Manchester
Sacha Lord ‘punched and attacked’ for his views on reopening hospitality
He tweeted about the incident last night
Manchester hospitality supremo Sacha Lord was reportedly punched and attacked last night for his stance on reopening hospitality.
Over the last few months, the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester has been fighting for the UK’s nightlife industry to reopen as early as non-essential retail – and managed to make a lot of noise in parliament in the process.
However, it seems not everyone agrees with the Parklife and The Warehouse Project founder’s views on reopening our pubs and clubs.
Taking to Twitter last night, Sacha wrote: “Sadly, tonight I was punched and attacked regarding my views on reopening. I’m fine, but Demi is beside herself. What sort of a world are we living in?”
Demi is Sacha’s other half, who was reportedly present at the time of the attack.
In a follow up tweet this morning, Sacha wrote: “Thank you so much for all the kind words of support. Totally humbled.
“I’ll always speak up for what I believe in and fight for Hospitality.”
Sacha Lord has been a prominent figure in Greater Manchester for many years.
Tens of thousands of people have experienced some of the best nights of their lives as a result of his industry leading events – such as the many seasons of The Warehouse Project and over ten years of Parklife Festival.
However, his mission to get pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants reopened at the same time as non-essential retail – arguing that hospitality poses no greater risk than shops – has put him at the forefront of the lockdown fight here in Greater Manchester.
It’s estimated that the delay in reopening indoor hospitality has cost the sector roughly £7 billion over the five weeks in which businesses had to remain closed. It has also left thousands of industry staff unemployed.
Sacha claimed that the government had been unable to provide evidence for their reasoning behind their roadmap (and decision to delay the reopening of hospitality), and took to social media to confirm that his case was with a High Court Judge.
His fight saw him leading the charge on national TV, in newspapers, and on his social media accounts – with thousands rallying behind his cause. However, ultimately, the High Court ruled against him.
Thankfully, tomorrow, on Monday 17 May, indoor hospitality will finally reopen its doors and welcome customers back into their businesses.
With industry-leading COVID safety measures in place, it’s a time for the sector to once again prove itself as a safe space during a very uncertain time.
Lots of restauranteurs have gone to great lengths to keep staff and diners happy and safe during this next phase, however, if you’re worried, make sure you call your local restaurant or pub to check what changes have been made.
It’s been a tough year and a half for the sector, but there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel – it’s now time to support them during this hugely important moment.
Featured image – Darren Robinson Photography
Manchester
Three children sustain ‘serious injuries’ after falling from top deck window of school bus
Emily Sergeant
Three children have sustained ‘potentially serious injuries’ after falling out of a window on the top deck of a double-decker school bus in Greater Manchester.
The shocking incident happened shortly before 4pm yesterday afternoon (7 January 2026) on Bolton Road, in the Ashton-in-Makerfield area, and according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the children sustained ‘potentially serious injuries’ in the process, although they are not thought to be life-threatening.
An investigation into the incident is currently in the early stages, but GMP Inspector Simon Barrie said in a statement that it appeared to be an ‘unfortunate accident’.
“This is a serious incident that will cause disruption,” Inspector Barrie said. “Our priority is to make sure the children get the treatment they need in hospital. Thankfully we don’t believe their injuries are life-threatening.
“This does appear to be an unfortunate accident at this time, but we will be making enquiries as to the circumstances and liaising with partners.”
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) also confirmed that said it is ‘working closely’ with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into the incident.”: “Our thoughts are with those injured and we want to wish them a speedy recovery.
“Emergency services remain at the scene, and we are working closely with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into the incident.”
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The road has since reopened, the BBC has reported.
It’s believed, according to Councillor Danny Fletcher, of the Ashton-on-Makerfield South ward – who posted to Facebook after speaking to police – that the young people fell from a top floor-side window of a school bus and were subsequently taken to Manchester Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Featured Image – GMP
Manchester
Doux Chaton debuts in Manchester: Vietnamese and French cuisine meets the North West
Danny Jones
Regardless of our rivalry, the Scousers have given us a lot: The Beatles, two Premier League football clubs for us to get regularly riled up against, even the Bold Street brand – and now it’s the turn of Doux Chaton, who just landed in Manchester.
Vietnamese food right in the heart of town, but like you’ve never had it before, Doux Chaton is the Southeast Asian spot with a European twist that’s already turning heads.
In fact, despite quietly opening on the main Deansgate strip over the festive period, there was already plenty of passion for this place down the Mersey, as this Liverpool-founded business has developed a foodie favourite following here in the North West.
Run by owners Jimmy and Jennifer Ly, whose parents Ko and Linda moved to the UK back in the 70s, this place might be regionally born and bred, but it’s still deeply rooted in the rich heritage of two ex-pats helping bring some seriously incredible flavours to our shores.
Walking past the old unit on the ground floor of Great Northern Warehouse – during a real ghost town period for the city centre this past Christmas – we saw a team hard at work putting together their first Manc venue.
This was at around 10/11pm from memory, as we saw a man on ladders finishing the hand-lettered sign by lamplight; this is all relevant because, before anything, it’s worth noting that this place from 9am until 9pm all week round.
Yes, as in every single day.
Since they’re still relative newcomers, we’re not entirely sure when they take any time (if, indeed, they do at all), but one thing we can already vouch for is that hard work can well and truly be tasted in the food and drink they put out.
Expanding their traditional Vietnamese menu in Merseyside, Doux Chaton Deansgate has seen them create a whole new selection of sweet treats, doubling not only as a neo-French patisserie but as a platform to showcase both traditional and modern bakes from their home country.
There is a long history of their national cuisine being deeply influenced by the classical culinary culture in France, but when we tell you their bahn mi sandwiches and clever take on a sausage ‘pho’roll were even tastier than their decadent croque monsieur croissant, you know you’re on to something special.
And then there are the bowls of broth and noodles themselves; we tried plenty of pho in and around Greater Manchester, with plenty purporting to be ‘authentic’ – and many of them are – but there can be a question about this first and second generation team.
Taking ‘Mama Hong’s treasured recipes from the streets of Hanoi and elevating them ever so slightly in certain spots, whilst still letting the flavours, textures and smells speak for themselves, it’s comfortably some of the best Viet scran we’ve had in these parts.
The cute little cat in a bowl logo almost feels like the most warm and fitting welcome you could hope for.
Service with a smile, simply fantastic food, a bloody GREAT cup of stylish drip coffee and a big chalkboard where you can even leave your own message, not to mention unrelenting opening hours – this could be our new go-to at any given time of day.
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Featured Images — The Manc Group
The Manc -
16th May 2021 
