nights run by Trapdoor Comedy Club, and for its open mic sessions, as well as award-winning beers.
The Portland Street pub has also very kindly agreed to match Joe Lycett’s donation, which means double the budget for pints for Mancs.
Danny Jones -
7th October 2025 
