It’s our last bank holiday Monday before the big festive ‘C’ word arrives, so let’s make the most of it.
Greater Manchester sure knows how to celebrate a four-day weekend, and no better time to do so than during the last hurrah of summer – but while these past couple of days have been full of action, the fun isn’t slowing down any time soon this week either, as there’s so much left to experience before the kids go back to school.
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 Pride Festival 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 25 August
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Manchester Pride Festival 2025 / Credit: Manchester Pride
It’s the final day of Manchester Pride for 2025, and it’s already proved to be bigger and better than ever this year.
Undoubtedly one of the most colourful, energetic, accepting, and highly-anticipated events in the Manchester social calendar every year, Manchester Pride has been back with a bang this August bank holiday weekend, and there’s plenty more to experience before the Festival closes out tonight.
This year’s edition of the beloved Festival has featured an impressive lineup of famous names, the iconic Pride Parade, and so much more, as well as countless other fringe events and themed celebrations to get stuck into too.
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Find out more about Manchester Pride Festival 2025 here.
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Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025
Bolton
Monday 25 August
Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025 / Credit: BFDF
Bolton Food and Drink Festival has returnd this August bank holiday weekend, and this is your final day to get feasting.
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The award-winning festival is the biggest of its kind in the North West, bringing together celebrity and regional chefs, cooking demos, live music, street entertainment, special events, and over 200 market traders.
Hosted right across the town centre, foodies can roam freely as they explore food stalls, bars, dedicated music stages, and plenty more at the free-to-attend festival.
Find out everything you need to know about Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025 here.
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Moulin Rouge The Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
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Monday 25 August – Saturday 4 October
=Moulin Rouge The Musical / Credit: Johan Persson | Matt Crockett (Supplied)
If you’re wandering down Oxford Road over these next couple of weeks and take a wrong turn, then you may find yourself in early 20th century Paris.
Moulin Rouge The Musical is a sultry, sexy extravaganza of lust, sin, and debauchery that you just can’t get enough of, so it’s time to lose yourself in the magic and showmanship of the Parisian clubs of yesteryear, as whether you’re a big fan of the hit 2001 movie, or new to the world of Moulin Rouge, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that you will be blown away.
This is possibly the best show I’ve ever seen on stage, and it’s at the Palace Theatre right up until early October.
Read our review of the show, and get your last-minute tickets here.
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Side-by-Side Festival 2025
Rochdale
Monday 25 – Wednesday 27 August
Side-by-Side Festival 2025 / Credit: Alan Hamer (Supplied)
A new arts festival has arrived in Rochdale, bringing lots of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities ‘shaped by local people’.
Developed with community input and led by local voices, Side-by-Side – which has been organised by Touchstones Rochdale – is showcasing Rochdale’s talent, imagination, and creativity in a bid to bring people together, strengthen community spirit, and share the stories, cultures and activities that make the borough unique.
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Across the week of the festival, visitors have been enjoying a packed programme of fantastic events led by local community groups.
We’re three weeks into the school holidays now, and if you’re looking for more ideas on things to do, then Printworks has got you covered, as from a massive sandpit and the world’s largest Pac-Man, to giant Jenga and loads more, this is the place to be this summer.
Plus, there’s loads of places with offers on too – with kids’ meals at Big Licks, under £6 golf for kids at Treetop Golf, and kids eat free at Chiquito with any main meal ordered.
The Summer of Fun activities are on all August between 10am and 4pm on a Thursday, and you can find out more about everything happening here.
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Loads To Do
Greater Manchester
Monday 25 August – onwards
Loads To Do / Credit: Artem Kniaz | Yan Krukau (via Unsplash & Pexels)
Thousands of free activities have been planned by Manchester City Council ready for local families to take part in this summer.
A many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for six whole weeks before the new term starts, the Councilhas relaunched its popular Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sporting events and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
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This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
Manchester Arndale’s Summer Scran Fest is back for 2025.
Prices have been slashed at more than 30 different restaurants, cafes, and kiosks inside the shopping centre, and there’s some huge discounts to be had, so whether you fancy savoury or sweet, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
You can grab free ice cream with any large drink at Lazy Sundae, get 20% off food at Sides and King Pins, get a massive 25% off at HOP Vietnamese, plus 15% off at The Bagel Factory,
There’s many more offers running too, and you can find out more here.
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NEW OPENING – Wynwood Lanes
Whitworth Street West
NEW OPENING – Wynwood Lanes
Manchester get ready, as Wynwood Lanes has taked over the legendary Dog Bowl site and given it a full Miami makeover.
Think five upgraded bowling lanes, pool tables, basketball hoops, sun drenched tunes, poolside cocktails, smoke machines, and a brunch menu from Kong’s NQ that’ll have you salivating before you’ve even sat down.
And to mark the grand opening, they’re giving away 100 free bowling sessions this bank holiday Monday, so you can celebrate in style without needing to spend.
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Find out how to claim a free bowling session here.
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NEW OPENING – The Reserve
Chester Zoo
The Reserve at Chester Zoo is now finally open to the public.
Featuring 51 beautifully-designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam free, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake, The Reserve is a staycation unlike anywhere else in the UK.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people, and every stay contributes toward the incredible work Chester Zoo is doing for critical conservation.
Find out more and book your stay at The Reserve here.
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NEW OPENING – Popeyes
Manchester Arndale
NEW OPENING – Popeyes / Credit: The Manc Group | Supplied
Manchester is getting another new Popeyes next week, and this time it’s coming to the city’s biggest shopping centre.
Popeyes has become known for its round-the-block queues on opening day – with both the Manchester Piccadilly and Bury New Road launches attracting hundreds for their first bite of the legendary Chicken Sandwich.
This is why a ‘show-stopping’ launch day is planned for the new Arndale site when it opens from 11am this Friday, and there’ll be loads of giveaways for shoppers to get their teeth stuck into.
Find out everything happening on opening day here.
Multi-sensory experience SUPERMASSIVE has made its way over to Depot Mayfield for a maze of interactive activities this summer.
Suitable for all ages – especially kids and families – and open for the next three weeks, there’s so much to get stuck into. Think puzzles where you connect various wires, a large sandpit with projections overhead, and even a retro arcade machine where you can practice creating your own DJ set.
There’s even timeslots dedicated to adults available from 7pm too, so you can bring your mates, have a pint or two, and wander around this huge indoor attraction.
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Summer of Senses
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 25 – Sunday 31 August
Summer of Senses / Credit: Science Museum Group
The Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to, making it one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre this summer.
With events running up until 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
A beach, splash park, fairground rides, and loads more family fun has returned to the Trafford Centre for the summer.
After proving to be massively-popular over the past couple of years, with thousands of families travelling from across Greater Manchester and beyond to bask in the sunshine and make the most of all the fun and games, the Trafford Centre has welcomed back its Summer Fair for 2025.
And this year, the beloved event has got itself a new family activity zone, and it sounds set to be bigger and better than ever.
The best bit? Tickets will only set you back just £3 each.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Kargo on the Docks is back for the summer.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
One of the UK’s top bars (in fact, it ranks seventh in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list) is in Manchester for a very brief moment in time – and is a must-visit while you have the chance.
Passing Fancies have left their native Birmingham for a while and taken up residency on the top floor of The Morris, a lovely multi-storey bar on Thomas Street.
In here you’ll find playful but elegant cocktails, like a boozy ‘Adult Ribena’, ‘Canals’, which is served with scoops of sorbet, and the ‘Council Pop’.
They’ll be in situ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 1 September.
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Featured Image – Johan Persson | Kongs NQ | Manchester Pride
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 -
22nd August 2025 
