Popular South African-inspired restaurant bar Chakalaka NQ has sadly been broken in to over the weekend.
The much-loved independent Northern Quarter hangout – which is known for its eclectic food and drinks menu, and is the only true South African bar and kitchen in Manchester – has seen property damaged and windows smashed during the abhorrent act at its premises on Oldham Street.
The incident is believed to have taken place overnight on Sunday/Monday.
At what is a time of much uncertainty for the hospitality sector as a result of the localised restrictions already in place in Greater Manchester, and in light of what may be announced by the government later today, an act such as this is something we are truly disgusted to see.
To make matters worse, this is not an isolated incident either and comes after a series of recent break-ins at locations in and around the city centre, including a similar incident at independent Ancoats Chinese restaurant Blue Eyed Panda earlier this month.
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It’s clear that hospitality in Manchester needs us more than ever right now.
Our friends @ChakalakaNq were broken into last night. This is one of several hospitality break ins in recent weeks in Manchester city centre. Are these people not going through enough right now? Disgusting behaviour! pic.twitter.com/0Ad3MnRuK2
Taking to social media to share the news of the devastating break in, Chakalaka NQ said: “Gutted this morning to wake up to see we’ve been broken into last night. Fortunately no one was harmed, but it’s rubbish to see this happening, especially in times like this when the hospitality industry is already struggling.
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It continued: We’ll be closed for today, but hope to be up and running again soon… We’ll keep you posted,
Chakalaka NQ has confirmed that while the break in “was awful to see” and it is forced to remain closed for today, it’ll be “back making some banging sausage soon enough”.
That’s what we like to hear.
To do your bit and get behind this local independent business at a time when it really needs it most, you can make a dine-in reservation in advance, or place an order for takeaway via the Chakalaka NQ website here.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and current local lockdown restrictions, Chakalaka NQ is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5pm to 10pm, Saturday from 12pm to 10pm, and on Sunday from 4pm – 10pm.
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Both dine-in and takeaway services with Deliveroo and Uber Eats are available.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have taken its toll on industries of all shapes and sizes over these past few months, but supporting local/independent business has never been more important than it is right now.
The Manc is #BuzzingToBeBack – find out more about eats in Manchester here.
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Katy Perry announces massive gig in Manchester next year
Thomas Melia
Pop chart-topper and overall legend Katy Perry is stopping off in Manchester as part of her new EU and UK tour dates.
The Roar singer will be heading to the AO Arena next October, alongside shows in Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham and London, with tickets on sale later this week.
Whether you’re going to watch hits like ‘California Gurls’, ‘Hot ‘N’ Cold’ or excited for the newer tracks like ‘I’m His, He’s Mine’, one thing is for certain you’ll have to ‘Swish Swish’ past a lot of people for these in-demand tickets.
In a new video uploaded to her social media channels, holding a Union Jack flag with a mini microphone attached to it, Katy Perry has revealed she can’t wait to ‘share a cuppa’ with us. We’ve already got the kettle brewing.
There’s a real connection between the former American Idol judge and our beautiful country, with her performing at Buckingham Palace for the Coronation Concert in 2023 and more recently bringing an exclusive ‘A Night Of A Lifetime’ show to ITV this winter.
Perry has the second most Diamond-certified singles in for a female artist in the U.S, four guiness world records and five UK number one hits.
Her latest album ‘143’, which is a numeric synonym of ‘I love you’ and the singer’s angel number, came out mid-September featuring three standout singles, ‘Woman’s World’, ‘Lifetimes and the aforementioned ‘I’m His, He’s Mine’, a collaboration with upcoming rapper Doechii.
The American performer hasn’t had it easy with the rollout of her seventh studio album coming under fire for working with controversial record producer Dr. Luke.
In 2014, the American producer was part of a nine year long court case with musician Kesha which has now reached an agreement, however Luke is still heavily involved with the music industry working on songs with artists like Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat and Kim Petras.
This tour is a poignant one as the global superstar is set to donate £1 from every ticket to Music Venue Trust which will be distributed to UK grassroots music venues.
After a sensational and career-defining Vegas residency titled ‘PLAY’ which featured a giant toilet as stage decorum, it’s no surprise that this run of UK shows are set to be just as captivating and outrageous.
Katy Perry is bringing ‘The Lifetimes Tour’ to Manchester’s AO Arena on October with pre-sale tickets going live on 20 November and general onsale on 22 November HERE.
Oldham mansion that starred in an iconic pop music video is up for sale
Thomas Melia
A Greater Manchester mansion that’s featured in one of the most famous music videos of the past decade is now up for sale.
Situated in the picturesque village of Uppermill, Oldham, Ashcroft House is currently listed at £2,350,000 accepting offers in the region of this figure.
The property has six bedrooms, six baths and five reception rooms – this mansion is a party host’s dream.
Ashcroft House has four storeys with the lower ground floor currently set up as a gym space and the ground floor boasting an eye-catching grand entrance hall.
This isn’t everything the lower ground floor has to offer. There are a number of breakout rooms such as a wine store, cinema room and your own personal steam room.
When going up another flight of stairs, the first floor’s main selling point besides the very large balcony is the matched walk in wardrobes paired with each of the six sleeping quarters, yes please!
The girls styling themselves in one of the many walk in wardrobes at Ashcroft House.The bold statement front door in the Oldham mansion.Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)
Finally, if that wasn’t enough to draw you in, there is another flight of stairs leading to the second floor which is currently acting as the house’s ever-impressive storage area.
With the rolling hills of Saddleworth nearby and a local pub a ten minute walk away, how could life possibly get any better?
Oh wait it does! In 2016 one of the UK’s best selling girl groups of all time shot a music video for their worldwide hit right here in these very four walls.
X Factor prodigies and three time BRIT award winning girl group Little Mix perched up with their film crew to spend 21 hours recording the video for their groundbreaking single ‘Hair’.
The video itself has amassed nearly 500 million views on social media platform Youtube since being released eight years ago.
The grand staircase that greets you as you enter this Greater Manchester property.The Little Mix girls having a bite to eat in Ashcroft House.Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)
The previous owner of the house even revealed that once the music video shoot wrapped up, the girls stayed with the family to share a slice of pizza or two.
If you’re interested in owning a piece of pop culture history or just as nosey as we are you can take a virtual tour of this mansion in Oldham here.
Emily Sergeant -
12th October 2020 
