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.
Inside the beautiful, exclusive gym in the heart of Manchester that’s open to the public for the first time ever
Daisy Jackson
One of Manchester’s most exclusive and comprehensive boutique gyms has opened its doors to the public for the first time.
This hidden fitness space is within the Treehouse Hotel, which opened on a prime spot on Deansgate last year.
The beautiful gym space had only been accessible to hotel guests until now, who have been lucky to train on top-spec equipment while visiting Manchester.
But now Treehouse Hotel is welcoming in the wider public to The Playground, with a strictly limited number of memberships up for grabs – and we’ve got a lovely 50% off discount code for you too (more on that below).
With two membership options to choose from, members can enjoy 24/7 gym access, preferential rates on padel court hire and complimentary access to premium recovery equipment, alongside luxury changing facilities.
The space looks beautiful as well as being functional too, with huge skylights overhead and plenty of greenery on the walls.
At a time when Manchester is seeing changes to its boutique fitness scene, The Playground offers a chance to train in a design-led space that has everything you need to prioritise your health and fitness.
Inside The Playground gym at Treehouse Hotel. Credit: The Manc Group
The Technogym equipment inside The Playground at Treehouse Hotel includes two squat racks, cable machines, a leg press, free weights, a full suite of cardio equipment including stairmaster, rower and treadmills, plus a full track with a sled.
There’s also a studio area in one corner, with digital workouts ranging from pilates to HIIT.
And in the recovery zone, members can make use of Therabody RecoveryAir compression boots and Theragun massage devices, placing recovery on equal footing with performance.
There are two membership options available at The Playground, catering to different fitness and wellness needs.
Sprout Membership – £65 per month
The Sprout Membership includes 24/7 gym access, preferential rates on padel court hire throughout the week and complimentary use of the recovery equipment, including pneumatic compression boots and massage guns. Members can also enjoy private changing facilities, complimentary chilled towels and fresh fruit-infused water.
Treetop Membership – £80 per month
For those looking to make wellness a bigger part of their routine, the Treehouse Membership includes everything in the Sprout package, alongside a range of additional benefits.
Members receive 15% off Good Sauna sessions and plunge baths, as well as exclusive discounts on padel bookings, with 15% off weekday and 10% off weekend bookings.
The membership also includes discounts on selected wellness food, drinks and products, as well as one complimentary freshly prepared smoothie every month.
Theraguns in the recovery zoneMore machines at The Treehouse hotelGreat facilities in The Playground
With 24/7 access to the gym, additional wellness benefits and a premium recovery offering, The Playground provides a new way to stay active in the heart of Manchester.
You can get a whopping 50% off for your first month’s subscription with our code ‘THEMANC’.
The officer is valid for purchases made until 31 October 2026.
Manchester Art Fair returns this autumn with more than 180 exhibitors under one roof
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s largest art fairs is back in Manchester this autumn, bringing more than 180 exhibitors together all under one roof.
Not only is it one of the UK’s largest and one of the most significant art fairs, but it’s by far one of the most celebrated cultural events in Greater Manchester‘s social calendar too.
Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are just simply curious, the event draws in tens of thousands of visitors, and will feature lots of new and returning galleries and artists this year – all of whom will be showing new works.
2026’s edition will be its biggest yet too, as the event is returning to Manchester Central for four days this year instead of the usual three.
Returning from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November, the fair will have more than 600 artists there for an exceptional showcase of modern and contemporary art, with thousands of works available to discover and buy from both world-renowned names and some of the most exciting emerging creative talent.
In a significant move, the fair’s highly anticipated Preview Night will move to Thursday evening, opening an expanded programme of art, talks, workshops, and new experiences across the four days that follow.
Leading the lineup of new features are Manchester Art Fair’s Art Masterclasses, which have been created for developing artists looking to advance their creative practice.
These new experiences will sit alongside a rich programme of artist talks, panel discussions, Q&As, live demonstrations, and other hands-on creative workshops.
More than 180 exhibitors will all gather together under one roof / Credit: Supplied
Manchester Art Fair 2026 will first open at Manchester Central with an exclusive preview night on Thursday 19 November, before it then continues on Friday 20, Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November – with tockets now on sale.
Tickets are priced at £15 for a day ticket or £25 for a preview night ticket, including access throughout the weekend, all with booking fees applying.
Danny Jones -
17th August 2024 
