Sachas Hotel in Manchester, part of the Britannia group, has a bit of a reputation.
It ranks 125th of 126 hotels in the city on TripAdvisor (The Merchants on Back Piccadilly ranks worst if you were wondering), averaging out at 2.0 out of five.
Reviewers have described it as ‘horrible’, ‘absolutely awful’, and even ‘hell’, with frequent complaints about rooms that are boiling hot.
And the one time one of our staff members stayed there, all he had to say was: “Not great to be fair… when I got there someone was getting f**gered in the foyer.”
But when you look at Sachas in Manchester on paper, it’s got a lot going for it.
There’s an art deco interior complete with a big chandelier, it’s in a prime location right on the edge of the Northern Quarter and Market Street, and it’s one of the city’s most affordable hotel options.
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There’s also the option to host your wedding here, and that’s a bit of a bargain too.
Sacha’s Hotel in Manchester, where you can get married for less than £1,000. (Credit: Booking.com)
In what might be one of the best-value wedding packages in the city, Sachas Manchester will throw you a full do, complete with a three-course dinner for your guests, a bucks fizz reception, and an evening buffet – for less than a grand.
The infamous hotel’s silver package comes in at £999 and also includes things like your table linens, cake stand and cutting knife, a private lounge bar for cocktail hour, and a red carpet welcome.
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Your wedding reception can take over the Washington Suite, with the option to have a civil ceremony here too.
Not fancy enough?
Can we tempt you with Sachas in Manchester’s £1499 GOLD package, which also gets you a stay in the ‘gorgeous bridal suite’, a full English the next morning, extra space for guests, tea, coffee, a stage, and a complimentary balloon arrangement?
Because nothing screams ‘just married’ like a complimentary balloon arrangement.
STILL not posh enough? Let’s dive into the £2500 Platinum Package, shall we?
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Now you’re in the Lincoln and Madison reception street, with an extra function bar, a changing room, chair covers (sashes are an extra 50p per chair), a bottle of prosecco for the happy couple, and the hire of the ceremony space.
The standard wedding space can accommodate 50 to 250 guests, but you can spill out into an extra room and fit up to 550 guests in.
So if you’re newly engaged and looking for a wedding venue in Manchester, maybe Sachas is the one?
Just watch out for the f**gering guests in the foyer on your way out…
A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over a Greater Manchester town this month
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Roll up, roll up all vintage-lovers – a free full day of live entertainment is returning to Oldham town centre later this month.
Following being crowned Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026-2027, there are set to be a whole host of exciting activities coming our way across the next couple of months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
From old classic cars to live music and circus performances, Nostalgic Oldham has it all and we are very excited to pay a visit and celebrate one of our beloved boroughs.
The day will centre around the Big Yellow Bus in Parliament Square, serving as a hub throughout the celebrations. Here, visitors can expect plenty of free activities to get involved with, including Raggle Taggle Arts, Betty Brown Bags, Oldham Theatre Workshop and a craft workshop from Oldham Archives.
It is set to be a family-friendly, action-packed day with buckets of civic pride and traditional shows, including a performance from Saddleworth Morris Men as well as celebrating more contemporary dances from Troupe Dance.
While Tame Valley Motors will be showcasing some of their most nostalgic vehicles for all of you car-lovers, cycling enthusiasts will be able to catch a glimpse of the prestigious trophy inside the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift tent. Fans may also talk to the team behind bringing the competition through Oldham in July 2027.
Amongst the busyness, there will also be the opportunity to witness the unveiling of a brand new mural by artist Dave Draws, inside The Market at 11am.
A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over Oldham
His large-scale illustrated map is a tribute to both the area and the people of Oldham, intertwining collaborative stories and drawings from members of the local community.
If you’re over in Oldham for the day, the charity Northern Roots will be opening its new Welcome Building to the public from 11am.
Visitors are welcome to browse their shop of handcrafted gifts, books and fresh produce, indulge on seasonal dishes at their café, explore the outdoor play area, Forestry Skills Centre and four acres of Urban Farm.
Subnum Hariff-Khan, Head of Libraries and Heritage and Arts at Oldham Council, said: “Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our borough special, from our history and traditions to the people and communities that shape Oldham today.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in family activities or seeing the new community mural unveiled.
“As Greater Manchester Town of Culture, we’re proud to bring events like this to the town centre and, because it’s completely free, we hope residents and visitors alike will join us for what promises to be a fantastic day.”
Nostalgic Oldham will take place from 11-4pm on Saturday 19 September – be sure not to miss out
The Greater Manchester book café serving literary afternoon teas and build-your-own bouquets
Daisy Jackson
If you like your afternoon tea with a side of good books, there’s a Greater Manchester café where you can quite literally have your cake and read it too.
Tucked inside this charming bookish spot, afternoon tea arrives with an unexpected twist. Rather than being presented with the usual three-tiered stand, you’re handed a stack of heavy hardback books.
But don’t start worrying that you’ve accidentally wandered into a very niche library club. The books are hiding something.
Lift the covers in Peony & Parchment – or, more accurately, open the book-shaped boxes – and you’ll discover a full afternoon tea concealed inside.
There are dainty sandwiches to get stuck into, including tiny egg mayo, herby chicken salad, ham and mustard, and cheese and tomato focaccia, alongside a little quiche.
Then comes the scone – classic, fluffy and ready for the obligatory dollop of clotted cream and jam. And, because no afternoon tea should leave you feeling like you’ve been short-changed in the cake department, there are five miniature slices to work through.
Afternoon tea concealed in a stack of booksSome of the other bakes on display
There’s a Victoria sponge with a dreamy vanilla cream, lemon drizzle, rich chocolate cake, a Bakewell slice and a pecan pie, all sourced from a local bakery just across the alleyway.
It’s all served with a pot of tea or coffee, with the option to add a glass of prosecco.
And the bookish theme doesn’t stop at the afternoon tea.
Downstairs you’ll find shelves packed with books, including the intriguing ‘blind books’. Instead of judging a book by its cover, you’ll be given clues and a short summary of what lies inside before taking a gamble on your mystery read.
Downstairs in Peony & Parchment‘Blind books’A role playing village for kids
There’s also plenty here to keep younger visitors entertained, thanks to a children’s area complete with a mini role-playing village.
And if books and cake weren’t enough, there’s another string to this café’s bow.
The Bloom Bar lets you build your own bouquet. Choose the size you want, then wander around selecting your own stems and foliage to create something that’s uniquely yours.
You can build your own bouquetThe Bloom Bar at Peony & Parchment
Of course, you don’t have to be visiting specifically for the afternoon tea. The wider menu includes tapas, full breakfasts and sandwiches, making it just as suitable for a leisurely brunch, lunch or coffee-and-cake stop.
So whether you’re there to discover your next favourite novel, assemble a bouquet, entertain the kids or simply eat your way through five different miniature cakes, this is one café where there are plenty of chapters to explore.
Daisy Jackson -
5th January 2024 
