It’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Greater Manchester now.
The temperatures are dropping and the nights are be drawing in, but there’s still absolutely no shortage of things to be getting up to in our region this month, so we’ve put together a fresh edition of our ‘what’s on’ guide for the city of Manchester and beyond this week to cherry-pick a few of the best bits.
Some of the events we’re going to mention here are completely free, others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Plenty are still taking COVID-safety measures to give you peace of mind though.
Here’s our top picks.
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Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester City Centre
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Monday 15 November – Wednesday 22 December
Credit: Flickr
Manchester Christmas Markets 2021 have officially opened.
After Manchester City Council confirmed the return of the iconic event – which spreads festive cheer right across the city centre, and draws in visitors from all across the globe each year – last month, Piccadilly Gardens has taken over the reigns from Albert Square as the heart of the markets event as the town hall regeneration project continues.
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The area has become the ‘Winter Gardens’, and ionic market huts have also been set up on nine different sites across the city.
This year’s markets will run right through until Wednesday 22 December 2021.
You can find out more about Manchester Christmas Markets here, and about all the Christmas and Winter Markets in Manchester here.
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Poppies: Wave and Weeping Window
Imperial War Museum North
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Monday 15 November – onwards
Have you had the chance to see the hundreds of ceramic poppies that commemorate the First World War that have gone on permanent display in Manchester yet?
Following the success of Poppies: Wave and Weeping Window – which toured to IWM London and IWM North during the final year of the First World War centenary – the iconic sculptures have returned to IWM North to be permanently displayed for the first time.
Conceived by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper as part of the Tower of London installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, the tour of the poppies sculptures around the UK encouraged millions of people across the country to reflect on their own links to the First World War as a shared experience.
Credit: Geograph (David Dixon) | Manchester City Council
After captivating visitors in years gone by, 10 twinkly Christmas light sculptures have been brought to life across the city centre once again.
Among the festive sculptures to keep your eyes peeled for will be some giant walk-through baubles, star-spangled archways, a 36ft Christmas tree, and a colour-changing word sculpture that spells out ‘Merry Christmas MCR’, as well as some returning favourites.
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This year, the sculptures are all dotted around Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square.
Get Living and Hope Mill Theatre have teamed up to bring an award-winning interactive stage play that celebrates Mancunian friendship and community to New Maker Yards to celebrate the launch of a further 500 homes for rent at the Middlewood Locks community.
Normally you’d find the actors of Ancoats’ very-own Hope Mill Theatre company appearing in packed-out productions, but their newest immersive play has a very different setting the play is taking place across three apartments at New Maker Yards.
Titled ‘Mates’, the play will celebrate the cities’ culture and lifestyle, and feature immersive mediations, spoken word recitals, and a house party complete with live music and a photo booth.
After the performance, audiences will also be able to enjoy a free pint or burger at Seven Bro7thers beerhouse in the neighbourhood.
You can find out more, and grab FREE tickets here.
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Van Gogh Alive
MediaCityUK
Monday 15 November – 23 January 2022
Van Gogh Alive has officially opened at MediaCityUK.
It’s “the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience” that exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist and after having welcomed over eight million visitors in 70 cities around the world – including sell-out runs in London and Birmingham – the art and culture experience is now destined for Salford.
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Van Gogh Alive takes people on a trip through the periods of Van Gogh’s life that defined him as an artist and showcases 3,000 images, including some of his most iconic works like Starry Night and Sunflowers, and lesser-known paintings inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints.
The exhibition is home to a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting, a ‘Sunflower selfie room’ – a 360° mirrored space complete with hundreds of sunflowers, and so much more
Now that temperatures are dropping and the festive season is right around the corner, the Trafford Centre’s next large-scale outdoor event invites visitors to “grab the gang for some festive fun” at ‘Tinsel Town’.
So wrap up warm and explore a winter wonderland that’s full of rides and festive fayre – including the chance to glide on down the UK’s longest tobbogan slide, take a spin on the big wheel at the festive fairground, hitch a ride on the Santa train, and shimmy and skate around a brand-new magical ice rink.
And of course, no Christmas is complete without a visit to the big man himself, so get ready to share your festive wishes with Santa in his twinkling tipi.
