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
Even more of the Gay Village will be turned into outdoor seating this summer
Daisy Jackson
The Gay Village is set to get even more outdoor seating this summer, with the council moving to partially close several key streets to traffic.
The news lands mid-heatwave when thousands of Mancs are clamouring for a seat in the nearest beer garden or cafe terrace – with a huge proportion of those flocking to Canal Street.
Now, plans have been revealed to bring ‘a touch of cafe culture’ to the Gay Village, with even more outdoor seating space created for businesses in the area.
Initially running as a trial this summer, it will mean new terraces for New York New York, The Goose and The Eagle on Bloom Street, plus more locations on Richmond Street.
Manchester City Council has said that similar schemes on Thomas Street and Stevenson Square have been hugely popular with both punters and businesses, especially during the summer months, and can give local operators a huge boost.
So now it’s time for this thriving corner of the city to get the same treatment, as part of the ongoing work through the Gay Village Action Plan identified the need for more outdoor seating areas.
The two locations which will have the changes will be Bloom Street, between Abingdon Street and Chorlton Street; and Richmond Street, between Sackville Street and Chorlton Street.
In order to put these protected spaces into effect, some changes to the existing road network will be made:
Bloom Street becomes one-way from Chorlton Street towards Princess Street
Richmond Street is closed to through traffic between Chorlton Street and Sackville Street.
The scheme will initially run on a trial basis from 10 July throughout the summer to evaluate if it could be a viable long-term solution.
During this, plans will also be in place to ensure that deliveries and loading can go about unhindered, as well as daily waste collection and access for residents.
Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said: “The Gay Village is one of our most precious communities. For decades the queer community has been able to call this neighbourhood its own, establishing a long and proud place in the history of the fight against bigotry and discrimination.
“Needless to say, it’s one of the most-visited places in Manchester and sees thousands of people tread its cobbled streets every year. Because of that we’re always looking at how we, as its custodians, can continue to support its legacy and ensure that it meets the needs of people who live and work there.
“We’re excited to be trialling additional outdoor seating for these streets, and we hope to bring the same success that we’ve seen in the Northern Quarter after putting similar schemes in place.
“But, above all this has to work for everyone, so I would urge people to take part in this consultation and help shape the future of the Gay Village.”
Fire service urges Greater Manchester public to ‘act responsibly’ as heatwave continues
Emily Sergeant
People across Greater Manchester and beyond are being urged by the fire service to ‘act responsibly’ as the heatwave continues this week.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has issued an urgent plea residents and visitors to take extra care on moorland and in rural areas as part of the annual ‘Be Moor Aware’ campaign – which is aimed at preventing wildfires and reducing the impact they have.
GMFRS has issued the plea alongside its partners at United Utilities, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), neighbouring fire and rescue services, and local councils.
It comes as Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
The fire service urges the Greater Manchester public to ‘act responsibly’ as the heatwave continues / Credit: Mick Garrett (via Geograph)
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions, with current forecasts indicating peak temperatures of 33°C.
But this doesn’t stop the wildfire risk, and the fire service is warning that prolonged periods of dryness but the countryside in danger.
GMFRS data shows there have been 83 wildfires across Greater Manchester since 2021, including a significant rise in 2025, when 38 incidents were record, and there has already been six wildfires recorded in 2026.
“Wildfires can spread rapidly, especially during warm and dry weather, putting lives, wildlife and property at risk,” explained GMFRS Wildfire Lead, Adrian Taylor.
“Many of these fires are preventable, and we’re asking everyone to take responsibility when visiting our moorland areas. Small actions, such as not using disposable barbecues and taking litter home, can make a huge difference in preventing devastating fires.”
Will Kendrick -
1st October 2024 
