Deliveroo is hosting free food tours around UK cities in the coming weeks, where people can hop on board an Amsterdam-style pedal bike to tour their area’s culinary scene.
The Grub Crawl has been created to help new students in Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Bristol to make friends while grabbing a bite to eat.
Next week, students in Manchester will be able to climb into the saddle of a giant turquoise Deliveroo pedal bike.
Together they’ll visit four of the city’s hottest local food spots, handpicked by Deliveroo, including burger icons Almost Famous and dim sum legends Yum Cha.
It will also pop in to Bunsik, home of the cheese-pull-paradise Korean corn dogs, and Insomnia Cookies, which serves freshly-baked cookies until 3am.
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Each Grub Crawl is headed up by experienced and local student reps.
The Grub Crawl has already visited Edinburgh and Leeds and will arrive in Manchester on 2 and 3 October.
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Insomnia Cookies is included in the Deliveroo Grub Crawl
The delivery platform has come up with the stunt to celebrate the launch of Deliveroo Students, which gives students free delivery throughout the academic year.
Its research found that 9 out of 10 (90%) of first-year students said ordering food and eating together is a great way to connect with new people.
After joining clubs and societies (57%), exploring local restaurants and takeaways (55%) is one of the top activities freshers are most looking forward to, followed by attending the Freshers’ Fair (55%) and discovering local nightlife (54%).
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Aisha Jefferson, Global Head of Consumer Comms at Deliveroo said: “We’re so excited to be launching our new student club, Deliveroo Students, and what better way to announce it than with the Grub Crawl.
Yum Cha, Kampus
“It’s designed to give students the ultimate free foodie tour and help freshers discover local restaurants and meet new mates at a really exciting but equally scary time, as many first-year students move to new cities, try to make new friends, and cook for themselves for the first time.
“Our research found eating is a key bonding experience for young people, with 88% of students feeling closer to their friends after sharing a meal together.
“We look forward to helping our Grub Crawlers discover new and delicious restaurants on their doorstep, and maybe make some new friends along the way!”
To bag a spot on the Deliveroo Students Grub Crawl, freshers need to sign up for Deliveroo Students where they can enjoy a host of benefits and tonnes more via deliveroostudents.co.uk.
Sir David Jason set for TV return in Only Fools and Horses documentary Christmas special
Danny Jones
In a surprise bit of festive news, the only and only Sir David Jason is returning for an Only Fools and Horses Christmas special this December. Lovely jubbly!
The best-loved and most-watched British comedy of all time will be back on our screens in documentary form this festive season, with Del Boy himself David Jason revisiting the iconic comedy character after 20 years he last played him on screen.
While the legendary sitcom was broadcast on BBC back in the day, the highly-anticipated Only Fools doc will be airing on Channel 5 right before Christmas as a special one-off programme.
Looking back on the show’s incredible run on UK screens over seven series and the several ‘Christmas Cracker’ specials, specifically, the latest Only Fools and Horses documentary will see Jason and a number of other guests appearing to chat about the legendary show.
The release date of the Only Fools special Christmas documentary is yet to be announced.
While it’s still unclear how many of the original cast will be appearing, Jason’s on-screen wife Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel) is confirmed to be appearing along with other special guests including newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Bendiorm‘s Sherrie Hewson.
Sadly, a full theatrical reunion just isn’t on the cards following the deaths of Roger Lloyd Pack (Trigger), Kenneth MacDonald (Mike the Landlord) and Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) in the 30 years since the show ended its run.
Only Fools writer John Sullivan also sadly passed away aged 64 in 2011 and fellow co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst, a.k.a. Rodney Trotter, told Metro: “We can’t. John is no longer with us. John was the driving force of the show and we have also lost quite a few cast members now.
“I don’t think I could do it without them and I certainly couldn’t do it without John. At the risk of depressing everyone, I think the last two times I’ve seen David has been at funerals.”
Simply entitled, ‘The Story Of Only Fools And Horses At Christmas’, the 90-minute special is yet to have its broadcast date fully confirmed but you best keep your eyes peeled on the TV guide — we’ll let you know as soon we do.
Jason, 81, has only just recovered from hip surgery earlier this year, so it’ll be nice to see his familiar grin back on our screens.
Right, we’re off to binge a whole series on UK Gold.
Habas restaurant in Manchester announces shock closure – with huge closing-down discount
Daisy Jackson
Habas, the Middle Eastern restaurant launched by the team behind El Gato Negro, has announced its shock closure.
The subterranean restaurant will be going out with a bang though, promising one last knees-up with a big discount.
Habas will be doing 25% off its entire food and drink menu this New Year’s Eve so that fans of the eatery can raise a glass to the Manchester restaurant.
They’re also hoping that Mancs will raise a glass to new beginnings, teasing a brand new concept.
Habas is located at Brown Street in Manchester city centre and has been serving up its Middle Eastern menu since 2021.
It comes from Mills Hill Developments Limited, the company also responsible for El Gato Negro and Canto, fronted by celebrated chef Simon Shaw.
Habas has stressed that its closure ‘is not forever’ as it announces details of its New Year’s Eve closing down party.
You can ring in the new year with a selection of mezze dishes, sharing platters and small plates, feasting on chicken tagine and traditional tzatziki, all 25% off on Sunday 31 December.
Food at Habas in ManchesterInside Habas, ManchesterFood at Habas in Manchester
Drinks, too, like the cranberry elderflower martini, blackberry ginger smash and clementine daquiri will be with 25% off.
Simon Shaw, Chef Parton at Mills Hill Developments Limited, said: “As of January 2024, we have made the decision to close the doors of Habas Bar & Restaurant, however we are thrilled to announce that our Brown Street venue has an exciting new concept on the way.
“Throughout December, Habas, will continue serving up the city’s best middle-eastern cuisine, so make sure you pop in and see us. AND on New Year’s Eve, Habas, will be hosting an unforgettable celebration with 25% off food and drinks. We want to rejoice with all of our customers, with one final hurrah!
“We would like to thank all of our guests and reassure Habas fans that this is not the end of Habas Bar & Restaurant forever, simply a farewell from Brown Street for now.
“We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept in Q1 of 2024.”
Daisy Jackson -
28th September 2023 
