Fast food fans, feel free to get excited and potentially add another name to your rankings because a big US burger-driven brand hailed by many as ‘better’ than McDonald’s is coming to the UK. The rumours are true: Greater Manchester could very soon get a Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. is an American chain best known for chicken sandwiches and its trademark ‘charbroiled’ beef patties such as menu favourites like the ‘Famous Star’. You can even get star-shaped chicken nuggets.
First opening back in 1941, it’s very nearly as old as Maccies itself and although its profile is much smaller than that of the iconic golden arches, there are many who still firmly believe that it serves a superior product than the global conglomerate.
Well, hopefully soon you’ll be able to decide for yourselves as Carl’s Jr. is set to face off with McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Popeyes and all the other franchises that have made their way across the Atlantic over the last half a century or so – and it’s coming to Wales first.
In an announcement made via Restaurant Online, Carl’s Jr.’s country manager under parent company BRG (Boparan Restaurant Group), David Moffat said: “We’re looking at a steady rollout with a target of 100 restaurants plus in four years.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We’ll open a number of corporate stores that we’ll retain as we go along and we’ll also be going into the sub-franchise market, which we hope to begin actioning towards the end of the year. We’ve had a lot of interest from big group franchisees already.”
Named after founder Carl N. Karcher, who set up the very first iteration of Carl’s Jr. after moving from his hometown of Ohio to California and purchasing a hot dog cart for $326, the brand then opened as a drive-in BBQ in January 1945 before opening its first real restaurants in 1956.
ADVERTISEMENT
Although both he and his wife Margaret have long since passed away, there is a huge family lineage that has carried on the name and it’s only gotten bigger with each decade that’s passed.
So what separates it from its biggest and most dominant competition? Well, not only do lots of American diners swear by their charbroiled burger recipes over McDonald’s big a part of the Carl’s Jr.s over Maccies campaign front is said to come down to the chips – especially as they also do waffle fries.
The star nuggets are where it's at
— Silent🪶𓃥 STORY ARTIST (@SilentArtist137) May 10, 2024
i have never tried fat burger. my fave is carl's jr. it's overpriced the same as shake shack but i think it tastes better 😋😋💖 mcdonald's burgers are good but too small for me. not enough 😂 pic.twitter.com/yBSeEsMmEe
Put simply by one user on X just last month, he believes “Carl’s Jr is the best fast food burger”. Current day Carl’s in the States now boasts everything from the classic burger and chicken to sandwiches, milkshakes, sides and desserts to a sizeable breakfast menu.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, Moffat clarified that “the UK will probably have the smallest menu outside the US, which will be focused on the core products: burgers, chicken and fries. You’ve got to look at it culturally and in a way that ensures the brand has a broad, diverse appeal.”
For context, as well as five sites in Europe, there are locations in: Australia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Russia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Judging by the endless expansion, Carl’s Jr. was always going to come to the UK, it was just a matter of when. This move was actually confirmed back in May 2024, when they reached a master license agreement with BRG to bring the brand to Britain, as well as the Republic and Northern Ireland.
They have 1,600 restaurants in 25+ countries around the world to Maccies’ 41,800. Choose your fighter… (Credit: Carl’s Jr./McDonald’s)
The first UK Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Cardiff is set to open in the St David’s shopping centre in April and a second site is due to launch somewhere in the south – you would presume London but who knows? – in time for the summer.
With that in mind, and given Manchester is the second city after London as well all know (sorry, Birmingham, we’ll die on this hill), you can expect at least one of the 100+ Carl’s Jr. locations to pop up somewhere in 0161.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, before we get ahead of ourselves, we want to know if any of you have tried the chain before and do you agree that it’s ‘better’ than Maccies?
Sacha Lord set to back local hospitality again with money behind the bar of one Greater Manchester pub
Danny Jones
Local figure Sacha Lord is once again looking to help support Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene once again this spring by putting a total of £2.5k behind the bar of one lucky pub.
Well, let’s be honest, we’re about to be the real lucky ones.
It’s far from the first time that the Night Time Economy Advisor has done this, having previously put sizeable sums towards shared tabs on a few ocassions over the last few years.
Lining up his next handout for this coming early May bank holiday (perfect timing), it’s going to be a super and potentially very sloppy Sunday…
Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester.
Bank Holiday Sunday 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.
Sharing the video above online earlier this week, the 54-year-old simply wrote, “Tell me your favourite pub in Greater Manchester. Bank Holiday Sunday, 3rd May, I’ll be turning up and putting £2500 behind the bar.”
The message is as straightforward as ever: “Support your local pub.”
Now obviously, the fact that people can reply with their go-to boozers and help influence the decision is one thing – something that has certainly always created an attraction each time he’s done this – but it’s also just a good way of marketing these watering holes to begin with.
Whether or not someone’s favourite public house tucked away in one of the 10 boroughs, or their bar of choice here in Manchester city centre, ends up being selected or not, it’s obviously great publicity having their names plastered on a notable social media account.
