The first images of a brand-new foodie destination on the waterfront down at Salford Quays have now been released.
As part of a wider £3.5 million transformation of the waterfront stretch at Quayside MediaCity, and set to open sometime early this summer, the new drinking and dining destination will be known as ‘Central Bay’, and not only will become the first of its kind in Salford, but also one of the biggest in the Greater Manchester region.
Named after the original stretch of dock that was once a thriving loading bay during the industrial revolution, and sitting at the heart of the areas different cultural landmarks like The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North, and Coronation Street’s studios, Central Bay will take over 25,000 sq ft and fill it with “exciting food and drink experiences”.
Not only that, but the destination will also occupy 2,000 sq ft of south-facing outside terrace space – with room for up to 600 visitors to be able to enjoy unrivalled views of some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks.
This means Central Bay will be one of the biggest independent food and drink operations in the North.
According to operators Blend Family – which is working in partnership with Quayside MediaCity to deliver the Salford concept, and is the team behind the hugely-successful food halls Cutlery Works in Sheffield, and The GPO in Liverpool – Central Bay will be home to four new independent restaurants, and 13 kitchens.
The food hall area at Central Bay is to be known as Kargo, while the street vendor elements will be branded as Kargo Mkt – which operators say is to “alignin with the area’s rich history”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Central Bay will also play host to pop-up events, indie markets, and live music performances, as well as a recreation and play space for children.
More announcements are set to be made in the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled.
A map showing where Central Bay will be located on Salford Quays / Credit: Quayside MediaCity
“Central Bay is an ambitious and transformational project for Quayside MediaCity which will be a fantastic place for our growing number of residents, workers, students and visitors to enjoy great food, in a tranquil yet vibrant waterside setting,” Stephen Wild, Managing Director for MediaCity, said ahead of the launch later this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
“It will be truly unique and a celebration of local food, drink and art.
“Central Bay will add another dimension to MediaCity and Quayside and will bolster its growing reputation as a leading leisure and cultural destination.”
Matt Bigland, Founder and CEO of Blend Family, also called Central Bay an “exciting development”, adding that: “The passion the Quayside MediaCity team have for creating new, exciting experiences for everyone who lives, works, and visits the area is infectious.
“We can’t wait to announce Central Bay and Kargo’s first line-up of incredible food vendors and bring our offering to Salford.”
Featured Image – Quayside MediaCity
News
Government to slash prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Cinema tickets, trips to the theatre and the zoo, and children’s meals out are all set to be cheaper than ever this summer.
That’s because the Government has announced its newest initiative, Great British Summer Savings, which means that from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Children’s meals served in restaurants, children’s and family tickets for the cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, and admission tickets – for both children and adults – to a wide range of different attractions will be eligible for the discount.
Whether you want to visit an amusement park, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centre, or something similar this summer, it just got a whole lot cheaper.
The Government is slashing the prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer / Credit: Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash) | Supplied
This aim of this initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
The Government says it will work with eligible businesses to get the scheme ‘up and running’.
And to make it even better, this is a UK-wide initiative, so no matter where you are in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the reduced rate will apply.
Going one step further, there will also be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England in August, helping to support families getting out and about this summer.
The Government says the Great British Summer Savings initiative supports the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
Businesses will be able to apply the 5% rate of VAT on eligible sales between 25 June and 1 September.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
News
New record-breaking £8.72m ride opens at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Emily Sergeant
The day has finally arrived… the UK’s tallest ride is now open to the public.
After first being announced back in May 2025, thrill-seekers have been hotly anticipating the arrival of Blackpool Pleasure Beach‘s newest ride, Aviktas, for the past year – and now, the time has come, as passengers have travelled from across the country to be among the first to experience the adrenaline-pumping spectacle.
Not for the faint of heart, Aviktas launches its riders 138 feet into the air while reaching angles of up to 120 degrees.
Now officially open at the iconic Lancashire seaside theme park, Aviktas has became the largest ride of its kind in the UK – almost doubling the size of the previous tallest, Maelstrom at Drayton Manor.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s newest £8.72m ride is now open / Credit: Supplied
The jaw-dropping new ride features a unique design that’s been engineered to ‘maximise thrills’.
According to its creators, Aviktas’ restraints create a sense of freedom leaving its riders feeling weightless as they soar towards its 138 foot peak.
Pleasure Beach has invested £8.72m into the attraction, marking it as its biggest single investment in eight years.
Aviktas is now the tallest rollercoaster of its kind in the UK / Credit: Supplied
“Pleasure Beach has always had a reputation for going big and pushing boundaries, and Aviktas is no exception,” commented Amanda Thompson OBE, who is the CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort.
“Its sheer size and presence speaks for itself, there is simply nothing like it in the UK. We wanted to build something that sets us apart from anywhere else and gives our guests a genuine must-visit reason to come to the park.
Emily Sergeant -
8th March 2023 
