In a day and age where even the most bog-standard of takeaway coffees costs more than £3, and where you have to think very carefully about if you can afford to stick your radiator on, the Bearded Feeder at Piccadilly Gardens is a rare beast.
A staple of the Piccadilly Street Food Markets, this stall is somewhere you can still get a filling lunch for a fiver – and you’ll get some pretty solid Star Wars puns on the side.
The Bearded Feeder has a solid reputation amongst Mancs, thanks in no small party to its quality meaty burgers (100% beef, 100% pork, 100% Sith, they say. Told you they liked a Star Wards pun).
The family-run business has a mouth-watering menu that includes pulled pork, ‘Force-pushed’ burgers, and chicken wings, with prices for mains starting at a mere £5.
Pound-for-pound, there aren’t many places matching that value and quality.
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Despite so many huge players in Manchester’s burger scene – Burgerism, Almost Famous, Slap & Pickle, Hawksmoor, to name a few – The Bearded Feeder is a name that pops up every time we ask people for their burger recommendations.
It’s founded and operated by Scott Andrew, a man who is quite literally a bearded feeder, and who has kept his prices affordable despite the insane costs of operating any sort of business in 2023.
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The Exogarth platter from The Bearded Feeder burger stall at Piccadilly Gardens in ManchesterThe Bearded Feeder at Piccadilly GardensThe Bearded Feeder’s Wookiee burger at Piccadilly Gardens
His dishes include the Vader hot dog, the Chosen One burger, and the Wampa loaded mac and cheese.
The Wookiee burger features a smashed beef burger patty with cheese, topped with pulled pork and barbecue sauce, and it’s a burger about the size of the Death Star itself. It’s also only £7, or £10 as a meal deal.
The Exogorth is bigger still, a tray heaped with all of the Bearded Feeder’s best bits.
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There’s pulled pork, belly bites, mac and cheese, and two chicken wings, topped with jalapenos and crispy onions.
It’s one of the top-rated burger joints in the entire city, with people reviewing it as ‘the best burger I have ever eaten’ and ‘heaven’.
You’ll be Skywalkering on air after you’ve eaten this one…
BRIT Awards 2026 nominations and first performer announced live in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
The full list of nominations for the BRIT Awards 2026 have been announced today live from Manchester, as the landmark music awards ceremony moves up north for the first time in its 30-year history.
With just weeks to go until the Co-op Live arena hosts one of the biggest nights in music, all eyes are firmly on Manchester.
And now, thanks to a live broadcast from the venue this afternoon, we know exactly who’s up for an award – and have our first live performer confirmed too.
Olivia Dean is set to perform live at the BRIT Awards when they take place in Manchester on Saturday 28 February.
She’s out in front as one of the most-nominated artists too, with five nominations including MasterCard Album of the Year, Song of the Year (for Man I Need), and Artist of the Year.
Also coming out on top with five nominations is Lola Young, marking a key moment for the next generation of British talent.
With four nominations, there’s Sam Fender, following on from his Mercury Prize win.
And with three nominations apiece is Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Dave, Fred Again, and Jim Legxacy.
Representing as one of the north’s greatest bands are Sheffield’s Pulp, who have their first BRIT Awards nomination in 30 years.
Other artists to be recognised include Jade, Chapel Roan, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Little Simz, Skye Newman, Sombr, Wet Leg, and loads more.
The live-streamed announcement has been hosted by Charley Marlowe and Sarah Storey, with artists nominated across 15 categories revealed today at Co-op Live, and viewers given a glimpse inside the new home of the BRIT Awards.
There was also a performance from this year’s Critics Choice winner, Jacob Alon.
The actual awards will take place on 28 February, hosted by Jack Whitehall, with an amazing new trophy designed by Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson.
The BRIT Awards 2026 nominations have been revealed in Manchester
Some winners will be determined by public vote, including Song of the Year with Mastercard, and International Song of the Year – voting is open on the BRITs WhatsApp channel and socials from Friday 30 January until Friday 13 February.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: “The breadth of artists nominated reflects a thriving year in music and reaffirms that British artists continue to capture imaginations across the globe. I think this list is a powerful demonstration of how vibrant and varied music is right now, with artists across different genres and generations reflecting music that is both commercially successful and has lasting cultural impact.
“At its core, the BRIT Awards exists to celebrate creativity, and these nominations set the stage for an exciting and memorable night.”
BPI Chief Executive, Dr Jo Twist OBE, said: “It’s fantastic to see British talent doing so well across the board, especially a next generation of brilliant artists who have broken through with such impact on the global stage in the past 12 months led by Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sam Fender, PinkPantheress, Skye Newman, among others – our congratulations to all The BRITs nominees and their labels.
“The BRIT Awards with Mastercard in Manchester will provide a compelling moment for them all to shine brightly and to spotlight the diverse breadth of talent drawn across the UK and internationally.”
Manchester’s biggest live yoga class with a string quartet playing calming music is back for 2026
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s biggest live yoga class is back for 2026 to celebrate International Women’s Day.
After the first event sold out in days, Yoga Social Club has now announced an additional morning date for its highly anticipated International Women’s Day Yoga + String Quartet celebration, giving even more women the chance to take part in the unique yoga and live music experience right here in Manchester.
Taking place the day before International Women’s Day 2026, the second session has now been released following ‘overwhelming demand’ from the local community.
The two-hour immersive experience combines 50-minutes of breathwork and yoga set to live music from the Manchester String Quartet, performing works by female composers and artists like Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and plenty other iconic female music artists.
It’s then followed by an hour of ‘relaxed’ networking with refreshments.
The session – led by Yoga Social Club, Christina Whittingham – is designed to bring people together through movement, music, and meaningful connection.
“This event isn’t just about yoga,” Christina commented. “It’s about creating space to pause, breathe, connect and celebrate women in a really uplifting and joyful way, all while being surrounded by beautiful live music.
“Whether you come with friends or on your own, you’ll leave feeling connected, energised and part of something really special.”
Manchester’s biggest live yoga class with a string quartet is back for 2026 / Credit: Supplied
Yoga Social Club has gone from strength to strength since first launching.
What started as a small community-focused concept has expanded into a much wider network of classes and events led by trained community leaders – with sessions now running across more than 30 areas throughout Manchester, the North West, and the UK.
The International Women’s Day Yoga + String Quartet experience is taking place on Saturday 7 March from 9:30-11:30am at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats, and participants of all abilities and yoga experience levels are welcome.
Daisy Jackson -
13th October 2023 
