Stunning new images have revealed what Chester Zoo‘s upcoming luxury wedding and events venue will look like when it opens next year.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo has released an exclusive set of artist’s impressions providing a first glimpse of the wildlife charity’s new 200-capacity wedding destination – which is named ‘The Square’ and is scheduled to open in spring 2023.
The pictures show the building’s bright and spacious interiors, and the rooms feature patterns and textures that draw inspiration from the zoo’s mission to prevent the extinction of endangered species.
The luxury space is an extension of an existing Grade II-listed stable block that has stood at the heart of the 128-acre zoo since it opened in 1931.
The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals such as lions, bears, and chimpanzees, and conservationists at the zoo say they plan to retain the “rich history and character” of the building through the renovation.
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Artist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester ZooArtist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester Zoo
The space will also be extended in some areas using sustainably sourced and wildlife-friendly materials.
Featuring an impressive gated entrance, the unique building will also have its own large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters, and large windows overlooking the zoo’s botanical gardens.
There’ll also be a whole host of preserved historical features too.
Speaking ahead of the venue’s launch next year, Jamie Christon – CEO at Chester Zoo – said: “Work is underway to bring to life this incredible building that has stood at the heart of the zoo for more than 91 years.
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Artist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester Zoo
“The Square will be a special, one-of-a-kind space that preserves the zoo’s rich history and character, while also adding a modern twist to its interior that showcases our plans for a more sustainable future.
While the zoo has, for some time, offered an intimate wedding and events space at The Oakfield gastropub, which can hold around 50 guests, we’re frequently asked if we can accommodate larger scale events.
“That’s why we’re really excited to begin welcoming guests to this incredible new venue from early next year.
“But what’s particularly special is that income generated by each and every occasion that takes place at The Square will contribute to our charitable mission and help us to secure a brighter future for wildlife on our planet.
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“When The Square opens in spring 2023, there will be nothing else quite like it in the UK.”
Artist impression images of The Square at Chester Zoo set to open in 2023 / Credit: Chester Zoo
The grand opening of The Square is planned for spring 2023, and wedding dates are still available.
The main event room is planned to have a capacity of 200, while reception and breakout rooms brings the total capacity of the building to 380.
You can find out more, and enquire about your wedding or event here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Hello Oriental opens new ‘seriously affordable’ Asian food hall at the Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Manchester gem Hello Oriental is finally opening its new Asian food hall at the Trafford Centre this weekend.
The renowned East Asian street food hub has already taken Manchester city centre by storm since opening its original venue at Circle Square, just off Oxford Road, back in February 2022, and been has receiving rave reviews ever since – with critics notably calling the experience “a lot of fun” and “seriously affordable”.
But now, the Manchester-founded brand has chosen the Trafford Centre as the first UK shopping centre location to bring its trademark street food dining concept to.
There’ll be more than 100 delicious dishes for customers to choose from when the new site opens in the Upper Orient this Saturday.
Hello Oriental has opened a new Asian food hall at the Trafford Centre / Credit: The Manc Group
Hello Oriental owners and childhood best friends, Ricky Yip and Azim Kourah, say they have selected some of the most popular dishes from the Manchester city centre site’s extensive menu for the new Trafford Centre restaurant.
This means diners at the Trafford Centre can enjoy traditional dishes from across East Asia – including a wide range of Dim Sum, hearty main dishes like Taiwanese pork belly with rice, traditional favourites like beef Ho fun, and loads of different Cantonese roast meats.
There’ll also be a wide selection of street food available, like Korean fried chicken, loaded katsu chicken fries, and three varieties of sticky chicken wings.
There’s also plenty for the little Mancs to tuck into too, as there’ll be a full kid’s menu available at the new Trafford Centre site, with options for both those with “adventurous” junior palates, to those who prefer “more familiar” tastes.
“We’re so excited to open in the Trafford Centre and give shoppers the chance to try our dishes from across East Asia,” commented co-owner, Ricky Yip, ahead of the new opening.
“Many of the dishes on the menu were enjoyed by Azim and I growing up, cooked by my family, or served in family restaurants, and it’s wonderful to see other families come to Hello Oriental to enjoy these flavours.”
Hello Oriental will be opening at the Trafford Centre this Saturday (1 February), with thousands of prizes to give away to celebrate Lunar New Year.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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A coffee shop in Manchester is giving away hundreds of FREE croissants today
Emily Sergeant
Hundreds of croissants are being handed out for free today from a coffee shop in Manchester for a special reason.
In case you didn’t know, today (Thursday 30 January) is National Croissant Day, and apparently, Manchester is a city of serious pastry lovers, as the Cross Street branch of national coffee shop chain, Pret A Manger, is actually the top-selling Pret pastry shop in the whole of the UK – with the Chocolate Croissant, in particular, reigning supreme as the customer favourite.
Pret customers are said to devour around 17 million pastries a year, with the humble croissant being the most popular pick.
So, to celebrate Manchester’s love of sweet flaky pastries, and to mark National Croissant Day itself, Pret will be handing out a whopping 300 croissants for completely free of charge from its store on Cross Street, in the heart of the city centre.
A coffee shop in Manchester is giving away hundreds of free croissants today / Credit: PICRYL
You can claim one of the 300 free croissants with any coffee purchase today, but it’s only while stocks last, so you’ll need to be quick.
There’s three different croissants to choose from – the All Butter, Chocolate, or Almond Croissant.
“At Pret, we pride ourselves on serving our customers pastries freshly baked that same day,” commented Anna Tebbs, who is the UK Head of Food at Pret, ahead of the big giveaway.
“With around 17 million pastries sold each year, it’s clear our customers can’t get enough of these flaky favourites, so we’re thrilled to celebrate National Croissant Day by giving back to croissant fans with a special treat.
They’re only available for one day from Pret on Cross Street / Credit: Supplied
“Whether it’s a classic All Butter or a rich Croissant Almond, there’s a pastry for every taste, and a day like this is all about enjoying them to the fullest.”
To get your hands on a buttery flaky croissant to start your day, all you’ll need to do is visit the Cross Street Pret shop today, the earlier the better to be sure there’s still some left, and order any barista-made coffee drink, then you’ll get to pick which type of croissant you’d like to take away with you.
Emily Sergeant -
1st July 2022 
