A new restaurant championing foraged and natural ingredients has opened up on Deansgate Mews this week.
With a daily-changing menu that uses ingredients picked in the wild by its chefs alongside top produce from some of Manchester’s finest growers, it’s rather tiny – with room inside for just 24 guests at once.
Called Another Hand, it comes from Danny Foggo of Holy Grain, Julian Pizer and Max Yorke, formerly of Edinburgh Castle and Hispi.
Image: The Manc Eats
According to the chefs behind it, everything is cooked ‘as natural as possible’ with a big emphasis on using sustainable, organic and ethically-produced ingredients.
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Vegetables served here come with the promise that they’ve been picked ‘out the ground’ that very same day, with specially-selected fish, meat and fermented foods alongside to complement the flavours.
With an open kitchen and Japanese grill, everything is on show as you sit and eat. The restaurant itself features crushed burnt orange furnishings, exposed brick and teal accents.
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Image: The Manc Eats
Mackerel glazed umeboshi style with plum, burnt apple and turnip consomme. / Image: The Manc Eats
Fired squash loaded with hung vinaigrette yoghurt, marmite baked seeds and sumac dressing. / Image: The Manc Eats
Offering everything from all-day breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, as the day goes on the concept will evolve – with the restaurant transforming from a light and airy casual eatery in the day to an intimate dining space by night.
What’s more, thanks to the daily changing menu, no two visits are likely to ever be the same.
Supplied daily by local businesses like Cinderwood Market Garden, Organic North, Littlewoods Butcher and Butcher’s Quarter, low-intervention and locally sourced produce sits at the heart of the concept.
Julian Pizer from Another Hand said: “Dishes will be served as natural as possible. We’ve sough out the best possible producers and high-quality suppliers to minimise waste within the kitchen and ensure our dishes are sustainable, organic and tasty.”
Food is combined with natural wine, craft beer, seasonal cocktails and coffee sourced from other local, independent businesses.
Another Hand at Great Northern Warehouse is open now. Bookings for evening tables are now live and can be booked here.
Feature image – Supplied
Manchester
The massive Manchester running club where jogs finish at the pub
Danny Jones
For many people, it can sometimes be a struggle to fill those evenings throughout the week without giving into the urge of just sitting on your arse, eating snacks and watching telly all night.
On the other hand, heading to the gym on a weeknight after work can feel like a chore and you still might have to wait until 5pm on Friday to see your mates.
For our money, the Manchester Road Runners are the city’s biggest running club by any measure – maybe even in the Greater Manchester full stop – and is just as much about socialising as it is fitness, if not more.
Founded back in 2013, the club started out as nothing more than a few mates meeting every week for a jog and has since grown to be a nearly decade-old institution with more than 3.7K members on Facebook.
Based out of The Wharf in Castlefield, the group gathers at their adopted home and resident watering hole before each run to catch up and welcome new faces before setting off on a group run every Wednesday.
The best part is after the run is done, runners take over an entire floor of the pub (club flag hanging out the window, the works) before rewarding themselves with a cold pint or a well-deserved glass of wine. Or several, because why the hell not?
Offering everything from the 3k starter route to the 5k, 7.5k and 10k distances which stretch along the canal and take you as far as Media City in Salford Quays and back, scores of people turn up every week to meet new people, keep fit and have a drink.
Of course, if you’re a head-down, headphones-in kind of person, you can always just get in the zone and save your riveting conversation for afterwards. Alternatively, if you’re new to running, fancy a slower pace and are seeking out something more social, this club is made for you.
How it started vs how it’s going
We spoke to MRR’s chairman and founding member Chris Rider, who gave us a rundown on the club’s history, ethos and some of the inspirational stories that have seen it become the fitness family it is today.
“It started out with me and two friends: we went out for a run and finished back here for a pint and a burger and then started doing that every week. Then one of the guys put something on Twitter and Facebook asking if anyone wanted to join and it just began growing from there.