This is especially so when you see how much the post itself ends up being reshared and the overall exposure Lord ultimately lends them via creating such a big crowd discussion.
Here’s hoping we get proper beer garden weather over that long weekend.
It’s also worth noting that the further support stunts like this have helped garner support for other regional businesses – in particular, indies that are battling the cost of living crisis and so many other challenges within the sector – has proved crucial for some places to stay open to begin with.
A good example is the Thirsty Korean, who teamed up with the Altrincham-born entrepreneur to cover hundreds of bills back in 2023, and has now been able to expand into a larger venue down the road from their original Chorlton location.
The obstacles facing the hospitality industry remain varied and numerous, but gestures like this can go a long way to helping prop up those who need it.
A list of all the best freebies you can get at this year’s Manchester Marathon
Lydia Mastrolonardo
It’s that time of the year again to brace yourselves for Strava-plastered Instagram stories and road closures – that’s right, it’s one of the UK’s biggest running events: the adidas Manchester Marathon, which also means it’s time for lots of well-earned freebies.
Even if you’re not participating this year, don’t miss out on the opportunity to come down to support our fellow Mancunians, many of whom will be running for a great cause and immerse yourself in the infectiously positive atmosphere here on marathon day in the city centre.
Now, for all of you runners, after all of that training and hard work, it’s time to kick back, relax and let us do this last leg of the race for you. 26.2 miles is no small feat, so make sure you look after yourselves inside the celebration zone before moving on to the much-deserved freebies further afield.
Whether you’re set on gaining a new PB or are just focusing on surviving to the finish line, we believe that you all deserve to unwind properly. So, find out all the free things you can get your hands on after the 2026 Manchester Marathon.
20 Manchester Marathon freebies for 2026
FYI: All deals below are only validated by showing your 2026 Adidas Manchester Marathon medal upon entry – no medal, no free stuff!
1. ERDINGER ‘Alkoholfrei’
First stop is to rehydrate and recover, with an isotonic celebration (and your first ‘bev’ of the day).
Go and grab your FREE drink in the adidas Celebration Zone, packed with B-vitamins and minerals to replenish your body with all that it needs post-marathon.
2. High5
Before you leave the Celebration Zone, collect your Vanilla Chocolate-flavoured HIGH5 Recovery Protein Bar, packed with carbohydrates and proteins to help with recovery and build your energy stores back up, so you’re able to go and explore the next deals.
Credit: The Manc Group
3. Vita Coco
Next, head over to the Vita Coco Refresh Zone to collect your free Vita Coco Coconut Water. With high levels of Vitamin C and potassium, it’s guaranteed to refuel and hydrate your body.
Ensure you collect your ‘Feel Good Fuel,’ before moving on to your next treats.
4. HARIBO
Time for a sweet treat, after all, you’ve earned it.
Go and visit the HARIBO Activation Zone to collect some energy-filled sweets. They will have a selection of Starmix, Supermix, Tangfastics and GIANT Strawbs available to both runners and spectators, so there’s something for everyone!
5. Circolo Popolare
One of Manchester city centre’s finest Italian restaurants is offering a free margherita pizza.
Again, all you have to do is present your finisher’s medal to secure some free slices. It’s also worth noting that you can claim this at any time between race day on Sunday and the following Wednesday.
It’s a very popular place, of course, so it’s definitely worth trying to book ahead if you can, which you can do so right HERE.
Next up is Blackbird over at beloved bar, kitchen and small-cap gig venue, Gorilla, who will be offering a free dessert on them with a dining reservation.
T&Cs apply, of course – pre-booked tables only as stipulated and one dessert per medal etc. – but it’s pretty much as simple as that.
Following last year’s success, Circle Square will again be transformed into an all-day bustling free Manchester Marathon Fan Zone with big screens, food and drink stalls and a schedule of family-friendly activities, only a short distance from the marathon’s finish line on Oxford Road.
This area will be a supporters’ hub from 9am-5pm, supplying a vibrant space for spectators to rally support throughout the day, as well as a meeting point for runners to reconvene with family and friends after the race.
Activities will include arts and crafts, dance experiences, children’s sport sessions and performances from a youth-led percussion and dance band. Restart Pilates will be hosting free guided ‘stretch and recovery’ sessions all afternoon for marathon finishers in Symphony Park.
Jetts Gym are also set to deliver outdoor fitness classes throughout the day, with ‘sports massage and physio support’ on hand and evening classes dedicated to ‘stretching and light movement,’ to cool down post-marathon.
Proudly part of the running route and one of our favourite strips to run during the Manchester Marathon track, The Deansgate pub is offering finishers a drink on the house.
ADVERTISEMENT
They’re doing the same for the TSC London Marathon as well, and the Greene King pub group in general will be extending that bit of kindness to runners turned punters.
Upon leaving the Adidas Celebration Zone, after soaking up the atmosphere and music, head on over to The Grosvenor’s unofficial after party for your reward.
