Manchester’s got a lot to be proud of, and Vimto is one of those things.
Vimto is a much-loved Manchester-born soft drink that contains the juice of grapes, raspberries and blackcurrants – each in a 3% concentration – which is then flavoured with a selection of delicately-balanced herbs and spices.
If you’re unfamiliar with the backstory, Vimto was created in 1908 at 19 Granby Row in Manchester city centre – now part of The University of Manchester’s grounds – by John Noel Nichols, who was a wholesaler of herbs, spices and medicines that saw the market opening for soft drinks, due to the temperance movement and the passage of the 1908 Licensing Act.
It was originally sold under the name Vim Tonic, which Nichols shortened to Vimto in 1912.
It’s hard to believe it now, but Vimto was originally registered as a health tonic or medicine when it was first created, but was then re-registered as a cordial in 1913.
ADVERTISEMENT
As well as its continued popularity throughout the 20th and 21st century, Vimto has even taken on a life of its own as a flavour too in more recent years, and has spawned a number of other popular fruity variations, so it’s really come a long way from its origins.
But the history of Vimto is something that will always be rooted in Manchester.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nichols PLC
And so, to celebrate this impressive history, two furloughed friends have launched a “historical Manchester” Vimto-themed virtual escape room that takes you back to 1908 and challenges you to solve the theft of the city’s most iconic and top-secret recipe.
Mystery Escapades provide online escape room adventures “packed with puzzles” for groups of any size, so whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a bit of lockdown fun, this is a unique way for friends, families and colleagues to virtually “work together and flex that grey matter”.
ADVERTISEMENT
All escape rooms can be played by teams across households using video conferencing software, such as Zoom and Skype, but there’s one in particular that Mancunians might be most interested in.
The description for 19 Granby Row reads: “It’s 1908 and you’re in Manchester to investigate the theft of a secret recipe. John Nichols has spent his life perfecting the recipe to his new health tonic, and it has been stolen on the eve of its launch. Your job is to track down the thief by following his path around historical Manchester. Each puzzle you solve will give you a clue to unlock the next room, complete them all and get the recipe back to its rightful owner. You can get clues to help you along the way if you get stuck but everything you need is within the game”.
19 Granby Row is suitable for as many participants as you wish, but anywhere from two to six is advised for optimum game play.
There’s no time limit for this particular challenge either, making it perfect to play along with friends.
Speaking on the launch of 19 Granby Row, Mike Lee – co-founder of Mystery Escapades – told The Manc: “We started Mystery Escapades as a bit of fun, but actually we think they’re quite good and we’ve had great feedback from players [so] we’ve set one in historical Manchester, taking in the sights of streets and buildings that remain in the city today.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We’ve created this because we love the city,
“It’s where I was born and grew up and like any Manc, I’m staunchly protective of its place in the world”.
___
19 Granby Row will set you back just £15 for a pass valid for one month.
You can book your tickets, find more information about the escape rooms and access the all-important FAQs via the Mystery Escapades website here.
Trending
BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Featured Image – Rahul Kukreja (via Unsplash)
Trending
Manchester Airport releases list of its 10 fastest-growing holiday hotspots – including ‘Maldives of Europe’
Emily Sergeant
Holiday season is well underway, and now Manchester Airport has released a list of its 10 fastest-growing beach destinations.
Want to visit somewhere new? Destinations in Portugal, Greece, and Croatia are among the 10 fastest-growing summer holiday hotspots on Manchester Airport’s route network.
Following the completion of the £1.3bn Terminal 2 transformation, and a major project to redevelop Terminal 3 also now in the works, the airport is expecting a record summer season this year, which is why, with a couple of weeks left, a list of the top 10 fastest-growing destinations has been revealed, so if you’re short of some travel inspiration, this is it.
Sunseekers’ favourites are all expected to see extra visitors from Manchester this summer, but other lesser-known destinations are seeing an even greater surge in popularity – with the number of people travelling there this summer versus last summer set to double (or even triple) in some cases.
Manchester Airport has released a list of its 10 fastest-growing holiday destinations / Credit: Marie Volkert | Northleg Official (via Unsplash)
These destinations are spread across the Mediterranean, and all offer a rich blend of sun, sea, sand, history, culture, and foodie delights.
As you’d expect, there are a number of Spanish spots on the list, including the emerging Canary Islands favourite of La Palma, Jerez de la Frontera near the historic city of Cadiz, and the popular Valencia.
Elsewhere, you’ll also find the major cities of Marseille in France, Porto in Portugal, and Verona in Italy on the list, but if you’re keen to visit somewhere a little more off the beaten track, why not try and trip to Zadar in Croatia or Preveza in Greece, which both appear to be growing in popularity.
One of the real stand-out gems on the list though has to be what is dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’.
Holiday season is well underway at Manchester Airport / Credit: Ivan Shimko (via Unsplash)
Albania’s capital Tirana is not only a great candidate for a city break, but it’s also the starting point for intrepid explorers seeking out the stunning beaches on the Albanian Riviera – which have become famous on social media over the past couple of years, and have drawn comparisons to the bucket list destination of the Maldives.
“Sometimes, a destination will go viral on social media or see a spike in demand as adventurous travellers discover it,” explained Stephen Turner, who is the Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport. “And we then see that translate into airlines adding extra flights or flying larger aircraft to those destinations to meet that demand.
“We keep our finger on the pulse to analyse these trends and we work with our airline partners to ensure that if a particular destination is in vogue, or emerging as a new favourite, you can get there from Manchester.”
See the full list of stunning destinations and get booking your next trip here.
Emily Sergeant -
11th March 2021 
