There’s luxury, and then there’s gold-fronted luxury – and it seems like this £1.3m padin Spinningfields has it all.
An absolute one-of-a-kind, for those who want to peek behind the curtains (or shutters) of Manchester’s wealthiest residents there’s no better opportunity right now than this boujie listing.
Boasting not one but two outdoor roof spaces, one of which also has its very own hot tub (not gold, though), the house is completely distinct.
Image: Zoopla
Located on Wood Street, it sits opposite John Rylands Library – right in the midst of some of Manchester’s swankiest restaurants, bars and designer shops. Its gold shutters can be opened to look out onto the historic building or left shut for additional privacy.
Accessed via an electric door, inside you’ll find 2,200 square feet of space spanning three double en-suite bedrooms, a large kitchen, open plan living and dining area, rooftop garden, and terrace.
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Split across five floors, some of its coolest features include a third-floor loft room where you can suspend yourself in a huge hammock and a spiral staircase that winds its way up throughout the property.
Image: Zoopla Image: Zoopla
There’s also a stunning sun terrace, accessed from the top floor via double french doors, and above that a roof garden reached by another set of stairs. Here you’ll find a wooden hot tub alongside stunning views of the city.
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Elsewhere, the property features a garage with room for one car to be parked and a ground-floor double bedroom with an ensuite and private terrace that would make an ideal home office.
Above this is a further two bedrooms, accessed via a modern staircase. The master features striking floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Deansgate and a freestanding bath, whilst next door you’ll find the third bedroom sandwiched between the bathroom.
Image: Zoopla Image: Zoopla
Then upstairs again, on the second floor, is an open-plan kitchen, diner and lounge boasting high spec appliances and a wine fridge. Behind this, a giant hammock hangs from the double-height ceiling.
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Truly unique in design, there are some next-level architectural features to be discovered throughout the house.
A bit of a rarity, we can’t help but wonder who might end up living in this swanky gold-fronted pad next. Listed at a guide price of £1.3m, whoeer it is – they’ll definitely have some cash to splash.
Manchester romcom Finding Emily is currently one of the best-reviewed films of 2026 so far
Emily Sergeant
A new romcom that is set, was filmed in, and actually romanticises Manchester is soon to be released overseas.
If you haven’t had the chance to see Finding Emily for yourself yet, the film is set in Manchester at the fictional Manchester City University and tells the story of a lovesick musician, played by Spike Fearn, who meets his dream girl named Emily on a night out.
Sadly though, he ends up with the wrong phone number for Emily, and so teams up with a driven psychology student, played by Angourie Rice, in a bid to find her.
Together, the unlikely duo spark a hilarious campus-wide frenzy that tests their own hearts and ambitions along the way.
The film – which is directed by Alicia MacDonald, based on a screenplay by Rachel Hirons, and produced by Working Title Films – is filled with notable local locations dotted throughout, from Manchester Central Library and Piccadilly Records, to Canal Street, the Northern Quarter, and even the Emmeline Pankhurst statue in St Peter’s Square featured for all to see.
Oh, and not to mention, if you keep your eyes peeled when watching the trailer, you can even see a small clip of Stockport band Blossoms playing a gig in there too.
Finding Emily was released here in the UK back in May, and received overwhelmingly positive reviews from fans and critics, including by The Manc Group team when we were lucky enough to see it at the Manchester premiere.
And ahead of its international release this week (Friday 26 August), those reviews have remained as glowing as ever.
In fact, over on major film review platform Rotten Tomatoes, the film stands at 95% on the ‘tomatometer’, meaning it’s one of the highest-rated romcoms of the decade so far.
That also makes it one of the best-reviewed movies of the entire year, in addition to its record score for the genre itself, as only two other films released in 2026 have retained scores higher than it – thrilling Hong Kong action film, The Furious, with a score of 98%, and the uniquely hilarious Olivia Wilde directed and starring, The Invite, with a score of 97%.
Unfortunately, box office projections for Finding Emily are pretty low for the weekend over in the US, as it has to contend with continuing big-hitters like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey.
But it says a lot that this fun-filled original romcom set in our incredible city is more critically acclaimed than those two blockbusters based on existing IP.
Critics say Finding Emily ‘makes a tried-and-true formula feel brand new’, and to us, that’s about as good as you can get.
Finding Emily is no longer in UK cinemas, so if you would like to check it out, you can currently buy or rent the film on Amazon Prime UK, the Sky Store, or the Virgin Media Store.
The best places to go pumpkin picking near Manchester this autumn
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Pumpkin season is almost upon us – brace to have cinnamon and pumpkin spices shoved down your throat, and brace for whiplash from the heatwave to handwarmers.
I know, I know, I hear you. How can we possibly think about Halloween already?
Well with over 10,000 of you having already signed up to visit the Kenyon Hall Farm pumpkin patch, we’d hate for you to get left out.
According to folklore, pumpkins were originally carved to ward off Stingy Jack and other spirits, but these days they’re pretty effective in scaring away the nosey neighbours too.