A new world-first free exhibition that’s set to explore the revolution in science that is transforming cancer care has opened to the public at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.
The Science Museum Group has partnered with expert partner Cancer Research UK for the curation of the new exhibition at what is a key moment in time when one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, but more of us than ever before are living longer and better with the disease.
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Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation, and hope is the first “major object-rich exhibition” to reveal the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated.
Through never-before seen objects and stories, cutting edge treatment and research, reflection, new artist commissions and installations, film, photography, interactive exhibits and a breadth of personal stories, the museum says the exhibition will present the stories of people affected by cancer and those who study and treat it.
You can find more information about the new exhibition here.
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Skate Manchester Ice Rink
Cathedral Gardens
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Monday 15 November 2021 – 3 January 2022
Credit: Georgie Glass (2010 – 2019)
The Skate Manchester Ice Rink is sticking around in Cathedral Gardens right up until January 2022, so there’s plenty of time to wrap up warm and brush up on your ice skating skills this winter.
Visitors can book ice skating tickets online, as well as skate aids for children needing a little extra help on the ice.
Pre-booking is recommended particularly at weekends and during school holidays.
If you’re looking to get a head-start on your Christmas shopping with the festive season just around the corner, then there’s arguably no better place in the north west to get yourself down to than Cheshire Oaks.
Cheshire Oaks is the largest Designer Outlet in the UK, home to over 400,000 square feet of retail space with more than 150 boutiques, restaurants, and cafés to choose from, and there’s up to 60% off the RRP in all of the brands on site too, all year round.
But even though Christmas shopping is probably at the front of your mind right now, that’s not all you could be getting up to at the outlet over these next few weeks and throughout December.
We’ve rounded-up everything happening at Cheshire Oaks this festive season here.
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Harvey Nichols Second Floor Brasserie
New Cathedral Street
Monday 15 November – onwards
Credit: Harvey Nichols / Visit Manchester
Following a period of closure, the Manchester branch of Harvey Nichols – which is based on New Cathedral Street in the heart of the city centre – is reopening its Second Floor Bar and Brasserie this week to give customers the chance to take a break from shopping and enjoy a range of cocktails, afternoon tea, brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as bubbles at the champagne bar.
The menu offers a modern European cuisine and twist on British classics.
The Second Floor Bar and Brasserie will be open from Sunday – Thursday at 10am – 10pm, and Friday – Saturday at 10am -11pm, and it’s also available to hire for private functions, Christmas parties, and special occasions.
Alpine-themed Bar Hütte has returned to Manchester bigger and better than ever at Great Northern this year.
Fancy a winter reunion with private karaoke huts, festive cocktails, and a party line up? The much-loved Christmas pop-up event will take over the current Great Northern Beach Club site and transform it into a “magical wonderland inspired by a ski resort in the Alps”.
Visitors will be able to step into an alpine winter haven that’s complete with cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, flowing drinks, and the all-important chance to sing your heart out in a private hut.
A new foodhall and community space is opening up in the heart of Sale town centre this week, and it’s just in time for Christmas.
Sale Foodhall in Stanley Square will open to the public on Thursday 18 November, with an exciting line-up of food traders, community space, and new retail offering.
If you’re unfamiliar with the foodhall concept, it’s already proved hugely-popular in Stretford and is now being rolled out in the neighbouring Greater Manchester suburb with a large and colourful unit that has plenty of space for rotating indie food vendors, plus the much-loved artisan pizza experts Basillico, and proper tasty burger-slingers at What’s Your Beef set to join the lineup as permanent residents.
The first temporary trader to join the foodhall family at the new venue will be Eat Dutch, which is set to serve its authentic mini Dutch pancakes throughout November and December.
A brand-new “insane and super wacky” live event that’s inspired by popular Japanese game shows has arrived in Manchester.
It’s fair to say that Ginger Vanderpump – known by many as ‘the Duchess of daytime TV’ – and her co-star Mr Leonard Lilypops are giving Manchester an experience like no other, where those who are up to the challenge can expect “mind-blowing entertainment” from a crazy cast of misfits.
