A striking new piece of street art that resembles the work of Banksy has appeared overnight on the the side wall of a pub in Tameside.
Ahead of Remembrance Day today, the landlords of the Dog and Partridge pub in Ashton-under-Lyne – which is right next to the town’s local cenotaph – woke up to notice that they had an anonymous “visitor in the night” that had painted a poignant Banksy-inspired mural on one of the outside walls to pay tribute to all the military personnel who died in the war.
The painting appears to depict two soldiers painted in black and white, with one kneeling on the ground holding his ears as the other holds a mortar.
Painted red poppies are also seen scattered up the outside wall of the pub.
“With us having the cenotaph on this side of the pub, and hundreds of people expected to pay their respects this Sunday, I think this is a very tasteful and clever tribute,” explained Scott Walker from the Dog and Partridge.
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“I think this touching tribute will be a great talking point for our locals and anyone who is looking to show their respects,” he added.
Landlord Adam Wells told the MEN that he believes the mural “must have been done whilst we were in the pub on Wednesday night” and that he “doesn’t have a problem with it.”
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“One of the locals mentioned about the painting outside and we hadn’t noticed it or seen anything.
“It’s a respectful memorial and I didn’t mind it, because it isn’t just some random graffiti or something like that – it’s tasteful and a nice gesture.”
“We don’t have a problem with it at all,” he added.
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With dozens of people stopping to appreciate the mural after it secretly appeared, staff at the pub were initially left confused as to how the artwork got there and who was responsible for it, but it has since been revealed as the work of Mr Eggs – who is often known as ‘Manchester’s Banksy’.
The mural might not be the work of actual Banksy, but the real artist also remains anonymous and uses a pseudonym.
Salford-based artist Mr Eggs says he has “appreciated” street art for the past 15 years or so now, but has always laughed off Banksy comparisons when they’ve previously come up, saying: “It’s not like he invented spray can art.”
Sharing a picture of the artwork on social media, the Dog and Partridge said: “Looks like we’ve had a visitor in the night but what an excellent tribute to wake up to on the side of our pub.
“Great addition and just in time for this remembrance Sunday. Lest we forget…”
The picture has since amassed hundreds of interactions ahead of Remembrance Day, and has also seen many local residents comment to express their love for the artwork, as well as praise the pub for remaining so positive about the unexpected situation.
A Manchester barbershop is offering a ‘pay what you can’ service this month
Danny Jones
Amidst the tidal wave of January deals on food and drink in Manchester, a local barbers is championing their own ‘pay what you can’ offer to help people along this month.
Jefe’s Barbershop, located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, is one of the best barbers in the city centre, offering a wide variety of cuts and facial hair grooming services – they even offer a subscription service that helps people save money on regular trims.
That being said, they are well aware of those January blues and the mounting obstacles and anxieties that come with weeks of penny-pinching to make it to month’s end, as well as the general toll it can take on people’s mental health.
So this January, Jefe and his team are doing something different – as he puts it, “something special”: the barbershop is allowing customers to simply pay what they feel comfortable handing over and, in the case of those struggling, whatever they can afford.
It’s a simple gesture with a big purpose which helps ensure no one has to miss out on a feel-good moment or the confidence that comes from a fresh trim.
“All we do is laugh and joke about life—that’s why people come here,” Jefe explains. “I don’t want anyone to lose the chance to be present, to feel good, and to laugh with us.
“Men often need more help than they’re willing to let on and we want to be a helping hand they can rely on.” Now that’s a cause all of us can and should get behind.
Community support has remained at the core of Jefe’s Barbershop since the beginning when he swapped a basketball career for providing a much-needed service to Mancunian men.
From partnering with Manc sandwich shops and offering free haircuts for the homeless, to hosting street parties with local events companies and providing £5 trims to promote men’s mental health in 2023 when the cost of living crisis really kicked in – Jefe’s is always trying to make a difference in the area.
You’ve got to love businesses that go the extra mile.
If you want to make the most of this wholesome deal or just feel like you’re in need of a trim, you can book HERE or call them directly on 0161 818 7659.
The ‘pay what you can’ offer runs Monday to Thursday, 9am-7pm, subject to availability. You’ll find Jefe’s Barbershop on Stevenson Square
Because as the man himself puts it, “Everyone deserves to feel their best”.
Colourful Simpsons-themed cafes pop up inside Manchester’s Primark stores
Emily Sergeant
Cafes inside Primark stores across the UK are being transformed into The Simpsons-themed foodie hubs for a limited time only.
You may remember that Grinch-themed cafes popped up inside Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo during December, which were a hit with fans of the furry green character – with everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.
A new life inspired by the legendary animated sitcom, The Simpsons, that is.
Colourful Simpsons-themed cafes have popped up inside Manchester’s Primark stores / Credit: The Manc Group & Supplied
Get ready to step into Springfield, as from now right through until the beginning of May, Primark shoppers can get their D’oh-nut fix and much more, with each cafe kitted out with Simpsons-themed menus and decor.
The special themed menu includes a wide selection of waffles and toasties, and also plenty of drinks and shakes to choose from, including an indulgent Chocolate Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, and a scrumptious Strawberry Doughnut Shake.
Prices start at £4.25 for drinks, and £5.50 for food items.
The menu is filled will themed delights inspired by the beloved animated sitcom / Credit: The Manc Group
“We’re serving up a slice of Springfield with our latest cafe theme, giving fans a taste of The Simpsons right in our stores,” explained Tim Kelly, who is the Director of New Business Development at Primark, as the cafes opened across the UK last week.
“We’re always looking for new ways to create fun and memorable experiences for our customers and our themed cafes have been a big hit, so we can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction in store.”
The Primark Café with The Simpsons is now open in Primark’s Manchester Market Street, and Manchester Trafford stores, as well as in Birmingham, Belfast, Braehead, Edinburgh, and Cardiff until the beginning of May.
Emily Sergeant -
11th November 2022 
