M&S has brought its popular Valentine’s Day dining deal for two back for 2022, and there’s lots of new treats on the menu.
With the international day of love only a couple of weeks away, there’s a lot for lovers to look forward to, and the range of themed meal deals by various supermarket retailers is certainly up there, especially for the foodies who like to treat themselves and tuck into a delicious feast, but still keep things on a more affordable budget.
M&S is known as being one of the original founders of the “dine in for £10” craze, so it’s no surprise that the retailer has brought back its popular Valentine’s Day offer for another year.
This year, savvy shoppers can bag themselves a starter, main, side, dessert, and a bottle of drink or box of chocolates all for just £20 – which works out at £10 a head, and cheaper than your average restaurant meal.
That’s not all either, as customers can save up to £16.50 when buying the items all together too.
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There are over 30 products that are included in the offer this year, and customers can create over 200 different menu combinations too.
M&S has brought its popular Valentine’s Day dining deal for two back for 2022 / Credit: M&S
Some of the options on the menu include Leek & Cheese Soufflé Tarts, and an Oak Fired Melting Camembert to start, as well as a creamy chicken ‘Pie Love You’, or Sirloin Steaks with Heart Shaped butter for the main, before tucking into ‘I’m Bananas for You’ banana sponge with a caramel blonde chocolate mousse and salted caramel sauce, or perhaps the indulgent Billionaires pots.
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Sides include sweet potato fries, buttery mashed potato, and mac and cheese, while some of the drink choices range from the Echo Leyda sauvignon blanc, to the Norton malbec.
For those following a plant-based diet, you can get the Plant Kitchen Vegan Duck Croquettes, two Plant Kitchen Smokey Saffron Aubergine Steaks, Plant Kitchen Sweet Potato Fries, Plant Kitchen Love Heart Churros, and a bottle of Conte Priuli Prosecco
M&S’s Valentine’s Day dining deal for two is available to buy online and in-store from Monday 9 February.
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This means you don’t have much longer to wait to take these tasty treats home, but it’s worth noting that the offer does actually end on Valentine’s Day itself, so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared if you’re keen to make the most of the offer.
Flashbacks: The timelapse of the Trafford Centre construction that’s gone viral
Danny Jones
The Trafford Centre might look like some decadent Roman emperor’s palace or as if it was plucked from the heart of Ancient Grecian city, but as anyone old enough to remember it’s opening and/or construction will tell you, it seems strange to think its not even been around for three decades yet.
As Greater Manchester’s and one of the North West’s most famous shopping centres full stop, the iconic attraction first began being built back in 1996, when John Major was Prime Minister, Manchester United were still Premier League champions, Britpop was at its peak and George Michael was number one.
It’s fair to say that a lot has changed since then and although Oasis might be back come 2025, The Trafford Centre and surrounding area are pretty unrecgonisable compared to nearly 30 years ago.
All told, it took approximately 27 months to erect the neo-classical epicentre of all things shopping, leisure, food and fanciness – and here’s what the process looked like:
With the initial 14 million sq ft shopping centre being completed in September 1998 following approximately 810 days of work, The Trafford Centre debuted to the Manc public and beyond.
It took more than 3,000 builders to bring the 60 hectare site to life at the peak of construction and since then the plot has only grown bigger, bolder and more ambitious over time.
Present day, it has everything from cinema screens and a mini Legoland to a Sea Life location, multiple bowling alleys and countless other forms of entertainment beyond just rows of shops and restaurants – hence why it remains busy pretty much year-round.
Back then, British celebrities, popular local names of note, politicians, dignitaries and prominent figures from the retail industry got to visit as part of exclusive preview events in the days before its launch date.
You can see the spectacle and fascination surrounding the official opening event here:
Seems surreal watching this today but the construction of the Trafford Centre was a huge moment not just for 0161 but all of the North.
But of course, the entire complex itself has seen multiple extensions over the years, including massive developments such as Barton Square and The Great Hall.
At the outset, it cost more than £600 million to build The Trafford Centre; the major renovations mentioned above which took place in 2008 cost another £100m and the Trafford Palazzo revamp around a decade later came in at around £75m.
There has and always will be lots of money put behind this intruguing monument to modern consumerism, and big brands will continue to flock to open units within the huge expanse whenever they can: some of the most recent being Archie’s, Flying Tiger, Sephora, Tiffany, Gymshark and more.
We’ll admit the aesthetic still makes us double-take from time to time (though not as much as confused Londoners visiting for the first time), but it’s not like this part of the world hasn’t boasted plenty of other curiosities in the past…
Featured Images — Charles Bowring (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group
Shopping
Jellycat launches new Manchester store, with exclusive characters
Daisy Jackson
Jellycat has launched a shiny new store, this time in Manchester city centre – and they brought exclusive new characters with them.
The beloved soft toy brand has unveiled its newest location within Selfridges on Exchange Square, filled with all the adorable plushie animals and objects you already know and love, plus some new friends that are exclusive to Manchester.
Making their debut in our city are Salty Steve and Vinny Vinegar, two adorable smiling condiment bottles, plus Clemont Lemon, a sunny yellow soft toy, and Charlie Chip in his flat cap.
As part of the iconic Fish & Chips range, Mancs will also be able to take home Lily Fish, Cosy Chips, and Dot and Peggy Mushy Peas.
The Jellycat Fish & Chips van became a social media sensation after launching in London.
Inside the adorable space are larger-than-life oversized Jellycat favourites including Amuseables Cosy Chips, and Chip Seagull, perfect for a photo opportunity.
Vinny VinegarClemont LemonCharlie ChipLily FishInside the new Jellycat storeEggetha Egg & Lance Soldier
Jane Sharrocks, Store Director at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Jellycat General Store to Selfridges Exchange Square.
“We know our customers are huge Jellycat fans so we can’t wait to bring this iconic destination to our store.
“This launch means that our customers can purchase the characters from the exclusive Fish & Chips collection for the first time outside of Selfridges London which is so exciting.
“With so many Jellycat favourites, it’s going to be hard to choose which ones to take home!”
The new Jellycat store is open today – Monday 17 February – at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd February 2022 
