The city’s hospitality industry had done a fantastic job of making their establishments COVID-secure, and apart from the odd ‘covidiot’, these new rules were followed en masse by punters, making for a successful day all round and one to be proud of.
The typical North West weather may have put a damper on ‘Super Saturday’, but the good news is we’re set for the return of some much-needed sunshine this weekend, with clear skies and high temperatures of 21°C across both days, so there really couldn’t be better time to get out and support the varied selection of independents and hospitality businesses that we’re so lucky to have here in Manchester.
ADVERTISEMENT
Here’s a few of our top picks for places to enjoy some socially-distanced sunshine in the city this weekend.
___
ADVERTISEMENT
Impossible MCR
Great Northern
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCV-bQ9AVAi/
Impossible MCR may be best known by night, but with a sun-trap outdoor seating terrace at the heart of Peter Street/Deansgate, it’s also perfect for daytime dining and drinks.
The Impossible MCR kitchen has teamed up with Vietnamese-inspired street food geniuses South Manny Flavaz to deliver dishes “like you’ve never tasted before” and they even offer a sensational Sunday Dinner too, that features everything you know and love about the traditional roast, but with a seasoned twist.
ADVERTISEMENT
Impossible MCR is open from 12pm-late this Saturday and Sunday, and you’ll need to book for drinks/dining via the website here.
___
A number of other popular Great Northern hangouts have also already opened their doors, or are planning to do so in the coming weeks too.
Mark Schofield, Centre Director at Great Northern, said: “We look forward to welcoming Manchester locals to the site as lockdown begins to ease and as our fantastic range of resident brands begin to reopen for business. Everyone here as pulled together to make sure the site is a safe space in which to relax, wine, dine and enjoy some much-needed leisure time.”
“We’ll be monitoring government guidelines around social distancing and other safety measures closely to ensure we’re implementing the latest advice and are excited to see the Great Northern come to life once more as each of our residents reopens over the coming weeks”.
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCN7zM9Hsis/
For more information, including updates on individual brand opening dates and safety procedures, please visit the Great Northern website here.
___
20 Stories
Spinningfields
https://www.instagram.com/p/B73NsFkhFzS/
If you’re looking for a touch of class to go along with your sunshine this weekend, then you really can’t get much better than the one-of-a-kind rooftop terrace at 20 Stories MCR.
Sitting right at the top of No.1 Spinningfields, sky high dining is always on the cards at 20 Stories, come rain or shine, but this weekend’s sunny weather is sure to brighten up your evening.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advanced booking is required, which you can do so here.
For more information, as well as COVID-safe guidelines ahead of your visit, visit the website here.
___
ZOUK
Tea Bar & Grill – Manchester
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-_28lblawY/
ZOUK offers some of the most authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine in Manchester, but it also boasts a large outdoor seating area – which now follows all necessary social distancing guidelines – making it top of the list for anyone after a hearty meal to enjoy in the sunshine this weekend.
ADVERTISEMENT
Our mouths are watering just thinking about it.
Booking in advance of your visit to ZOUK is required, which you can do so here, and you can specify an outdoor terrace table too.
For more information, visit the ZOUK website here.
___
The Oast House
Spinningfields
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-KbbEfg3-s/
There isn’t a sun-trap quite like The Oast House elsewhere in Manchester.
Whilst the usual buzz of those large crowds may be a little on the quieter side this year in the name of safety and social distancing, that summertime Oast House experience and classic Mancunian spirit is sure to have not gone away, and the same great food and drinks menu is still going strong.
Booking ahead is required – which you can do so here – and for more information, visit the The Oast House website here.
___
Foundry Project
Northern Quarter
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzS7WOFgNib/
Foundry Project is a beloved Northern Quarter hotspot for a reason, and the outdoor seating terrace – which catches every spot of sunlight that shines down on the city – is just one of its many highlights.
Whether you fancy wining and dining, or just grabbing a bite and a pint, you can now book your table at the Foundry Project, specifically for the outdoor terrace, here.
For more information and safety guidelines ahead of your visit, head to the Foundry Project website here.
___
PLY
Northern Quarter
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCDrA6OAX4E/
Ever-popular Northern Quarter hangout PLY opened its doors to the people of Manchester last weekend and it’s set for round two today, only this time, it’s debuting a new socially-distanced outdoor courtyard, so it’s the perfect place to hit up if your after a pizza and a pint in the sun this weekend.
