Any self-respecting fan of a good portion of salt and pepper chips should know that we have our neighbours in Liverpool to thank.
First originating there in the 90s, the Chinese-Scouse chippy hybrid has become something of a northern takeaway staple and most places in Manchester offer it as par for the course.
But now, this week, a group of Scouse cooks has moved into the Sadler’s Cat pub to show us how it’s really done – with a menu that offers up salt and pepper chickn dumplings, salt and pepper hash browns, and, naturally, huge trays of salt and pepper chips.
Did we mention that it’s all vegan? Because it is.
Image: Desert Island Dumplins
Specialising in fusion dumplings, Desert Island Dumplings has previously popped up at the likes of Grub so eager street food fans may already have them on their radar.
The menu at The Sadler’s Cat pub, served from 4pm in the week and 12pm on the weekend, offers a selection of different dumplings along with sides like drunk Teriyaki noodles, salt and pepper hash browns or chips, as well as chips, cheeze, and gravy.
Dumpling flavours are far from traditional, with choices spanning the likes of smoky cheez pizza, hoisin mock duck, cheezeburger, lobster and salt and pepper chickn.
The menu also includes a regularly-changing dumpling ‘flavour of the week’, as well as two sweet pudding options in lemon drizzle and Lotus banoffee, both served with a sweet dip.
Prices start at £7.50 for 5 of one flavour, or £8.50 for 5 mix and match dumplings. Sides, meanwhile, start from just £3 for a portion of chips up to £5 for a portion of drunken noodles.
Alternatively, if you’re in a big group you can opt for a sharer box, priced from £22 for 10 dumplings, salt and pepper chips and drunk Teriyaki noodles, or £32 for 25 dumplings, salt and pepper chips, noodles and hash browns.
Image: The Sadler’s Cat
Formerly known as The Pilcrow, The Sadler’s Cat changed hands last year after it was sold by the Common Group to Manchester’s Cloudwater Brewery.
It is the first proper pub for the brewery, which also has a taproom at the Piccadilly Trading Estate and is planning to open a new beer hall in the city centre waterside neighbourhood Kampus later this year.
Head down for your alternative dumpling fix and wash it all down with a range of locally-sourced beers from Cloudwater and other Manchester breweries, or if that doesn’t do it for you, choose from the pub’s selection of natural wine, spirits and softs.
Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Emily Sergeant
Manchester will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day) with a poignant ceremony at the city’s Cenotaph today.
While VE Day in May 1945 signified the end of World War II in Europe, thousands of British, Commonwealth, and Allied troops continued to fight in Asia and the Pacific – but VJ Day, which was declared on 15 August 1945, brought a final end to the global conflict.
The day remains a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom, and Manchester‘s commemorations today will aim to honour their courage, resilience, and sacrifice.
The event will bring together veterans, civic leaders, cadets, and members of the public in a shared moment of reflection and gratitude.
This year’s commemorations in the city centre will begin at 11:50am.
15 August 1945 marked Victory over Japan.
Join us tomorrow at 11:40am at the Cenotaph to commemorate the 80th anniversary of WWII in the Far East and honour those who served🫡
A two minute silence will be held at 12 noon, marked by a maroon.
Commemorations will start with opening remarks from The Very Reverend Rogers Govender, followed by a solemn programme of remembrance.
The service will begin at 11:58am with The Exhortation recited by Brigadier AG Ross OBE, followed by The Last Post sounded by WO2 Nick Burroughs, and then at midday, a national two-minute silence will be observed – which will be marked by the firing of a maroon.
Brigadier Ross will then recite the Kohima Epitaph, leading into the wreath laying ceremony featuring cadets from the Manchester Trafalgar Unit Sea Cadets, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
The service will conclude with the singing of the National Anthem.
Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day / Credit: Manchester City Council
Iconic buildings and landmarks in Manchester, including the Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network (CQHN) tower, will illuminate their facades from 9pm tonight to honour VJ Day.
“Today, Manchester stands united in remembrance and respect,” commented Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, who is the Lord Mayor of Manchester. “The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is not only a tribute to those who served and sacrificed, but also a celebration of peace and resilience.
“Manchester’s commemorations today reflect the deep gratitude we hold for those who gave so much for the freedoms we have today.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
First look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style lodges where you can sleep amongst the animals
Emily Sergeant
The first look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style resort has been released to the public, and it looks stunning.
In case you missed it, artist impression images of the highly anticipated wildlife lodge experience at Chester Zoo, called The Reserve, were unveiled earlier this year ahead of its grand opening to the public this month following several years in the works… but now opening day is right around the corner, the first official images have been shared.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo features 51 beautifully-designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam free, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people.
The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa, and it’s already being described as ‘the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK’.
Combining luxurious accommodation with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the zoo’s world-renowned wildlife, Chester Zoo says the new resort is set to transform how travellers experience conservation in the UK.
Those behind the project say the innovative concept – where every stay directly-funds the protection of threatened species globally – will help to strengthen the zoo’s role as ‘one of the country’s most loved and most impactful conservation charities’.
Chester Zoo has given the first look at its new luxury safari-style lodges / Credit: Chester Zoo
“The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a game-changer, not just for luxury travel but for conservation,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO at Chester Zoo.
“Born from our long-standing commitment to protecting African wildlife, we’ve created a truly immersive, safari-style experience right here in the UK, where guests may wake up to giraffes on their doorstep, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and relax in beautifully designed lodges surrounded by nature.
“But what makes The Reserve truly unique is its purpose.
“Guests at The Reserve aren’t just going to enjoy a luxury break – they’re going to power our conservation movement for generations to come.”
Stays at the resort are now available to book online / Credit: Chester Zoo
In the off-season, prices for the lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50.
And then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486, but it is worth noting, however, that this does include guided safari tours and going behind the scenes with the giraffes.
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2022 
