A handful of Manchester’s most-popular hospitality names are joining forces to bring a series of entertainment events to neighbourhoods across the city next month.
To celebrate the launch of its ‘Remarkable Neighbourhood’ summer incentive, Kentucky handmade bourbon brand Maker’s Mark has rallied together some of Manchester’s best-loved bars and restaurants to head across the city and serve up their take on the brand’s signature Gold Rush Cocktail from Monday 1 August.
Cocktail masterclasses, live music nights, quiz nights, Kentucky food pairing events, and bar takeovers will also be on their way to the city’s residential hotspots over the next few weeks.
Founded on Maker’s principle to “make it remarkable”, the series of Remarkable Neighbourhood events will be taking place all throughout August in some of the city’s sought-after areas like the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and Deansgate.
Arcane and Elnecot are two of the Manchester bars serving up takes on the Gold Rush cocktail / Credit: Supplied
Popular bars Speak in Code, Whisky Jar, and Arcane are just a few of the heavy-hitting names from the city’s hospitality scene that will be serving up their own twist on the Gold Rush Cocktail – which, if you’re unfamiliar with, is made up of a base of Maker’s Mark very-own bourbon, citrus, and a honey syrup.
Neon Tiger, Nam, Jimmy’s, Mecanica, Escape to Freight Island, Edinburgh Castle, Blind Tyger, Sandinista, and Elnecot are the other bars and restaurants taking part.
The Maker’s Mark ‘Remarkable Neighbourhood’ series starts on Monday 1 August / Credit: Supplied
In an ode to the Manchester worker bee – which has been a key emblem for the city for over 150 years – Maker’s has chosen to partner with local Manchester honey producers, The Finest Honey Company, for the sweet nectar that’s such an important part of the cocktail.
The worker bee also represents Manchester being a hive of activity and a symbol of unity – which is exactly what the ‘Remarkable Neighbourhood’ incentive is all about.
And if all of that didn’t sound sweet enough as it, residents can also head on down to Escape to Freight Island at Depot Mayfield every Thursday throughout August, where Maker’s will be taking over the tropical urban space, the Plant Room.
There’ll be a special cocktail menu and food partnership with Freight Island’s outdoor BBQ partner – Mayfield County Smokehouse.
You can expect cocktail masterclasses, quiz nights, live music, and more all month / Credit: Maker’s Mark
“I am so excited for Maker’s Mark to be partnering with such incredible hospitality venues in such a vibrant city like Manchester this summer,” said Nicole Sykes – UK Brand Ambassador at Maker’s Mark – ahead of the upcoming event series.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the communities at the heart of the city, and spread our love for bourbon in the UK.”
Edinburgh Castle and Nam’s take on the Gold Rush Cocktail / Credit: Supplied
The Remarkable Neighbourhood special cocktails and event series is running from the 1 August – 1 September, and here’s a full rundown of all the events you can expect:
1 August – Maker’s Monday at Arcane
4 August – Maker’s Mark x Escape to Freight Island launch event, with samples from Mayfield County Smokehouse partnership and Maker’s Mark cocktails
4 August – Flying Dutchmen Cocktails takeover at Speak in Code, sponsored by Maker’s Mark
10 August – Americana Quiz Night at Jimmy’s
11 August – Maker’s Mark x Escape to Freight Island live music takeover
14 August – Bourbon and Blues night at Whiskey Jar
18 August – History of Bourbon with Maker’s Mark wax dipping at Escape to Freight Island
22 August – Maker’s Monday at Arcane
23 August – Edinburgh Castle Maker’s Mark tasting and wax dipping
25 August – Maker’s Mark x Escape to Freight Island bank holiday warm-up
There’ll also be a Bao and Bourbon special to enjoy at Nam throughout the whole of August.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.
Emily Sergeant -
1st August 2022 
