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Canalside bar in Manchester launches massive burger-eating challenge

Who’s ready to take on Big Bird’s Big Sister?

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 23rd May 2024

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. 

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.

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 Sukonik
Roby 1844’s burger challenge. Credit: The Vain Photography, Carl Sukonik
Roby 1844's outside two-storey waterside terrace. Credit: The Vain Photography, Carl Sukonik
Roby 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! 

“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.

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Featured image: The Vain Photos

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Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester

Cult classic rom com 13 Going On 30 is preparing for its musical world premiere – and it’s happening right here in Manchester.

The brand-new musical is based on the hit 2004 film of the same name, starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. 

As in the film, 13 Going On 30 The Musical will follow awkward teen Jenna Rink who makes a birthday wish to skip those difficult high school years. 

To her surprise – her wish comes true. 

Jenna wakes up to find herself ‘30, flirty and thriving’ in a dream role as a magazine editor, but still trying to work out what, and who really matters in life. 

The brand new musical will open at the legendary Opera House this September, bringing all the magic of the time-travelling film to life.

For the stage version, Lucie Jones (who you might recognise from X Factor) will star as Jenna, alongside David Hunter (Matt), Grace Mouat (Lucy), Caleb Roberts (Richard), Andrew Berlin (Kyle), and Dominic Andersen (Alex).

Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester
Cult classic 13 Going On 30 to make its musical debut in Manchester

The musical is also written by the same duo behind the hit flick.

13 Going On 30 The Musical will have songs by Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, who wrote for High School Musical: The Musical, and will be directed by Andy Fickman of Heathers and She’s The Man.

Film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who have also written the book of the musical, said: “When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving.

“It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman and Phil Kenny, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical.

“We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House – the launchpad of so many iconic musicals.

“So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone – don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”

13 Going On 30 The Musical will be at the Opera House in Manchester between 21 September and 12 October 2025.

Tickets are on sale now HERE.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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Popular noodle bar Chopstix to host ALL-NEW live music event in Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Much-loved noodle box eatery Chopstix are hosting an all-new series of live music events, with the first kicking off at one of Manchester’s most popular venues.

Chopstix has become a foodie’s favourite in the city centre with its combo boxes and now they’re about to win over the music lovers thanks to these brand-new live-performances.

The Asian restaurant chain is launching ‘Red Box Live’,a first-of-its-kind music event series taking place in some of the UK’s best independent music venues,, and it kicks off at one of the city’s most beloved music venues, YES.

These events will see a rising star headline slot, DJ’s, free drinks and of course, food, because it couldn’t be a Chopstix party without some of its iconic flavour-packed boxes.

Chopstix are known for serving up flavoursome feasts in their combo boxes.
Chopstix is known for serving up flavoursome feasts in their combo boxes.
The Asian restaurant chain has chosen YES as the first spot for their 'Red Box Live' event.
The Asian restaurant chain has chosen YES as the first spot for their ‘Red Box Live’ event.
Credit: Supplied

Indie-pop artist Liang Lawrence is claiming the first headline spot and she’s definitely no stranger at frequenting some of the most famed stages in the country, having recently performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sefton Park on the BBC Introducing stage, following in the footsteps of Manc rap-talent Aitch.

The ‘Red Box Live’ music events build from the eatery’s previous music-focused series ‘Red Box Sessions’ which saw acts like Flames Collective and Grace Davies (X-Factor) in intimate studio sessions.

Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: The launch of our brand new Red Box Live event series is incredibly exciting.”We’re bringing big, bold flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our flavour craving crowd right here in Manchester.”

“We’re bringing BIG, BOLD flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our Flavour Craving crowd right here in Manchester.”

Liang Lawrence will be performing at 'Red Box Live' organised by Chopstix.
Liang Lawrence will be performing at ‘Red Box Live’ organised by Chopstix.
There will be free food and live music at this exclusive event.
There will be free food and live music at this exclusive event.
Credit: Supplied

The first ‘Red Box Live’ is taking place on 16 July with a headline performance from Liang Lawrence at YES in Manchester. Doors open from 7pm with a DJ set, and tickets are available to win for free on Chopstix’s website.

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If you want to get in on the ultimate mix of banging beats and bold eats, you can enter our FREE ticket draw to win your way in HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)

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