There’s some wild games, banging tunes, live DJ’s, Drag Queens, everyone’s favourite drinks, and chaos like you’ve never seen before.
This is Big in Japan.
You can find more information and grab tickets here.
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Pixel Bar
Northern Quarter
Saturday 20 November – onwards
Credit: Pixel Bar Leeds
A new gaming bar is opening in the Northern Quarter this week, with a fun drinks menu featuring cocktails inspired by its bartenders’ favourite games.
Pixel Bar will open next door to Trof in the Northern Quarter, bringing numerous consoles, high-spec gaming PCs, and gaming-inspired cocktail menu to the former TV21 site later this month, with a happy hour deal, with cocktails priced at 2-for-£9 until 9pm everyday.
There will be a fully-themed cocktail menu with choices like ‘Jigglypuff’, ‘Princess Perch’ and the ‘Yoshi’s Island Iced Tea’, plus a selection of ‘magic potion’ shots – promising do deliver ‘full health’ and ‘stamina’ to the drinker.
The bar also has a signature cocktail called ‘Who’s that Pokemon?’ – a combination of vodka, lemon juice, soda and your choice of flavoured syrup.
Manchester’s largest street food fair GRUB – which is currently based at the Red Bank Project just outside of the city centre in Cheetham Hill – is hosting afternoon of festive workshops this Sunday to give you the chance to make some decorations for your home, or hand-make Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
There’ll be children’s bauble decorating classes, wreath making, hand-embroidered felt Christmas tree making tutorials, and festive skincare workshops too.
If you’re after a bottomless brunch with a bit of a twist in Manchester city centre, then get yourself down to Point Blank as the shooting simulation speakeasy is offering 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, drinks and shooting – and it’s sure to start your night off with a bang.
Located on Deansgate, Point Blank is a unique bar that offers a sports bar feel combined with American bar snacks, a wide range of cocktails and a virtual shooting range.
The bottomless brunch will include 90 minutes of unlimited beer, prosecco, pizza and 60 minutes of shooting for £35 per person, and will run on Sundays from 12pm – 4pm.
You can find more information, and book your slot here.
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Featured Image – Manchester City Council | Point Blank
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 December 2025
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe we’re half way through December now, and a new year will soon be here?
Greater Manchester is looking as seasonal as ever at the moment, with dozens of light trails and Christmas events to be getting involved with, not to mention the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets having kicked off for 2025 too, so there’s loads to do throughout our region this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 15 – Monday 22 December (some until 4 January 2026)
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
This is your last full week to make the most of Manchester Christmas Markets 2025.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 here, and check out the full round-up of drinks prices from all the traders here.
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Looking for somewhere a bit quieter but still full of festive spirit? We now have a round-up of the best alternative Christmas markets in and around Greater Manchester.
Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing, and despite having a new layout this year, they’re kinda the same as always. So if you’re seeking something a bit different for your festive day out, Christmas shopping, or even dinner, there are a few alternative markets to try this winter.
From a brand-new event where street food traders centre around a flaming mulled wine bar, to one of the region’s best-loved weekend markets that now has a festive twist, there’s absolutely loads going on.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2025, ready for families, friends, and festive fun seekers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, Skate Manchester is festive staple in Cathedral Gardens.
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink for another year.
This year, there’s also a giant turbine by Octopus Energy that’s partially-powering the rink too, and you can skate around it while enjoying the ski scene in the globe.
The Grotto has returned to the Trafford Centre for the festive season.
This year, the shopping centre is taking things up a notch too, as The Grotto is described as being a ‘joyful’ and ‘interactive’ adventure where you’ll become part of a magical mission – saving Christmas cheer.
To make the experience accessible to all, specially-tailored Whispering Winter sessions with softer lighting, quieter music, and fewer visitors will create a calm and inclusive environment for every child to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Manchester City are hosting special Christmas-themed tours of the Etihad Stadium this winter.
Having already been given the nod at Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ awards, the club’s Etihad Stadium tours have been given an even better festive upgrade. From walking out the tunnel welcomed to the tune of Christmas carols sang by the Halle Youth Choir and into the dugout, holding their own press conference, as well as a new VR experience, you’ve never quite done a tour like this. Give your fellow City fans a visit to their beloved Blues’ home ground like never before.
