A new neighbourhood restaurant in Prestwich is giving one lucky person ‘food for life’ as it celebrates hitting its Crowdfunder target.
The Pearl, a new 24-cover restaurant being opened inside Bury New Road’s old computer shop by an ex-office worker turned restauranteur, has been raising funds through Crowdfunder and has just exceeded its £28,000 target.
Having ‘begged and borrowed from friends, family and banks’ to get to the point of nearly opening, owners Sam Taylor and Melissa Gage managed to get the rest they needed by offering locals the chance to buy a snack or meal in advance of its September opening.
Having hit their target, however, there are still a few great prizes up for grabs that could get them over the £30,000 mark – including two main meals (£40), dinner for two (£100), Sunday dinner for four (£200), and the incredible reward of ‘food for life’ (£5000).
For those after a seat at the bar for life, the reward offers you the chance to get a three-course meal from the a la carte menu once a month for the next decade.
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Described as a “crazy pledge for someone that lives life to the fullest”, the description continues: “Pledger will no doubt become part of the family, a regular face who may one day have a portrait on the wall!”
Prior to launching The Pearl, co-owner Sam launched the successful sandwich delivery service SanSan during the Covid lockdowns.
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Speaking to The Manc, Melissa Gage, co-owner of The Pearl, said: “Two weeks into the campaign with 10.5k in pledges, we thought that was it, we felt like we’d had so much support but that it still wasn’t enough. But the momentum over the past week has been incredible.
“This is everyone’s win as far as we’re concerned, if it wasn’t for our community sharing and coming together to get our message out, we wouldn’t have reached our target.
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“It’s been so wholesome connecting with everyone over this shared experience, our future patrons have been along for the journey. We’re beyond grateful to all of our backers and I can’t wait to thank them in person.”
Having now hit its fundraising target, when the restaurant opens in Prestwich in September it will serve classic European dishes using ingredients that champion the best produce from across the UK.
Oasis announce surprise exclusive song on new War Child album HELP(2) releasing this week
Emily Sergeant
Surprise… we’re getting a new Oasis song on Friday.
Well, not actually ‘new’ – but we had to get your attention somehow, and hopefully we succeeded. That’s because, if you didn’t already know, this Friday (6 March) is release day for the new HELP(2)album in aid of War Child, and even before this announcement, it was already gearing up to be one of the most anticipated projects of the year.
But now, it’s got even better, as War Child Records has today announced that Oasis will feature on the album with a very-special inclusion – a stand-alone 7” single.
Fans of the iconic Manchester band will be able to listen to the track enclosed within the gatefold of the vinyl edition and as a hidden track on the double CD version, as well as it also being available to stream from this Friday too.
The band have generously contributed an exclusive live version of the fan favourite song, ‘Acquiesce (Live from Wembley Stadium, 28 September ‘25)’, to the album.
This marks the first physical release of a live recording from Oasis’ record-breaking 2025 world tour, with the recording taken from the final night of their seven-show run at Wembley Stadium.
In case you don’t remember, Oasis actually previously featured on the original HELP album all the way back in 1995, opening the record with ‘Fade Away’, and Noel Gallagher also contributed as one third of The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, alongside Paul McCartney and Paul Weller, so this is actually the band’s return nearly three decades on.
Oasis’ return proves their enduring support for War Child’s mission to ‘protect, educate, and stand up for’ the rights of children affected by conflict.
HELP(2) is being released on Friday 6 March / Credit: Supplied
‘Acquiesce – Live’ follows other recent releases taken from the HELP(2) record, including ‘Begging For Change’ by Pulp, ‘Opening Night’ by Arctic Monkeys, ‘Flags’ by Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest, and ‘Let’s Do It Again!’ by The Last Dinner Party.
Other big-name artist set to feature on the album are Fontaines D.C, Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Foals, Wet Leg, Ezra Collective, and countless more.
HELP(2) will be released on Friday 6 March via War Child Records, and you can pre-order the album here or stream it on all streaming services.
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Supplied)
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Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
Georgina Pellant -
9th August 2023 