All medal holders are entitled to a free pint of BrewDog Cold Beer, and both runners and the public will have the opportunity to try the brand-new Jagermeister Orange.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’s nothing quite like that first sip of an ice-cold pint after a run, and with it located so close to the finish zone, even if your legs are like jelly, it’s only a few steps to stumble to – it would be rude not to.
Not to mention, they will also be hosting entertainment throughout the day, with lots of huge giveaways.
Now this one is great, not just for runners but volunteers too, as both are entitled to a free burger on Sunday, 19 April.
All you have to do is show your medal/volunteer pass, purchase a single drink, and then you can reserve your well-earned meal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Only available at their Spinningfields and Trafford restaurants, take your pick!
12. Chotto Matte Manchester
Chotto Matte is also inviting participants to unwind with a drink and celebrate with family or friends, high above the Manchester skyline.
Marathon runners are invited to enjoy a complimentary pint or glass of Prosecco, in Claude’s Skyview Bar between 12 and 6pm.
Simply flash your medal at reception to collect your token, and then it’s time to relax. To accommodate the occasion, a relaxed dress code is in place to facilitate runners straight from crossing the finish line.
ADVERTISEMENT
This offer is available to walk-ins only, so don’t wait around. Head on up and enjoy the views across the city, you could even try and see if you can spot where you just ran.
To celebrate in style, head over to the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel to receive another complimentary glass of prosecco for all marathon runners.
Not to mention 26% off your table for those 26.2 miles you ran. Very well deserved, we think! Walk-ins are welcome all day.
14. Mollie’s Motel
ADVERTISEMENT
If you’re getting in need of a bit of food by this point, Mollie’s is celebrating this amazing day with unlimited fries for all runners and friends. Yes, you heard right: come and get your post-run fix of carbs for free, available with any main item order.
Can your day get any better? If you thought you received kudos for your run before, just you wait until they find out that every runner can share their hours of endless fries with their group of supporters.
Everyone will want to be your best friend even more, and the kudos will know no bounds – if you think about it, it’s a reward for everyone involved.
Whether they’ve been there for you through the highs and lows of training or have spent their day standing on the sidelines, everyone deserves a little reward in potato form at Mollie’s.
15. YES
ADVERTISEMENT
Alternatively, head over to YES for free slices of arguably some of the best pizza in town.
Go and make the most out of their deal of a free slice of pizza with every pint bought, for all marathon finishers. Can you think of a better way to celebrate?
YES is a fantastic bar and event space located on Charles St. It is stretched over multiple floors with a gorgeous roof terrace and outdoor area, offering live music, food and cheap drinks. Don’t believe us? Go on down and see for yourself.
Ideal on that terrace if we get perfect race day weather. (Credit: The Manc)
16. Dishoom
Next stop is Dishoom, grab a table and claim your free 330ml Kingfisher or Kingfisher Zero (0.0%) beer for anyone dining with a finisher’s medal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Serving Indian-inspired dishes, this would be another amazing option to stop off for some class food.
17. Motley
There is a FREE pint or non-alcoholic ‘Nojito’ waiting for you at Motley, and in their words, it’s time to ‘run like a saint… celebrate like a sinner!’
With a choice of either a free pint of Motley Brew, a locally produced craft Pilsner from Seven Bro7hers Brewery or for those more ‘saintly’ runners, there is a non-alcoholic spin on a Mojito waiting to quench your thirst. Simply present your medal at the bar to collect your refreshing reward.
Located in Deansgate, Motley is best known for having a laid-back community atmosphere, serving both seasonal food and inventive cocktails. This isn’t one to miss.
18. Society
If you’ve got any stamina left, you might as well make it a crawl – next stop for a free pint is Society, located on Barbirolli Square. After 26.2 miles and all of that gruelling training, you deserve it.
Society prides itself on its relaxing atmosphere, perfect for recovering post-run, with the city’s ‘biggest beer collection’ and five fantastic, independent, street food stalls to refuel with.
Not to mention all of those with a medal will be able to collect a refreshing post-run free pint of hazy pale ale, created in partnership with the Manchester brewery Sureshot, but don’t delay, as they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Every year, plenty of people stretch out their marathon celebrations by treating themselves to a bit of posh scran, and many of them eye up a steak at Gaucho – especially when it’s free.
With a choice from any of their signature cuts, it’s a great choice and gets that protein in.
Unlike the others on the list, this deal is available from 19 – 23 April, so if you want to celebrate after some sleep, that’s absolutely fine, just don’t forget to bring along your medal to redeem your steak!
Why not end the night with a game of shuffleboard?
All marathon finishers are entitled to a free glass of house wine (175ml), a glass of prosecco (125ml) or a soft drink.
On Sunday, 19 April, Electric Shuffle will also be hosting a Bottomless Brunch from 12-2pm and 2:30-4:30pm. Expect sets from the resident DJ, four beers or a bottle of prosecco for each guest, unlimited sourdough pizza and one hour of shuffleboard! Find out more and book HERE.
Danny Jones -
6th March 2025 
