One of the largest and most authentic country-style family pubs in Manchester, The Wharf is already a go-to spot for locals and regular punters all week long with its canalside terrace and fabulous Sunday roasts being well-known highlights, but it also shines when it comes to private hire and group bookings.
Boasting one of the biggest and best beer gardens in the city centre, The Wharf is split over two massive floors, with several cosy nooks and dedicated rooms to perfectly match the atmosphere you’re looking for. The pub has become a popular site for birthday bashes, festive gatherings and more.
Sitting pretty just along the historic Bridgewater Canal, The Wharf has been a Castlefield institution for more than a decade, so it’s no surprise that you’ll often find the place hosting various social clubs, private parties and other groups.
They deliver a jam-packed seasonal calendar with events like the annual Summer Bash, where July sees them throwing a festival on the flags with an outdoor BBQ and live entertainment all weekend.
The fun doesn’t stop there though, with regularly scheduled wine and whisky tastings, pub quizzes, supplier spotlights and acoustic music, there’s lots to stick your teeth into.
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Credit: The Manc Group
And that genuinely is just the tip of the iceberg.
From hosting Table Top Manchester, a group united by their love of board games, to the droves ofManchester Road Runners who reward themselves with a refreshing pint every Wednesday, many a local organisation find themselves congregating in this watering hole.
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The semi-private upstairs floor is truly one of the pub’s biggest draws. With a capacity of up to 80 people is no stranger to the odd corporate takeover or work’s do.
With a little balcony area overlooking the terrace, no less, there are all manner of spaces for guests to make the most of the waterside pub depending on the nature of their visit.
Come the winter months, there’s no better place to cosy up than the ‘Library’ room: a charming, semi-private space that boasts an extensive book collection and a roaring fireplace. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or simple drinks and buffet-style gatherings, the library really is one of the most comfortable corners in Manchester.
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Venturing further into the depths of The Wharf you’ll find a private space which can be transformed into a boardroom, dining area and plenty more, with access to a television and a capacity of 40 seated diners or up to 50 guests for more casual arrangements, the Old Office is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you simply need a sizeable room to host a big group of friends, a family birthday or anniversary, Christmas party or work event, The Wharf isn’t just one of the most welcoming pubs you’ll find so close to the city centre but it’s also one of the most versatile.
Little extras like free parking, a PA system, a full projector and screen set-up with all your stationery included when you book, not to mention discounts on their wine list for large groups, the aim is to make everything as easy as possible for you and your bookings should you choose them as your venue.
So, if you’re looking to sort somewhere for your next big gathering, you won’t go far wrong taking a gander at thisCastlefield gem.
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a huge, free concert that’ll hark back to the 2000s.
The hugely popular shopping destination, where visitors can save big on luxury brands, will be inviting customers to a totally free summer gig on a stage built on site.
It’s part of the wider 30th anniversary celebrations, and will include a headline performance from a top-secret 2000s music act.
All they’ve revealed about the headliner so far is that they have a catalogue of number one singles and beloved hits…
But also on the line-up that has been confirmed is a DJ set from Take That legend Howard Donald, and a hosting slot from Hits Radio DJ Kimberly Wyatt.
There are still supporting acts to be announced in due course, with Cheshire Oaks promising ‘high energy and big personality’.
Taking place in the evening of Friday 6 June, the Cheshire Oaks 30th anniversary party will be free to shoppers and visitors.
And a select group of VIPs from the local community will have the opportunity to meet the mystery headliner in person.
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be giving back to its local charity partners, including The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynns Port in the Storm and Claire House amongst others, as well as its staff and their families, with exclusive golden circle access for the best seats in the house.
The anniversary gig is part of the shopping village’s ongoing celebration of its three-decade-long history.
Earlier this year, Cheshire Oaks unveiled its 2025 Style Report, revealing that 63% of Brits now prefer shopping in person rather than online, as well as the resurgence of nostalgic fashion trends from the 90s, from baggy trousers to full denim looks.
It’s the UK’s largest designer outlet, with more than 400,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 165 brands.
Kenny Murray, general manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Cheshire Oaks. We have evolved continuously over the last three decades, and now it’s time to celebrate in true style.
“Over our 30 years we’ve built a real sense of community that makes this centre special and we want to celebrate this milestone with the local area and people so close to our heart.
“This summer’s music event, crowned by a secret headline act, promises to be a truly special experience, and a way that we can give back to the loyal customers who have trusted us to bring them the latest fashion trends since the 90s, we can’t wait to enjoy it with them.”
For more information about Cheshire Oaks and its upcoming summer gig, head HERE.
The local property developers helping Mancs buy a home without the large deposit
Emily Sergeant
A North West developer that specialises in creating Shared Ownership homes currently has eight new developments under construction across Manchester.
Getting your foot on theproperty ladder or taking the next step to owning a bigger home can be one of the most challenging things to do and is often not financially viable for a lot of people – and this is whereGecko Homes‘ unique Shared Ownership scheme comes in.
The developer is enabling first time buyers and other qualifying homebuyers to purchase shares in its homes instead.
With deposits from as little as £2,438, the scheme means residents can buy shares ranging from 10% all the way up to 75% instead and then pay rent on the rest, with the option to increase the share percentage at later dates, all the way up to outright ownership.
Gecko Homes is helping Mancs get on the property ladder / Credit: Supplied
As mentioned, the company is currently working on eight new developments across Manchester in some of the city’s most sought-after suburbs, and prospective buyers can now register their interest.
One of the most popular developments currently underway is ‘Tatton Place’ in Sale – which is a redevelopment of a historic Masonic Hall and police station into 31 homes, including two and three-bedroom houses, one and two-bedroom apartments, and several stunning duplexes, all with access to both private and communal gardens.
Another key development is ‘Emerald Way’ over in the popular Manchester suburban town of Chorlton, where prices start from £60,625 for a 25% share, meaning a buyer would only need a deposit of £3,031.
Over in West Didsbury is one of largest ongoing developments called ‘Two Didsbury Point’, which is a £20 million scheme of 76 affordable homes across two connected eight and five-storey blocks – 46 of those being for shared ownership – on the site of the former Withington Hospital, with an outdoor communal terrace and green spaces for residents to enjoy.
Another one of the developments currently in the works that prospective buyers can now register their interest for is ‘Boundary View’, which lies in the thriving Manchester community of Old Trafford.
“Our Shared Ownership model has transformed people’s lives by giving them a way onto the property ladder in a modern, stylish, and high-quality home that they can afford to live in,” explained Christina Tattersall, who is the Head of Sales at Gecko Homes.
Eight developments are currently underway across Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“All of our latest developments are already generating high levels of interest from local people who want to live in some of Manchester’s most popular and vibrant suburbs that all benefit from great amenities and regular transport links.
“Each development will be finished to a very high specification, with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, as well as luxury floorings and quality fixtures and fittings throughout.”
Residents interested in any of these developments are asked to visit Gecko Homes’ website here to find out more and register their details now.
Prices shown are based on 25% Shared Ownership and a 95% LTV mortgage. All properties are bought as leasehold, with full terms applying, and prices shown may be subject to change and are a guide only.
Danny Jones -
17th August 2024 
