Scarecrows, garlic and glow in the dark, what else is happening this week?
That's it, Manchester is now in tier 3, but not without a fight from our ever more famous mayor Andy Burnham. Bars and pubs that don't serve food have sadly had to close their doors from today but most restaurants and many bars that can serve 'a substantial meal' are still open, still have a sense of humour and really need your custom. If you are unable to visit in person, many are offering home delivery or click and collect options. And with a more reserved Halloween on the cards, there are still ways you and the kids can join in with some festive fun.
Read on for all the treats and no tricks.
Stretford Fall
Retailers, cafes and restaurants at Stretford Mall have created their own scarecrows which will be popping up around the mall from 26th October. Shoppers can collect a Scarecrow Trail map from participating retailers in exchange for a donation to Stretford Foodbank. Scarecrow spotters need to fill in the name of all the scarecrows as they find them. Once they’ve got a ‘scarecrow full house’ they can post their trail map into the Halloween Post Box to be in with a chance of winning a range of prizes. There will also be a collection box for Stretford Food Bank near the postbox where you can drop off donations at the end of the trail. All children who complete the Scarecrow trail in costume are in with the chance of winning a spot prize. The Scarecrow Trail will run from 26th- 31st October and the winner will be drawn on 31st October and notified on the day.
Gin-novation
We shed three little tiers at the news that Three Little Words has had to close its bar. But, don't worry too much, it's still working hard to supply Manchester with booze and food. The in-house Manchester Gin distillery has partnered with Dakota Hotel to create a bespoke gin called DC-3 - named for the pioneering aircraft, also known as Dakota. The gin is distilled with Scottish sea buckthorn, Yorkshire Tea, and dandelion and burdock root. You can sample the new tipple (with a substantial meal) in Dakota’s bar, terrace, Champagne Room, Cigar Garden or restaurant where you can also now order a new six-course tasting menu featuring the likes of king scallops, chateaubriand and Earl Grey panna cotta. Book here.
Three Little Words, is also launching a click-and-collect service for its indulgent Sunday roasts. Featuring ‘sky-high Yorkshire puddings, crispy roasties, and perfectly pink roast beef’ to warm at home, it’s available to order until every Friday at 8pm to be collected from Watson Street on Saturday or Sunday. There’s a weekly seasonal vegetarian option, puddings, wine, gin and cocktails to take home too. For £55, you can get a roast dinner for two with sides, including cauliflower cheese, two desserts and a bottle of wine or some cocktails. Keep an eye on our socials for more about this at the weekend.
Noods for stoods
Joining the ranks of fast-foodsters feeding isolated students is Chopstix Noodle Bar. Noodle Aid, launched officially in Manchester on Monday 19th October, visiting Manchester Metropolitan University Cambridge and Birley Halls. Arriving in style, a vintage WW2 tank dropped off 400 food parcels, along with the Noodle Aid platoon dressed in full army attire. We’re told that more boxes will be ‘delivered in style with a host of exciting stunts planned, all with the aim of putting a smile on students' faces’. Students who want to know the next location for Noodle Aid should keep an eye on the Chopstix social media channels.
Espresso in the dark
Jägermeister is partnering with Deliveroo this Halloween. Selected orders placed from 26th October until 1st November will receive a free Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee sample. Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee (ABV 33%), sees the rockstars’ favourite recipe of 56 herbs and spices combined with cold-brewed Arabica coffee and a soupçon of cacao. The 5cl mini has a very exciting glow-in-the-dark Halloween label created for Deliveroo, and comes with a recipe card instructing how to make the perfect espresso martini.
Curb your enthusiasm
Imagine if you could order something you were craving online and someone in a mask would hand over the goods through your car window in a nondescript paper bag. We’re talking about burgers, obvs, and the news that Five Guys Curbside is launching in Ashton Under Lyne. In addition to Click & Collect and Deliveroo orders, customers now have the option to have their favourite Five Guys meal delivered to their car via a safe, contactless method. You place an order on the Five Guys app or website which geo-tracks your location, providing a precise pick-up service with no need to leave your car. Curbside sends timely customer arrival notifications to the Five Guys Crew so orders can be prepared and brought to customers as soon as they arrive close to the restaurant.
Peru Perdu
There’s a Halloween drag brunch on 31st October at Peru Perdu. From 11am-3pm, you can get your fangs into a two-course Peruvian brunch and a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for £35pp. Pisco Sours, bottles of Pornstar Martini and Bloody Marys will also be available. Fancy dress is optional. Peru Perdu are also running a series of ceviche masterclasses. Start at 4pm with a glass of Veuve Clicquot before a top ceviche chef talks you through the history of the dish, preparation, flavouring and recipes. Following the masterclass, enjoy a full feasting menu with empanadas, ceviche, Peru Perdu’s speciality U.W.A. steak, sweet yam curry, and Dulce de leche cheesecake plus a half bottle of South-American wine per person. The event is monthly on Sundays for the next four months. The first one is on Nov 1st but see the website for details of later dates. Tickets would make for an unusual Xmas present if you’re thinking that far ahead yet.
Shory-boo
Shoryu Ramen Manchester has put together a special two-course Halloween menu available from Monday 26th October until Sunday 1st November. Two themed courses plus a cocktail or mocktail will set you back £22. There’s a Pumpkin Croquette bao starter and a main course of Dracula Tonkotsu Ramen featuring a 'powered up tonkotsu broth’ with caramelised black garlic mayo served with garlic chips. The fiendish dishes can be accompanied by a Bloody Dirty Lychee - made with lychee puree, Nigori sake and a dirty touch of dark rum. A non alcoholic choice is also on offer with a Bloody Yuzu Jasmine Tea.
Kids in
The Corn Exchange has plenty of offers on for half term: Mowgli is offering a free small lassi with every kids' meal. Banyan has 50% off food every Monday and Tuesday, including during half term week. Cosy Club has mornings sorted with a cooked breakfast or buttermilk pancakes plus a hot drink for £8.50. At Doner Haus, it’s two for one cocktails every Sunday-Thursday and before 6pm on Friday and Saturday. Delhi House Café’s Express Menu is available all day every day and includes a starter and a choice of a veggie or meat curry with rice or roti. Pho is doing a steaming hot bowl of Pho with a side of prawn (or prawn-less) crackers and a drink for £9.95 weekdays from opening to 4pm. Finally, Zizzi’s is offering three courses from their set menu for £17.95. More October offers here.
Bottoms up
Feeling like you need a little treat to get you through the dark months? The Lowry Hotel has launched a luxurious, 'five-star bottomless brunch'. Expect dishes like maple shredded ham hock with American pancakes, sweet potato hash with hot smoked salmon or rump steak with triple cooked chips and eggs. Choose a dish from the menu and enjoy unlimited Prosecco, breakfast cocktails, Peroni or wine for 90 minutes for £40 per person. Bookings are now being taken for Saturdays 24th and 31st October. More info and full menu here.
