Scottish pub The Lass O’Gowrie has been a fixture on Manchester’s Charles Street for over 170 years.
For most of that time, it’s been something of an old-school Victorian boozer, serving the poor residents of its “Little Ireland” neighbourhood throughout the 19th century, and, more recently, the mix of students, city workers and academics that float down from nearby offices and campuses.
Already popular for its weekly open mic and quiz nights, the Greene King-owned pub has now added another string to its bow with the installation of a new mini cinema in its second room.
With a big screen, comfortable seats, and space to accommodate 20 people seated (or 35 standing), whilst the rest are in the main bar getting the pints in, film fans can catch intimate screenings of their favourite cult classics behind the scenes.
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2022
Set to open for a mix of bespoke screenings and private sessions, the new mini cinema also has access to BBC and Sky Sports channels.
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The dog-friendly pub has just undergone a six-figure refurb, with an upgrade to its 23-seat floating beer garden seeing the arrival of new seating, decking and fencing.
Elsewhere, new furniture, carpets/floors, lighting fixtures and artwork have been introduced to give the pub a ‘new and improved urban feel.’
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2022
Bosses have also reintroduced its food offering, serving up crowd-pleasing classics like fish and chips and vegan-friendly Beyond Meat burgers.
Speaking on the pub’s new look, Josh Murray, General Manager of Lass O Gowrie, said: “We couldn’t be happier with phase two of the refurbishment and are really excited to be able to welcome our regulars and newcomers back through the pub’s doors.
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“Having received a full makeover both inside and out, the Lass O Gowrie has never looked better, and I speak on behalf of myself and the team when I say we can’t wait to show it off”
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
18th August 2022 
