City Centre

New Greater Manchester travel warnings issued as Christmas Markets get underway

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Big wheel at Manchester Christmas Markets

New travel warnings and advice have been issued across Greater Manchester as the city’s annual Christmas Markets get underway.

Manchester Christmas Markets officially kicked off for 2026 last Friday (6 November), and that means the city region is gearing up to welcome millions of extra visitors over the next couple of months – no matter whether they’re heading to the Markets, shopping for Christmas gifts, or enjoying a festive night out with friends and family.

Around 3.4 million additional visitors are expected in the city centre during just the Christmas Markets period alone.

It’s predicted that almost 40% of that extra footfall will be concentrated into just nine days – including Black Friday weekend at the end of this month, and the first two weekends of December. 

With all these extra visitors expected, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has issued travel warnings and advice – encouraging people to choose their travel method, route, and time wisely when planning their journeys.

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Millions of journeys are set to be made on the region’s tram and rail networks, whilst walking and cycling are also touted as a ‘great option’ for shorter journeys.

More buses than ever will also be running across the city region this festive season, as this year is the first Christmas with 24-hour night buses serving every borough.

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More double trams will be running on some of the busiest parts of the Metrolink network, including on the Altrincham-Bury line, and on the Trafford Park line during the Christmas period, while additional/enhanced tram services laid on for major events such as football fixtures and others expected to generate higher passenger numbers

Elsewhere, as part of efforts to encourage people to leave the car and give public transport a try, overnight parking restrictions are being lifted on existing Park & Ride locations, and some new pop-up Park & Rides will be opening soon.

“The growing popularity of Manchester and the massive programme of events means it will definitely be busy,” warned Danny Vaughn, who is the Chief Network Officer at TfGM.

“That’s why we’re encouraging people to try public transport if they usually drive, and urging everyone to give extra thought to how and when the travel as they plan their journeys.”

Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council, added: “As always, public transport remains the best option if you’re looking to enjoy Christmas in Manchester and we’d urge people to use the bus, tram or train rather than using their own car.

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“Our colleagues at TfGM are working incredibly hard to put on additional services and make it as cost-efficient as possible to use public transport.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

City Centre

Ancoats Sunday roast named one of the best in the UK

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo The Sunday roast at Elnecot has been named one of the best in the UK

If there is one thing us Brits have got down to a tee, it is how to spend a Sunday properly.

Go on, try and name a better way to spend the end of your weekend than heading out for some seriously hearty food and a pint with loved ones – I’ll wait.

There truly is nothing more comforting than a proper roast, especially as we head into the depths of winter and one thing is for certain – the UK is absolutely spoilt for choice on where to get a fix of this absolutely timeless meal. The question is where is serving the best?

While everyone argues over whose local is better, global travel site Big 7 Travel, decided to put it to the test.

Every year, they thoroughly investigate this pressing issue for us and release their list of The 25 Best Sunday Roasts in the UK, judging everything from quaint countryside pubs to inventive city-centre restaurants.

Their strict marking criteria covers everything from how the meat and trimmings are cooked, to how much care goes into sourcing ingredients.

They’ll also take into account what other diners say about the Sunday lunch, the atmosphere, and value for money.

This year our beloved Elnecot, nestled in the heart of Ancoats, did us proud being named the sixth best Sunday roast in the UK.

Elnecot in Ancoats is a neighbourhood favourite
Elnecot in Ancoats is a neighbourhood favourite
The Sunday roast at Elnecot has been named one of the best in the UK
The Sunday roast at Elnecot has been named one of the best in the UK

It is clear to see why – with their killer Sunday roast serving a delicious selection of starters, followed by a choice of dry aged native topside; slow-roasted shoulder of Yorkshire lamb; lemon, thyme and butter roasted confit chicken leg; crispy, slow-roasted Yorkshire pork belly; or a nut and squash roast.

All accompanied by the crispiest roast potatoes, giant Yorkshire puddings, pork/vegan stuffing, roasted carrots, parsnips, sautéed greens, broccoli cheese and gravy.

Not to mention their mouth-watering extras such as truffle broccoli cheese, buttered greens in confit garlic or a beef shin stuffed Yorkshire pudding.

Oh – and only the best desserts selection you can imagine to follow, consisting of a burnt Basque cheesecake with mixed berries, sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, butterscotch tiramisu, an affogato or even an ice cream sundae – by this point we we’re drooling too don’t worry.

This year, the top 10 included some pretty big names making this even more of an achievement for Elnecot:

  1. The Hawthorn – Haworth
  2. Kyloe – Edinburgh
  3. The Camberwell Arms – Southwark, London
  4. Coorie Inn – Crieff
  5. Impossible Restaurant & Wonderbar – York
  6. Elnecot – Manchester
  7. The Horse & Groom – Bourton-on-the-Hill
  8. Blacklock – Soho, London
  9. The Abbey Inn – Byland
  10. Skein – Nottingham

Now all that’s left to do is go and try them all out for ourselves – what a shame.

Read more…

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE

Featured image: Supplied, @elnecot

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