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this winter?
Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
Believe! The Polar Express Experience has landed in Manchester.
Having taken over Victoria Warehouse, this is an immersive walk-through experience, inspired by the timeless Christmas classic. You’ll be taken through the story in its entirety, stepping into the Polar Express carriage as a passenger and arriving to a festive Northern Lights display at your final destination – the North Pole, of course.
Photo opportunities are available throughout the experience too… yep, even with the big guy himself, so make sure to get snapping.
As a wise someone once said… ‘live, laugh, light trail’.
If there’s one thing we’re not short of in the North West this festive season, it’s light trails or seasonal light-themed events, so we’ve rounded up some of the best for you to visit this week, if you fancy popping down to one.
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Northern Lights
Heaton Park
Monday 15 – Wednesday 31 December
Northern Lights / Credit: Supplied
Heaton Park has been transformed into a glowing world of wonder, as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails has made its Manchester debut.
Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot – has descended on our city’s largest park, bringing its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere along with it.
A magical illuminated trail has made it returns to the historic Dunham Massey, filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers, and for 2025, there’s a whole host of brand-new installations to see.
Visitors will get to walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World / Credit: The Manc Group
The magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver’s World once again.
After proving to be a huge success the past two years, the one-mile trail showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wondrous, wild, and magical atmosphere that’s suitable for all ages, and this year, there’s even some new additions.
The dazzling Lanterns and Light trail has returned to Chester Zoo for the winter.
Over the past couple of years, Lanterns and Light has proved to be such a success that it’s developed into one of the North West’s biggest and longest-running festive light trails, and all profits from the event support the zoo’s charitable mission to prevent wildlife extinction.
The zoo has transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland with colour-changing forests, glowing animals, show-stopping puppets and, brand-new for this year, a host of new immersive installations.
Yuletide at Tatton Park / Credit: Tatton Park / Emma Croman
One of winter’s top events, Yuletide, has returned to Tatton Park’s Gardens.
The magical winter adventure has, once again, brough a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025. As visitors wander the Yuletide event, they’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Christmas has come early and Santa’s brought us the prettiest present of all this year.
A shiny new Anthropologie store has opened its doors inside a beautiful retail space at Royal Exchange, and it’s stuffed with homeware, fashion, gifts, and loads more.
Across two floors, you’ll find everything from denim to dinnerware, plus delights like martini-shaped handbags, apres ski-inspired glassware, and cosy knitwear – with brands like Damson Madder, TALA, Maeve, Vagabond, and Never Fully Dressed all in store.
It’s time to say Alo to the city’s newest fitness store.
Alo Yoga has finally opened the doors to a gorgeous new shop in the heart of Manchester, kitting us lot out with everything we need to move and stretch from studio to street. There’s everything from comfy joggers and stretchy leggings to essential fitness kit like cushioned yoga mats. The new Alo Yoga store has the perfect attire for your relaxing yoga session, pilates princess sweat sesh, or brunch date.
Our piggy little prayers have been answered – you can finally get your hands on proper British pies at the Manchester Christmas Markets.
You may know that Great North Pie Co have been a staple at the Markets for years, but it’s always been with pies you take home to heat for your tea… not this time though, as this year they’ve got an actual pie and mash bar.
They’re currently serving up their award-winning bakes on a bed of fluffy mashed potato, with lashings of steaming hot onion gravy.
Everybody’s favourite pasta from a cheese wheel is back this year.
Pasta Claus is the Italian themed pop-up serving all the classics. We’re talking the OG carbonara, cacio e pepe, and a pesto burrata number – the options are endless. There’s even thick cut slices of Lasagne too, with layers of beef ragù, bèchamel sauce, and lashings of parm.
If you’re dreaming of a cheesy Christmas, get this one added to your list.
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Is piping hot goulash in a bread bowl more up your street?
When we’re after comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty stew or a warm bowl of roasties, right?
Enter Roasties Haus, brought to you by the team behind Drip Haus. We’re talking fluffy roasted tatties piled high with all the festive trimmings, and of course, a big tub of gravy to pour, dip, and devour every last bite.
