The team behind Manchester fried chicken heroes Kong’s Chicken Shop is opening a new sandwich spot at Hatch this weekend – and there will be crisp butties on the menu.
Moving into the Oxford Road food and drink shipping container village this Friday, Kong’s Sandwich Shop will serve up an NYC bodega and deli-inspired menu with a few cheeky northern twists.
Crisps, of course, have to play their part – with hand-cooked salt and vinegar bad boys making an appearance on Kong’s Italian BMT.
Comprised of prosciutto, salami, sliced ham, rocket in blue cheese dressing, tomato concasse, and salt and vinegar crisps on ciabatta, it already sounds like this will become our new lunchtime go-to.
Chicken caesar club sandwich.
Pastrami loaded fries at Kong’s at Hatch
Credit: The Manc Group
Elsewhere you’ll find pulled chicken caesar club bloomers, smoked mackerel and lemon oil seeded bagels, a grilled smoked applewood, provolone and mozzarella sandwich on maple-glazed sourdough (extra ham optional).
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There’s also a pastrami Reuben with Russian dressing, and a Philly cheesesteak ciabatta on the menu – and, quite frankly, it all sounds amazing.
Veggies and vegans are not to be forgotten, either.
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Kong’s at Hatch. Credit: The Manc Group
For those who choose to forgo meat, choose from a pulled chipotle oyster mushroom melt with salsa, jalapenos, smoked cheddar cheese and jalapeno mayo (this can be made vegan), or Kong’s Vegan sandwich with pickled beetroot, hummus, roquito pepper, vegan cheese, pumpkin seeds and rocket on ciabatta.
There is also a range of sides on offer including pulled chipotle oyster mushroom-loaded fries, plain fries, deli salad, marinated Gordal olives, and hummus plates with pumpkin seeds, flatbread, lemon oil and coriander.
As for drinks, frozen margaritas and bottles of Pacifico will both be on sale from Kong’s Sandwich Shop in the courtyard.
Having dabbled in sandwiches since its inception, first with its famous fried chicken sandwich and later through its Nashville barbeque scene-inspired Meat and Three concept, Kong’s is now having a bit of a switch-around.
Its new sandwich shop at Hatch will go the whole hog on the sandwich route, offering a mix of hot and cold sandwiches on thickly-sliced ciabatta, bagels, maple-glazed sourdough, or white bloomer.
Over at Northern Monk Refectory, meanwhile, its Meat and Three kitchen will take a backseat as it’s replaced by the original Kong’s Chicken Shop menu – meaning that Kong’s amazing chicken crackling sandwich will once again take pride of place here.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Chester Zoo announces new spring date for its popular running event to help UK wildlife
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has announced that its popular Run For Nature is back again this year, and this time, there’s a new spring edition.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo seen success with this event in the past few years, with thousands of runners signing up for one of the North West’s most unique athletic experiences and all funds raised going towards efforts to protect highly-endangered giraffes in Africa.
This year though, the much-loved event’s focus brings conservation ‘a little closer to home’ and will protect some of the UK’s most threatened species instead – with all funds helping to safeguard hedgehogs, kingfishers, otters, harvest mice, and more.
It comes as the UK is currently considered one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth.
Participants will first get to wind through the zoo and enjoy glimpses of elephants, lemurs, and other incredible species along the way, before heading out into the picturesque Cheshire countryside.
Adults can choose from a 10K or 5K route, while younger runners are invited to take part in a one-mile ‘Zoom’ race, open to children aged four-15, which takes place entirely within the zoo’s incredible 130-acre grounds.
All runners will receive free entry to the zoo for the rest of the day as part of their registration, along with a 25% discount for friends and family who come along to show support.
Chester Zoo’s popular 10K charity run is returns with a new spring date / Credit: Chester Zoo
Lorraine Jubb, who is the Fundraising Lead at Chester Zoo, called the Run For Nature a ‘really special event’.
“In previous years, runners have already supported conservation efforts for Asian elephants, Eastern black rhinos and Northern giraffe,” she explained. This springtime though, we’re turning our attention much closer to home in the UK, and to the wildlife we share our gardens, parks and countryside with.
“With one in six species now at risk of extinction in the UK, every runner will be playing a vital role in helping us protect animals and supporting our growing nature recovery work across right across Cheshire.
Run For Nature will take place on the new springtime date of Sunday 29 March 2026, and there’s 3,000 places to sign up for.
You can find out more and register on the Chester Zoo website here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Transport Secretary commits to ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The Transport Secretary has signed a ‘transformational’ rail deal for Greater Manchester.
The Government has formally agreed to work with Greater Manchester and Mayor Andy Burnham on plans for a new railway connecting Liverpool and Manchester, via Warrington, as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
The new Liverpool-Manchester line is said to underpin the Northern Growth Corridor – which is a bold strategy to drive growth from the Mersey to the Pennines, stretching into Yorkshire, Lancashire, North Wales, and beyond – with a key connection at Manchester Airport.
Local analysis has suggested that the new line could generate around £90 billion in additional revenue by 2040.
Also, as part of the major investment of up to £45 billion – which was announced a couple of weeks back, and is tipped to transform rail travel across the North – the Government has also said it will work with Greater Manchester partners to explore an underground option at Manchester Piccadilly station, recognising its potential as a ‘catalyst for growth’.
Local leaders say they are keen to demonstrate how an underground station could turn Piccadilly into a ‘Kings Cross of the North’.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with Mayor Andy Burnham last week to sign the formal agreement.
The agreement recognises the potential for an underground solution at Manchester Piccadilly, while also acknowledging the need for further ‘testing’ to make sure it will deliver value for money, and additionally sets out how the Government will work with Greater Manchester on the wider NPR scheme – which will be delivered in three stages, with the Liverpool-Manchester line to be built in the second phase.
The Transport Secretary has committed to a ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM (Supplied)
A formal review of the underground option at Manchester Piccadilly is to be lead by local leaders and senior civil servants.
“I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Burnham on the next steps for transforming connectivity in Greater Manchester,” explained Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“With a new line between Manchester and Liverpool at the heart of our plans, alongside new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, we will unlock new opportunities, more jobs and more housing for thousands of people.
“By providing early clarity on scope and phasing, we are giving Greater Manchester the certainty it needs to plan ahead and unlock the full economic and social benefits for its people.”
Georgina Pellant -
29th April 2022 
