We’ve had a good run this summer, but as we enter autumn, don’t forget you can still jet away for a break, whatever the weather.
On a recent trip to Manchester Airport, we were given an inside look at the exciting developments coming to Terminal 2, and as part of the Airport’s exciting ongoing ‘Holiday Mode Activated’ campaign, the message is clear – your holiday should begin the moment you arrive at the airport, not just when you reach your destination.
This latest chapter in the campaign highlights how passengers can start to unwind as soon as they pass through security – with a particular focus on great food, and an elevated dining experience.
The transformation of Terminal 2 is designed to enhance this pre-holiday experience, as some of the upgrades you can expect focus on modernising with new bars, restaurants, and shops, as well advanced technology, all of which will contribute to a smoother and more relaxing start to any journey.
But what really sets this terminal apart, is the culinary experience.
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We took a whistle-stop tour of a few of the eateries you can find in Terminal 2 to get a feel for the different food options on offer.
Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 is ALREADY a high-flying experience / Credit: The Manc Group
Part of the San Carlo group, Apiary is a stunning, tranquil restaurant with warm honey-toned interiors that immediately evoke a sense of calm, and it’s the perfect place for passengers to relax before their flight, offering fine dining that feels miles away from the usual airport fare.
We tried the burrata and grilled peach salad to start, the chicken breast with nduja and feta for a main course – which was a personal highlight – topped off with two gorgeous desserts, an Eton mess and a warm sticky toffee pudding, because there’s always room for dessert.
This rustic bar and restaurant champions and supports local suppliers. We sipped some stunning gin and tonics, while grazing on a wide selection of nibbles and platters. Then we tried the khobez flatbread served with spicy chicken shawarma and dips, which definitely satisfied our tastebuds.
Again, dessert is always on the cards, so they dished up a decadent mini dessert platter full of light but rich chocolatey treats.
Terminal 2 is also soon to welcome 22 new vendors, including several Manchester indies / Credit: The Manc Group
At this playful pink spot known for its American-inspired treats, we were served the indulgent signature chocolate waffles, stacked high with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce and a choice of toppings, such as strawberries, Kinder Bueno, or Oreo.
Although we weren’t hopping on a plane after this tour, it’s easy to see the vision that Manchester Airport, and specifically Terminal 2, have in mind for the future, because this is airport dining like no other, and it truly feels like you can kick your feet up and relax.
Through the ‘Holiday Mode Activated’ campaign, Manchester Airport wants to prove the idea that your trip starts from the moment you step inside the terminal. With these revamped dining options, travelers can now enjoy high-quality meals that allow them to truly unwind and begin their holiday in style, long before they even board the plane.
Terminal 2 is also soon to welcome 22 new vendors, including several independent Manchester-based businesses, all of which further showcase the city’s rich food and retail culture, and offer travellers even more ways to kickstart their holiday with a local touch.
You can read about the new changes coming to Terminal 2 here.
Featured Image – MAG (supplied)
Travel & Tourism
Local BID board launch new ‘Visit Alty’ app ahead of Taste of Altrincham 2026
Danny Jones
One of Trafford’s resident BID (Business Improvement District) board have officially launched their brand-new ‘Visit Alty’ app for the market town ahead of this year’s A Taste of Altrincham festival.
Set to be a dedicated one-stop where residents can find out what’s going on in and around the area, the platform is already available on the likes of the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android phones.
As A Taste of Alty returns for 2026, this is just the second instalment in the total 10-day food and drink party – with a big opening weekend celebration starting this Friday, 27 February – the latest innovation by Altrincham BID is hoping to keep residents more up to date on their village than ever.
Sponsored by native law firm Myerson Solicitors and supported by various local businesses, the sophomore edition of the now annual festivities serves as the ideal staging event for the fledgling Visit Altrincham app.
Running until Sunday, 8 March, A Taste of Altrincham is even bigger this time around. (Credit: Press shot)
With a full programme events kicking off this weekend, the app itself is ideal for keeping track of everything going.
In addition to workshops, live demos by regional chefs, supper clubs, wine tastings, the latest ‘Ultimate Pudding Competition’ and lots of other special events, it can be hard to keep track of everything.
