An enormous new cafe, bar, restaurant and social workspace is opening its doors in Manchester next week, as Junction unveils its beautiful interiors.
The huge new space is attached to one of the most iconic buildings in the city – Manchester Central, the giant conference centre in the heart of the city.
Junction stands at the top of the steps to the familiar domed building, which was formerly a railway station but closed to passengers in 1969.
Situated in Petersfield, just across from The Midland hotel and Bridgewater Hall, this landmark new opening will be welcoming guests from breakfast until evening drinks.
It will cater to the countless people who attend events at Manchester Central every year, as well as locals, tourists, remote workers and families visiting or living in the city.
Inside the beautiful new space, they’ve subtly reflected the history of the former railway station in the decor, using industrial curved architecture to their advantage.
Junction is decorated in shades of pinks, jades and corals, with an impressive central bar bathed in pink light.
Inside Junction. Credit: The Manc GroupJunction is opening at Manchester Central. Credit: The Manc GroupThe restaurant space at Junction in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
There are several distinct zones to Junction, whether you’re wanting to kick back in a relaxing sofa to catch up with friends or colleagues, tuck into a booth for a lunch meeting, or perch at the bar to sip on cocktails.
There are coffees, pastries, brunches and small plates served in the venue’s bright and air lounge area, while the intimate restaurant space has an open kitchen serving lunches, after work and weekend dining.
It’s manned by head chef Liam Raynor, formerly of The Lowry Theatre, who’s creating a menu of modern European classics.
The menu is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean, with specialities like rare bred pork schnitzel with Burford Brown egg, or stone bass with pressed potato, samphire, mussels, vermouth and paprika sauce.
Junction is an all-day work space and cafe. Credit: The Manc GroupThe central bar at Junction. Credit; The Manc GroupFood at Junction. Credit: The Manc Group
Smaller plates include salt cod croquettes and muhammara flatbreads with walnuts, onion powder, Lombardi chillis and sumac.
Will Alston has created a 15-strong cocktail menu which includes Tenth Summer (a delicate mix of Havana 7yr, pickled cherry, honey and lemon), and the A Factor Sour (a refreshing blend of El Tequileno reposado, Avallen Calvados, agave, sherbet apple and citrus.
Several of the cocktails can be made non-alcoholic too.
The Manc readers can enjoy 10% off their bill by following Junction on Instagram and showing this video on arrival.
Aspiring artists can get their work displayed on one of the biggest digital screens in Manchester
Danny Jones
Are you a budding artist looking to get your work seen or know some who is? Well, you might want to pay attention because there’s an opportunity to have your creation seen by countless passers-by and on one of the biggest displays in the entire UK over at the Printworks.
If you’ve passed through the much-loved hospitality and leisure complex over the past year or so, you’ll have noticed their roof is now no longer a roof at all, really; the striking ceiling is now a constantly moving image and the largest of its kind in all of Europe.
Meaning that anyone who got their artworks on there would effectively be securing one of the biggest displays and public installations on the continent.
As Printworks themselves put it: “This isn’t just a screen; it’s an artistic stage viewed by millions of visitors every year, with the power to turn a single artwork into a 360-degree sensory experience.”
With that in mind, they’re giving one lucky individual the chance to grab the spotlight and see their creative expression plastered on the 1,000m² wraparound LED canvas.
“Supporting emerging talent and seeing fresh, creative perspectives is always inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what these young artists bring to the table! It was so surreal seeing my artwork on the digital.”
Past installations have included the ‘Spaces Up-Above’ exhibition by world-renowned light artist, Rupert Newman, as well as an International Women’s Day showcase by Heitzman herself, as a fellow Manchester-based creative.
In case you need a better idea of the sheer scale of this screen and why this is such an exciting opportunity for up-and-coming local artists, here’s how they celebrated Oasis returning to Manchester for their Heaton Park reunion gigs this week:
Synchronised with sound and added motion effects, the competition is now open to students who are currently enrolled in college, university or art school.
Better still, you don’t even have to be from or based in the area to take part – this is a nationwide competition hoping to spotlight the best talents in the UK.
All you have to do to enter this exciting competition in Manchester is simply provide Printworks your details and upload your artwork of choice HERE by Sunday, 3 August.
Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Daisy Jackson -
19th July 2024 