There’s also a NEW brunch menu that’s well worth checking out too.
Here’s a sneak peak at that outdoor courtyard.
PLY
Booking is always advised ahead of your trip to PLY – which you can do so here.
For more information, as well as details on social distancing measures and COVID-safe guidelines, visit the PLY website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Home Sweet Home
Northern Quarter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCYcN_RBuOR/
Home Sweet Home, sitting in the heart of the Northern Quarter, always has a selection of outdoor tables available all year round, but has recently debuted its “shiny new outside area” after reopening doors to the public last Saturday.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and some sunshine in mind, get yourself down to Home Sweet Home this weekend.
It’s always best to book ahead, which you can do here, and for more information ahead of your trip, visit the Home Sweet Home website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Bunny Jacksons
Manchester
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9L_S2LgFNx/
Bunny Jacksons, tucked away on Jack Rosenthal Street, is of course home to the famous ’10p wing’, but it’s also home to a popular sunny, (and now socially-distanced), outdoor seating area that’s perfect for catching a few rays this weekend.
There’s never any need to book at Bunny Jacksons, so just rock up, remember to adhere to all social distancing guidelines, and hope for the best.
For more information, visit the Bunny Jacksons website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Haven’t found somewhere that takes your fancy? For a full list of bars and restaurants that have now reopened their doors to the good people of Manchester, you can have a read of our rundown list here.
The Manc is helping local businesses and venues get back on their feet after lockdown with our #BuzzingToBeBack campaign – offering as much support and exposure for Manchester hospitality as possible.
Read more about what we’re doing for the industry here.
The Oldham Man and The Sea: the documentary about the Latics owner’s record-breaking Atlantic voyage
Danny Jones
It doesn’t matter if you’re not an Athletic fan or native to the borough; we think everyone should go along to watch the much-anticipated documentary about football club owner Frank Rothwell and his record-breaking journey across the Atlantic Ocean: The Oldham Man And The Sea.
One of the simplest and most satisfying names for a film we’ve heard in a long time.
For anyone who doesn’t know about the Oldham Athletic FC chairman turned OBE’s incredible story, Frank Rothwell has set multiple records with his impressive sea-faring feats in recent times.
This new doc, which just premiered at this year’s Manchester Film Festival, charts his latest trip across one of the biggest bodies of water on the planet in March 2024.
As you can see from the recent trailer, it’s almost as arduous a tale as the original Hemingway story.
This movie – produced by Journeyman Pictures and Chief Productions – made its full debut at the Odeon in Great Northern Warehouse for MFF 2026, and is set to have a number of other screenings in and around Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and months.
One of those is happening rather soon, in fact, over at Saddleworth’s Millgate Arts Centre on Saturday, 28 March, which is ideal for those local to the region; grab your tickets now.
ln fact, there’s also one happening even closer to his hometown the following month, with Oldham’s very own Queen Elizabeth Hall also hosting a special screening of Rothwell’s incredible achievement.
You can reserve your seats for that one right HERE.
Having not only become the eldest (70) Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge finisher back in 2021, but now holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to ever complete the crossing while rowing solo at 73 years old, he’s become nothing short of a local hero – and that’s just his stewardship of the Latics…
The film does, obviously, touch on his time at the helm of the League Two side, who finally returned to the EFL last June, but the heart and soul of this inspiring watch is the sail itself.
More importantly, it also documents not just the gruelling nature of the 64-day, seven-hour and 53-minute trek, but also how Frank has now helped raise more than £1.4 million on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
What an absolute icon.
Hopefully, this should be just about all the reason you need to watch The Oldham Man And The Sea the very next opportunity you get to do so – and, of course, all proceeds from ticket sales will also be going to charity, because just the kind of bloke he is.
And here’s hoping we get a streaming version sometime soon.
MOBOs 2026 in Manchester – all the award winners and iconic performances
Thomas Melia
Manchester had its second major music award show visit of the year courtesy of the MOBOs, and here’s all the awards, winners and iconic performances from the night.
We knew 0161 was known for its impact on the music industry, but it’s recently become a place for music celebration on multiple occasions with the BRITs and, most recently, with the MOBOs.
As expected, this was a night full of A-listers, rising stars and incredible music makers, who all united for an award show dedicated to celebrating one aspect of the industry in particular – Music of Black Origin.
