If you haven’t watched Squid Game yet, then peer pressure clearly has nothing on you.
The hit Korean TV series has pipped Bridgerton to become the most-watched show on Netflix ever – and it seems that most of the country is currently pretty obsessed.
In the show, challenges must be completed in exchange for a huge cash prize – with over 400 debt-ridden contestants taking part in a series of life-or-death childrens’ games / Image: Netflix
In the show, challenges must be completed in exchange for a huge cash prize – with over 400 debt-ridden contestants taking part in a series of life-or-death childrens’ games. Successors pass through to the next round, whilst losers are swiftly ‘eliminated.’
Kids games played by contestants include ‘Red Light, Green LIght’, marbles, glass stepping stones, and a Dalgona honeycomb challenge that requires each player to carve a set shape out of their dish within a set time limit.
The Dalgona honeycomb challenge at A Nice Sip in the Corn Exchange gives you the choice of a circle, triangle, star or umbrella – just like in the Netflix show Squid Game / Image: elsaeats.food
In its third episode, which features the aforementioned sweet toffee treat challenge, contestants are forced to choose between four shapes – then battle against the clock to remove theirs from its tin, unscathed, before time runs out.
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This is done by etching through the Dalgona, a nostalgic winter Korean toffee candy made with melted sugar and baking soda. A popular street snack in the 70s and 80s, back then vendors would often challenge their young customers to trim the toffee away from the image using only a pin – as is depicted in the show.
To play the challenge at A Nice Sip, you need to buy two drinks. You can take part throughout October / Image: elsaeats.food
Rewards were often given back in the day, be that free candy, money, or a gift, with common shapes including circles, stars, and triangles. At A Nice Sip, though, your only reward is emerging victorious with a few great drinks in hand.
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The challenge itself is more difficult than it looks, especially as the treat cools and becomes more brittle. If you think you’ve got what it takes, though, you can give the challenge a go throughout October at city centre Corn Exchange cafe A Nice Sip.
The entrance to Hong Kong bubble tea cafe A Nice Sip in The Corn Exchange / Image: A Nice Sip
The newly-opened bubble tea spot is running the challenge throughout the month, but don’t worry there won’t be any faceless, red-suited guards with guns watching you.
To have a go, you simply need to purchase two drinks from the cafe – which sells everything from fruit tea to hot chocolate, coffee, and traditional Oolong tea. You can choose to tackle one of the four shapes available in the game, opting for either a circle, triangle, star or umbrella.
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Image: A Nice Sip
The Hong Kong cafe also sells a selection of tasty treats, from ice cream and fruit-loaded bubble waffles to matcha macaroons and toffee apple milkshakes.
The trendy bubble cafe first originated in Hong Kong before expanding into Asia, then coming to the UK in July 2018. It specialises in fine tea, which is brewed to exacting specifications on site daily.
You can find A Nice Sip inside Manchester’s iconic Corn Exchange, or the business also has two other sites in the Arndale Market and in Salford. However, the Dalgona challenge is only available at the Corn Exchange site.
To find out more, visit their website or follow them on Instagram here.
Featured Image – A Nice Sip / Netflix
Manchester
COS makes surprise return to Manchester a year after store closure
Daisy Jackson
Hit retail name COS has made a surprise return to Manchester city centre, just over a year since it closed its St Ann’s Square store.
Eagle-eyed shoppers noticed signs promoting the return of COS in town in recent weeks.
And now the doors are officially open and the racks stocked with the brand’s signature minimalist fashion pieces.
COS has returned to physical retail with a sizeable concession inside Selfridges Exchange Square.
The Swedish fashion label, known for its elevated wardrobe staples, premium fabrics and timeless Scandinavian aesthetic, is once again giving Manchester shoppers the opportunity to browse its collections in person.
Shoppers will be able to browse everything from jewellery pieces to woven backs, loose dresses to smart tailored shirts.
COS is back in Manchester
COS has built a loyal following thanks to its focus on modern design, quality craftsmanship and versatile wardrobe foundations, and left a lot of people heartbroken when it closed down in Manchester.
Its arrival inside Selfridges brings the opportunity to experience the collections in person once again.
Whether you’re searching for a perfectly cut white shirt, an effortlessly tailored coat or minimalist everyday essentials, COS’s return is music to our ears.
The best graduation deals and freebies in Manchester this celebration season
Danny Jones
To all those completing their university degrees this year, first off: congratulations – and second of all, we’re sure you’re looking forward to making the most of all those graduation deals, offers and free stuff you can grab in Manchester this year.
We know we were when it was our time (longer ago than we’d like to admit…)
The post-graduation ceremony meal – hopefully at least one final meal your parents are happy to cover the bill for before sending you out into ‘the big wide world’ – is a truly special one, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t still look for savings where you can.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of graduate deals and freebies available in central Manchester for the class of 2026.
