A canalside bar in Manchester city centre is going BIG for National Burger Day, launching an eating challenge that’s not for the faint of heart.
The award-winning Roby 1844 is challenging Mancs to tuck into Big Bird’s Big Sister, a tower of meat and fillings that also includes waffles.
If you can polish it off in 20 minutes or less, you’ll get the full thing for free and a t-shirt to celebrate your achievement.
Roby 1844 is situated right on the canal on Aytoun Street, with a two-storey waterside terrace and outdoor bar area.
Its day-to-day menu, which has just had a revamp, features small plates, burgers, salads and pizzas, plus cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks.
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But to mark National Burger Day, there’s a new beast in town.
The Roby 1855 Eating Challenge is set to take place on Monday 27 May (a day ahead of National Burger Day) with Big Bird’s Big Sister served up.
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On your plate will be two coated chicken breasts, two waffles with maple syrup, one beef patty with cheese, a brioche bun, salad, and bacon, three onion rings and two portions of Roby rub fries, washed down with a pint of coke or lemonade.
Roby 1844’s burger challenge. Credit: The Vain Photography, Carl SukonikRoby 1844’s outside two-storey waterside terrace. Credit: The Vain Photography, Carl Sukonik
If you can’t get it finished within 20 minutes, the cost of the meal is £30.
Steve Julian, general manager at The Holiday Inn, said: “We wanted to do something fun this Bank Holiday and everyone loves a bit of competition so we’re excited to see who takes on this challenge and wins!
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“Big Bird’s Big Sister is not for the faint hearted but if you have a big appetite, you might just be able to do it.
“As an outdoor dining venue, burgers are a popular dish on our menu but let’s see who can actually finish this one!”
To find out more about Roby 1844 or to sign-up for the eating challenge, click here.
Sensory-friendly Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Emily Sergeant
This week marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference, according to the most recent statistics, and Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) highlighting the importance of championing, raising awareness of, and accommodating neurodiverse people.
And Printworks is marking the occasion in its own special way, with a series of new initiatives designed to create a more ‘inclusive’ and ‘sensory-friendly’ environment.
You may already know that the popular indoor entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester city centre is home to more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and leisure activities – including one of the largest IMAX screens on the continent – and Europe’s largest digital ceiling too, of course, but this week’s experience is unlike anything the venue has welcomed before.
Throughout the week, Printworks will be transforming its digital ceiling with calming Northern Lights and constellations which have been specifically designed to create a relaxed, sensory-friendly atmosphere for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week / Credit: Supplied
As part of a long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Printworks is also introducing a weekly sensory-friendly hour every Sunday too, where lighting throughout the venue will be dimmed, and music and SFX volumes reduced for a reduced-stimulus environment.
200 free sensory packs – which can be collected at Vue cinema – with a pair of ear defenders and sensory-friendly toys, designed to support visitors who may benefit from sensory tools while enjoying the venue, are also on offer throughout the course of the week.
On top of this, there’s also a range of autism-friendly cinema screenings taking place on the last Sunday of every month at 10:30am.
An additional autism-friendly screening will be taking place with a showing of Hoppers this Sunday 22 March at 10:30am, with tickets now available from Vue’s website.
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important time for brands and venues to recognise and support the diverse ways visitors and audiences experience the world,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks.
“We endeavour to ensure that all visitors feel comfortable and welcome when spending time at Printworks.”
Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week on Printworks’ website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd May 2024 