Created by Kanya King back in 1996, Manchester had the pleasure of hosting the MOBOs as the award show celebrated its 30-year anniversary right here at the 23,500 seater Co-op Live.
MOBOs 2026 – all the highlights from the night
Get ready to find out everything that happened during the MOBO Awards 2026, including the awards, winners and iconic performances.
All the awards and winners from MOBOs 2026 in Manchester
MOBO Global Songwriter Award – Pharrell Williams
MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award – Slick Rick
Album of the Year – The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
Song of the Year – Olivia Dean, ‘Man I Need’
Best Male act – Jim Legxacy
Best Female act – Olivia Dean
Best Newcomer – DC3
Video of the Year – Raye, ‘Where Is My Husband!’
Best R&B/ Soul Act – Flo
Best Alternative Music Act – Nova Twins
Best Grime Act – Chip
Best Hip-Hop act – Central Cee
Best Drill Act – Twin S
Best International Act – Ayra Starr
Best African Music Act – Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music Act – Vybz Kartel
Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
Best Electronic/ Dance Act – Sherelle
Best Gospel Act – DC3
Best Media Personality – Niko Omilana
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Best Producer – P2J
Pharrell Williams receiving his ‘MOBO Global Songwriter Award’ and Flo accepting the ‘Best R&B/ Soul Act’ / Credit: The Manc Group
Who performed at the MOBOs 2026 in Manchester at Co-op Live?
Flo opened the show with their iconic silhouettes, just like on their Access All Areas Tour, which we had the privilege of witnessing live at Manchester Academy last Autumn.
If you’re worried you’ve lost a backstage pass to all things Flo, think again. Their latest single continues the unrestricted theme with its aptly-fitting title ‘Leak It’, and they set standards high.
A variety of grime acts dominated the stage as curated by DJ Target with Chip, D Double E, Wiley, Nolay and Scorcher with staple hits like ‘Legend’, ‘Street Fighter Riddim’ and ‘Wot U Call It?’
Slick Rick treated Co-op Live and the MOBOs audience to a medley of hits like’Children’s Story’ and ‘Landlord’ while bringing out the wonderful Estelle to sing ‘Mona Lisa’ alongside the respected rapper.
Flo opened the show with a live debut of new single ‘Leak It’ / Credit: MOBO Organisation (supplied)
Folk-pop star Miles Smith had the crowd in the palm of his hand as they all sang ‘Stargazing’ in unison, almost as though it was their own performance. This singer-songwriter returns to Manchester and Co-op Live this winter.
When Tiwa Savage walked onto the stage, this Manchester indoor venue knew they were in the presence of royalty, the Queen of Afrobeats to be exact. She performed ‘You 4 Me’ and dropped a preview of her new hit ‘Energy’.
The multi-MOBO winner Olivia Dean showed off her vocal prowess with an exclusive live performance of ‘A Couple Minutes’ accompanied by a beautiful orchestra arrangement.
Ms Dean blew our minds with her ‘Man I Need’ performance at the BRITs just last month, and she can’t keep away from Manchester, returning to Co-op Live next month for ‘The Art of Loving Tour‘.
Credit: MOBO Organisation (supplied)
Moston’s own Aitch had the crowd going crazy with his The Stone Roses-sampling track ‘1989’ and one of his biggest hits to date, and Ashanti-sampling record ‘Baby’.
Dancehall diva Shenseea closed the night with not one but four of her cathartic bangers like ‘Hit & Run’, the empowering ‘Shenyeng Anthem’, UK Top 20 single ‘Shake It To The Max (Remix)’ and newest effort ‘Talk To Me Nuh’.
Which stars attended the MOBOs red carpet in Manchester?
Manchester is the music capital of the North, so it makes a lot of sense that some of music’s biggest names decided to pop over to this city for a visit.
Alongside all the nominees and performers, there was a whole host of acts in attendance from the music, film, TV and social media industries.
Everyone from former Little Mix member turned independent artist Leigh-Anne and Bemi Orojuogun, more widely recognised by her digital moniker ‘Bus Aunty’, strutted their stuff on the MOBOs red carpet.
Audio North had the incredible opportunity of chatting with a whole host of talented artists and creatives straight from the red carpet, including shaking hands with legendary multi-hyphenate Nile Rodgers.
This was a truly beautiful night which celebrated the contributions and impact made within the music industry across the past 12 months and beyond, soundtracked by some class live performances.
The Manc -
10th July 2020 
