American humourist James Thurber believed that “one [martini] is all right, two is too many, and three is not enough”. After spending a night drinking at Blinker, I’m inclined to agree with him.
The latest addition to Manchester’s ever-growing hospitality scene, this new cocktail bar from ex-Gordon Ramsay bars boss Dan Berger sits right at the top of King Street and is, quite frankly, dangerously close to my office.
There are three parts to the menu – a dedicated martini section, another focused on old fashioneds, and a third that changes seasonally to champion four local(ish) ingredients. This month, it’s all about mint, pomegranate, rhubarb, and nectarine.
The bar’s name itself is inspired by a vintage Prohibition-era cocktail, the Blinker, which lost favour for many years to its trendier and more mainstream counterpart: the whiskey sour.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Another word for blinders, some say the name references tackle used to cover horses’ eyes – but it could just as well nod to Prohibition rule-breakers blinded by methanol-laced moonshine, a hazard of the era.
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Either way, it’s deliciously strong – and sits proudly at the top of the menu as Blinker’s signature cocktail.
A combination of raspberry, grapefruit, and rye, it blends winter citrus and corn whisky in perfect harmony and will do much to appease Pornstar martini fans once they realise their passionfruit favourite is nowhere to be found.
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And if that doesn’t do it, Blinker’s Champagne martini certainly will.
Image: The Manc Eats
Unable to resist that particular section, we dove straight in with a classic Martinez – which seemed fitting, being the direct precursor to the martini – before moving on to sample a dry Vesper martini and a sweet Champagne martini, both viscously ice-cold.
We try other things too: a sharp and frothy rhubarb sour, a fiery ginger and rhubarb drink, a tropical old-fashioned, and a Southside fizz, but after leaving I just can’t stop thinking about the martinis.
It’s hard to find a good martini in Manchester, or rather, it has been until now. There are a few usual suspects: the bar at Hawksmoor, or Schofield’s, but this is the first time I’ve seen a section here dedicated to exploring the classic, done well.
By the end of the night, I’m with Dorothy Parker – or at least, feeling mindful of the words often attributed to her: “I like to have a martini, two at the very most –After three I’m under the table, After four, I’m under my host.”
My advice: order some Gordal olives and almonds on the side to keep you going and, if you over indulge, prepare to feel a little sensitive the next day. Personally, I’ve no regrets.
Andy Burnham announces ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system
Emily Sergeant
The Prime Minister will unveil a fundamental change to the education system today with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.
Andy Burnham says he is ‘determined’ to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path to ensure there are no so-called ‘dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system by providing them high-quality alternative routes that are valued and respected by students, parents, and employers alike.
The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with ‘valuable’ early access to technical skills, work experience, and connections with local employers.
Building on successful local initiatives – such as the MBacc, launched by Andy Burnham here in Greater Manchester when he was Mayor – the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare, and digital technology.
It will aim to ‘skill them up’ with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need.
Andy Burnham has announced ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system / Credit: MChe Lee (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons
So, how will it all work then? Well, when students enter Year 10, they will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, Maths, and Science – with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area.
During these courses, students will be able to spend time with employers and gain valuable real-world experience.
Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges, and employers will work together to shape these new technical education pathways, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system.
To support this, the Government says it will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work, and will also change the way school performance is measured so that inspectors recognise the schools support young people to develop the skills, experience, and confidence employers want.
This way, no matter whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education, or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will able to see a clear route from education into employment.
“For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected,” explained Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life.
“From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.”
Featured Image – MChe Lee (via Unsplash)
News
When does the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year hit Greater Manchester?
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves: ANOTHER heatwave is set to hit the UK – the fourth in 2026 so far – and, understandably, Greater Manchester residents are already preparing for the latest blast of hot weather and wondering when it gets here.
Yes, in case you missed the news, more high temperatures are set to spread across Great Britain and Ireland this month and heading into August.
The increase will gradually build throughout this week, with Wednesday tipped to be the hottest day according to various meteorological sources.
Fortunately for us here in the North West, parts of the Midlands and the usual suspects down south are set to hit the highest numbers, but the thermometers are still on course to reach around the mid-20s over the coming days.
Temperatures are set to rise this week across some areas, bringing a return to hotter conditions 🥵
The heat looks to be fairly short-lived, however, with temperatures expected to fall again towards the end of the week 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/IKsunEdwhU
Estimates of 26°C have been predicted for this coming Tuesday, with the levels floating in and around 24/25 on the following Wednesday.
The heat is then due to drop off slowly, with top scores of no higher than 21°C on the cards for Thursday and Friday. Although the weekend forecast is less certain at present, one thing that has been announced is reduced rainfall.
Aside from a few more trickles today (Mon, 27 July), the showers or lack thereof cease rather soon, with some of the driest parts of the country already having various effects; for instance, parched parts of Wales have even revealed lost archaeological sites last Friday (24/7/2026).
It would be remiss if we didn’t mention the obvious moorland fires across our region, which were sadly exacerbated by hot weather earlier this month.
Following on from the hottest June on record, the Dovestone and Tinwhistle areas of Oldham and parts of Derbyshire saw hundreds of hectares turn into a deeply dangerous blaze for several days.
As per the latest statistics, it’s said that the equivalent of 1,250 football pitches were scorched following the alarming wildfire, which also raised concerns for wildlife and surrounding air quality.
Georgina Pellant -
17th May 2022 
