Four-legged friends of Manchester are in for a real treat as a popular dog salon and boutique is set to open at one of the city’s newest neighbourhoods.
Opening up at KAMPUS, The Barkside is looking to be a “one-stop-shop for city-dwelling dogs”, with a grooming salon, and a shop stocking The Barkside’s signature street-fashion, own brand of nutritious foods, luxury grooming products, and quality accessories arriving at the new rental community.
That’s not all either, as pups will also get to let their hair down with doggy mud baths – which is known to be a usual de-shedding treatment – and frothy puppuccinos, so they don’t miss out on the cafe culture KAMPUS is fast-becoming known for.
Unfamiliar with The Barkside?
First opening as a day care back in 2013, owners Elkie, Leah, and Lauren – along with their team – have gone from strength to the strength, and have since opened a doggy day care, salon, and shop on Travis St in Manchester, and in Heaton Chapel in Stockport – both of which now have a lengthy waiting list of would-be clients.
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The Barkside’s permanent stay at KAMPUS comes after the company has been hosting monthly pop-up events at the neighbourhood – which has plenty of pet-friendly apartments.
“Dog friendly communities like Kampus are leading the way,” says Elkie Davies – founder of The Barkside.
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“Other renters across Manchester are no longer banned from having pet companions and tonnes of people are working and spending more time at home [so] it’s meant that whether you love Dachshunds or Dobermans, you can have a place in the city centre and experience the pure joy of having a dog in your life.
“We fell in love with the space and garden at KAMPUS and can’t wait to bring The Barkside to the neighbourhood alongside a load of independent businesses.
“We’ve been turning customers away because the demand for quality grooming and daycare in Manchester is so high [so] it’ll be awesome to bringing top-notch products, pampering and puppuccinos to our expanded puppy family.”
The Barkside is the latest independent venture to arrive at KAMPUS, and joins Manchester favourites Pollen bakery and General Stores, alongside the recently-opened Nell’s Pizza & Bar, wine bar Beeswing, and recently-announced Cloudwater Brewery.
The Barkside is looking to be a “one-stop-shop for city-dwelling dogs” / Credit: Instagram (@thebarksidemcr)
The KAMPUS neighbourhood is being developed by HBD and Capital&Centric.
Speaking on The Barkside’s arrival, Adam Brady from HBD, said: “We’re a friendly and diverse neighbourhood and the indie businesses joining our community reflect that ethos.
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“That welcome extends to our four-legged friends and the army of dogs that now call KAMPUS home, with a dog-walking services for residents, and The Barkside joining the community means people will be able to drop their dog for a grooming session have a coffee and pastry at Pollen while they wait.”
Featured Image – KAMPUS / The Barkside
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Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…
Emily Sergeant -
16th February 2022 
