Another Burton Road favourite is back in action this week – the wildly popular seventies-style food and drink hub Mary & Archie.
Having remained closed since the start of the the pandemic, the independent cafe bar has now relaunched in its original spot with a takeout and click & collect service – much to the joy of regulars.
For eight years, Mary & Archie has been attracting an eclectic crowd throughout the week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and local beers.
They’re part of the Burton Road furniture – and Didsbury hasn’t been quite the same without them.
Mary & Archie
“We just want to say a massive thank you to all our customers,” General Manager ‘Fletch’ explains.
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“We set up a fundraiser at the start of the pandemic when things were looking particularly bad, and the support from the community was amazing.
“It’s thanks to them that we’re still going and we’re really glad to be back.”
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Adorned in funky seventies art and decor, Mary & Archie has found its groove over the past decade as the go-to spot for almost every kind of occasion – be it a morning fry-up, afternoon coffee or an evening cocktail.
“We’ve got a calm and cosy vibe that people really like,” says Fletch.
“People visit at all times of the day. We’ve got loads of regulars – many of them have already been down to check out the new paint job we’ve added – and there’s quite a mix of customers on the whole.
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“I think we’ve been popular because we’re a great place for people who want something a little bit different.
“We get all the dates coming here. Tinder has been massive for us!”
The cafe bar caters for a diverse range of palates, too – with burgers, wraps, tacos, brunches, salads and wings all on the menu.
“We’re proud of our food – it really is good,” says Fletch.
“The jerk chicken goes down really well, but the veggie and vegan options are also really popular.”
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Dining options will be temporarily reduced whilst Mary & Archie gets up and running again, and staff are taking extra steps to keep customers safe during the reopening phase.
“Right now, everything is outside with 2m distancing in place, but we’re getting a bit of an action plan together for when we’re allowed to reopen fully again, whenever that may be,” Fletch tells us.
“We’re quite a small place so we’ll have to make some changes, maybe taking half the tables out.
“But for the time being it’s going to be great just to see people again.
“We’ve got such a good, friendly crowd.”
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Visit Mary & Archie at 200 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2LW.
Manchester rapist jailed for 22 years after attacking two vulnerable victims
Daisy Jackson
A Manchester man has been jailed for 22 years after raping two vulnerable victims, targeting people in the Gay Village and Sackville Gardens.
Frank Scott, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court after pleading guilty to three counts of rape.
The offences took place in two separate incidents in 2025, with Scott targeting victims in Manchester’s Gay Village and Sackville Gardens.
The first attack happened in June 2025, when Scott approached a woman who was alone and separated from a friend in the Gay Village.
After offering her drugs and leading her to a secluded area, Scott subjected her to a prolonged and violent sexual assault. He also threatened the woman and prevented her from leaving as she attempted to seek help.
The victim eventually managed to escape, with members of the public coming to her assistance. Scott was subsequently arrested.
In a statement read to the court following sentencing, the woman described the lasting emotional impact of the attack.
She said: “Whenever I think back to what happened on that night I go through different emotions. I go from feeling confused as to how someone could do what he did, to feeling completely numb, to being in tears on the sofa unable to move.
“I’ve struggled so much with trying to understand my emotions and coming to terms with what’s happened to me.
“How am I meant to carry on like everything is normal when he’s done what he has to me?”
Scott committed a further rape in November 2025 in Sackville Gardens.
The male victim reported that Scott gave him an unknown substance, impairing his awareness, and raped him.
The second survivor also shared a statement in court, saying: “Since he has done this to me I have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I sometimes feel like I can smell Frank and it takes me back to that moment in the park and I feel sick and I have been physically sick on a number of occasions.
“I am constantly on edge now, if I hear a door slam or any loud noise it makes me jump in way that I would never have done before.
“Frank Scott is a dangerous person, he is dangerous to society and society’s most vulnerable people.
“I will now have to live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of my life and other victims will as well.”
Scott denied both offences in police interview, claiming any sexual activity was consensual. However, the strength of the evidence led to him pleading guilty at court to two counts of rape relating to the female survivor and one count relating to the male survivor.
DC Coles from GMP’s Central Challenger Team said: “These offences demonstrate a pattern of predatory behaviour, with Scott targeting vulnerable individuals and exploiting situations where victims were isolated or under the influence.
“I’d like to thank both victims for their bravery in coming forward and supporting this investigation all the way through. I know how hard it will have been throughout the proceedings, but their continued strength has allowed us to keep Scott behind bars.
“Their evidence was crucial to securing these convictions and ensuring a dangerous offender has been brought to justice”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured image: GMP
News
New Greater Manchester travel warnings issued as Christmas Markets get underway
Emily Sergeant
New travel warnings and advice have been issued across Greater Manchester as the city’s annual Christmas Markets get underway.
Manchester Christmas Markets officially kicked off for 2026 last Friday (6 November), and that means the city region is gearing up to welcome millions of extra visitors over the next couple of months – no matter whether they’re heading to the Markets, shopping for Christmas gifts, or enjoying a festive night out with friends and family.
Around 3.4 million additional visitors are expected in the city centre during just the Christmas Markets period alone.
It’s predicted that almost 40% of that extra footfall will be concentrated into just nine days – including Black Friday weekend at the end of this month, and the first two weekends of December.
With all these extra visitors expected, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has issued travel warnings and advice – encouraging people to choose their travel method, route, and time wisely when planning their journeys.
Millions of journeys are set to be made on the region’s tram and rail networks, whilst walking and cycling are also touted as a ‘great option’ for shorter journeys.
🎅 The Manchester Christmas Markets are back in full force ready for your festive cheer until 22 December.
🚌 Shudehill Interchange and Piccadilly Gardens bus station are both a short walk away from all market locations.
🎄More info: https://t.co/rP2ltFTnUJ https://t.co/hOjmaUHBdS
More buses than ever will also be running across the city region this festive season, as this year is the first Christmas with 24-hour night buses serving every borough.
More double trams will be running on some of the busiest parts of the Metrolink network, including on the Altrincham-Bury line, and on the Trafford Park line during the Christmas period, while additional/enhanced tram services laid on for major events such as football fixtures and others expected to generate higher passenger numbers
Elsewhere, as part of efforts to encourage people to leave the car and give public transport a try, overnight parking restrictions are being lifted on existing Park & Ride locations, and some new pop-up Park & Rides will be opening soon.
“The growing popularity of Manchester and the massive programme of events means it will definitely be busy,” warned Danny Vaughn, who is the Chief Network Officer at TfGM.
“That’s why we’re encouraging people to try public transport if they usually drive, and urging everyone to give extra thought to how and when the travel as they plan their journeys.”
Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council, added: “As always, public transport remains the best option if you’re looking to enjoy Christmas in Manchester and we’d urge people to use the bus, tram or train rather than using their own car.
The Manc -
12th June 2020 
