Revolución de Cuba is handing out free cocktails this month and they’re only asking for one thing from the people of Manchester in exchange for it: warm clothes and accessories.
The well-known chain of Latin-inspired bars, restaurants and live entertainment venues is chipping with its own offer as part of the January deal season but instead of just giving people savings on their usual menu items, they’re making sure that as many Mancs benefit as possible this winter.
Serving up complimentary cocktails exclusively from their popular Peter Street venue on Deansgate, all locals have to do to get their hands on free drinks is come into the venue with warm garments to support GreaterManchester’s homeless community and those in need.
Sadly, as the low temperatures continue throughout the colder months, the number of people at risk as a result of sleeping rough is a more pressing issue than any other time of year, so the bar group have taken it upon themselves to do their bit where they can.
Revolución de Cuba is helping out the homeless this Jan with their warm clothes drive. (Credit: via IG/supplied)
The catch is as simple as it sounds: to take part in their ‘From Cuba with GLove‘ initiative this January, Revs is asking people to bring in spare hats, gloves, scarves and other warm layers/accessories — at which point they will receive a free cocktail.
ADVERTISEMENT
Known for their specialising in rum, those participating will receive one of their brand-new ‘Banana Manaña’ cocktails, made with Banana Peel Rum from Discarded Spirits.
Teaming up with local charity partners, chosen by the staff and customers themselves (including local Manc poverty and homelessness charity Mustard Tree), all items received go directly to those in need of support this winter. You can nominate your own organisation to donate to HERE.
ADVERTISEMENT
All warm clothes and accessories must be cleaned before being handed over and can be only donated to Revolución de Cuba’s Peter Street site, with the offer ending on Wednesday, 31 January.
The group’s Brand Operations Director, Alex McMillan, said: “As temperatures are forecast to drop and snow to fall, we hope that ‘From Cuba with GLove’ will make a positive impact on the lives of those who live in the communities around our Peter Street venue and across the city, whilst shining a spotlight on Cuban kindness.
“The Cuban people are known for their affection, gentleness and humanity and they’re sentiments that we share here at Revolución de Cuba Manchester. The New Year is an excellent time to declutter and clear out, setting us up for 2024 whilst making a real difference to those who need our support – especially as an icy blast prepares to hit the UK.
ADVERTISEMENT
“In return, you’ll brighten up what is no doubt a chilly January day with a deliciously fruity sunshine cocktail in a glass, as our way of saying thanks for your support.” Sounds like a fair deal to us — and for such an important cause.
We’re proud to say that this city has done a lot to combat rough sleeping over the last 12 months and for all the other top January food and drink deals around Greater Manchester, you can see our list in full down below:
Featured Images — Supplied/Revolución de Cuba (via Instagram)
Food & Drink
The UK’s largest wine festival is returning to Manchester this autumn
Lydia Mastrolonardo
The UK’s biggest festival of wine will be coming back to Manchester this year, with more than 300 wines on offer plus plenty more.
The Laithwaites’ Wine Festival is returning up north, following the major success of last year.
As well as having hundreds of wines to showcase, the festival will also offer a chance to discover a selection of luxury spirits, plus join expert-led tastings, and visit artisan food stands, all under one roof.
As the UK’s longest-running wine tasting event, with 40 producers from 17 different countries, and artisan food all accompanied with carefully paired wines at each stall, it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing.
Struggling to think of a birthday present or ideas for how to celebrate with loved ones? Look no further – each ticket includes a tasting guide to help plan your route around the room and a complimentary tasting glass to sample over 300 different wines – trust me, they will love it.
As part of the Friday evening entertainment, guests can also expect a special appearance from wine presenter and communicator Tom Gilbey. Here, fans will be able to talk with Tom and sample the Signature Six case, which is a collection of wines approved by the man himself.
What’s more, is that this year, guests are invited to get creative at their brand new ‘design a wine label’ competition. You never know, maybe a few top-quality glasses of wine is the sweet spot for your drawing abilities to show themselves.
It is also possible to upgrade each ticket to gain access to expert-led masterclasses, with tutored tastings of sparkling wine, sherry and food, or cheese with wine. Fine Wine ticket holders will also be granted access to the Fine Wine Room and its rarer bottles.
Whether you spend ages aimlessly deliberating in a supermarket aisle, pick the cheapest bottle and call it a day, or you can smell the bottle and tell me the exact province it is from – this event welcomes all wine-drinkers, no matter the level of expertise.
The festival will be hosted at Manchester Central, starting with an evening session (6pm to 9pm) on Friday 20 November, as well as a lunchtime (12pm-3pm) and evening session (5pm to 8pm), on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Tickets are on sale now, starting at £40 per session. Click HERE to grab yours now.
Award-winning Manchester cocktail bar Red Light announces surprise return in new location
Daisy Jackson
Red Light, an award-winning cocktail bar that closed its doors earlier this year, has announced it’s making a grand return.
The celebrated watering hole had been at Kampus in the city centre for three years before it closed for good in August.
But now, in news that will thrill a lot of us in Manchester, the bar has announced it’s returning, with plenty of new ’surprises’ to come.
Announcing Red Light 2.0 this evening, they revealed a brand-new location, with all the cocktails we all loved before, plus a new bar snack offering.
Also new with its reopening will be a dedicated clubbing space (operating in a residential area was one of the reasons Red Light closed at Kampus) and the return of its legendary street parties.
They said: “Your love and support has meant the absolute world to us since we closed the doors to our Kampus venue.
“It’s been a tricky secret to keep but we’re thrilled to share that we’re back and in a brand new location!
“This one feels special, it’s not often you get a second chance at things in the current climate.”
They added: “We can’t wait to welcome you with open arms. Red Light NQ. LETS GO BABY!”
Although they’ve not announced the location, they have teased some pictures – and unless we’re very much mistaken, they’ll be moving into Tariff Street, in the old El Capo site.