A vegetarian and vegan bistro in Levenshulme is serving a menu that allows customers to pay what they feel to help those struggling with the cost of living.
The Gherkin restaurant originally launched a free meal service to help Ukrainian refugees settling into Manchester, but its owner has since made the decision to extend the Monday night deal to everyone who needs it.
Owner Jamie Whittaker first began cooking free meals at his restaurant for refugees after returning from a humanitarian outreach mission to Ukraine in March.
As the months passed, however, he realised that more people from the wider community would stand to benefit from the communal dining sessions, and has now moved to offer a ‘pay as you feel’ option to locals who’d like to join in.
A recent food menu for one of the ‘pay as you feel’ nights. / Image: The Gherkin
Whilst refugees can still eat for free, others are encouraged to pay what they can towards a dish of their choice – choosing from a set menu of six to seven dishes, featuring The Gherkin’s popular Sunday roast and a selection of its beloved burgers.
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A recent post advertising the ‘pay as you feel’ nights promised “curries, hot dogs, soups, falafel salad ,& more”
Owners wrote: “We are aware that people are struggling with the inflation of practically everything so we have decided to help you out. Literally pay what you feel ( can ) for all meals at the gherkin on Monday. All welcome.”
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Image: The Gherkin
Image: The Gherkin
Whilst hard-up guests contribute whatever they can afford, those who happen to be more well off are also given the option to ‘pay it forward’, either by buying a meal for someone else or by making a cash donation to the restaurant to help it continue its good work.
The restaurant has also set up a ‘Kindness Kabinet’, inviting people to leave donations for others in need ranging from clothing to food, books and toys.
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‘Pay as you feel’ meals are served every Monday from 4-9pm, with promises that no one will be turned away hungry for being unable to pay. Drinks are a normal price but tap water is free.
Feature image – The Gherkin
Manchester
Man charged with rape of 17-year-old girl near Piccadilly Gardens
Emily Sergeant
A man is due to appear in court today after being charged with the rape of a 17-year-old girl near Piccadilly Gardens last month.
A 24-year-old Afghan man, who has been formally named by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as Abdul Shinwari, of no fixed abode, has been charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, and possession with intent to supply.
He was charged following reports of the rape of a 17-year-old girl on Hope Street, near Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre.
The shocking incident happened at around 1:30am on Tuesday 14 July 2026, and specialist safeguarding officers have been continuing to support the victim ever since.
Shinwari was remanded in custody following his arrest, and is now due to appear at Manchester Crown Court today (25 August 2026).
There have been no further police statements on the matter at this time.
News of this incident comes after it was announced earlier this year that a new police hub was to set to be established in Piccadilly Gardens.
Local leaders said at the start of 2026 that their ambition for the year was to maintain a ‘high-performing’ police service by tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, and protecting residents and businesses along the way.
And part of this ambition was to increase police visibility in Piccadilly Gardens, which is a much-maligned part of the city centre, by launching a new ‘prominent’ police hub.
Award-winning cocktail bar in Manchester announces shock closure
Daisy Jackson
Red Light, a Manchester cocktail bar that’s been named as one of the best in the UK, has announced its shock closure.
The beautiful bar on the cobbled Little David Street has said that ‘this Pride will be our last’, with the doors set to close for good on Sunday.
Red Light opened its doors at Kampus in 2023, an inclusive space with great drinks, events, and DJs.
The bar was the brainchild of Deana Ferguson, an adopted Manc originally hailing from Belfast, who created a cosy, welcoming space with a fantastic martini.
But now, the Red Light team have announced that they have just days remaining in their home.
They wrote that ‘sustained financial headwinds’ are partly to blame, along with the challenges presented by operating a late-night venue in a residential area.
Red Light in Manchester has announced its closureThe beautiful bar is on Little David Street at Kampus in Manchester
In a heartbreaking statement, Red Light wrote: “For so many years, this bar has been more than a place to drink. It has been a home, a dance floor, a refuge, and a place where people could find friendship, freedom, love, and themselves.
“We are immensely proud of the community that has grown within these walls, and grateful to every person who has been part of it.”
The statement went on to thank the DJs, performers, neighbours and friends who ‘made this bar what it was’.
Red Light added: “We want our final Pride to celebrate everything we have created together. Come raise a glass, fill the dance floor, and help us give this place the joyful, unapologetically queer farewell it deserves.
“We hope to see you over the weekend, for one last Pride together.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th September 2022 
