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.
A free wedding show is returning to the spectacular Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall
Daisy Jackson
A beautiful wedding show is returning to the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall next month, and it’s totally free to attend.
Rochdale Wedding Show (RWS) will bring together 40 different suppliers, showcasing everything from flowers and wedding cars to catering and cakes.
There’ll be food tastings, live music, and breathtaking wedding fashion to get stuck into when the event returns to Rochdale Town Hall on Sunday 17 May.
Organisers Rochdale Borough Council have brought together a huge line-up of businesses to help couples get inspired and organised for their big day.
Companies will be showing off the latest trends in bridalwear, menswear, and everything in between when it comes to wedding fashion.
Then you’ll be able to meet and browse suppliers for your flowers, your wedding transport, photography, venue dressing, cake design, hair and make-up, entertainment, jewellery, music, decorations, and even lighting.
And even if you’re in the very early stages of planning, you might be able to find your perfect wedding venue at the Rochdale Wedding Show, along with masses of inspiration to get started.
Many suppliers will be offering exclusive ‘show only’ offers on the day too, so you could make some big savings.
Experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, whether you’re looking for something traditional, a more contemporary theme, or a civil ceremony.
If the surroundings of RWS have caught your eye, good news – you can get married at the Rochdale Town Hall itself, and you will be able to take a look around the building on the day.
That includes the accommodation inside the nearby Rochdale Register Office, which includes a 70-seat ceremony room, the Red Rose Suite, which holds marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
Classic and contemporary wedding cars will be on display at Rochdale Wedding ShowEnjoy a taste of wedding bands and DJs at Rochdale Wedding ShowA complimentary glass of fizz and canapes will be served to guests on arrival.Hair and beauty experts will be at Rochdale Wedding ShowToastmaster Alan CalowLooking for inspiration? At the show there will be many ideas for things you may not have even considered having at your wedding, yet!Meet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersExperts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questionsThe bar on the first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktailsMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersCompanies will be exhibiting the latest collections and trends in bridal wear, formal menswear and everything in betweenVisitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurantRochdale Wedding Show will be in the stunning Rochdale Town Hall, itself a popular wedding venue
Guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and canapes, and in between wedding planning, visitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurant, where there’ll be hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings on offer.
The first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktails, including a Passion Fizz, Blushed and Frisky, and Love Bite, plus other drinks and snacks.
Events manager Charlotte Preston says: “Rochdale Wedding Show is the ultimate afternoon out for anyone looking to look at their options ahead of the big day.
“Whether you are in the early stages of planning or your wedding is rapidly approaching, this is a must-attend event to get ideas and inspiration, meet the experts and relax with friends and family.”
No need to book tickets, entry is free, just turn up and browse – you can find out more HERE.
National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom trail returns with dozens of Bloomtown events this spring
Emily Sergeant
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme is back once again.
Each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, the National Trust’s interactive Bloomtown map is filled with more than 50 of the best places to see blossom – with trails that will take you on a journey through several floral hotspots.
You can follow the Bloomtown Trail everywhere from Manchester city centre, to Salford, Trafford, Rochdale, and Stockport, or get creative and use the map to explore and create your very-own route.
The National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom and Bloomtown trail has returned this spring / Credit: The Manc Group
That’s not all either, as the National Trust has also organised a whole host of themed events and activities to help you appreciate the blossoms in all their glory.
You can get involved in everything from walks and bike rides, to poetry, dance, storytelling, creative workshops, and so much more at hotspots like Castlefield Viaduct, Dunham Massey, and Lyme Park.
Bee Pedal Ready are hosting a series of Bloomtown bike rides – including one this weekend (Saturday 25 April, followed by others in May) – where you can bring your own bike or borrow one for free and explore some of Manchester’s best blossom-lined routes.
A special Blossom-themed parkrun will take place at Heaton Park next weekend (Saturday 2 May), or there’s also a hands-on ‘blossomify your kit’ workshop at the park’s Lakeside Cafe this Saturday (25 April) morning too.
One of the most creative events on the lineup has to be the poetry and writing walks through the city’s pocket parks and green spaces, where you’ll be given a related writing prompt at each blossom stop.
First timers and experienced poets alike are welcome of the event on late May bank holiday Monday (25 May).
Bloomtown then ends in a finale weekend with dance performances and music created from the electrical signals of plants on Saturday 30 May at Castlefield Viaduct (booking required), as well as a free celebration for all ages on Sunday 31 May at The Whitworth Art Gallery – featuring blossom-themed storytelling, arts and crafts, bike rides, free books, drumming, dance, and more.
The Bloomtown programme is underway until 31 May, and you can find out more about all the themed events and book your tickets on the National Trust website here.
Danny Jones -
17th August 2024 
