Local brewery J.W. Lees is celebrating the return of Boddingtons in the best way possible: by giving away 500 FREE pints of ‘the Cream of Manchester’ this weekend.
We can’t lie, you had us at free pints.
In case you hadn’t heard the news – and what we consider a bit of an early Christmas present – legendary Manc beer Boddingtons is back in a very big way, with the beloved beer returning to the taps in various pockets around Greater Manchester.
Better yet, ‘Boddies’ has also returned just in time for Britain’s National Cask Ale Week, and let’s just say we’ve been spreading that all-important awareness by necking as many as possible. Now it’s your turn.
You heard the man/saw in the big beer costume; Boddingtons and their life-sized pint impersonator will be touring Manchester city centre to help toast the region’s most legendary drink (sorry, Vimto) as it makes its glorious comeback.
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More importantly, his presence also accompanies a huge giveaway, as the brand is giving away a whopping 500 pints this Saturday. Yes, five bloody hundred.
Let it be known that this offer is for one day only, though, so if you fancy a freebie so frothy you practically stick a flake in it, you’d best keep your eyes peeled for the bloke who looks so good you could drink him.
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So this is how it works: punters must approach the walking, talking pint of ale to claim their voucher, which can then be handed into select locations in exchange for a free beer. We’re sure that grabbing a quick selfie won’t hurt your chances either.
Along with some help from Budweiser, the native beer-masters are the equally iconic brand behind the grand Boddingtons renaissance, so you have J.W. Lees to thank.
The Manc must confess that we had the honour—nay, the privilege of sampling ‘Boddies 2.0’ before the rest of you, and the revival recipe is even better than we dreamed of.
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We even saw the world’s first ‘split the B’ by David Boddington, a descendant of creator Henry himself, as famous faces like artist Stanley Chow, chef Simon Rimmer, presenter Matty White and more cheered him from the other side of the bar.
The beers were free-flowing at the official relaunch party at Founder’s Hall on Albert Square on Tuesday, 23 September, where quite literally hundreds piled into the pub to get a taste of the Northern nectar, which is sure to branch back out of 0161 soon enough.
It’s just a matter of time, if you ask us.
Once again, be on the lookout for the man in honey yellow fancy dress this Saturday, 27 September, from 12 noon until approximately 4pm to score your complimentary beer, and you can find the full list of pubs taking part in the Boddingtons free pints giveaway down below. Cheers!
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 -
24th September 2025 