“For quite a while there was only about six of us, occasionally getting into double-figures, then gradually it built and built just through word of mouth. The last time we did a headcount there were more than 120 people”. There’s been more than that since – we’ve seen it.
In Chris’ eyes, the difference between MRR and other groups is that not only is this one free of charge (you just turn, drop your bags and run), but they prioritise the social aspect above all else.
In addition to providing an outlet for people that are new to Manchester or just looking to meet new people in general, he believes “the mental health aspect is massive… people don’t feel like they have to turn up every week as opposed to at other clubs, but they want to”.
Club secretary Will Robinson, who helps organise various ambassador roles and regularly delivers the intro speech on Wednesday evenings, echoed a similar sentiment, insisting that it is the sense of “community” is the reason he has stuck around for more than seven years.
In fact, the group is so close-knit that many people who can’t run that week still turn up to eat and drink, or even to just have a chinwag. Even people stopping over in Greater Manchester for work or for prolonged family visits turn up to give it a try and will still return the next time they’re in the area.
Crucially, Will says that feedback is a massive part of the running club’s success and regularly reminds newcomers that progress is “subjective” and the main goal is to participate, enjoy yourself and “come home feeling good”.
Enjoyment comes first. These lot aren’t just runners, they’re friends that look after each other. People find flatmates, gym buddies, people to go travelling with; many even meet their life partners and end up getting engaged – all through simply meeting at this unique running club.
Straight from the racehorses’ mouth
The group is really diverse and a great mix of ages, genders and running abilities. Anyone who joins will find their level and keep improving. I ended up training with a friend for the Great Manchester Run half marathon, which we both started and finished together in great time.
The running club helped me build a great social circle and support group. I moved to Manchester during lockdown and it was pretty difficult to meet new people, so having mates I can see for a drink on a Wednesday night is a highlight during my week.
Will (right) – 10 months
The best part is being able to share an interest with people who inspire you to run better and are a good laugh. As well as zip lining in Wales, my favourite memory is our Halloween night out to Mojos where me and my partner Will got together.
We’re not a serious group so don’t let that put you off. We’reall about socialising and just getting a run in. That said there are always people training for races so the group is good in that way too. Everyone is super friendly so talk to anyone and you’ll easily make friends.
Sam (right) – 3 years
As an ambassador, the role is partly about volunteering but it’s also recognising the values of the club and just trying to be a good egg — turning up as the best version of yourself you can be
My advice would be just turn up; don’t talk yourself out of it or assume everyone will be faster than you. It’s a running social, just run and have a chat with a complete stranger.
John – 6 years
Non-stop socials and away days
When we say the social aspect is essential to what has made this running club so popular and enjoyable, it doesn’t start and end at The Wharf.
Helping organise travel down to each location, the group do parkrun every single weekend at the various different green spaces across the Greater Manchester area and further afield.
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They have also recently started the MRR Trail Division, offering hikes and trail runs in the North West and various peaks across the UK.
Moreover, they do more than their fair share of taking the group on the road and outside of 0161 too, with away days to the likes of London, Alton Towers, Edinburgh, Dublin and more.
Peel Park RunMRR Trail DivisionDublin Half MarathonCredit: MRR
Believe it or not, they’ve even done mini-tours across the north of France and many members travel across the world doing their bit to represent the club at events such as the San Francisco, Porto and Oslo Marathon’s
Running aside, MRR seems to have some kind of social on every other week, whether it be a trip down to the Altrincham Markets, doing the Didsbury Dozen, Halloween parties, the annual Christmas meal or a 1am trip to Bunny Jacksons.
Did we mention they like a drink?
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Christmas MealThe Pizza Ping Pong Pool Party @ Roxy Ball RoomCredit: MRR
Fundraising and life-saving
Ran by its dedicated committee members and ambassadors who make everything possible, one of the most touching stories from the club is their journey to installing a life-saving defibrillator at The Wharf itself.