But wait, they’re not stopping there. These legends are also serving Austrian goulash in a bread bowl, because nothing screams comfort and warmth like a hearty, loaded soup and crusty bread.
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Is your sweet tooth craving tiramisu? Ours certainly is.
These gorgeous little boxes of tiramisu have been going viral on TikTok, so we made a beeline to the Manchester Christmas Markets to grab one for ourselves.
Misu Tiramisu have brought nine different flavours of their handcrafted Italian desserts to Piccadilly Gardens.
You can tuck into flavours including classic, pistachio and lemon, as well as festive flavours like black forest, gingerbread, and orange chocolate, all served in these beautiful little boxes.
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Up for a pint of the Black Stuff?
Manchester isn’t exactly short of a pint of places for a pint of Guinness (not sure if you’ve noticed, but we have a LOT of Irish pubs now) – but only three have got the seal of approval from the source themselves. This week, the iconic Irish brewery released its inaugural Harp Guide, singling out just 35 pubs around the country that are serving a worthy pint of the black stuff. From a lively city centre pub to a couple of suburban gems, these are the spots to head if you’re a discerning Guinness fan.
Featured Image – Tatton Park | Manchester City Council | The Manc Group
What's On
The Cut and Craft are hosting a bottomless Boxing Day brunch this year
Danny Jones
This holiday season, The Cut and Craft are hosting an extra lavish take on their usual bottomless brunch on Boxing Day.
Suddenly, we’re looking forward to 26 December maybe even more than our mam’s Christmas dinner…
Yes, the much-loved steak and seafood restaurant is already well-known for one of the best bottomless brunches in Manchester, not to mention evening meals, but they always elevate things even further over the festive period.
Promising top ingredients, the best booze labels you could ask for, as well as stunning service in an even more stunning room, you can’t go wrong if you’re looking to make the most of your toasts this Boxing Day – and don’t worry, vegetarians: there are some great options for you, too.
Typically held over a long weekend, The Cut and Craft bank holiday bottomless brunch will be held for the last time this year on the final Friday of 2025. You couldn’t ask for more perfect timing than that.
The group have transformed the beautiful room in the heart of the city into what they’ve dubbed “a scene straight out of Miracle on 34th Street.
Adorned with grand wreaths, the reliable warmth of twinkling fairy lights, stockings hanging in front of the fire in ‘The Gossip Room’, plus Santa guarding the wine cellar, the only thing more inviting than the space is the menu.
Besides the usual 90 minutes of non-stop Moët & Chandon champagne, as well as DJs, live entertainment and dancers, the food offerings include flat iron steak and chips served on a hot stone with a grilled tomato and signature salt.
If you prefer something to steer away from the red meat/have already had plenty over Christmas, you can go for grilled seabass with Duchess potatoes, gremolata, hazelnut and cauliflower sauce, OR opt for the halloumi fajitas packed with roasted peppers and onions, guacamole, salsa and chive sour cream.
You can even load these up even further with the addition of free-range British chicken breast, rump steak (if you change your mind on the day), and even king prawns.
We’re almost drooling just thinking about all this – as are our mates from The Hoot after confirming the same promotion is available at their equally gorgeous sites over in Leeds.
Veggie options are Cut & Craft’s ‘Redefine Flank Steak & Chips’ (tender flank-style cut of plant-based steak), or spicy cauliflower wings, served with broad beans, English garden peas, buckwheat, baby gem, baby spinach, broccoli couscous, toasted cashews, pistachio crumb, and maple-mustard dressing.
Once again, all of this can be tweaked here and there by the exceptional waiting staff; for instance, if you’d rather wine than champers, you can always swap the bubbly for Whispering Angel Rosé, which will be served straight from their limitless fountain.
Guests who fancy visiting Cut and Craft for Boxing Day 2025 can choose between a bar table with unlimited Whispering Angel drinks only from just £55, or go all out with a restaurant table and a dish from the set brunch menu starting from £75.
The full Moët fizz upgrade package will set you back £100, if you’re really looking to indulge yourself this year, and who could blame you? It’s a long, old winter, after all.
If you’re interested in securing your seat at 38-42 Mosley St, bookings are available from 1pm onwards, and you can reserve your table right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
12th November 2021 