That why, like any good festival, the app has a full map and guide featuring all the key info.
Beyond just the event itself, the app itself is aimed at supporting local independents and more by helping to increase their exposure, sign-post daytrippers to the old Cheshire holdout’s best bits, and push more and more people to one of the borough’s blossoming suburb in general.
Teaming up with a number of popular locations in and around the town centre, it’s a real come one, come all affair – just as things should be.
Residents and visitors alike can also found physical printed copies of the full Taste of Alty ’26 programme nearby at the likes of Altrincham Library, the Bee Network Interchange, as well as OYEZ Arts at the Town Hall.
Created with digital town hub partners, Loqiva, co-founder Marcus Chidgey said in a statement: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Altrincham BID to support Altrincham’s continued growth.
“With a strong independent business scene, an award-winning Market and excellent transport connections to Manchester, the Visit Altrincham app offers a new way for people to discover and explore the town.”
As for the local BID department, Alty’s director Mandy White added: “If you haven’t downloaded the Visit Altrincham app yet, now is the perfect time. It’s a simple way to find out what’s on, discover local businesses and unlock exclusive offers, especially during A Taste of Altrincham.
“The app helps people get more from their visit while supporting our independent businesses and high street brands.”
The Visit Altrincham app is FREE to download right now – you can find it HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Altrincham BID)
Travel & Tourism
Passengers thanked for their ‘patience’ as Manchester Piccadilly reopens after £7.9m upgrade
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Piccadilly has now officially reopened after a nine-day closure.
In case you hadn’t heard, Manchester Piccadilly train station closed on Saturday 14 February while a ‘once-in-a-generation upgrade’ was carried out – with very few train services running in or out of the station in the process, and as you’d expect, widespread disruption caused for those travelling around the region.
But thankfully now, after many journeys were impacted for those travelling to and from major destinations like Manchester Airport, and on the West Coast Mainline, the station is now back up and running.
The public are being thanked for their ‘patience’ while the the journey-improving work was carried out this past week.
Network Rail invested £7.9m into the major upgrade, with the main points of action being to improve tracks, points, and signalling systems on the southern approach to Manchester Piccadilly station.
🎥VIDEO UPDATE🛤️
👷🏼♂️Teams are carrying out final inspections after a 9-day closure for £7.9m track upgrades at Piccadilly 🔧
🏗️Trains will run from 5am tomorrow🚆
‼️Follow up work is needed on Sun 1 and Sun 22 March – please check @nationalrailenq🙏
Teams worked to replace 11 sets of points, renew timber sleepers with modern, concrete equivalents, and also bring lineside equipment ‘bang up to date’ across six lines to improve future journeys for passengers and freight.
Investment in this apparent ‘critical stretch’ of track had been long awaited, as any issues with the ageing infrastructure could’ve disrupted all trains running in and out of Manchester.
The closure also resulted in what was said to be one of the largest rail replacement bus operations the city has seen in recent memory, with a total of 8,922 services running over the course of the nine days to keep passengers on the move.
Manchester Piccadilly has now reopened to the public after its £7.9m upgrade / Credit: Network Rail
“We would like to say a big thank you to passengers for their patience while this once-in-a-generation upgrade has taken place over the last nine days,” commented Brian Paynter, who is the Capital Delivery track director at Network Rail.
“Manchester Piccadilly is one of the country’s busiest stations and it’s a key hub for people travelling to the North West.
“Upgrading the track over six lines in what’s known as the Piccadilly corridor will make journeys more reliable and the points and signalling systems less prone to faults – meaning fewer delays for passengers. It’s all part of our long-term commitment to invest millions of pounds to make the North West’s railway fit for the future.”
Unfortunately thought, the disruption doesn’t quite end there, as this coming Sunday 1 March, and then again on Sunday 22 March, routine follow-up work will take place to secure the new railway foundation stone through a process called tamping.
This will impact trains until passed midday, with passengers advised to check online ahead of time if planning travel on those dates.
Will Kendrick -
1st October 2024 
