Whilst Manchester is not short of Polish shops, when it comes to restaurants, sadly, it’s a bit of a different story. To that, we say thank goodness for Platzki.
A fixture in the city since 2018, this popular Deansgate spot serves an interesting list of Polish wines and vodka alongside traditional dishes like dumplings, pork neck and meatballs – all on beautiful Polish-made plates imported from abroad.
It has a gorgeous plant-filled terrace that backs onto the Great Northern Warehouse, and is packed out when we visit midweek – always a good sign.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
The staff happily plonk themselves down to chat with solo diners, and clearly know the menu inside-out – regardless of the fact that it is regularly changing.
Manager Ana tells us they have the best pierogies in town, and – after trying them – we’re very much inclined to agree. The trick, we hear, is all in the dough, which has to be “not too thin, not too thick”.
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We opt for those famous pierogi, generously stuffed with confit duck and drizzled in a juniper and plum sauce, alongside a divine cold beetroot and cucumber soup with boiled eggs, cherry-laden pickled herring and beetroot carpaccio to start, with a few vodka spritzes on the side.
After that, we dug into succulent Karkowa (roasted pork neck that simply fell apart it was so tender) with spinach egg noodles and giant veal and chicken meatballs served with mash, chives and creamy gravy, before ending with a chocolate crumb cheesecake and layered fruit jelly sponge.
Then we rolled ourselves home, very full and happy. A real gem in the city centre, if you’re a fan of Polish cuisine then Platzki si well worht a look in. We can’t recommend it highly enough.
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Find Platzki on Deansgate at 229, Manchester M3 4EN.
Feature image – The Manc Eats
Manchester
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
Daisy Jackson
One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.
All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars.
Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues).
And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below.
Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots.
And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd July 2022 
