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.
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2022 
