Manchester is getting a new chicken restaurant this week as popular US eatery Slim Chickens opens inside the Arndale.
Throwing open its doors this Thursday, Slims will bring its signature southern-style buttermilk marinated chicken and crispy tenders to Manchester city centre for the very first time – alongside a huge range of signature dipping sauces, like gravy mayo.
In total, customers will have a choice of fifteen different dipping sauces including the likes of blue cheese, sriracha garlic, buffalo, honey BBQ, mango habanero and cayenne ranch.
Also on offer will be a wide selection of fresh chicken sandwiches, wings, salads and wraps, as well as vegetarian options and sides, including a plant-based buffalo sandwich and mac’n’cheese.
The plant-based buffalo sandwich at Slim Chickens. / Image: Slim Chickens
This will be the sixteenth UK restaurant for the brand, including one at the Trafford centre, since it first launched in Arkansas Delta, US, back in 2003.
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What first began with just a tender, a sauce and a simple mission to create the best in the south, has since become a household favourite – first in the US, and now here in Manchester too.
Founders Greg Smart and Tom Gordon have certainly come a long way from cooking in their garage, that’s for sure. Over a decade later, their business has now grown to more than 100 sites in the US alone.
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Image: Slim Chickens
At Slim Chickens, food and drinks are served up alongside blues music and BT Sport, with US Sports, Premier League and Champions League shown. With seating for more than 100 diners spread across two floors, you’ll find Slims on the Upper Mall at Manchester Arndale.
Customers can expect family seating, intimate tables, booths and large platters cooked fresh to order and served in less than 10 minutes.
Speaking on the new opening, Phil Neale, Marketing and Communications Director at Boparan Restaurant Group, which owns Slim Chickens, said: “Manchester is home to a thriving and diverse food scene, and we can’t wait to be a bigger part of it as we prepare to open our Manchester Arndale restaurant.
“We opened our restaurant at The Trafford Centre less than a year ago, and we’ve been delighted with its success to date – so much so that we’re expanding our local offering with the launch of our Manchester Arndale restaurant.
“We’re dedicated to serving great food in a great atmosphere and look forward to welcoming even more Manchester foodies into our restaurant from Thursday.”
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Georgina Pellant -
23rd February 2022 
