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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Printworks adds running track, Sir Mo Farah waxwork and more for Summer of Sport
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary entertainment complex, Printworks, has unveiled a packed programme of events to celebrate a Summer of Sport.
The popular city centre destination, which recently completed a staggering transformation including installing the biggest digital ceiling in Europe, has created a series of events celebrating the return of the Olympics.
Sir Mo Farah’s lifelike wax figure will be on display from Madame Tussauds in Blackpool, inviting visitors to do the Mobot and snap a selfie with the sporting great.
You’ll also be able to watch the Olympics opening ceremony live at Printworks, underneath that incredible ceiling and from the terraces of Tank & Paddle and Chiquito.
You can even play multi-player games on the big screen inside, hosted by a BBC Radio Manchester presenter.
It all kicks off this week with the Opening Ceremony Party on Friday, with free candy floss and Team GB face painting for the first 250 visitors.
Any children with Team GB face paint on will be able to get a free hot fudge sundae from Hard Rock Cafe with the purchase of a kids’ meal.
Other free events will include weekly gaming sessions, a basketball tournament, a kids’ archery class, and appearances from famous faces.
Printworks will even have a running track lined up all summer.
The digital ceiling will join in on the sporting action, dazzling visitors with animations of synchronised swimmers, athletes, cyclists and divers.
Throughout August, BBC Radio Manchester’s Remmel Dawodu will return to host free weekly interactive gaming sessions on the 1, 8 and 15 August.
You’ll also be able to witness an artist live at work, as they create a mural of an iconic sports person on 1 August.
Slam Dunk-a-Basketball will take place on the 8 August, with archery on 15 August.
The Printworks Opening Ceremony Party will take place between 3.30pm and 6pm on Friday 26 July.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We are thrilled to offer a vibrant and engaging summer of sports for families at Printworks. Our diverse line-up of free events is designed to bring people together, celebrate athleticism and create unforgettable memories over the summer holidays.”
For more information on a Summer of Sport at Printworks, head here.