Pollen has revealed some huge news today that will have fans of the artisanal bakery very excited, we think it’s safe to say.
The trailblazing Mancunian bakery, first founded by partners Hannah Calvert and Chris Kelly from their kitchen in 2011, has revealed that it will be opening a second flagship site at KAMPUS next year.
The new home, which has been designed by local studio No Chintz, will house Pollen’s pastry kitchen behind a glazed gallery wall, giving customers the chance to see their patissiers at work throughout the day.
A glimpse of what the new space at KAMPUS will look like when it’s ready / Image: Pollen / No Chintz Studio
With room for 60 covers, the team says the extra space is “much needed” and will help them facilitate the launch of an expanded, produce-led, and seasonally focused brunch and lunch offering.
Sharing their exciting news in an Instagram post, the Pollen team said:
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“It’s all super exciting and we are over the moon to be joining such an incredible community down at KAMPUS.
Image: Pollen
“The space has been designed by the amazing team at @nochintzstudio and we just can’t wait to see it all come together.
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“All of this wouldn’t have been possible without Rochelle. her warmth, positivity, professionalism and championship of independents and her passion for KAMPUS were all second to none.
“We are honoured to have been able to work with her and know her. KAMPUS is her vision. her legacy and we will go forward to make her proud.”
Image: Pollen
Revealing plans to open in early 2022, they added that they will be launching a Kickstarter in the coming days to help them reach the last part of the budget for the build.
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Comments have flooded in online, with many people expressing their excitement for the new opening.
One said, “This is amazing, congrats” whilst another added: “VERY excited.”
A further person said “Phew Its your second location .thought you might be leaving Islington.”
And another said, “Rochelle a legend forever.”
Keep your eyes peeled on their social media for updates about the new site going forward.
Feature image – Pollen / No Chintz Studio
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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.”
Georgina Pellant -
24th September 2021 
