There are few things more quintessentially British, and crucially, more quintessentially Northern, than tucking into a chippy tea on a Friday.
Once Friday rolls around, Brits up and down the country will pop to their local chip shop and hand over a couple of quid in return for what is one of the heartiest meals they’re likely to have all week – and now, one popular vinegar company is giving chippy-lovers the chance to grab fish and chips for free every Friday throughout the summer.
While the summer season admittedly doesn’t always lend itself to hot deep-fried food, who could say no to free fish and chips?
The UK’s number one vinegar brand Sarson’s has pledged to reimburse hundreds of fish and chip meals this summer as part of its #SarsonsFryday campaign – which is aiming to help consumers amid the rising cost of living crisis, and chippies which are anticipating low customer numbers as a result of tightened household budgets.
Up until 2 September, Sarson’s will be dishing out 100 free chippy teas every Friday.
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Sarson’s says it hopes to “renew the nation’s love for fish and chip shops” with the campaign, all while promoting a sense of community spirit in supporting them.
“The rising cost of living means we’re naturally all looking for ways to cut down our expenses and one of the first thing that consumers cut back on is meals out and takeaways, leaving many of our favourite chippies at risk,” explained Bryan Carroll – Deputy Chief Operating of Sarson’s.
“As we enjoy the warmer weather, we wanted to help the nation support their local so we’re making everyone’s favourite day of the week even better with #SarsonsFryday, so whether it’s a staycation with friends, seaside visit with the whole family or a quiet Friday night in, we want to make sure Brits get their fish and chip fix.
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“So this summer, it’s on us.”
So, how do you actually get a free chippy tea then?
Well, to claim the freebie, all you’ll need to do is take a picture of your chippy order including a Sarson’s bottle or branded promotional signage in store, and then share it to Twitter or Instagram tagging @SarsonsUK and #SarsonsFryday.
Don’t forget to make sure you’re following @SarsonsUK too, and keep hold of your proof of purchase, to make sure your entry is valid.
A Manchester barbershop is offering a ‘pay what you can’ service this month
Danny Jones
Amidst the tidal wave of January deals on food and drink in Manchester, a local barbers is championing their own ‘pay what you can’ offer to help people along this month.
Jefe’s Barbershop, located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, is one of the best barbers in the city centre, offering a wide variety of cuts and facial hair grooming services – they even offer a subscription service that helps people save money on regular trims.
That being said, they are well aware of those January blues and the mounting obstacles and anxieties that come with weeks of penny-pinching to make it to month’s end, as well as the general toll it can take on people’s mental health.
So this January, Jefe and his team are doing something different – as he puts it, “something special”: the barbershop is allowing customers to simply pay what they feel comfortable handing over and, in the case of those struggling, whatever they can afford.
It’s a simple gesture with a big purpose which helps ensure no one has to miss out on a feel-good moment or the confidence that comes from a fresh trim.
“All we do is laugh and joke about life—that’s why people come here,” Jefe explains. “I don’t want anyone to lose the chance to be present, to feel good, and to laugh with us.
“Men often need more help than they’re willing to let on and we want to be a helping hand they can rely on.” Now that’s a cause all of us can and should get behind.
Community support has remained at the core of Jefe’s Barbershop since the beginning when he swapped a basketball career for providing a much-needed service to Mancunian men.
From partnering with Manc sandwich shops and offering free haircuts for the homeless, to hosting street parties with local events companies and providing £5 trims to promote men’s mental health in 2023 when the cost of living crisis really kicked in – Jefe’s is always trying to make a difference in the area.
You’ve got to love businesses that go the extra mile.
If you want to make the most of this wholesome deal or just feel like you’re in need of a trim, you can book HERE or call them directly on 0161 818 7659.
The ‘pay what you can’ offer runs Monday to Thursday, 9am-7pm, subject to availability. You’ll find Jefe’s Barbershop on Stevenson Square
Because as the man himself puts it, “Everyone deserves to feel their best”.
Colourful Simpsons-themed cafes pop up inside Manchester’s Primark stores
Emily Sergeant
Cafes inside Primark stores across the UK are being transformed into The Simpsons-themed foodie hubs for a limited time only.
You may remember that Grinch-themed cafes popped up inside Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo during December, which were a hit with fans of the furry green character – with everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.
A new life inspired by the legendary animated sitcom, The Simpsons, that is.
Colourful Simpsons-themed cafes have popped up inside Manchester’s Primark stores / Credit: The Manc Group & Supplied
Get ready to step into Springfield, as from now right through until the beginning of May, Primark shoppers can get their D’oh-nut fix and much more, with each cafe kitted out with Simpsons-themed menus and decor.
The special themed menu includes a wide selection of waffles and toasties, and also plenty of drinks and shakes to choose from, including an indulgent Chocolate Marshmallow Hot Chocolate, and a scrumptious Strawberry Doughnut Shake.
Prices start at £4.25 for drinks, and £5.50 for food items.
The menu is filled will themed delights inspired by the beloved animated sitcom / Credit: The Manc Group
“We’re serving up a slice of Springfield with our latest cafe theme, giving fans a taste of The Simpsons right in our stores,” explained Tim Kelly, who is the Director of New Business Development at Primark, as the cafes opened across the UK last week.
“We’re always looking for new ways to create fun and memorable experiences for our customers and our themed cafes have been a big hit, so we can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction in store.”
The Primark Café with The Simpsons is now open in Primark’s Manchester Market Street, and Manchester Trafford stores, as well as in Birmingham, Belfast, Braehead, Edinburgh, and Cardiff until the beginning of May.