She went on to take over the initiative the following year, helping encourage more people to get into running whilst showing support for numerous different causes.
Credit: MRR
Not only did she run to raise awareness for cardiomyopathy, but she also helped pioneer the club’s part in #RunAndTalk, a national scheme which runs for a full week every year aimed at improving mental health and openness through exercise.
But her legacy will always be the defib that is now installed at the side of the pub. Emma and her fellow committee members started campaigning for the live-saving equipment long before she sadly passed and while it may be a painful chapter for the club, her incredible efforts could now save countless lives.
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Even Mayor Andy Burnham turned up for its unveiling on the day, which included a plaque honouring her memory and contribution to the local community.
Credit: MRR
Since then, the club has held multiple CPR training sessions with the help of certified professionals and regularly invites guest speakers, sports specialists, physios and even independent sports brands along to help everyone keep in good nick.
More importantly, fundraising remains a huge part of what makes this club tick, not just to help pay for things like the various pieces of official kit, but to keep the positive, communal and generous spirit at the core of the organisation.
Whether it be joining various races across the country, holding their own charity 10k every year and running the 24 Hour Run for Manchester’s homeless, or raising money for cancer research, the Red Cross and other worthwhile causes through things like bake sales, they’re always doing their bit.
You can’t write about a running club in Manchester without addressing the weather one of the club’s greatest charms: the dedication of its loyal members to continue turning up in wind, sleet, rain and snow.
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Their fortitude goes beyond just whatever the weather conditions are that week, though. As alluded to, the running club was a vital support system for so many during lockdown.
While there were long stretches when they weren’t allowed to meet at all, members kept in touch and shared their fitness updates on social media and when they were allowed to return socially distanced, they picked up right where they left off. There’s no stopping a runner.
The club celebrates its 10th anniversary next year and it has to be said, it’s quite the thing they’ve built and the Manchester Road Runners show no signs of stopping.
Credit: MRR
Last but not least, as a member since November 2021 myself, I can honestly say this club has changed my life in so many ways.
As a person who already loved running, it was a no-brainer when I stumbled across a horde of people in their gear all getting ready to set off. Seeing them gathering at a pub didn’t hurt either.
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I now have a whole new affection for exercise since the running club became a regular staple of my social life, to the point where I’m genuinely gutted if I have to miss a week. I dare say you’ll feel the same once you catch the bug.
If you’re interested in trying Manchester Road Runners, just turn up to The Wharf pub at 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Bag storage is available upstairs and the various distance groups set off from 6:45.
After all, what more incentive to run do you need than a well-earned drink to help get through the week?
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 3 – 9 October 2022
Emily Sergeant
Everything is starting to look that little bit more autumnal across Greater Manchester.
Now that October is here, and the spooky season is creeping up on us, with another new month comes an events calendar that’s filled with lots of different things to be getting up to, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
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Scare City Experience
Camelot
Monday 3 October – onwards
Scare City Experience / Credit: Park N Party
Scare City Experience is back for 2022.
The hugely-popular outdoor immersive horror experience is taking on a new life just in time for Halloween, and this time round, it’s set to take over the derelict site of one of the North West’s most iconic theme parks.
Events company Park N Party has announced that its sell-out success Scare City is coming to Camelot with a new walkthrough scare attraction, and it’s already being described as a “blood-soaked ordeal”.
For those who’ve got the guts to enter this year, a trek through “nightmarish zones” awaits.
Manchester‘s first new park in the heart of the city centre for more than 100 years has officially opened to the public.
It’s been a long journey to get here, but Mayfield Park has become a reality.
Over the last 18 months, the vast and mostly-derelict former industrial site next to Piccadilly Station has been transformed into what project developers are calling a “stunning, accessible, and varied” green space for everyone who visits the city centre to enjoy.
Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail / Credit: Chester Zoo
Tarantulas, komodo dragons, and poisonous dart frogs are just some of the creatures you can meet on Chester Zoo‘s newest interactive trail next month.
With the spooky season right around the corner, Luna’s Lost Spell Halloween Trail is set to take over the UK’s biggest charity zoo for the whole of next month from Saturday 1 – Monday 31 October, and it looks set to be an ideal day out for families during the half term.
The trail is free with the price of admission, and aims to raise awareness of all the “creepy but crucial creatures” at the zoo that are venomous and poisonous.
Coronation Street Stars Tour / Credit: Coronation Street: The Tour
Coronation Street’s famous ‘Stars Tours’ have returned, and it means you can meet “mystery” cast members on the legendary cobbles.
Just as the name suggests, the Stars Tours not only include the standard 90-minute guided tour of the external Coronation Street set in MediaCityUK, but they also give you the opportunity to meet the a surprise cast member from the show.
While bosses of the official guided tours are keeping names of the mystery cast members who are set to make appearances close to their chest, they have assured fans that they’ll pop out to say hello, and pose for pictures, as well as letting you in on a few filming secrets or a story during the special events too.
Yard & Coop Student Free Fried Chicken / Credit: The Manc Group
Yard & Coop is giving away free fried chicken to help students this week.
From 12pm until close on Wednesday 5 October, students of Manchester and Salford can get their hands on some of the Northern Quarter restaurant’s famous buttermilk fried chicken thighs and fries at no cost at all.
You’ve got the option to pay a fiver to upgrade to a full portion if the hangovers are really getting the better of you.
GRIMMFEST is back for its 10th anniversary special in our city this weekend.
A truly-independent genre film festival, GRIMMFEST is committed and dedicated to sharing great movies from both new and established filmmakers in the world of cinema in the horror, cult, extreme fantasy, and sci-fi genres.
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Some of the northern premieres film fans can expect this year include Better Watch Out, Replace, Game of Death, Killing Ground, Still/Born, 68 Kill, Ruin Me, Double Date, Freehold (2 Pigeons), Leatherface, and Attack of the Adult Babies.
For one night only on 7 October, the iconic Victoria Baths will be transformed into what is being described as the ultimate shopping experience.
From artisans, artists, and jewellers, to designers, bakers, and candlestick makers, The Night Market showcases the finest local small business talent with over 100 independent stalls, plus there’ll be street food to feast on, multiple bars to whet your whistle, alongside a Vintage Pool Party filled with the finest vintage treasures.
There’ll also be a DJ, some live music performances from Manchester based singer/songwriters, and so much more.
With more than 160 consoles and hundreds of games to play, Power UP is back at the Science and Industry Museum for the first time in three years, taking ticket-holders on a journey through five decades of gaming, with everything from retro arcade games, to state-of-the-art virtual reality, and so much more.
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Power UP is taking place every weekend and school holiday all the way through to December 2023, and every ticket includes unlimited play all day.
Headspace x Feel Good Club Free Therapy Sessions / Credit: Self Space
To help mark this year’s World Mental Health Awareness Week, mental health services provider Self Space is teaming up with Manchester’s very-own Feel Good Club to offer 30-minute therapy session slots at its cafe hub in the heart of the Northern Quarter for completely free of charge.
Free sessions will take place on Sunday 9 October.
All you have to do is register, walk in, and have a good conversation with a qualified person.
One of the standout experiences on the 2022 East Lancashire Railway (ELR) events lineup has to be the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’ and ride a Harry Potter-themed train through Greater Manchester.
Aspiring witches and wizards can gather at the ELR for a day of sharing spells and magic-themed fun.
This interactive adventure will see visitors, both young and old, enjoy a range of performances from colourful characters and magical creatures – provided by performance company Funcast – all before boarding the ‘Wizard Express’ for a two-hour round trip journey through the Irwell Valley of wonders.
Georgina Pellant -
11th March 2022 
