Project Halcyon Distillery might just be one of Manchester city centre’s best-kept secrets but with multiple coveted awards inside just six months of opening and a growing customer base, the word is starting to spread.
Better still, with exciting new innovations created alongside established and reputable names like Buffalo Trace, there’s all the more reason to come and try this hidden gem. We did exactly that and had such a great time we didn’t want to leave.
Teaming up with the popular bourbon brand who have collected quite a raft of awards themselves down the years for a brand new collaboration, Project Halcyon has just launched their brilliant old fashioned drinks trolley, making fresh glasses of the iconic cocktail with carefully selected blends by the expert staff and Buffalo Trace themselves.
The experience that launched this month will see the drinks trolley that many would associate with the like of gin and martinis reimagined for the classic whiskey-based cocktail staple to give that added personal touch that makes this speakeasy-style bar such a unique place to drink.
Boasting Best Newcomer on the UK’s list of Top 50 Bars, the Rising Star award for bartender Reah Owen — the youngest person to ever be nominated at the Manchester Bar Awards (it wasn’t hard to see why after being served by her) — as well as being voted best new bar back in March, it’s no wonder this lot are attracting big names.
Having just recently launched their second menu, ‘A Time & A Place’, which aims to capture moments in history by emulating flavours, traditions and aesthetics from the past in drink form, Project Halycon are striving for theatre, nostalgia, care and a special connection every time you sit down at their bar.
That’s where the drinks trolley comes in.
The newly rolled-out old fashioned trolley sees customers given a bespoke version of the drink carefully crafted to suit your tastes and made right in front of you. Using a collection of eight premium whiskeys, as well as six different house-made syrups and bitters, you can customise your cocktail down to the T.
The drinks themselves also include a special type of ice created by local company Ice Cubed Manchester, designed to deliver the perfect old fashioned. They really have thought of everything, down to the most minute detail.
You even have the option to have your drink smoked right at your table, allowing the Halcyon staff to show off the pageantry and finesse that has seen them earn such great reviews. Built by world-famous designers, Soak London, this one of the most spectacular ways you’ll ever be served a drink.
Having seen the process first-hand, we can sincerely vouch for that — even the smoking contraption designed to look like the Buffalo Trace water tower had us staring on like excited little schoolkids.
This is truly an experience that is totally unique to Manchester, with nowhere else having ever made cocktails tableside in this way. Moreover, now being one of the only bars in Britain that stocks the full range of Buffalo Trace’s premium whiskeys intimate experience to its guests.
They even got one of the few rare bottles of the legendary Pappy van Winkle expressions, a whiskey so highly sought after it was the catalyst for ‘Pappygate‘, the now infamous heist that saw $25000 of the liquor go missing and even sparked a Netflix documentary.
Every inch of this place has something to marvel at and now with the Buffalo Trace old fashioned trolley experience on offer too, we’re going to be coming here more often than we already were — and we won’t be the ones.
When it comes to Project Halycon Distillery, there really is always more than meets the eye:
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.
Danny Jones -
19th June 2023 
