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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Manchester Arndale to host FREE beauty event with mini makeovers, live demos, and more this weekend
Emily Sergeant
A new free beauty event is coming to Manchester Arndale this weekend, featuring top brands such as Sephora and Space NK.
Taking over Exchange Court in the Arndale for two days, which is next to Next inside the major shopping centre, The Beauty in You event will be offering free mini makeovers and one-to-one consultations, as well as showcasing live demos, offering the chance to win exciting beauty prizes, and so much more.
Sephora, Space NK, The Body Shop, Bperfect, and Rituals are just some of the renowned brands set to be involved across the two-day event, while Boots-based and designer beauty brands like L’Oreal Luxe, MAC, and Estée Lauder will also be there.
Shoppers can discover new looks and upgrade their beauty routine with consultations and live demos from professional makeup artists.
There’s also a chance to be rewarded when you shop, as all weekend you simply just need to spend £50 or more across any of Manchester Arndale’s health and beauty stores, show your receipts to the event staff in Exchange Court, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £500 Beauty Bundle packed with must-have products to take your routine to the next level.
You can shop from the likes of PURESEOL, BPerfect, KIKO Milano, Bath & Body Works, and Lush for a chance to win big.
For the chance to win even more prizes, you can try your luck on the Spin to Shine Wheel to unlock some ‘uplifting’ rewards – from exclusive vouchers to brilliant prizes.
Manchester Arndale is hosting a free beauty event with mini makeovers, live demos, and more / Credit: Supplied
Don’t forget to strike a pose and snap a selfie at the interactive photo experience too.
Plus, as well as expecting to hear insider advice from some of the biggest names in beauty, the Arndale’s feel-good ambassadors, The Beauty Spots, will be at the event all weekend handing out compliments, encouragement, and just spreading general joy.
The Beauty in You event is the ultimate chance to ‘test, try and transform’ your routine all in one place, so make sure to head to Exchange Court this Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September.
The event runs from 12-6pm on Saturday, and 12-5:30pm on Sunday.
Featured Image – Supplied
Sponsored
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later month
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Danny Jones -
20th February 2023 
