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”
Former US President Barack Obama is coming to Manchester for a special ‘Evening With’ event
Danny Jones
No, not a prank: the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, is coming to Manchester on his upcoming UK tour.
Confirming just three domestic dates across Great Britain and Ireland, the 44th President turned successful global speaker has delivered talks all over the world, and now he’ll be coming to the Co-op Live arena.
We always knew the industry-leading events space was going to lead to some big names, but no one was expecting this one.
Set to deliver his first-ever ‘An Evening With’ here in Greater Manchester, Barack Obama will be coming to the Co-op later this year.
Officially announcing the live show in line with a key American date, Obama will be making his first-ever visit to our city.
The Co-op Live post reads: “As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, President Barack Obama joins us in Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester to discuss what comes next – for America, and for all of us.”
More than two and a half centuries on from the start of the nation becoming the United States, the series of intimate interviews comes alongside a significant anniversary for both countries.
Always praised for being a talented orator, the 64-year-old ex-Commander in Chief has found a fruitful second career on the so-called ‘keynote circuit’ following his time as POTUS.
Having served two consecutive terms in the post, it feels undeniably surreal to hear that he will be coming to visit, especially amid the obvious recent development of our very own Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, having now become the 59th British PM.
As for Obama, it’s no surprise that he booked the biggest venue possible for his debut talk in 0161.
Presented by SeatUnique, who specialise in affordable but premium hospitality seats/tickets for live entertainment, it goes without saying that this is an unprecedented moment for the venue, specifically.
Set to arrive on 15 October, tickets go live from 10am at the end of this month, with official Co-op members pre-sale passes available from the same time on Wednesday, 29 July.
You can get ready to grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester is an international city and its popularity is growing rapidly. Barack Obama, former US President is reportedly coming to Manchester this October. pic.twitter.com/9twbfaIWbI
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (via Co-op Live)/Pixabay (via Picryl.com)
News
Greater Manchester moorland fires still burning after more than two weeks
Emily Sergeant
Firefighters tackling moorland fires across Greater Manchester are still at work more than two weeks later.
Most notably, a blaze broke out on the evening of Saturday 11 July near the popular beauty spot of Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response with fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) working hard in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies were also deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
However, firefighters are tackling Dovestone on two fronts, as the fire at Saddleworth has gone on to merge with a fire at Tintwistle, and at Swineshaw.
Greater Manchester moorland fires are still burning after more than two weeks / Credit: GMFRS
The fires have burned hundreds of hectares of moorland, which is equivalent to the size of 1,250 football pitches, the landowner told BBC News.
The fire service said the rainfall and mist over the weekend had dampened the moorlands a bit, but despite this, the fires had not been extinguished and are still being classed as a ‘major incident’.
Three arrests have been made in connection to the Dovestone Reservoir fire, including one woman who has been charged.
20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and is next due to appear in court next month on 18 August.
“I’m incredibly proud of our firefighters, who have shown outstanding resilience and bravery this weekend to tackle these wildfires in challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain,” commented GMFRS’s head of response, Ben Levy.
Georgina Pellant -
18th August 2022 
