Northern Quarter’s red-hot chicken spot continues to go from strength to strength and now Yard & Coop has dropped a new menu and just in time for that final week of half-term.
We don’t think we’ve ever come across a bad dish on Yard & Coop‘s menu — who doesn’t love Massive Cock? (the burger, you cheeky sods) — but after trying these latest offerings we can’t wait to go back.
Transitioning out of the Christmas and winter specials, the NQ favourite has bolstered its core menu with some seriously tasty new additions, each inspired by different cultures and parts of the world. We know how well they do fusion here.
Offering up everything from burritos and burgers to a new take on their famous ‘Nugz’, fries and even a savoury bonbon, this new menu is like a mini trip around the world.
Yard & Coop new dishes
Starting off with a perfect starter or picky side depending on your fancy, the Y&C chefs have rustled up some ‘Schweet n’ Sour Sticky Nugz‘ and believe us when we say we were smacking our lips long after we scranned them. The perfect mix of tang and crunch, they were gone before we’d ever blinked.
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Just like the nugz, the fries are also undefeated and always perfectly seasoned. However, we were not prepared for their Dirty Schweet n’ Sour twist on these, especially given that they weren’t just chips with fried chicken and sauce chucked on: they were waffle fries with pickled ginger sprinkles. Oh my days. Game-changer.
Credit: The Manc Group
It’s a good job there was plenty of us to spread the carbs out because we came next was so good that we were fighting over who got the last bite. We give you the Messi Burger: “the Argentinian legend in a burger”. Leo would be honoured. Buttermilk fried chicken thigh with fresh zesty Chimichurri, best-pulled beef, creamy Southwest sauce, cheese, lettuce and tomato in a buttery brioche bun. Nom.
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It didn’t stop there either. We were pretty blown away by the flavours on the Amara Burger, created using their own blend of Ethiopian spices and ‘Mitmita’ sauce, as well as Plantain crisps, yoghurt dressing and apricot chutney, all sandwiched between the same delicious bun.
It was unreal and just the right level of heat.
One word: mint.
At this point, some of us were nearly tapping out but we still had a jam-packed Cali Burrito to tend with and were so glad we powered through. Buttermilk fried chicken tenders, zesty pico de gallo, fries and lettuce all folded into one massive soft tortilla and drizzled in that same Southwest sauce.
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Damn.
Last but by no means least, we crawled out of our food coma and across the finish line with Yard & Coop’s new savoury ‘Buff Bon Bons‘ which were, essentially, little balls of pulled chicken joy tossed in their homemade buffalo sauce, smooshed together and fried in crispy Panko. Again, with more Ranch.
Again, Yard & Coop never disappoints and this new menu was absolutely quality, though you might like you need to be rolled out of the door if you eat as much as we did.
You can try all of these dishes as well as the rest of their tries and true fried chicken recipes from Monday, 20 February onwards.
We hope you and your food baby enjoy the nap that will inevitably follow.
Sensory-friendly Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Emily Sergeant
This week marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference, according to the most recent statistics, and Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) highlighting the importance of championing, raising awareness of, and accommodating neurodiverse people.
And Printworks is marking the occasion in its own special way, with a series of new initiatives designed to create a more ‘inclusive’ and ‘sensory-friendly’ environment.
You may already know that the popular indoor entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester city centre is home to more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and leisure activities – including one of the largest IMAX screens on the continent – and Europe’s largest digital ceiling too, of course, but this week’s experience is unlike anything the venue has welcomed before.
Throughout the week, Printworks will be transforming its digital ceiling with calming Northern Lights and constellations which have been specifically designed to create a relaxed, sensory-friendly atmosphere for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Northern Lights to illuminate Printworks’ digital ceiling to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week / Credit: Supplied
As part of a long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Printworks is also introducing a weekly sensory-friendly hour every Sunday too, where lighting throughout the venue will be dimmed, and music and SFX volumes reduced for a reduced-stimulus environment.
200 free sensory packs – which can be collected at Vue cinema – with a pair of ear defenders and sensory-friendly toys, designed to support visitors who may benefit from sensory tools while enjoying the venue, are also on offer throughout the course of the week.
On top of this, there’s also a range of autism-friendly cinema screenings taking place on the last Sunday of every month at 10:30am.
An additional autism-friendly screening will be taking place with a showing of Hoppers this Sunday 22 March at 10:30am, with tickets now available from Vue’s website.
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important time for brands and venues to recognise and support the diverse ways visitors and audiences experience the world,” commented Dan Davis, who is the General Manager at Printworks.
“We endeavour to ensure that all visitors feel comfortable and welcome when spending time at Printworks.”
Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week on Printworks’ website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Lovely last-minute Mother’s Day ideas from Selfridges in Manchester
The Manc
Mother’s Day is this Sunday – and if those words have just sent you into a blind panic, just take a breath and head straight across to Selfridges.
The huge department store has come up with all sorts of things that make for perfect last-minute gifts and experiences.
That includes a carefully curated selection of gifts available in-store, plus a very special Morning With Mum beauty workshop so you can spend some quality time together on Mother’s Day.
Selfridges can be your one-stop shop for the big day.
In both Exchange Square and Trafford Centre stores, you can pick up lovely gifts like feast-filled hampers, fabulous accessories, luxury chocolates, candles, and even cards.
As always, there are gifts you can have personalised in-store for a sentimental present for the mother figure in your life.
If you’re really stuck, you can pop along to the Beauty Concierge and book her an experience.
And over in Selfridges Exchange Square, you can pick up a beautiful fresh bouquet from The Royal Exchange Florists.
Selfridges has loads of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas
There’s rarely a gift more precious than quality time together, which is why Selfridges will be hosting a special Mother’s Day floor-wide beauty event on Saturday 14 March.
Ticket-holders will receive expert beauty advice from your favourite brands, while enjoying complimentary drinks and sweet treats.
There’ll also be plus exclusive gifts with purchase available, and giveaways on the day, and you can redeem the £20 ticket price against products purchased on the day.
You can even grab an artist print for mum at the vending machine.
Tickets for the Morning With Mum beauty workshop are on sale HERE.
You could also share a moment over a glass of champagne at San Carlo in both locations, or grab a sweet treat from the bakery in the Trafford Centre store.
Danny Jones -
20th February 2023 