15 of the best offers and free things for 2026 graduates
1. Fenix – St. John’s
What is it: One of the best restaurants in Manchester, serving up plates featuring plenty of Greek heritage as well as modern-Mediterranean, elevated cuisine from one of the city centre’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
The offer: Special lunch menu noon until 3:45pm set at just £37.50 or sit down for dinner from £45.50; both include a complimentary glass of Prosecco, and you can even walk away with an engraved bottle of Champagne to take home with you. Available 1 July until 1 August – reserve your table while you can.
2. The Alchemist – Central, Spinningfields and Salford Quays
What is it: Manc-born mixologists and cocktail bar chain which started in Spinningfields, before opening on New York Street and beyond and going on to be a staple of the UK hospitality scene.
The offer: A complimentary ‘Cosmic Oyster’ for everyone around your table when booking ahead – you can do so HERE.
What is it: Stylish London-centric seafood and grill with Japanese and Robata-inspired cuisine, best-known for sushi, steak and their famous caramelised black cod dish.
The offer: Extensive sharing-style menu priced at £55 a head, including all the highlights and a gratis glass of Henriot Champagne for every guest, available until 24 July; you can reserve your spot now.
What is it: A canalside cornerstone of the Castlefield community, with a large outdoor terrace and beer garden, complete with a dedicated cocktail hut on busy sunny days, and two cosy floors inside.
The offer: Graduation set menu, with options for two or three courses and a glass of fizz on them, running from 6-31 July. Find out more.
What is it: Boutique city centre hotel just off Market Street offering numerous luxuries, including afternoon tea packages, set menus and more from the in-house restaurant, tender by award-winning chef Niall Keating, as well as various high-end rooms.
The offer: Free glass of cava with bookings, simple as that; available all throughout July and August.
What is it: Stunning, homely gastropub and bistro with multiple rooms across two floors, as well as a large terrace with various open-air and covered areas.
The offer: Happy hour drinks for your entire party and the chance to be the one lucky winner who’ll have the ENTIRE overdraft paid off in full by the team as part of a prize draw. Book and find the full terms and conditions right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
7. Piccolino – Central, Didsbury, Bramhall, Hale, Wilmslow and Knutsford
What is it: Popular British chain of Italian restaurants operated by the Individual Restaurants Group (IRG), with numerous locations across the country.
The offer: Graduates get a complimentary glass of champagne alongside their classic recipe tiramisu on the house. Booking in advance is advised.
What is it: Another one of the IRG brands, offering similar Italian cuisine as well as great deals and an expanded drinks menu.
The offer: Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
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Credit: The Manc
9. The Lowry – Salford
What is it: One of Greater Manchester’s most famous hotels, located right on the edge of the city centre, with a highly-rated bar and restaurant to boot. Needs no introduction really.
The offer: Those staying in town for their ceremony can enjoy a luxurious stay with 10% off the best available rate, plus 15% off food and drink, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, AND 50% off a second room for family members, too. A perfect package for out-of-towners – you can book HERE.
What is it: One of the best curry houses in all the region, specialising in contemporary Indian food and Pakistani flavours, too.
The offer: Their popular annual graduation deal is back for 2026, with the customary welcome drink making a return alongside a signature pudding to finish off; make sure to write ‘graduation’ and add ‘dessert’ in the booking notes. They’re also right near the main uni stretch, which is always handy.
What is it: ‘Feast of the Wise’ graduation menus are available from £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, both including a complimentary glass of Prosecco
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The offer: ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menu – £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner – with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Credit: The Manc
12. Browns – Central
What is it: A mainstay of the King Street strip, just around the corner from Cibo and The Rex hotel (another good option for those stopping over), specialising in British and European brasserie classics.
The offer: Receive a complimentary glass of Browns’ very own Champagne for the graduate and every accompanying guest, with two courses for £29 or a trio for just £36. You can book HERE.
What is it: Authentic Lebanese cuisine in a classy city centre setting, with covered outdoor seating and some great vegan options, too.
The offer: Graduates and guests can enjoy a 25% student discount, a wrap and fries offer for £10.95, or mark the occasion with a full ‘Graduation Feast’ for £32.50, including a free glass of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative. *This offer cannot be used alongside other offers, however.
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Credit: The Manc
14. Chotto Matte – St. Michael’s
What is it: A sky-high rooftop food and drink spot where Japan and Peru meet in an incredible fusion that makes for a fantastic culinary experience.
The offer: ‘Nikkei’ dining experience throughout July, with a curated sharing menu (£40pp/£35 for vegetarians) and a complimentary glass of Pommery Champagne for the graduates.
What is it: The Yorkshire-born brand now serving up us locals from their New York St site and arguably one of the best places for a posh tea or meal out no matter the occasion, with top-quality steak, seafood, bubbles and more.
The offer: Three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff – pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Georgina Pellant -
19th October 2021 
