Just on the outskirts of Greater Manchester and spilling over into the North West countryside lays Millington Hall: a stunning farmhouse and 27-acre plot of land situated barely a 20-minute drive from Manchester which is hosting some wonderful culinary events from this summeronwards.
Specialising in local dining and hospitality experiences that strive to showcase the farm-to-table food and drink journey, tasting events, cookery courses and more, the charming Cheshire venue plays hosts to droves of foodies every year.
Moreover, they strive to be as low-carbon as possible, making them one of the most sustainable places offering these kinds of packages in the region, After a year of hugely successful events, they’re hoping to welcome even more Mancs and beyond to their quaint little corner for 2024.
What’s happening at Millington Hall Farmhouse in 2024?
The Big Cheshire Bake Off
First up on our calendar, at least, there’s no better place to start than with the aptly named Big Cheshire Bake Off this September. Having had a go at it for ourselves, we can’t vouch for it enough.
Get ready to unleash your inner baker with this three-hour experience where you take on a trio of challenges including a guided bake, a challenge round and a test of your decorating skills which will then be examined by the judges – just like on the show. We can’t say which one for copyright reasons…
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But seriously, from the welcome glass of fizz, canapé snacks, tea and coffee, there are all the ingredients you’ll need for the competition and for a great day out.
Naturally, you’ll get to dig into all the bakes you make on the day (or box them up if you can resist the urge) and once again, the farm sources as many ingredients as sustainable as they can from a maximum of a 20-mile radius from the Altrincham farm – so you’re helping support the local area too.
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Oh, did we mention there’s an on-site bar open throughout the day too? Honestly, what’s better than bubbles and cake? Taking place from 13-29 September, the Bake Off is open to all experience levels and makes for a great gift too. It’s already selling out quickly, so book your place now if you’re interested.
The Wild Grill Experience
Credit: Supplied
Next up is one for all you carnivores and foodies who genuinely do want to see how the sausage gets made. The Wild Grill Experience is all about discovering the art of butchery, grilling high-quality meat sourced from the region and, of course, eating.
Running for approximately four hours, if you’re someone barbecuing or simply making the most of local produce, the hope is that you’ll get as much educational value out of it as you will pure enjoyment.
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Promising a truly hands-on experience whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a curious beginner, you’ll be welcomed into the ‘Wild Meadow’ by expert butchers/chefs for a jam-packed session featuring everything from pig butchery, meat seasoning, sausage-making and, of course, best cooking methods.
Last but not least, not only will you receive a welcome beer upon arrival as well as charcuterie snacks throughout, but you will get to sit down in the cosy ‘Nordic Tipi’ to dine on your perfectly prepared delectations with your coursemates and teachers as part of the final feast.
Available between 4-20 October, given that Spring sessions sold out so quickly, we’d recommend signing up sooner rather than later. You can book tickets online.
Farm-to-table, tasting events and so much more
Honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Millington Hall Farm as these guys are offering up everything from various other culinary classes, tasting evenings for various local food and drink suppliers, and even gin-based glamping weekends.
They also do special Murder Mystery nights where you eat a three-course dinner whilst trying to figure out a vintage ‘whodunnit’, which genuinely sounds like the best game of Cluedo you’ll ever play.
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The 2024 Murder Mystery night has already sold out but you can sign up now to be the first to hear about the 2025 season.
You can find their full list of events taking place in 2024HERE.
The massively underrated rooftop terrace in Manchester with great views and top cocktails
Daisy Jackson
Manchester city centre is generally STARVED of outdoor space, but we’ve found the perfect sun-soaked oasis where you can enjoy a bit of fresh air and a whole lot of great food and drinks.
Tucked up on the sixth floor of the award-winning boutique hotel King Street Townhouse, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city’s skyline.
As Manchester buzzes along beneath you, you can tuck in to everything from full charcuterie grazing boards to seasonal snacks and small plates, all served alongside an impressive wine and cocktail list.
This often-overlooked local spot is a firm favourite of those in the know, thanks to its sheltered location that basks in the sun all afternoon.
And although it’s in a prime city centre location, just a stone’s throw from Deansgate, St Peter’s Square and Market Street, it’s a luxurious escape from it all – as is the entire boutique hotel it’s part of.
Whether it’s a post-work social, a relaxed date night, or a cheeky afternoon cocktail, the King Street Townhouse Terrace is open to the public and available for walk-ins or bookings when it isn’t privately hired.
On the menu you can expect locally-sourced dishes like Pollen sourdough served with whipped butter, a meat or cheese grazing board loaded with British produce, and larger plates like a beef and bone marrow burger or a fried fish roll topped with crisps.
British charcuterie grazing boardSpritzes on the King Street Townhouse terrace
Pairing perfectly with a spritz or a beer are snacks like deep-fried Gordal olives, stuffed with fennel sausage, and a brioche garlic bread packed with cream cheese.
The hotel has a cocktail list that celebrates classic drinks and a few of their own signature concoctions, and it doesn’t feel much more luxurious than when you treat yourself to a glass of sky-high champagne with views like this.
The South Terrace can also be hired privately for leisure or corporate events, with tailored catering options including summer BBQs.
And you can ramp up your trip to this oasis by staying overnight in one of the boutique hotels’ rooms, or visiting the King Street Townhouse ESPA spa for a treatment.
Find out more about the terrace at King Street Townhouse HERE.
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelThe terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelDeep-fried olivesGarlic bread with creamed cheeseKing Street Townhouse hotel
A massive Manchester United fan zone is being set up for the Europa League final
Danny Jones
With Man United officially booking their spot in the Europa League final, a massive fan zone is being set up in Manchester for fans to watch it.
The Reds are going to Bilbao, but flights and tickets aren’t cheap, so a huge fan park will have to do.
Supporter park specialists 4 The Fans – the same team behind the huge sites at the likes of Manchester’s Secret City, Love Factory and the Progress Centre for Euro 2024 – are putting one of the biggest fan zones yet for the game on Wednesday, 21 May.
4 The Fans are committed to putting on a huge fan zone over in Stretford, and with well over 50,000 fans attending their events over the last three years, it’s sure to be a mega atmosphere.
A massive Man United fan zone is on the cards for this year’s Europa League final. (Credit: 4 The Fans)
Having seen the atmosphere at some of their previous events first hand, this latest fan zone plan is giving us real Euros vibes.
Set to take over the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, a.k.a. the BEC Arena over in Stretford, the enormous events space will be transformed into one of their biggest fan zones to date, with the biggest screen in Manchester.
VIP seated tickets are also available, and parents are welcome to bring their kids along to the family-friendly event.
Tickets are already available and, in fact, they were so confident in the result against Athletic Club that supporters were guaranteed their money back if Ruben Amorim’s side managed to capitulate.
No harm, no foul and, turns out, no need to worry anyway.
Past scenes from international tournaments. (Credit: Supplied)
If the idea of being surrounded by fellow Reds for the game isn’t an attractive enough prospect on its own for you, United fans, the event is also set to be hosted by a club legend (still yet to be announced), with DJs and music, as well as special effects throughout.
Of course, there’ll be plenty of pints and scran to fuel the promoter’s famous fan energy on offer too, so you really will be sorted from start to finish.
Doors to the BEC open at 5:30pm, with last entry at 7:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off; tickets start from just £8. Until then, you can watch back the highlights from the previous match down below. You can grab yours HERE.
How are you feeling for the final – are Ruben’s Reds going to lift the Europa League trophy?