A community-centred independent coffee spot in Salford has started a unique ‘pay with a post it’ scheme in the wake of economic struggles as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Coffee Collective in Monton, Eccles introduced the brand new pay-it-forward scheme last week for locals to take advantage of if they’re struggling financially.
It truly is a tiny slice of kindness at a time when the world needs it the most.
The retro coffee truck – which can can be found parked up on Dukes Drive in Monton – is now allowing customers to purchase an extra drink during their visit, which will then be paid forward to a customer who needs it the most via its brand new post-it pinboard.
Announcing the scheme on social media, The Coffee Collective acknowledged that “we have all been hit hard by COVID-19” and is therefore “giving you the chance to enjoy our Delicious Specialty Coffee for FREE if you are struggling.”
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It’s asking customers to “spread some love with a free brew for a stranger”.
The Coffee Collective has teamed up with local food initiatives Let’s Eat Local and Manchester City Centre Food Reviews for the scheme.
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To kick off the scheme, Let’s Eat Local paid for the first ten post-it notes, with customers then able to continue the momentum whenever they wish to, and it’s not just about paying it forward, either, as those who are having a rough time are encouraged to take a post-it if they’re need to.
The Coffee Collective urged those struggling to “not feel ashamed or embarrassed to use these post-it notes” as “the community have come together to support you”.
The Coffee Collective
“If you have woke up and just about managed to do a walk today, give yourself a treat and have a brew bought from a stranger.”
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“If you are struggling to find the cash to pay for your coffee have a free one.”
How brilliant is this?
Manchester’s community spirit has really shone through over these past few months of lockdown and with genuine community-driven initiatives such as this one, it really makes you proud to be a part of a city and region with such heart.
The Coffee Collective is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7.30am – 3pm on Friday and Saturdays, and until 1.30pm on Sundays, and you can find it at Dukes Drive Car Park, Monton, Eccles, M30 8AP.
Be sure to pay it forward on your next visit if you can, or pick yourself up a free coffee instead.
Mulligans are making butties with the team behind some of the best sandwiches in Manchester
Danny Jones
We feel like we say this almost every time they set up one of these crossovers, but Bada Bing might have just hit it out of the park with their latest collaboration, as they’re teaming up with beloved Irish bar Mulligans to create what could be the sandwich of the century.
In case you’re wondering where we’ll be when this butty becomes available, we’ll be in the legendary Manchester pub, clutching at least three of these while asking the live band to play The Sopranos theme tune in full Celtic reel fashion.
Yes, two of our very favourite places in the city centre are teaming up not just for a one-off special, the Deansgate boozer – widely considered one of the best Irish bars (if not THE best) in Manchester – is actually going to be supplying the crucial ingredient in their limited-time menu item.
Teasing the collab earlier this week, the Bada Bing boys roped in Mulligans owner, Pádraig Brady, to play his role in the announcement that quickly went viral.
Now, in case you weren’t already salivating at the mere thought of it, wait until you hear what concoction they have come up with.
Simply titled ‘Split the B’ (nice), the Bada Bing x Mulligans special edition sandwich features Mulligans’ Guinness-braised short rib, crispy spuds, greens, pickled cabbage and crispy onions. Oh. My. Word…
With punters’ favourite ‘Mullies’ pouring in more than 13,000 pints of the black stuff every single week, it won’t surprise you to learn that those lines have to be cleaned and maintained almost constantly.
It also goes without saying that wasting even a single drop of that liquid gold is a tragedy, so they had the ingenious of using that surplus stout to create a limited supply of slow-roasted, Guinness-flavoured beef fit to grace any authentic Irish stew.
Slap that meat between bread, and what do you get? Perhaps one of the greatest culinary creations we Manchester foodies have ever seen.
Speaking on the collab, Pádraig said: “At Mulligans, we take pride in every pint of Guinness we pour, so when the chance came up to team up with Bada Bing and create something special for Mancs to enjoy beyond the pub, it just made sense. Quality recognises quality.”
“We’ve always admired Mulligans for how they do things – with no shortcuts”, says Sam Gormally, co-founder of Bada Bing.”
He went on to add: “This collab celebrates everything we both love about Manchester hospitality – craft, quality and a bit of heart. It’s a proper Manc sandwich, made with a proper pint.”
In case it wasn’t already blatantly obvious, we cannot wait to try this thing, and since it’s only being served for a few days, we intend to eat as many as possible.
The ‘Split the B’ Mulligans x Bada Bing Guinness Sandwich will be available exclusively at Bada Bing, 125 Oldham St in the Northern Quarter from Thursday, 6 November – and once they’re gone, they’re GONE.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival announces nominees for 2025 MFDF Awards
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival has announced the shortlists of nominees for this year’s MFDF Awards, championing the best hospitality talent across Greater Manchester.
The annual awards will return to New Century in January, promising to celebrate the businesses and individuals doing incredible work across the industry.
There are 16 categories in this year’s MFDF 2025 Awards, including new categories to reflect the region’s growing wine scene, coffee shop rise, and turn towards low- or no-alcohol drinking.
This year, the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards will welcome Therme as a headline sponsor, ahead of the hotly-anticipated launch of the Therme urban wellbeing resort in TraffordCity.
The shortlist announced today features 128 nominees, from cosy pubs to Michelin star restaurants to bakers.
The shortlist has been compiled by the MFDF Judging Panel, which is made up of the region’s leading food and drink critics, writers and experts.
As well as the public vote, a mystery shopping period will now commence where judges will anonymously visit nominated venues and will compile scores based on their experiences.
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, commented: “We’re delighted to announce Therme Manchester as the headline sponsor for this year’s MFDF awards. The Awards have always reflected the ongoing excellence and innovation here in Greater Manchester.
Manchester Food and Drink Festival announces nominees for 2025 MFDF Awards. Credit: The Vain Photography Carl Sukonik
“As we welcome Therme Manchester as a partner it’s an opportunity to celebrate the next chapter for our world-class city region and champion the talent and communities that make it extra special.
“This year’s list of nominees is a phenomenal example of this innovation with talent from all quarters of Greater Manchester to celebrate -from takeaways in Trafford to Michelin star meals in Ancoats.
“The list should serve as a journey of discovery for food lovers around this great region. Please support all your hospitality heroes and vote for them on the awards website.”
Ben Dutson and Charlotte Harbour, joint Heads of Therme RPC, the food and wellbeing function of Therme Manchester commented: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards — one of the North West’s most significant celebrations of culinary talent.
“Supporting an event that champions creativity, community, and excellence in food and drink perfectly reflects Therme Manchester’s commitment to wellbeing and shared experiences. We’re looking forward to celebrating the people and places that make Manchester’s dining scene truly exceptional.”
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) Awards will take place at New Century on 26 January 2026.
Emily Sergeant -
20th October 2020 
