Caffeine lovers are to set unite for an annual celebration later this year, as Manchester Coffee Festival is back for 2022.
Returning to our city once again this November, Manchester Coffee Festival is an independent event that prides itself on opening up the world of specialty coffee and making it accessible to everyone, and it does this by bringing together a wide range of the best coffee companies under one roof to showcase what they do best through talks, tastings, competitions, workshops, demos, and so much more.
The two-day festival is a popular fixture in the city’s annual events calendar, and gives festival-goers the chance to chat with the experts and improve their coffee game.
Ancoats Coffee, Atkinsons, Blossom Coffee, Heart & Graft Coffee Roasters, and Salford Coffee Roasters are some of the local names that festival attendees can expect this year, alongside regulars like Allpress, Climpson & Sons, North Star Coffee Roasters, and Origin.
There’ll also be some new companies popping up too – including The Service Course, Saddleworth Brownies, and Ecoffee Cup.
Manchester Coffee Festival is back for 2022 this November / Credit: MCF
This year’s festival headline partners include Oatly, La Marzocco UK, Espresso Solutions, and Urnex – which will both provide equipment and product to exhibitors, and will be on hand to chat with those at the festival.
Tickets to Manchester Coffee Festival are now on sale, and feature everything from entry to all the festival talks and panels, as well as a not-to-be-missed opportunity to watch the UK Cup Tasting Champion be crowned, try out all the coffee samples you can handle, and take part in guided tasting session.
And new for 2022, you can also upgrade your regular ticket to include access to an exclusive workshop with the experts as well.
From coffee roasting colour experiments to home espresso skills, there’s a workshop for everyone.
The two-day event opens up the world of specialty coffee and makes it accessible to everyone / Credit: MCFThere’ll be talks, tastings, competitions, workshops, demos, and so much more / Credit: MCF
Coffee is of course what the festival will be celebrating at its heart, but that’s not all that people have to look forward to.
Manchester Coffee Festival has also collaborated with BIMM Manchester to curate the music stage lineup for 2022, and there’ll even be a family party hosted by Born To Be Wild Child on the Sunday morning of the festival too.
The 2022 edition of Manchester Coffee Festival has also partnered with Farmers Voice Radio to support the station in its mission to transform the lives of millions of farmers and rural communities through the power of radio.
5% of all ticket sales will be donated directly to Farmers Voice Radio.
A video of all the action from the 2021 edition of Manchester Coffee Festival / Credit: MCF
Manchester Coffee Festival will be taking over the BEC Arena in Stretford on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November 2022.
Tickets are now available online, and you can grab yours here.
Featured Image – MCF
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Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers
Daisy Jackson
The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals.
The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them.
This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester.
Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men.
And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering.
Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthdayPen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long.
On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night.
Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.
Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years!
“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”
Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse is hosting a free dance class in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
One of Strictly Come Dancing’s best-loved professionals, Oti Mabuse, is going to be hosting a free family dance class in Printworks this month.
The two-time Strictly champion will be getting Mancs jiving and waltzing with a fun and inclusive workshop, geared towards all ages and abilities.
Whether you’ve got a little one desperate to boogie or have two left feet yourself but love to dance, this event is for you.
Oti will be bringing her world-class moves and infectious energy to Printworks, dancing beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling just in time for the show’s glittering premiere, screened on the huge gaming screen.
After your own dancing workshop you can watch Strictly Come Dancing’s first show as the new cast of celebs and professionals hit the famous dance floor.
The evening will kick off at 6.10pm on Saturday 20 September, with a dance class led by Oti followed by the launch episode screened on the giant Printworks gaming screen.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Credit: Michael WharleyOti will lead a dance class beneath the digital ceiling at Printworks
Ahead of the event, Oti Mabuse said: “I’m so excited to be coming to Manchester’s Printworks! It’s such an iconic venue, and I can’t wait to feel everyone’s energy and see how the city comes alive here – show me what you’ve got!”
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “Printworks is the ultimate city centre destination for anyone ready to catch the Strictly fever.
“Europe’s largest digital ceiling will feature bold, bright and energy-inducing content to compliment the unique dance class led by the dancing queen herself Oti Mabuse, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience.”
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the UK’s most celebrated (and twice-decorated with the glitterball trophy) performers – book your spot HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2022 