To celebrate this year, instead of going to your local supermarket for a pumpkin, how about doing things the old fashioned way and harvesting the pumpkins yourself?
It’s a wholesome activity for all the family to do, so wrap up warm and let the kids run around while you fill your wheelbarrow with the biggest pumpkins you can carry.
So, without further ado, here’s some of the best pumpkin patches near Manchester for you to choose from.
Head on into the heart of Dunham Massey for your perfect pumpkin picking experience, ideal for animal-mad families, friends and couples.
They’ve not released 2026 tickets yet, but in 2025 families could hop on board a tractor and trailer shuttle service Eddie’s ‘Bumble Bee’ park and ride, safely transporting you from the carpark to the farm, as well as a Maize Maze to explore and lots of farm yard animals to spot.
Brookheys Farm is easily accessible by car and public transport from Altrincham, making it a great option.
If previous years are anything to go by, at Malpas you might be able to combine a maze adventure with your pumpkin picking.
If you’re up for the challenge, then somewhere at the heart of the maize maze lies a kingdom of pumpkins ready for you to rescue, while a 100 scarecrows are also hiding somewhere in the maize, along with a Harry Potter area.
Themed fancy dress is, obviously, encouraged. Dates have now been confirmed but there’s more info to come.
Open 10-4pm, Friday 2 October – midday on Saturday 31 October
Kenyon Hall Farm, Warrington
Kenyon Hall Farm has a 20,000 strong pumpkin patch, with 50 different varieties to choose from. You’re bound to find the perfect shape, colour and size for you and your carving design needs.
Though if doing the dirty work isn’t your style, pre-picked pumpkins are available and you can explore the farm shop or tuck into some of the delicious seasonal treats whilst watching your loved ones from the safety of the café.
They have also promised brand-new displays to facilitate the perfect autumnal family photos, as well as new interactive elements to enjoy. Not to mention, there is a free playground for the kids to run about and exert all of that energy, before you head off home.
The pumpkin patch is set to be open every day from Saturday 26 September but don’t hang about – lots of weekend dates have already sold out.
Book a £3.95 ticket online for entry – pumpkins can vary in price.
Another great place to spend a day is Lancaster Park & Animal Farm in Chadderton – they truly have it all.
Fully immerse yourselves in the Halloween spirit (pardon the pun) with pumpkin picking and carving, a Wizard School show, Halloween disco, fancy dress competitions (grown ups that includes you too), and giant halloween displays for photo opportunities.
Alternative activities at the farm include mini-quads, play areas, zip lines, a whole farm of animals to pet and much more.
Book online where tickets range from £7.34 – £16.77, including the pumpkins you take away, access to the farm and Halloween event.
Greater Manchester’s award-winning pumpkin patch, at Cockfield’s Farm, is returning this year bigger and better than ever.
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In addition to the regular patch equipped with pumpkin patch props, a mini-pumpkin patch for the little ones and an evening adventure available to pick your pumpkins after dark if you’re brave enough. There is also set to be a brand-new spooky walk-through, Halloween show and autumnal displays.
Your pumpkin patch ticket also includes access to adventure play areas, the Giant Bouncy Pillow, animal petting at Cuddle Corner, tractor rides, the Big Animal Barn AND the brand-new Reptile Room.
The pumpkin patch will be open every weekend and throughout the October half-term with tickets ranging from £5.95 to £16.95 per person.
Pumpkin picking is back at Reddish Vale Farm with plenty of fun to join in, but you’ll want to book quickly as it’s a popular spot.
Explore the Halloween Village, and play areas equipped with zip wires and giant bouncy pillows, meet the farmyard animals, climb aboard the Spooky Express ride or simply grab a wheelbarrow and carve your handpicked pumpkins in the Carving Cavern.
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There is also set to be a wide range of Halloween themed games and activities including making your own magical wand, enjoying the witch and wizard shows to enjoy.
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £15 for children, with one pumpkin included per paying person, extra pumpkins are £5 each.
Libby’s Pumpkin Patch is set to return and she sure knows how to host a pumpkin party, with wood-fired pizzas, homemade sweet treats, campfire marshmallows and drinks.
It’s cheap and definitely cheerful – Libby has vowed to keep prices low for the third year in a row to help with the cost of living crisis meaning tickets will be costing only £10 per car starting from Saturday 3 October.
Affordable fun is just what we want and Roby Mill nearly always delivers – head on down to Roby Mill to satisfy all of your Halloween desires including photo opportunities with traditional tractors, an indoor marquee with all things witchy and locally made items.
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Open every day, prices for pumpkin and gourd typically start from £2, so you can either dig up a cute mini one yourself, or roll your giant one home – the choice is yours.
There will also be a professional photographer on the 3, 9 and 11 October for a 20-minute photoshoot at an added cost.
While booking is required during the busy dates, the event is completely free entry and parking.
Woore Fruit Farm, Crewe
Ready, set… harvest.
Woore Fruit Farm is ripe and ready for picking, and it’s open 9am to 5pm daily, so you can go down and grab a pumpkin before Halloween is here.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd November 2021 
