Halloween is done, the Manchester Christmas markets are just around the corner, and we’re very excited because one of its biggest bar operators is preparing to serve up some retro sweet cocktails.
In a nod to some of our childhood favourites, this year as part of the winter festivities drinkers will be able to get their hands on Drumstick and Parma Violet-inspired cocktails alongside the usual boozy hot chocolates, mulled wines and pints of German beer.
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Both reto sweetie-inspired cocktails, which incorporate the flavours of the classic sweets, will be available at The Round House bar on Cathedral Gardens where shoppers can take a break, sip on nostalgia-inducing bevvies and soak up the festive atmosphere amidst the twinkling lights.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Meanwhile at Bar 3 on New Cathedral Street, revellers will find a number of theatrical smoking cocktails as well as a selection of craft lager,cider and boozy Bailey’s hot chocolates on the menu.
As for gin lovers, the Grumpy Moose on King Street is the place to be with over fifty different styles of gin and tonics on offer at the bar. Whether you’re into a London dry or an American wet gin, you’re sure to find it here.
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Fans of Drumstick sweeties will be able to enjoy a drinkable version of the chewy favourite over on Piccadilly Deck at the Brooks Mill bar too, as well as a selection of hot whiskeys, mulled gins and Manchester Mules, liquor coffees and hot chocolates.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Whilst as the Melting Pot on Market Street, there will be warming gingerbread lattes and a choice of seasonal hot chocolates at hand to satisfy busy shoppers on the go.
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Over at this year’s Winter Gardens hub on Piccadilly, meanwhile, The Windmill bar will be dishing out the likes of Krombacher German beer and Yon lager, alongside raspberry cider and Sheppy’s 200 cider.
The Windmill will also have an adjacent food stall this year in the form of The Dirty Chicken Co, selling a selection of spicy chicken burgers, chicken strips and loaded fries. There’s so much to look forward to.
Open daily from 10am to 9pm, seven days a week starting from Thursday 10 November when the markets open to the public, last drink orders will be at 8.45pm. Time to get planning your day out, the markets will be here before you know it.
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There’s a new summer terrace in town with a weekend spritz happy hour
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new summer terrace in Greater Manchester that’s the ideal spot to soak in some rays – and enjoy a few discounted spritzes while you’re there.
Over on Chapel Street – just across the river from Manchester Cathedral – you’ll find Embankment Kitchen, which has opened up its terrace for the season.
This stylish spot is part of the CitySuites aparthotel, and has a menu rooted in the warm spirit of Northern hospitality.
It’s worth a visit all year round for their seasonally-focused, local-as-possible menus, but the summer terrace at Embankment Kitchen is a real added bonus in spring and summer.
And following that spell of absolutely glorious weather, they’re opening up two hours earlier every day too for maximum sun-soaking from 2pm.
At Embankment Kitchen you can tuck into a drinks and nibbles menu from 2pm until 5pm, and Happy Hour drinks deals from 4pm until 7pm.
That means two-for-one cocktails, plus discounted wines, prosecco and beers – an ideal post-work haunt.
Cocktails at Embankment Kitchen in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupSmall plates on the Embankment Kitchen terrace. Credit: The Manc Group
It’s usually almost impossible to find a happy hour in Manchester at weekends, but these guys are doing two-for-£12 spritzes every Saturday and Sunday between 12pm and 4pm, with flavours including Aperol, Hugo, and limoncello.
Drinks on the menu include signature cocktails that are inspired by the city’s industrial roots, like The Emmeline, Manchester Exchange (a take on an old fashioned), and the Atomic Zombie, as well as classic cocktails such as an espresso martini, limoncello negroni, amaretto sour, and strawberry daiquiri.
As for nibbles, tuck into treats like garlic bread, edamame beans with smoked salt, garlic and parmesan fries, salt and pepper tater tots, and halloumi fries.
Surrounded by lush plants and gigantic parasols, it’s hard to believe you’re just across the river in Salford when you’re soaking up the sun at Embankment Kitchen. To find out more, head HERE.
A huge Irish festival with iconic music stars, markets, food and more is coming to Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A massive Irish music festival with masses of food, drink, crafts, workshops and surprises is returning to Greater Manchester this summer.
Craic by the Creek 2025 will bring together all the best bits of the Emerald Isle for a weekend-long knees-up in a gorgeous countryside location on our doorstep in July.
There’s a huge music line-up (with plenty more still to be announced) featuring Boyzlife, made up of Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden from Westlife.
And this fun-filled Irish Music Festival is the only one of its kind offering full weekend camping, at the beautiful village of Compstall in Stockport.
The countdown is now officially on for this unmissable celebration of Irish music, culture, and community spirit, which will take place between 18 and 20 July.
Craic by the Creek has been hailed as the greatest Irish music festival in the UK and is back for 2025 bigger than ever.
Already announced to perform live along with Boyzlife are The Tumbling Paddies, Derek Ryan, All Folk’d Up, Johnny Brady, The Kilkennys and loads more.
There are still more acts to be revealed in this stacked line-up.
And it’s not just about the music at Craic by the Creek – there’s also a bustling Irish-themed craft market with handmade goods, Irish-inspired food and drink, social dance workshops, and plenty of surprises.
Expect a weekend of tunes, traditions, community vibes and campfire craic.
Craic by the Creek will take place between 18 and 20 July, 2025 – tickets are on sale now via Skiddle, and they’re already flying.
The Manc -
1st November 2022 
