Trending

All the places still open in Manchester Arndale and the Trafford Centre in Tier 4

A number of essential retail and hospitality businesses have remained open under the latest restrictions.

The Manc The Manc - 4th January 2021

A number of essential retail and hospitality outlets have remained open in two of the region’s largest shopping centres under Tier 4 restrictions.

Greater Manchester was placed into Tier 4 restrictions following the second official review of the UK government’s system last Wednesday, which has seen all Greater Manchester residents told to “stay at home” and not leave / be outside of their home except for specific purposes.

All hospitality and non-essential retail has thus closed – except for takeaway, drive-through or delivery services – as well as all indoor leisure and entertainment venues having closed too.

But a selection of businesses in Manchester Arndale and the Trafford Centre have remained open.

This “partial opening” of the two shopping centres is permitted under Tier 4 restrictions to provide visitors with a range of services deemed essential.

___

Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale is currently open to provide access to a number of essential retail services.

Additionally, a selection of retailers have also chosen to provide a Click & Collect service, and a number of food outlets are also offering takeaway and delivery services in line with Tier 4 regulations, with the mall asking shoppers to consume takeaway food and drink outside the centre as sitting inside the centre is not permitted.

Shoppers are encouraged to check the website of the stores they wish to visit as opening times may vary.

In line with government guidelines, visitors are required to wear face coverings upon entry to the centre, and in all stores and communal areas throughout, except fo those with medical conditions and disabilities who are exempt to the rule, along with children under the age of 11.

Customers will also be required to wear face coverings when ordering takeaway food and drink from shops.

The list of shops and hospitality businesses currently open in Manchester Arndale are:

  • Aldi
  • Apple (Click & Collect)
  • Argos (Click & Collect)
  • Arndale Market
  • Boots
  • Cafe Nero (Takeaway Only)
  • Chopstix (Takeaway Only)
  • Costa Market Street & Winter Garden (Takeaway Only)
  • Currys PC World (Click & Collect)
  • Euro Change Lower & Upper Mall
  • Five Guys (Takeaway Only)
  • Greggs Lower & Upper Mall (Takeaway Only)
  • Hasty Tasty (Takeaway Only)
  • Holland & Barrett
  • i Smash
  • Krispy Kreme (Takeaway Only)
  • KFC (Takeaway Only)
  • Lush (Click & Collect)
  • McDonalds (Takeaway Only)
  • Metro Bank
  • Nespresso (Click & Collect)
  • Newspoint
  • Next (Click & Collect)
  • Over the Rainbow
  • Pandora (Click & Collect)
  • Post Office
  • Poundland
  • Rymans
  • Specsavers
  • Starbucks (Takeaway Only)
  • Subway Upper Mall (Takeaway Only)
  • Superdrug
  • Timpson
  • Taco Bell (Takeaway Only)
  • Vision Express
  • Vodafone (Takeaway Only)
  • WH Smith
  • Wilko

You can find more information via the Manchester Arndale website here.

Manchester Arndale

Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is also “partially open” as Greater Manchester kicks off the new year in Tier 4.

The shopping centre will be giving customers access to essential services including pharmacies, opticians and the M&S Foodhall, and several food outlets will also be staying open to offer takeaway, as well as Click & Collect, and virtual services.

Mirroring that of Manchester Arndale and according to government regulations, face coverings must be worn at all times – unless exempt – and all food and drink must be consumed outside the centre.

Opening times of each store may vary.

A statement on the Trafford Centre website writes: “We’ve always put the safety of visitors and staff first and we’d like to say an enormous thank you to our customers for doing their part and our amazing staff for keeping The Trafford Centre clean and safe.”

The list of shops and hospitality businesses currently open in the Trafford Centre are:

  • Boots
  • M&S Food
  • Superdrug
  • Holland and Barrett
  • Vision Express
  • Optical Express
  • WHSmith
  • Archie’s
  • Barburrito
  • Burger King
  • Costa
  • Five Guys
  • Frankie & Benny’s
  • Gourmet Burger Kitchen
  • Greggs
  • Haute Dolci
  • KFC
  • Krispy Kreme
  • McDonalds
  • Millies
  • Pizza Hut
  • Slim Chickens
  • Starbucks
  • Tampopo
  • Tru Street

Three entrances to the Trafford Centre will remain open in Tier 4 – the lower entrance next to Debenhams, the entrance next to Namco Funscape, and the lower entrance next to John Lewis.

You can find more information via the Trafford Centre website here.

___

For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.

#HandsFaceSpace

Trending

Wigan Athletic make statement signing after grabbing Wrexham’s Paul Mullin on loan

Danny Jones Danny Jones Paul Mullin joins Wigan Athletic on loan

Wigan Athletic have pulled over a big transfer in the summer window, albeit only temporarily for now, as they have managed to acquire the services of Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin on loan.

