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.”
Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
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Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time
Daisy Jackson
Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.
The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.
He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.
Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.
He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”
He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”
The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.
Can always count on a comic to make the joke everyone else is thinking.
The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.
“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).
“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.
“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.
“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”
They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.
Touch wood.
Today's announcement comes with reassurance that we welcome fans to Co-op Live from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on 1 May and into Olivia Rodrigo from 3 May 2024.
This could back to bite them. It already has once before.
“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.
“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.
“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.
“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.
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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”
Georgina Pellant -
23rd February 2022 
