We think you’ll be hard-pressed to find another place that combines basketball, tennis, boules, beer, light bites and a slice of the beach all in place, but Courts Club have somehow managed to cram all of those into one exciting spot.
Opening to the public on Friday, 19 July, Courts Club is the brand-new social venue from the Shiko Group (the same team that brought you Lawn Club, Side Street Studios, Foley’s and more), which has somehow thrown together court sports, a bar and a beer garden without it feeling shoehorned in.
The concept might sound a little contrived at first glance but after sampling it for ourselves, we can confirm it all just works and this place feels not only like a fun new place to keep active, but a unique little hideaway tucked behind a couple of Spinningfields skyscrapers.
Honestly, come on, when have you ever stumbled across a place like this in the city centre before?
As you can see, the latest addition to the gradually blossoming St John’s district located just down the road from the main Deansgate strip is a sports club up on paper, but it only takes five minutes to realise that it’s much more than that.
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Beyond the squeaky clean multi-purpose surface that doubles as both a basketball and a tennis court, you’ll find a little sandy pitch to play boules, tunes, deckchairs and benches aplenty to sit with a drink when the sun’s out, as well as a large beer hall stacked with a great selection of soft and alcoholic drinks.
There are even two big tellies, one inside and one out, which would have been the perfect spot to watch the Euros or Wimbledon but will certainly be where we try and catch the Olympics this year. It almost feels like someone picked up a bit of Miami or LA and dropped it in the middle of town.
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Shiko has routes in Manchester and in one of our sister cities, Leeds, so it’s no wonder they’ve nailed yet another cool venue to meet people, enjoy activities or just kick back and relax – they’re pros at this kind of stuff.
Speaking of kicking your feet up and chilling, the food and drinks selection here is another big plus, with fresh pastries, salads and sandwiches to fuel for a game of doubles, lots of refreshing tins of fizzy pop to keep you going, and refreshing beers, wines or spritzes to reward yourself after sinking a three-pointer.
In fact, if you fancy your chances shooting from deep, they’re giving away £500 to the first person who can shoot a bucket from half-court by the end of July. The race is on.
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The menu is also looking excellent, with super light and seasonal sandwiches, salads a cheeky little cheese toastie (because why not?) or just a combo of a few bits if you fancy a munch of everything.
We can honestly see ourselves spending just as much time sitting back, soaking up some rays with an Aperol and watching people play as we can actually running about ourselves, and that’s exactly why we like the vibe here so much already. Give it a try for yourselves and you’ll see what we mean.
Manchester United’s statement in full as Michael Carrick is sacked as manager
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United has now released a formal statement following the news that Michael Carrick has been sacked with immediate effect.
Carrick – who initially played for Manchester United as a midfielder between 2006 and 2018 – was first appointed as a caretaker manager in 2021, before he went on to become the interim manager and then men’s first team head coach earlier this year.
Unfortunately though, United have struggled to find form this season – with the team winning only three of their first 15 games across all competitions.
The club’s statement reads in full: “Manchester United can confirm that Michael Carrick has departed his role as men’s first-team head coach.
“Michael rejoined the club in January and guided the team to a third-placed Premier League finish by winning 12 out of the remaining 17 games of the 2025/26 season, accumulating the highest points tally in the league during that period.
“After a disappointing start to the season, the club has come to the extremely difficult conclusion that a change is necessary in order to achieve our ambitions.
“Michael is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. Just as he did as a player, he has conducted himself with the highest standards of dedication and professionalism throughout his time back with the club. His leadership and achievements last season will always be fondly remembered.
“The club intends to appoint a permanent successor as quickly as possible.”
Featured Image – Sky Sports (via YouTube – screenshot)
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‘We couldn’t see f**k all’ – Bizarre Altrincham FC FA Cup clash played in thick fog leaves fans baffled
Daisy Jackson
Altrincham FC’s FA Cup clash with Notts County descended into extraordinary scenes on Saturday night as thick fog engulfed the stadium, leaving supporters struggling to see the players and even broadcasters questioning what was happening.
The bizarre first-round encounter at the J Davidson Stadium saw visibility deteriorate so badly that fans resorted to holding their mobile phone torches aloft in an attempt to follow the action.
What should have been a memorable FA Cup occasion turned into something resembling a scene from a horror film, with the players increasingly disappearing into the mist.
Altrincham Today captured the surreal atmosphere, posting: “Extraordinary scenes here at the J Davidson Stadium. Visibility down to a few yards. No-one has any idea what is going on. Supporters holding mobile torches aloft, like it’s an Elton John concert. It is still 2-2, we think.”
Even television coverage struggled to make sense of the conditions.
Broadcaster Jason Mohammad joked: “Bear with us at the end of the game. We’ve not seen much of extra time where we are. We don’t have the foggiest what’s going on down the away end. Fair play – cracking game and atmosphere!”
One social media user summed up the extraordinary conditions simply, writing: “Altrincham v Notts County is currently being played in a cloud.”
Others were equally bewildered, with one supporter asking: “Spot the ball anyone? #FACup @altrinchamfc on the verge of another league scalp – although who knows what’s going on?!”
Another fan was less than impressed, posting: “Shame we couldn’t see f**k all for most of it”.
Even the stadium’s advertising boards were struggling to make an impression. James Timpson joked: “It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County!”
It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County! https://t.co/trW9imo7Xu
The unusual conditions also prompted questions over whether the match should have continued.
One Notts County supporter reflected after the game: “Unlucky guys you gave us a great game and the conditions didn’t help still say it should have been abandoned even though we scraped through!!!! Good luck for the rest of the season lads”.
And it was certainly a dramatic contest before the fog took centre stage.
Notts County initially took the lead through Jacob Bedeau in the 28th minute, but Altrincham responded through Lucas Weaver just before half-time.
Lewis Banks then put the hosts ahead in the 59th minute, raising hopes of another famous FA Cup upset against higher-league opposition.
@altrinchamfc If you say so https://t.co/6ub5YiIogD
However, Callum Roberts equalised for County in the 84th minute, sending the tie into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match went to penalties, where Notts County eventually prevailed 3-2 to book their place in the second round.
While the result was heartbreaking for Altrincham, the extraordinary conditions ensured the match would be remembered for more than just the football.
For supporters at the J Davidson Stadium, it was certainly one FA Cup tie where seeing wasn’t necessarily believing.
Danny Jones -
19th July 2024 
