As tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II spring up around the city, one bar in Manchester has paid its own respects with a heartfelt message emblazoned above its door for everyone to see.
Impossible Bar on Peter Street is known for its tongue-in-cheek comments about current affairs, typically using its prominently-placed sign to comment on the latest Love Island or Kanye West scandal.
But in light of the Queen’s sudden passing, bosses have instead used it to share an ardent message about the late Monarch, writing “The best to ever do it. HRH Elizabeth II.”
Sharing the tribute on its social media channels, the bar described Queen Elizabeth II as “a leader, a lady, elegant and true… A role model for us all, our queen through and through… Queen Elizabeth ll 1926-2022.”
It follows the appearance of a number of tributes across the city, as locals and businesses begin to come together to mourn the death of Her Majesty.
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Manchester City Council has already announced St Ann’s Square as the dedicated space for anyone wishing to lay flowers in tribute, whilst the flag at Manchester Central Library has been lowered to half-mast and will remain so until 8am on the day following the State Funeral.
The Queen’s Books of Condolence has also opened at the library this morning, with locals invited to visit between 9am and 6pm from now until the day after the funeral.
Elsewhere, billboards across the city have been changed to show tributes to the Queen with numerous pictures of her now on display.
A number of voices from the wider nightlife industry have also joined in sharing tributes and condolences, with the Night Time Industries Association writing: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen has been an amazing ambassador and servant for this country over the last 70 years. Thank you for your service x”
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen has been an amazing ambassador and servant for this country over the last 70 years. Thank you for your service x pic.twitter.com/SrckAGE9Yn
— Night Time Industries Association (@wearethentia) September 8, 2022
Manchester’s Night Time Economy Advisor Sacha Lord also shared his condolences, tweeting “A terribly sad day. My condolences are with the Queen’s family and with all who knew and loved her.”
Local brewery Joseph Holt has tweeted: “Joseph Holt Brewery and all of our Pubs share the sorrow of the nation following the announcement on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Thank you for 70 Years of service and dedication. Rest in Peace Your Majesty.”
And J W Lees has added its condolences, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Everyone at JW Lees extends their sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and the entire Royal Family.”
The crown now passes to King Charles III, who will now rule as Monarch with his wife Camilla becoming Queen Consort.
Feature image – Impossible
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.