In what is a combination that virtually no one asked for, Walkers has decided to launch Christmas pudding-flavoured crisps.
And, as you’d probably expect, public reaction to the release has been mixed.
We all know the legendary crisp manufacturers are certainly no strangers to bringing out some weird and wonderful concoctions and collaborations – with Marmite, spicy tomato ketchup, chicken tikka masala, fish and chips, and steak and ale pie being just some of the foods turned into crisp form by the company over the years.
The company is also known to have brought out quite a few other inventive, and occasionally bizarre, festive flavours in the past too, including Brussels sprouts, glazed ham, and turkey and stuffing.
But while other limited-edition Walkers flavours have been known to see shoppers flocking to their nearest supermarket to stock up before they sell out, somehow, we don’t think that’ll be the case this time round.
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Walkers has launched new Christmas Pudding-flavoured crisps / Credit: The Manc Group | Pikist
Three new festive flavours of Walkers’ original crisps have been launched ready for Christmas this year, and, in true middle aisle style, you can currently get your hands on multipacks of them for £1.65 on ‘Specialbuys’ offer from your nearest Aldi.
The Pigs in Blankets, and Festive Turkey varieties seem to have suitably satisfied crisp connoisseurs, but the same definitely can’t be said for the Christmas Pudding flavour, as many are already turning their noses up at it, and a few are questioning what Walkers is playing at by even considering the flavour in the first place.
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Some shoppers on social media have been crying “hell no”, and one crisp fan has even aptly asked “Is someone taking the p**s?”.
After the news of the new crisps dropped on all the usual food-spotting blogs and Instagram pages, such as @NewFoodsUK, @UKnewestfoods, @bigdaddybsfoods, and UK’s Latest Bargains, reactions to the Christmas Pudding flavour in particular started coming in thick and fast.
“Hell NO,” one person in the comments addressing the Christmas Pudding flavour directly, while another wrote: “Christmas pudding is disgusting… why would they make crisps with that taste?”, and a third questioned: “Christmas pudding? Is someone taking the p**s?”.
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A few others admitted they are currently “unsure how I feel” about the flavour, and will probably need to try them out before giving their verdict rather than jumping to conclusions.
Not everyone was displeased though, as one pleasantly-surprised shopper wrote in reaction on Instagram: “I tried the Christmas pudding ones today just to be curious, and honestly they are nice – they taste of Carmel and cinnamon.”
“They’re actually kinda good,” another concluded.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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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 -
20th October 2023 
