Pan-Asian restaurant Vermilion is not somewhere you’d stumble across by accident, but between its eye-poppingly large prawns, dramatic decor and quirky robot waiters it’s definitely worth a visit.
Sitting on the outskirts of the city centre, this opulent three-story party palace is only a short walk from Manchester City’s grounds – still, it continues to fly under the radar despite being one of the city’s most dazzling dining destinations.
Well worth seeking out, an exclusive hidden gem. If it’s glitz and glamour you’re after when you’re out to dinner then it’s safe to say that Vermilion delivers in spades.
A popular choice for extravagant weddings and big parties, Vermilion is jam-packed with grand event spaces, an exclusive cocktail bar, and – most exciting of all – an opulent Asian fusion restaurant.
Its interiors combine lavish design with sumptuous fusion dishes, whilst its connections with parent company Seamark give it access to the biggest, juiciest prawns in the UK.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
And as for the plates coming out of its kitchen, expect a mixture of Thai, Japanese, Indian, Korean and Chinese dishes, with big flavours from the Asian continent being the order of the day.
Think fresh, plump exquisite scallops in shells dressed in lychee and longan fruit, roasted exclusive black cod, and grilled ‘Choo Chee’ prawns in a spicy red curry and coconut milk sauce, served alongside the likes of smoked Wagyu sushi rolls, unique Thai inspired Sushi Makis and delicately marbled Wagyu rib eye steak.
Elsewhere, you’ll find everything from beef green curry with Thai roti, to slow-cooked lamb shank massaman and super-refreshing bowls of Tom Yam noodle soup rich with aromatic lemongrass, lime and coriander.
Plus a host of delicious homemade desserts from warm chocolate fondant with peanut butter cream and traditional Khanom Pandam pudding, to homemade exotic ice-cream with flavours such as Thai Milk Tea to Pandan ice cream.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Fans of fine seafood are well-catered to Vermillion, which boasts exclusive access to wild giant ocean tiger prawns.
These beauties are served as part of its pad Thai dish, accompanied by tangy tamarind Sen Jan wok-fried noodles, with Thai herbs and spices, beansprouts, eggs, carrot and tofu, and are hands down the largest we’ve ever seen.
As well as a place for seafood lovers, there’s still plenty more on the menu at Vermillion to pique your interest.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
From Korean fried chicken buttermilk bao buns topped with Kewpie mayo and a fermented chilli sauce, to colourful rainbow dim sums, chicken satay dumplings, spiced prawn koftas and Khao Sai, a northern Thai / Loas curry noodle dish that is taking the noodle soup craze by storm.
For fans of East, South and South East Asian cuisine and culture, there’s so much to choose from at Vermillion.
To find out more and view the full menu, visit the website here.
Featured image – The Manc Eats
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Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later this year
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Featured Images – Supplied (via Publicity Pictures)
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Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers
Daisy Jackson
The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals.
The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them.
This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester.
Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men.
And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering.
Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthdayPen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long.
On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night.
Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.
Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years!
“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”
Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE.
The Manc -
22nd May 2023 
