We can only apologise in advance for what we’re about to tell you.
Baby Shark – the cute and ultra-catchy children’s song recorded by South Korean company Pinkfong, which the vast majority of people can admit to hearing at least one time and parents across the globe can admit to hearing one too many times – has just officially become the most viewed video on YouTube of all time.
With a total of 7.04 billion views and counting, it edges past the 2017 single Despacito by Puerto Rican pop/rap stars Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.
And if you want an even more mind-blowing statistic, if played back-to-back, this number of views would mean Baby Shark has been streamed continuously for 30,187 years.
Just let that sink in for a moment.
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The video has claimed the most-viewed crown more than four years after it was first uploaded.
The original writer of the song is unclear as it has long been a nursery rhyme/campfire song, and a version of it had previously been recorded and released in German under the name “Kleiner Hai” by Alexandra Müller back in 2007, but it became a global phenomenon after being recorded by 10-year-old Korean-American singer Hope Segoine.
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Produced by educational company Pinkfong and accompanied by a dance routine arguably as viral as the song itself, Baby Shark first went viral in South East Asia, then later in the US and Europe.
It even reached Number 6 in the UK Top 40 Singles chart, and Number 32 in the US Billboard Hot 100.
The one minute and 21 seconds-long earworm song likely has the lyrics, if you can even call them that, “doo-doo-doo-du-du-du-du-du-du” to thank for the endless replays which contributed to its record-breaking total, and has seen a spin-off live tour, a range of merchandise, books and more come out of it.
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On top of that, a number of remixes of the song – one including Luis Fonsi, again, and another which encouraged a promoted the concept of handwashing for children amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – have also contributed to its popularity.
It hasn’t gone down without a fight though.
As previously mentioned, the origins of the song are unclear and it is actually in the public domain and not owned by Pinkfong, which lead to the company being sued in 2019 by children’s songwriter Jonathan Wright – who had recorded a similar version to Pinkfong’s in 2011 and argued that he held copyright on his own take on the material – but no outcome has yet been reported in the case as of yet.
When it comes to the video though, Pinkfong have undeniably won this one, but we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you feel like congratulating them on the record, or informing them they’ve potentially ruined your life a little in the process.
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Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd November 2020 
