News

The world’s first ‘pub for plants’ is opening in Manchester city centre

Taking over Manchester pub The Freemount later this month, 'The Seed & Sip' has been designed specifically with plants in mind.

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 20th June 2022

A ‘pub for plants’ will be taking over one of Manchester’s favourite watering holes and transforming it into a foliage-friendly boozer.

Northern Quarter pub The Freemount will be reimagined as ‘The Seed & Sip’ for one night only on Wednesday, June 29, as part of a partnership between Inch’s cider and leading online plant retailer Patch.

It will play host to an array of forna-inspired events including, wackily, a gig for plants that will be performed by indie rock band Red Rum Club.

Promising the perfect night out for plant and human punters alike, the Seed and Sip will also host its own horticultural twist on speed dating in the form of ‘speed planting’ sessions.

Image: The Freemount

Open to singles and couples, it’s more about finding your perfect plant than your perfect partner – with expert advice from the Patch team to prove there really is a plant out there for everyone.

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On entry guests will be given tokens for free pints of Inch’s cider and Heineken 0.0, as well as delicious snacks and the chance to win stellar prizes to see out the summer. 

Those heading down will be met with a living wall of plants that will permanently take over the pub’s exterior, created by the award-winning Edible Bus Stop who have just taken home the Silver-Gilt at The Chelsea Flower Show.

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Plant Doctors from Patch will be on hand to help guests discover their perfect plant partner, and a special guest comedian will host a Plant Pub Quiz where guests will be in with the chance of winning a number of festival tickets to Tramlines and Boardmasters.

The Seed and Sip will be launching at 73-75 Oldham Street in Manchester on 29 June from 6pm for over 18s.

Image: The Freemount

A limited number of spaces are available, and you can register for a place by emailing [email protected] with your full name. The pub will also be open to walk-ins during the night. 

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The partnership hopes to showcase the importance of sustainability, connecting pubs and nature together as one.

Rachel Holms HEINEKEN UK, Cider Unit Director, says: “Inch’s Cider focuses on sustainability and nature, which is why we’ve teamed up with Patch to bring consumers a taste of nature in a fun and exciting way. The Seed and Sip is an experience like no other for pub-goers and plants alike, an environment to chill, drink a cold cider and meet new friends – of both the human and horticultural variety. 

“Patch is the go-to brand for a new generation of urban drinkers who have an increased interest in nature, so we’re excited about this partnership and shared passion for bringing pubs and nature together as one – and you may even leave with a personality-matched plant to move in with you too!”



Red Rum Club’s lead singer, Francis Doran, said: “We have performed to many different crowds in a wide variety of venues over the years, but this is by far the most unique audience we will have the pleasure of entertaining. We hope that the plant guests at the Seed and Sip not only enjoy our music but find it uplifting and help them grow!” 

Freddie Blackett, Patch Founder, added: “The pub is a great British institution, and the UK is famous worldwide for its gardens, so it makes perfect sense for pubs to have lush and inviting spaces for customers to enjoy with a drink, like a pint of cider.

Image: Supplied

“We are delighted to be collaborating with a brand who shares our passions, as we set out to create greener spaces in urban areas together.”

Feature image – The Freemount Pub

News

Independent review into police actions during Manchester synagogue terror attack finds ‘no misconduct’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant GMP synagogue attack

An independent review into the terror attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall last week has concluded there was ‘no misconduct’ by the police.

The investigation was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the shocking knife and car attack, which took place last Thursday 2 October on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

Two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.

The attacker has been named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.

The IOPC says its investigation is ‘mandatory’ in situations where police use of force may have resulted in the death of a member of the public.

Their investigation looked at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved in the incident.

“Over the coming days, we will continue to review the substantial amount of evidence gathered up to now, and will begin the process of obtaining more detailed statements from police witnesses,” the IOPC said in a statment.

GMP’s Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson, says he ‘welcomes’ the IOPC’s finding that no misconduct is apparent in the actions required of officers in ‘bringing this dreadful attack to an end’.

GMP synagogue attack
An independent review into police actions during the Manchester synagogue terror attack has found ‘no misconduct’ / Credit: GMP

He said in a statement addressing the matter: “Our thoughts will always be with the families and loved ones of those directly affected by this tragedy together with the wider community across Greater Manchester and beyond. Our significant presence and determination to protect everyone from all faith communities across our city region will continue unabated.”

With the IOPC’s investigation into the incident still ongoing, CC Watson assured ‘GMP is committed to openness, transparency, and candour’.

“In respect of all our previous dealings with [al Shamie], and we have therefore asked the IOPC to include this aspect in their ongoing review,” CC Watson continued.

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“This includes previous reports of harassment, and an arrest for reports of rape over the past year, for which he was on bail at the time of the attack.”

Featured Image – GMP

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Breakaway competition R360 issues statement after rubgy unions warn players of sanctions

Danny Jones Danny Jones R360 league respond to joint statement from rugby unions opposing breakaway competition

Prospective breakaway competition R360 have issued a response to the joint statement from multiple countries’ rugby unions, which has warned players of sanctions should they choose to join the new league.

While the vast majority seemingly remain opposed to the new concept, backing from certain key figures has resulted in the likes of the UK and Irish rugby unions, along with other key nations, sharing their unified stance against the potential rival.

Put in the simplest terms, the R360 model is rugby’s equivalent of what the proposed European ‘Super League’ was for football just a few years ago, with similar questions being raised around how it could jeopardise existing contests, player wellbeing and more.

Now, though, the new format – which has been largely backed and developed by former World Cup winner with England, Mike Tindall – delivered its own reply on Wednesday, 8 October.

Shared publicly to the press, the alternative tournament wrote: “It’s not always easy to embrace new opportunities, but as we’ve seen throughout history, it’s essential for any sport to grow. So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game, and we can’t wait to kick off next year.

“Player welfare is one of the key reasons for creating our global series, which will greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally. We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men’s and women’s teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts. Our philosophy is clear – if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?

“We look forward to submitting to the World Rugby Council for sanctioning next summer as planned.”

At present, R360 is due to hold its inagural season this time next year, with eight new male teams and four women’s sides expected to get underway from October 2026 onwards.

In addition to more lucrative contracts like those promised in the IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket, LIV Golf and the aforementioned albeit failed Super League, R360 is also set to offer a reduced playing schedule but one that would still tempt athletes away from their current teams to new franchises.

Although they have assured player care is an utmost priority, their health and fitness is one of my concerns put forward by the total eight rubgy unions who have urged current pros to stay away from the breakaway competition.

In case you haven’t seen the statement release by England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, it begins by “urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition.”

Assuring that they welcome “investment and innovation in rugby”, they feel this particular idea won’t improve the sport but could instead “fragment or weaken it.”

Having assessed the proposals supposed value/addition to the “rugby’s global ecosystem”, it seems the fear is that the outcome will be a “net negative to the game”, with little to no detail as to how it can run alongside existing fixtures, assure proper management of player welfare and more.

As for Wales, despite opting not to put their name to the open letter itself, they have stated publicly: “The Welsh Rugby Union supports this statement, and we’re considering changes we may need to make to qualification rules in Wales as part of ongoing analysis following our recent consultation process.”

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The statement continues: “The R360 model, as outlined publicly, rather appears designed to generate profits and return them to a very small elite, potentially hollowing out the investment that national unions and existing leagues make in community rugby, player development, and participation pathways.”

It seems there is deep concern for how it could affect grassroots and the international rugby too, not just league and union, and have failed to full explain or help key organisations “better understand their business and operating model.”

Most notably, they sign off by adding: “Each of the national unions will therefore be advising men’s and women’s players that participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”

What do you make of the whole debate – do you like the current schedule/format as it is, or do you think there’s room for a new chapter in the rugby world?

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Featured Images — Rawpixel.com/Public domain

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