Much-loved independent Chinese restaurant Blue Eyed Panda has sadly seen the third break-in at its premises in less than a year.
Property was damaged and windows were smashed during the abhorrent act.
The Ancoats restaurant first opened its doors to the public on Jersey Street back in April 2019 and has already experienced two other break-ins last November – which too resulted in damaged property – before the unfortunate events which took place this week.
Owners of the popular eatery have taken to social media today to share the devastating news.
In a desperate post urging those who committed the act to refrain from doing so again in the future – accompanied by a picture of the damage – Blue Eyed Panda said: “Please. Why again? You or your people came [to our premises] last November twice and you know we have no money or valuables, or did you [just] really enjoy the Spring Rolls and the Crispy Duck last year?
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“We trying to survive in this difficult time,
“Please let us breathe, let us move on [and] don’t waste your time.”
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The post has since gone on to receive a widespread outpouring of support from members of the public, who also share in the restaurant’s shock that an act such as this has happened once again.
Many have commented their intentions to continue helping the restaurant during tough times.
Unfamiliar with Blue Eyed Panda and are yet to try it out for yourself?
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This modern Chinese restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is located in the heart of Manchester’s new and up-and-coming food and drink hub.
Not only does it offer authentic Chinese options like steamed dim sums, stir fry, salt and pepper, and a range of casserole dishes, but it also serves up some special Venezuelan-influenced fusion dishes too, such as grilled marinated lamp chops and more.
There’s also a wide range of mouthwatering vegetarian options available as well on the extensive menu.
Blue Eyed PandaBlue Eyed Panda
In true Manchester spirit despite the break-in and damage of property, Blue Eyed Panda said that it “won’t give up that easy” and has confirmed via Instagram story that it will still be open from 4:30pm today.
How brilliant is that?
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Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and current local lockdown restrictions, Blue Eyed Panda is open Monday & Wednesday – Saturday from 4:30pm to 10:00pm, and on Sunday from 2pm – 9:30pm.
Both dine-in and takeaway services are available.
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 Blue Eyed Panda website here.
You can also support Blue Eyed Panda by giving it a follow on Facebook and Instagram.
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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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Latest wave of ‘Evening 4’ Ricky Hatton lineup in memory of the legendary Manc boxer announced
Danny Jones
Manchester is set to host a night of remembrance and celebration in honour of the late, great, local boxer, Ricky Hatton, and now a superb second wave of names has been added to AO Arena’s lineup.
Coming this summer, the legendary Manchester arena – where Hatton enjoyed so many of his iconic moments – will be holding the first-ever ‘Evening4Ricky’ later this year.
Held at the legendary sports and live entertainment venue just in time for summer, we still only know bits and pieces about what’s in store, but a whole host of familiar Manc faces, famous British names, and figures from the world of sport have now been announced.
Sharing the news on social media, AO Arena said: “Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment as Manchester comes together for Evening4Ricky.
“This will be a spectacular, unique celebration of the life, spirit and legacy of one of the city’s most beloved icons – Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.”
With seats priced at £25, fans are being encouraged to join the early bird sign-up to secure access to discounted tickets.
As you can see, now confirmed for the evening are the likes of Man United legend, Paul Scholes, darts icon Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, as well as fellow former boxers like Frank Bruno, Tony Bellew and more.
Local band, The K’s, were already confirmed as part of the in-person performances, but now the likes of Manc grime artists Bugzy Malone, fellow UK rapper Tinie Tempah, and The Lottery Winners are joining in, too, alongside loads more live music and entertainment set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
They go on to add: “Hosted at the legendary AO Arena, home to so many of Ricky’s big fights, featuring a superstar cast of legends from the worlds of boxing, music, comedy and entertainment.”
So, we do at least know there’ll be some famous faces coming along to help make it a memorable Manc moment, just a few months on from the city and beyond uniting for his public funeral procession.
Ricky was beloved not only by the Greater Manchester community but was a popular figure and friend to many in the sporting and showbiz industries.
The homegrown ‘Pride of Hyde‘ tragically left us on 14 September 2025 at the age of just 46, but his passing has once again helped reassert the importance of having more conversations around wellbeing, suicide prevention, and most specifically, men’s mental health.
You can find more information and see how to grab tickets right HERE.
This isn’t the only charitable in memoriam event happening across the region in the coming weeks, either, as Mancs will be gathering to pay tribute to another fellow inspiring sportsman.
Rare picture of David Bowie’s legendary one-off gig in Stockport unearthed
Danny Jones
A rare picture taken from the night of the late, great David Bowie’s legendary one-off gig in Stockport has been unearthed by a local whilst digging through his loft.
Imagine having that kind of history just squirrelled away in an attic…
As revealed by Stockport Music Story, after being supplied with the image by David Maynard, the snap was shared more than half a century on from the much-mythologised moment in Greater Manchester music history.
In fact, it was put on display and posted on social media quite literally 56 years to the day since Bowie played his only Stopfordian set on 27 April, 1970.
Maynard himself is featured in the newly discovered photograph (second from the left) and was one of the select and lucky few who were in the room for that very special show.
Organised by a group of teens on behalf of the Stockport Schools’ Students’ Union, the performance took place at the long-gone Poco a Poco music venue and club over in Heaton Chapel.
The storied space hosted many big names over the years – Gerry Marsden, Freddie Starr, Hank Marvin and more – but sadly closed in May of 1987 following a fire.
It went on to become the popular Hinds Head pub, which still serves punters to this day, but once had the honour of hosting a true artistic great and British icon.
For anyone wondering, this is indeed the same night on which David Robert Jones (yes, that’s Bowie‘s full birth name) missed his train home and had to sleep on the railway platform.
Here’s a BBC segment covering the tale back on its 55th anniversary in April 2025.
It may be a small and somewhat curious claim to fame, but native love the legend of it all nonetheless.
As for the other individuals pictured alongside him, Stockport Music Story (SMS) said: “The names of the people we know are David Maynard (2nd left), Roz Wood (3rd left), David Bowie, Bill Frost (2nd right), Stewart Rigby (right).”
They go on to add: “It would be amazing to find out who the other people in the photograph are and what they remember from that night.” We sincerely hope they do.
You can now see the plaque up close and personal at Stockport Station for yourselves and as for SMS’s growing archive of the region’s creative culture, you can find out tonnes more about other pieces of SK heritage right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
1st October 2020 
