We all know that a trip to The Oast House on a hot sunny day is a must – but earlier this month the refreshments went beyond a nice cocktail, with ice baths installed in the iconic beer garden.
Reyka Vodka, an Icelandic vodka brand, wanted to bring a taste of the magical country to Manchester.
And anyone who was brave enough to take the plunge had the chance to win a trip to Iceland , as well as a fleece from 66 North to pick up while they’re there…
The Fire and Ice Oasis was in full swing on 9 and 10 September, with dozens of people rocking up to dunk themselves into icy water.
After plenty of brave efforts – and more than a few horrified squeals – a local chap named Terry was crowned victorious and will be off to Iceland.
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Reyka Vodka was also handing out delicious cocktails and goodie bags at the event at the Oast House.
The Icelandic business installed a huge mural of the Northern Lights and created ice baths out of huge barrels.
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You can watch brave Mancs take the ice bath dip with Reyka Vodka below
Everyone’s ice dips were sufficiently rewarded with delicious Reyka Vodka cocktails (complete with shimmering mermaid tail cocktails) sipped in deck chairs in the stunning September sunshine.
Reyka Vodka itself has its roots firmly planted in Iceland – it’s made with glacier water, in a distillery that’s powered by geo-thermal energy from volcanoes. They even filter the spirit through volcanic lava rock.
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Reyka Vodka wants to encourage people to get back to nature with their Elemental Escapes – so you can expect the quirky brand to challenge you to take on further adventures like wild swimming to caving.
For those not able to make it down to the Fire and Ice Oasis, find your own Elemental Escape here and don’t forget to visit the 66 North website to get 20% off with discount code reyka66north.
They aim to make the world more like Iceland through their values, characteristics and rich story.
Reyka Vodka is 18+. Please drink responsibly.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The first residents are in, and the launch of Deansgate Gardens – a landmark £35m development in Bolton town centre – is live.
This impressive new development has brought 167 high-quality rental homes to Bolton, creating a residential neighbourhood that features rooftop terraces, gardens, and stunning communal spaces.
The homes on Deansgate, Bolton have been built specifically for renters, with spacious layouts in an ideal location just a two-minute walk from Bolton Town Hall and a short commute to Manchester.
And, unusually for new rental developments, it’s not all about apartments here (though there are beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments with rooftop gardens available).
It’s also somewhere you can rent two-bedroom townhouses, and have your very own yard.
Every home is built with energy efficiency in mind, with heat pumps and enhanced insulation, plus rooftop solar panels on selected homes, keeping those pesky bills down.
This pet-friendly development comes from developer Placefirst, and is a key moment in the wider £1bn regeneration masterplan for Bolton.
Inside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonInside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonA spacious bedroomThe rooftop terraceView from the rooftop terrace
Deansgate Gardens is located just opposite the former Beales department store, connected by the train station, bus interchange, and town centre within walking distance.
These stylish new homes are built around a central square and communal courtyards. The result? Somewhere residents can relax, socialise, and connect.
There’s even a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance support for peace of mind.
And just a short walk away you’ll find parks like Queen’s Park, plus beautiful routes along the River Croal.
Ready to make these houses your home? Book in for a tour around Deansgate Gardens today HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
18th September 2023 
