Influencers getting free stuff. It’s a given in today’s social media fuelled society. But for the hospitality industry, it’s the bane of their lives.
In 2020, if you have more than 10,000 followers on Instagram and consider yourself a bit of a looker, then it’s quite an easy task to become someone who never has to buy clothes ever again. In fashion social media it’s called gifting, and it’s a mutually beneficial process that has become one of the key fundamentals of marketing. It just it works, and good for them.
What isn’t a mutually beneficial process, however, is attempting to get free food and drinks at an establishment full of hard working hospitality staff who are doing everything they can to keep their venues afloat at the tail end of a pandemic.
But alas, ‘restaurant Insta’ is being constantly bombarded with DMs from influencers who no longer believe in paying for anything, and Crazy Pedro’s has had enough of it.
Posting on their social media accounts tonight, after receiving one DM too many, Pedro’s outed their latest potential ‘collaborator’.
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“READ THE ROOM,” the post begins with.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CP6NsMGh4RB/
It continues: “We’ve been open 4/5 months tops out of the last 14 and just last week closed one of our venues in the interest of staff and customers safety – whilst you’re out here after a bit of free food?
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“We’re all for a bit of promotion so why not pay us a visit and shout about our ‘yummy food 😋’ along with every other venue you’ve probably copy and pasted the message to? It’s a no from us unfortunately but we’ll save you a table should you wish to join us as a paying customer.”
It seems their frustration is universal, with both comment sections on Instagram and Facebook popping off with support.
One person wrote: “I like the way they said ‘collaborate’ instead of free food. Just utter disrespect. I will be dropping by hopefully soon as craving that Chippy Tea Pizza that I will happily buy.”
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Crazy Pedro’s
Hospitality in the UK has had it terrible during the pandemic. The majority of pubs, bars and restaurants have only recently been able to reopen, with plenty only managing it by the skin of their teeth.
Right now, and for the rest of the year (and beyond), we should be supporting these venues by putting money in their tills and tips in their pockets.
Don’t be THAT person. Pay for your meal and enjoy the benefits of good hospitality – and put them on your f****** Instagram story because of that.
Hear stories from Coronation Street legends in all-new live shows
Thomas Melia
Members of Coronation Street are spilling all the secrets of the cobbles to live audiences with a brand new series of Q&A sessions across the country, including right here in its hometown of Manchester, of course.
Although Weatherfield may only be up the road (hypothetically), it’s not every day you’re face to face with TV soap royalty, but this newly announced live show makes the impossible, possible.
Soap lovers will be able to find out all the tales, trials and tribulations cast members have had on set and swap the comfort of their own homes for a front-row seat at the theatre.
This night is perfect for Corrie lovers, whether you’ve been following the show since its humble beginnings in 1960 or tagged on later when it became a face of British TV culture, everyone is welcome.
The event is titled, simply, ‘An Audience with Coronation Street‘ and will feature five cast members as well as one surprise ‘Corrie legend’ who will all vary depending on each show.
So far eight names have been released and this includes some of the soap’s many famous faces, Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor).
There’s room for fresher talent too as Jodie Prenger is attending after only joining the cobbles in 2022 as Glenda Shuttleworth.
Be it the long-standing favourites or the new faces you want to know more about, there’s something for everyone in what is a first for ITV’s long-standing and multi-award-winning continuing drama.
Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor)Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Other stars you might also get to see at your show are Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne).
The all-new Coronation Street shows, interview and Q&A series are kicking off in London with shows set for Sheffield, Glasgow and obviously here in 0161.
Of course, keeping these Coronation Street stars in check will be no easy feat and that’s why these shows will be hosted by the self-proclaimed ‘Soap Queen of This Morning‘, Sharon Marshall.
New monthly artisan markets to return to popular site in Levenshulme
Emily Sergeant
New day and night artisan markets are set to take over the site of the popular former Levenshulme Market this spring.
Manchester City Council has collaborated with Independent Street, known for its successful events around the North West, to bring a new market offering to the Manchester suburb – with freshly-baked produce, independent food stalls, and unique artisan products.
The new market, aptly called The Levy Artisan Market, will take place during the day on the second Sunday of every month.
There’ll also be an exciting night market on the last Friday of every month.
The Levy Artisan Market is set to showcase Manchester’s array of artisans and creators, while also helping to drive footfall into the vibrant area of Levenshulme and its already-established shops, cafes, restaurants, and independents.
The monthly Sunday markets will offer lots of family-focused events, including live entertainment, children’s workshops, food tastings, and cultural celebrations.
The monthly Friday night markets, on the other hand, will offer a newly-designed food court area with some of the best street food in town, as well as live music and a large seating area for people to kick back, relax, and welcome in the weekend.
Local councillors have collaborated with Manchester City Council to bring markets back to Levenshulme, after they have been deeply missed by both residents and visitors in recent years.
The Council hopes the new artisan market ‘fosters a strong sense of belonging’, by encouraging people to shop locally, connect with their neighbours, and celebrate the diversity of Levenshulme.
New monthly artisan markets are returning to a popular site in Levenshulme this spring / Credit: MCC
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome back Levy’s loyal customers and introduce the new Levy Artisan Market to a new generation of visitors,” commented Lisa Cowley, who is the Director of Independent Street.
“With a focus on community, sustainability, and high-quality, local produce, we hope to make Levy Artisan Market the heart of Manchester for years to come.”
The Manc -
9th June 2021 
