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.
News
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
27th May 2022 
