Manchester’s much-loved hip-hop burger shop has returned to Stockport after an eight-week hiatus, and we’re absolutely buzzing to have them back.
Following a short closure to allow for a kitchen refurb, dirty burger peddlers Big Grillie are back – serving up a menu full of towering smashed patties, fried chicken, and loaded fries to the good people of South Manchester.
With a host of dishes named after hip-hop icons like Snoop Dogg and Childish Gambino, Big Grillie’s burgers are available to order for delivery or collection only at The Drawing Room in Bramhall.
Image: Big Grillie
Must-trie burgers include the ‘Chilli Gambino’ – comprised of two 100% beef smashed patties, chilli and coriander cheese, chilli jam, chorizo rosario sausage and chipotle mayo in a sweet brioche bun – and the ‘Snoop’, which comes with double patties, bacon, house burger sauce, pickles, red onion and American cheese.
Elsewhere, you’ll find the ‘Junior Mafia’ – full of umami richness with a mix of truffle salami, Neapolitan pizza sauce, a deep-fried cheese patty, pepperoni and 100% beef smash patty. With added balsamic glaze and grated parmesan, this might just be the naughtiest burger on the. menu.
Add to that the ‘Old Skool’ (featuring a 100% beef smashed patty, American cheese, house ketchup, mustard and pickles), plus cracking fried chicken tenders, a fried chicken burger and ‘Slutty’ BBQ fries topped with charred chorizo, BBQ sauce, baconnaise and crispy onions, then try and tell us you’re not drooling.
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It’s not all about the meat, though. Veggies and vegans are catered for too, with a selection of mouthwatering sides including salt and pepper fries, deep-fried ‘Saganaki’ halloumi fries with hot honey, chilli, coriander and crispy onions, and simple, skinny ‘house fries’ dusted with Maldon salt.
Speaking on his return to The Drawing Room, Big Grillie founder Alex Applegarth told The Manc: “Bramhall and South Manchester are awesome and we’re grateful for the support they’ve shown us throughout the pandemic
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“South Manchester has lots of burger joints, but we want to elevate it beyond the regular smash-burger joints that seem to be popping up everywhere.
“I could completely bore everyone to death for hours about the science behind cooking methods, Maillard reactions, meat to fat ratios and everything in between but I won’t.
“Hit us up and give us a try instead! We’re also able to smash out top-quality fried chicken not too!”
You can find Big Grillie’s burgers available on Deliveroo, or you can order for takeaway directly through the website here.
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Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Featured Image – Henry Redcliffe (Publicity Picture)
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 opening date announced – including new spots
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Christmas Markets are merely months away, and the opening date and important details for 2026’s return have been announced.
It’s official… holidays are coming, and the countdown is on.
Just as we do every year, the Greater Manchester public has been eagerly awaiting news of when the city’s iconic Christmas Markets would be making a comeback for the 2026 festive season. And now, Manchester City Council has announced – initially via the MEN – that the famous wooden huts will be lining the city’s streets once again from the first week in November.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bring thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and to soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event, with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 return date has officially been confirmed / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
And there’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action this year.
There will also be big changes to St Ann’s Square this year, according to the Council, with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
There will be a total of 210 stalls spread out across the city centre.
There’s officially eight weeks to go until the iconic wooden huts line the streets / Credit: Manchester City Council
Promising to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages, it has been confirmed that 2026 will see the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
Of course, everyone’s favourite big red legend, Zippy Santa, will also be back this year, although his location has not been set in stone just yet, so stay tuned.
“There’s nowhere that does Christmas quite like Manchester,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council.
“The return of Christmas festivities last year to Albert Square was a triumph and we’re looking to build on this success with a fantastic festive offer there again this year that is sure to be a hit with everyone who visits.
“Our legendary Christmas markets draw thousands upon thousands of visitors every year from right around the world and this year’s markets look set to be the very best yet, with a brand-new location in Lincoln Square just around the corner from Albert Square, and a brand-new look and even more stalls in St Ann’s Square.”
He concluded: “Christmas in Manchester will be absolutely magical this year and we can’t wait to welcome everyone and celebrate the festive season with them.”
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 will officially open across the city on Friday 6 November and close on Tuesday 22 December – with the exception of Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, which will remain open right through until Sunday 3 January.
Georgina Pellant -
27th May 2022 
