The Manchester Rum Festival is returning to Manchester this year, promising to take things to the next level with a brand new venue.
The event, which features DJs, Caribbean food, games, and of course, a lot of rum, will this year be taking place at New Century Hall.
The beautiful historic gig venue, brought back to life in 2022, will be welcoming the Manchester Rum Festival and more global rum brands than ever before.
Its move to a larger venue follows eight years of sell-out success at venues across Manchester, and will allow the much-loved annual event to welcome even more rum fans.
This year’s highly-anticipated event will coincide with World Rum Day on Saturday 13 July.
Each ticket for the Manchester Rum Festival gets you access to the festival – the food, the calypso-inspired DJ sets, the tastings, and more – as well as the opportunity to try new-to-market expressions from more than 40 rum brands.
Master distillers, experts and brands from across the globe will be in attendance to celebrate all things rum, offering tastings throughout the festival.
Manchester Rum Festival is returning to the city. Credit: Supplied
Making debuts this year will be prestigious brands including Bristol Classic, a rum firm that produces limited quantity rums from countries including Guyana and Mauritius, as well as Trinidad and the Dominican Republic; Ron Carúpano, a Venezuelan brand with the only female Master Blender in the country; Rhum Depaz from the volcanic terroir of Martinique in the Caribbean; and Don Q from sunny Puerto Rico.
The refreshing Caribbean lager, Carib, will also be heading to Manchester for the first time.
Other notable brands making an appearance at the Manchester Rum Festival include Chairman’s Reserve, Pusser’s, Worthy Park, Cockspur, Damoiseau, Don Papa, Ninefold and Aluna, plus Manchester-based One-Eyed Rebel from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery.
London Essence will be the official mixer partner for 2024, bringing their distinctive drinks – including elegant tonics, crafted sodas and lemonades, and delicious gingers – to the festival.
Authentic Caribbean food will come from Nyammin’, who will have their world-famous rum cake in abundance.
And DJ Dom will keep the party, and the tropical atmosphere, going all day long.
Festival founder and rum expert, Dave Marsland, said: “This year, we are expecting the best Manchester Rum Festival yet as we relocate to a bigger, better, bolder venue.
“New Century Hall is absolutely iconic and we can’t wait to party all day with more rum brands and more experiences than ever before. Guests can really get set for an incredible day!
“The event really has gone from strength to strength and we are one of the biggest rum festivals in the country outside London. As always, I’d recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets for Manchester Rum Festival on 13 July are available now from Eventbrite.
You can get an exclusive £5 discount when you book through The Manc using this link.
The team behind Salford’s beloved Black Friar set to take over popular Chorlton pub
Danny Jones
The talented culinary team behind the stunning Black Friar pub in Salford are set to take over a new site at a historic old pub in Chorlton: the beloved Horse and Jockey.
As one of the longest-standing and most charming spots on Chorlton Green, The Horse and Jockey public house dates all the way back to 1512 and has remained a regular watering hole for native boozers since the 19th century.
Having been operated by legendary local beermasters, Joseph Holt Brewery, from 2012 onwards, it’s remained a popular spot for generations of punters and ‘The Inn of the Green’ is still the go-to for so many of those who live and work nearby.
Nevertheless, The Horse and Jockey is now set to be taken over by the duo who rebooted a fellow site of Manc hospitality heritage are turning their attention to a new gastropub project.
The Horse and Jockey Inn on the Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Credit: Adam Bruderer via Flickr)
Announcing the redevelopment plans at the start of this month, owner Neil Burke and Executive Chef Ben Chaplin is set to oversee the next chapter for the 200-year-old community pub.
The current Black Friar team has been in place for just over four years now and has very quickly turned what used to be a casual working men’s boozer into a lovingly restored English pub and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and back garden.
Known for classic but elevated pub grub, proper homemade pies, regularly rotating seasonal menus, a carefully curated cocktail and drinks menu, along with the elegant updated interior, it’s come a long way from its rebirth in 2021.
Having proved their revitalising powers with the Grade II-listed building, which had sat derelict for more than a decade and a half, Burke is using his experience and knowledge as a local resident of the central Manchester suburb to bring a new lease of life to The Horse and Jockey.
Formerly a regional manager of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, before teaming up with Chaplin to take on their own challenge, Chorlton Green’s treasured public house has been something he’s dreamed about for some time.
Speaking on the upcoming overhaul, Neil said: “Myself and Ben are champing at the bit to get the Horse and Jockey living up to its full potential. As with the Black Friar, we want to create a pub that heavily focuses on great British produce in a beautiful environment.
Neil and BenThe Black Friar stunned this past springCredit: Supplied/The Manc Eats
“We’re over the moon to be taking on a true suburban gem that’s all about the community. The Horse and Jockey will be a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint, having a roast after a leisurely Sunday walk, or throwing a bash to celebrate a milestone.”
Set to reopen following a major revamp this autumn, Joseph Holt will continue to run the cherished Chorlton pub in the interim while the refurbishments are completed.
Those passionate about keeping that authentic, traditional feel will also be glad to hear that original features like the bright white visage, wooden beams will be kept intact and complemented by a stripped-back decor, heritage colours and more cosy furnishings.
Looking to make this a more dining-led venue than just another bar that happens to serve food, they promise all the usual pub grub favourites, premium á la carte dishes, weekly specials and “a fresh take on The Black Friar’s legendary Sunday roasts.”
Better yet, there’ll still be Holt ales to be enjoyed as well as a new dedicated wine list designed specifically to pair with the new foodie lineup.
We can’t wait to see how it turns out, and you keep your eyes peeled HERE for more updates.
Featured Images — Adam Bruderer (via Flickr)/Press shots (supplied)
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Inside The Faraday Pub, the Northern Quarter’s newest boozer
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new pub has opened slap bang in the middle of the Northern Quarter – take a look inside The Faraday.
This pub is just off the bustling Stevenson Square and has bags of stuff on offer.
Spread across two floors on the site that was previously 7Sins, you’ll find live music, games, cocktails, and of course plenty of pints.
The Lever Street venue has been totally transformed into a cosy space inspired by traditional British boozers.
We’re talking vintage pub mirrors, mismatched bar stools, wood paneled walls, deep burgundy leather banquette seating and a fresh lick of dark green paint.
And this smart pub has got the space to become a live music gem for the Northern Quarter, with live music every Wednesday to Sunday.
Downstairs, there’s still a wide range of games to keep you entertained, including pool tables (which are unlimited play for your booking), electric darts, and shuffleboard.
The Faraday’s drinks menu boasts loads of classic cocktails, including margaritas, old fashioneds (including a tequila version), and a selection of sours.
In pictures: The Faraday pub opens in Manchester
Inside The Faraday Pub
When happy hour rolls around (6pm til 10pm every evening but Saturday) you can get £5 drinks including pints of Guinness, and a selection of spritzes.
On draft there are fan favourites like Guinness, Mahou, Corona, Lowenbrau, Jubel Peach, Camden Pale, Kopparberg, and Camden Hells.
There’s a decent amount of outside seating for when the sun has got his hat on, too, with full sunshine in the afternoons.
The Faraday is open until 1am during the week, and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s open now at 43-45 Lever Street in the Northern Quarter.
They’ll be giving away a free pint to the first 100 people to visit on Friday 1 August from 5pm. You just need to show you’re followingThe Faraday on Instagram.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd April 2024 