The Merseyside-born marksman, who has been instrumental in helping lift Wrexham from the depths of the National League and into the Championship (the first time they’ve been back in the second division since 1977/78), joins the Latics on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Mullin may be gradually entering the latter end of his career, but he has proved time and again that he can score, managing to chip in with a respectable half dozen goal contributions even amidst a lengthy period out following back surgery and a subsequent shin injury.

The 30-year-old is the third signing for Wigan so far in 2025, following the likes of incomings Fraser Murray, a left-sided Scottish midfielder from Kilmarnock, and fellow forward Christian Saydee from Portsmouth, but he’s no doubt the one who’s caught the most attention.

A regular hero in the well-documented and Hollywood-backed Welcome to Wrexham story, Paul Mullin has notched an unbelievable 110 goals in 172 games, boasting a combined goal contribution tally of 223 across multiple English clubs up and down the football pyramid in just over a decade as a professional.

Put simply, he scores goals wherever he goes.

Commenting on the move, Mullin said via club media: “I’m excited for the next part of my story. The Gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I’m hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one. As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can. 

“I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the Club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”

Bidding a brief goodbye to his parent club, he responded to their announcement by adding: “All the best this season! Keep the train rolling.”

Although he’s no stranger to the North West – having been born in Litherland, Sefton and played for both Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers – Wigan Athletic is the first spell at a Greater Manchester club for Mullin. The move will also see him face familiar local foes like Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers.

It’s fair to say that, as well as finding the net pretty regularly throughout his career, he’s managed to pick up a number of accolades along the way, too, especially during his time with Wrexham.

Much-admired rising coach Ryan Lowe, who was snapped up by Wigan Athletic amidst the flurry of names linked last March, said in the official club statement: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to sign Paul. He’ll be a great addition to the group and is a player who is a proven goal scorer in the EFL. 

“He has won promotion in his last three seasons with Wrexham AFC and will add firepower, know-how and experience to the group, which is really important. He is here because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to Wigan Athletic Football Club.”

“Paul is the type of character we want in the dressing room, and his experience will help support the team on and off the pitch.”

Supporters of The Red Dragons might be sad to see him go, but you’ve got to be happy with this one, right, ‘Tics?

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Wigan Athletic

Trending

Tom Aspinall is now the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Greater Manchester’s very own UFC icon, Tom Aspinall, has been officially named the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Even more miraculously, he did so without even having to face an official title fight against the previous reigning champ.

With the news that legendary mixed martial artist and UFC veteran Jon Jones has decided to finally retire after more than a decade and a half in the sport, Tom Aspinall has now seen his interim heavyweight status upgraded to a full, undisputed world champion.

CEO and President of the league, Dana White, confirmed the decision this Sunday, 22 June, not long after Jon Jones announced his retirement on social media.

The moment Aspinall was named an undisputed UFC champion. You can literally hear the shock in the room when he delivers the update.

After 32-year-old Aspinall famously said, “I’ll retire Jon Jones without even fighting him” back in August 2024, it looks like the famed Salford-born fighter knew exactly how this story would play out.

Despite having long been admired as a pioneer of the sport and one of the personalities who helped put it on the map, Jones has also been heavily criticised for avoiding the Atherton-based athlete in recent years, having even been set a deadline by White to defend his title.

It got to suck a point that the local lad from Wigan even held up a rubber duck to the camera as he poked fun at Jones to millions watching worldwide while sat ringside at UFC London earlier this year.

Seeing Aspinall’s supremacy grow stronger in recent years, it was the fight every fan wanted to see; however, with Jones revealing his somewhat snap decision this week, it looks like they’ll just have to settle for him taking the crown by default.

The result of him hanging up his four-ounce gloves also means that there are now no American male champions in the UFC across all four active divisions for the first time since 2004.

As for Jones, 37, while it hasn’t come as a total shock to everyone given his hiatus (his last fight coming in November 2024 against Stipe Miocic), there were plenty who hoped they would one day see him come against the Manc MMA star.

Informing the fight world of his withdrawal in a lengthy statement on X, he said: “This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.

“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever.

“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.” He went on to thank Dana White, his family, coaches and several others for his career thus far.

He also went on to add: “To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage. As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead.

“MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”

Between Aspinall’s dominance at the top of the heavy class and Liverpool’s Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett continuing to make waves in the lightweight division, it looks like the time of not just the UK but the North West might be beckoning.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — TNT Sports/Tom Aspinall/DeepCutwithVicBlends (screenshots via YouTube)

More Trending

Thunderstorm sky

Trending

Met Office launches nationwide search for new storm names and wants YOU to pick

Fitzpatrick's new Irish bar and grill opening Stockport

Art & Culture

First Look: Fitzpatrick’s – Stockport’s new Irish Bar gets off to a stunning start

Jay Slater's mum has issued an update through a GoFundMe. Credit: GoFundMe

News

Channel 4 to air exclusive new documentary about the disappearance and death of Lancashire teen Jay Slater

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches