A first-of-its-kind ‘intergalactic’ roller skating rink with space cocktails is being opened in Manchester this year by some of the team behind Junkyard Golf Club.
Described as “an explosion in space meets Miami beach, fused with an intergalactic fantasy”, Paradise Skate World is set to open in May inside an as-yet-undisclosed venue on Deangate.
The brainchild of Junkyard Golf Club founder Chris Legh and PR manager Sophie-Larissa Houghton, the new project promises to bring Mancunians a brand new ‘mind-blowing’ roller-skating experience.
Fusing together roller skating with drinking and quirky in-venue design, it promises to be the “most Instagrammable spot in the city, where nothing is as it appears, and everything is left to the imagination.”
Image: Pexels
Paradise Skate World will feature a cutting-edge interactive roller skate rink and a huge bar serving intergalactic cocktails and a selection of Japanese and Mexican bar snacks, with those behind it promising that revellers will soon be able to ‘roller-skate into space’.
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Owners say visitors will “escape reality and enter a dream like world as they cruise around on roller-skates and float between the dimensions of space and time”.
“We are so excited to launch this new concept,” says Sophie-Larissa.
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“We have created an amazing new world where people can escape reality, get lost in music, roller-skate into space, drink incredible cocktails and try out some cool snacks, too.
“We will be taking roller-skating to new heights, no matter what your level of skating, Paradise Skate World is for all.”
If you fancy dusting off your skates and taking this favourite eighties past time firmly into the future, you can stay up to do date with everything Paradise Skate World has going on by signing up on its website here.
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If you do, you’ll also be entered into a prize draw to win a holiday in Miami, complete with flights, a 4-night art deco hotel stay, and roller skating lessons in Miami Beach (naturally.) Find out more here.
Manchester’s tiny new tiramisu hatch Layr speaks out after receiving influx of ‘hostile’ hate messages
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s tiny new tiramisu hatch has spoken out after receiving a recent influx of ‘hostile’ hate messages and reviews.
Having only opened its doors – or should we say, shutters – at the end of last month (29 January) over in Acoats, Layr is one of Manchester’s newest independent businesses that is selling purely tiramisu, with a menu of three different flavours, each served in individually portioned pots.
Here you can expect classic tiramisu where sponge is soaked in espresso, then layered with vanilla marscapone and cocoa dust.
These freshly-made, alcohol-free and Halal desserts have gone down an absolute treat with residents and visitors to the city alike since opening, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for founder Moona who has admitted over the weekend that they have been receiving a number of ‘hostile’ hate comments and reviews that don’t reflect the service they are providing.
The statement comes after the business teamed up with The Couture Club and influencer Farron Clark for a Valentine’s collaboration over the weekend.
Layr said in its Instagram statement: “As a small independent business, we can’t stay silent when things aren’t right. It’s hard to share, but it has to be said.
“With a heavy heart, we need to address something that’s been happening behind the scenes. Over the past few days, we’ve noticed a pattern that’s been difficult to process. Hostile hate-messages, comments, and reviews. A number of one-star reviews have appeared that don’t feel reflective of real customer experiences… with some of our genuine customer photos have been screenshotted and reposted elsewhere.
Layr has spoken out after receiving an influx of ‘hostile’ hate messages / Credit: The Manc Group
“As a small, new independent business, we take all feedback on board. However instances that appear not to be genuine are disheartening to see.”
They then shared a couple of screenshot images of reviews and comments they were referring to, before adding that: “The industry is already a challenge without these instances. We all need each other’s support and I hope we all succeed in what we set out to achieve.”
The statement concluded: “Let’s spread love… not hate.”
Layr’s post has seen hundreds of likes and comments from customers and other local businesses sharing their support.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
Government announces social media crackdown with potential ban for under 16s
Emily Sergeant
The Government has announced a social media crackdown in a bid to keep children safe amid rapid technology changes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to take ‘immediate action’ to make the online world safer for children.
The new measures announced today include a crackdown on ‘vile’ illegal content created by AI, including fast action to shut a legal loophole and force all AI chatbot providers to abide by illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law.
The Government says it’s also taking new legal powers to lay the groundwork for immediate action following its consultation on children’s wellbeing online carried out earlier this year.
No social media platform should get a free pass when it comes to protecting our kids.
These new powers introduced this week will mean Government ministers can act fast on the findings of the consultation within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves, and this means, crucially, being able to prohibit measures like setting a minimum age limit for social media – which Australia famously became the first country to do so last year – and restricting features like infinite scrolling that are also harmful.
It’s also likely that there will be restrictions introduced on children’s use of AI chatbots, as well as options to age-restrict or limit children’s VPN, and changing the age of digital consent.
The Prime Minister has insisted ‘no platform gets a free pass’.
The Government has announced a social media crackdown with a potential ban for under 16s / Credit: Julian Christ (via Unsplash)
“As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online,” Mr Starmer said.
“Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my Government, Britain will be a leader not a follower when it comes to online safety. The action we took on Grok sent a clear message that no platform gets a free pass.
“Today we are closing loopholes that put children at risk, and laying the groundwork for further action. We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media.”
Georgina Pellant -
18th February 2022 
