One of Manchester’s hottest new restaurants is launching a live music programme this weekend.
Pan-Asian restaurant and bar Namii Kitchen & Cocktails, which opened on New York Street late last year, will be welcoming live singers and musicians each weekend.
The luxurious newcomer will then have resident DJs on the decks until late.
Guests will be able to watch the performances while working through Namii’s extensive list of Vietnamese-inspired cocktails.
Drinks at the new restaurant include the The Horse of Iron, which combines Roku gin, ginkgo kernel and wasabi syrup – drawing on an ancient legend that tells of a horse belonging to Saint Giong that spit fire from its mouth to defeat invaders, then flew away into the sky.
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Live music at Namii Kitchen & Cocktails in Manchester. Credit: Namii
Live music at Namii Kitchen & Cocktails in Manchester. Credit: Namii
Its cocktails regularly feature alcohols like sake, Japanese whiskey, and Haku vodka, often infused with flavours of pineapple, mango, and even buttered popcorn.
Other hand-crafted ingredients include orange flower water, kaffir lime cordial, and pandan jelly for a real taste of South-East Asia.
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On top of that, there’s a wide variety of wines, sakes, beers and spirits, including a range of Baijiu, a spirit from China that’s actually the most popular spirit in the world.
It’s all served alongside a menu of traditional favourites such as Vietnam’s national dish, Pho, Shaking beef and summer rolls.
Namii Kitchen & Cocktails in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Namii Kitchen & Cocktails in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Namii’s new music offering is set to launch this Friday 28 January, treating guests to live performances between 6pm and 9pm before the DJ takes over.
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On Saturday 29, the resident DJs will be joined by live musicians like saxophonists and electric violinists.
The following week on Saturday 5 February, Namii Kitchen & Cocktails will also be adding a brunch offering to its weekends, with live music, singers and DJs performing on Saturdays and Sunday – bookings are now live.
Its main food menu will be served right through until 10pm, with drinks-only bookings available from 9pm until late.
There are bespoke packages available for larger bookings too.
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Book your table and find out more about their weekly entertainment at namii.co.uk.
Featured image: Namii
What's On
Spend summer in space as 30ft rocket ship arrives at Science and Industry Museum next month
Emily Sergeant
Get ready to spend the summer in space, as Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced its summer events programme.
And it’s full of free interactive events and activities to get involved with.
As the temperatures rise, schools across Greater Manchester get ready to break up for summer, and parents and carers gear up to entertain the little ones, the Science and Industry Museum has just announced its summer events programme – with some new space-themed activities on the lineup for the first time.
It’s time to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Solar System, as families can blast off on a journey packed with hands-on experiences and cosmic fun.
Science and Industry Museum has announced its summer events programme / Credit: Science Museum Group
From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.
By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser – giving visitors the chance to revel at the real-life space craft and meet the team behind the rocket.
Designed to reach speeds of up to 3200mph, Skybolt 2 first flew in September 2017 and still displays some visible marks from its landing.
There’ll also be a new twist on the classic seaside puppet show, as artist Solar Sister brings space stories to life during interactive walkabout performances alongside an astronaut puppet companion.
Little Mancs can even get involved with draw-a-long workshops, take on space-inspired LEGO challenges, and even turn everyday items into instruments by joining a junk percussion jam inspired by space waste.
Then, on Wednesday 12 August, rocket activities will be swapped for a special event to mark the upcoming solar eclipse.
Expect live interactive shows, demonstrations, spectacular images of the Sun disappearing on giant screens, as well opportunities to discover more about this rare celestial event.
Science and Industry Museum’s Director, Sally MacDonald, said free and affordable experiences are ‘more essential than ever’ during the summer holidays.
“Our summer programme will offer families memorable days out to enjoy together, giving them the opportunity to explore the universe without even leaving Manchester,” she added.
The summer events programme will be running at the Science and Industry Museum from Saturday 18 July through to Tuesday 1 September, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group
What's On
Council plans 14 weeks of ‘free fun’ for children across Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer.
Thanks to additional Council funding that was allocated earlier this year, Manchester’s biggest-ever Parktastic programme launches this week – expanding from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and even sessions continuing into September.
Back by popular demand and aimed at children ages six-12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.
Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Activities will be running in 32 parks across Manchester all summer long.
The programme launches as Manchester celebrates being officially recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City, reinforcing the city and Manchester City Council’s commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to ‘play, thrive, and enjoy’ their local community.
🌳 Parktastic is back!
FREE play sessions are happening daily in @MCRparks_ across Manchester, led by trusted youth partners.
A great way for kids to have fun, make friends & enjoy the outdoors safely 💙
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 19, 2026
Sessions are set to take place rain or shine, so even if the classic rainy Manchester weather returns, children can still have fun.
It is suggested that younger children are accompanied by a parent/carer if they attend any of the organised events.
“We’re really lucky in Manchester to have lots of beautiful parks and open spaces and want our children to be able to get outside and enjoy them,” commented Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council.
“Our expanded Parktastic programme this year is even bigger and better.
“[This] means even more opportunities for youngsters in the city to go along to their local park, maybe try something new, have fun, meet friends and even make new ones.”
The Manc -
26th January 2022 
