City Guides
There’s a forgotten Japanese Garden hidden in the hills of a popular Lancashire walking spot
This is stunning!
Published
4 years agoon
By
Alex WatsonThere’s a beautiful and tranquil Japanese Lake hidden in one of Lancashire’s top walking spots.
If you’ve ever ventured up Rivington Pike you’ll know just how busy that place gets, especially if the sun makes an appearance!
Tucked away around halfway up the path to the peak is one of Britain’s best lost gardens (according to Countryfile in 2014).
The Japanese Lake is part of the Rivington Terraced Gardens built by the founder of the former Lever Brothers company – now known as Unilever – Lord Leverhulme, inspired by one of his trips to Japan.
Constructed between 1905 and 1925, The Terraced Gardens were originally filled with Japanese tea houses, lanterns, and exotic plants, and had two gorgeous waterfalls.
In the unexpected tranquil oasis, only the lake and stone bases of the tea houses remain, but it is still a gorgeous stop on a walk!
The Gardens are part of 45 acres of hillside between Rivington Pike and Rivington Hall Barn, which has a number of interesting features.
You’ll find the Pigeon Tower – once home to Lady Leverhulme’s sewing and music room on the top floor. The second and third floor housed dovecotes.
You’ll also find Lever Bridge at the northern end of Rivington Terraced Gardens, crossing Roynton Lane – the main pathway through the gardens.
The bridge is based on one Lever saw on a trip to Nigeria. It’s known as the Seven Arch Bridge with one large arch crossed by six smaller ones.
The Rivington Terraced Gardens have been open throughout the pandemic, however staff have called for the public to take their litter home, including dog waste bags, or to use the bins provided in all the car parks.
The workers point out that by dropping litter in the middle of a pandemic you are putting staff and volunteers at risk who have to pick it up.
There are three main entrances to the gardens; Belmont Road, another at the former Bolton Lodge and the third at the north-west corner of the gardens with a path leading across the meadow from Rivington Hall.
The main way to the gardens is via Roynton Lane, which runs through the middle of the site.
The garden is split into two distinct areas, the eastern area is more formal with lawns and lakes and contains vegetation from ornamental planting, including species such as Berbeis.
The other side is slightly more steep with trees such as Chestnut and Beech. Between the two areas is a terrace bath with irregularly-shaped flags.
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The forgotten Japanese Garden hidden in the hills of a popular Lancashire walking spot
City Guides
All the latest and best January dining deals across Manchester
Get a load of these bargains
Published
10 months agoon
January 5, 2024From huge slices of pizza to half price burgers, don’t miss out on the best dining deals in Manchester this January.
As the party season is officially over and it’s time to face reality again, you may be wondering what to do with yourself – look no further, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s a whole host of fantastic deals at some of the best dining spots around the city for you to take advantage of.
Banish away the January blues and support your local hospitality heroes with the following deals…
Ramona: Margherita slices for £1.23
Head over to the Detroit pizza house and grab yourself a slice of margherita pizza for £1.23 and sip on a frozen margarita cocktail for £6.
Offers apply when you book a table Wednesday – Friday 3-7pm.
Ramona, 40 Swan Street M4 5JG
0161 441 9020
MUSU: 50% OFF
Readers can also enjoy 30% of MUSU’s other menus throughout January and February. Quote ‘FINEST30’ when booking, (both discount codes apply to food only).
This vibrant contemporary Japanese restaurant is offering 50% off its ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ menu to Proper MCR and Manchester’s Finest readers. All you have to do is quote ‘FINEST50’ when booking.
MUSU 64 Bridge Street M3 3BN
0161 883 7753
Tattu: 30% off
Modern Chinese restaurant Tattu is offering 30% off its a la carte menu from January 2nd to January 31st.
Tattu, 3 Hardman Square, Gartside Street M3 3EB
0161 819 2060
New Century: Happy Hour Drinks and ‘Dry Scranuary’
The ‘Dry Scranuary’ deals include a complimentary soft drink or 0% beer or cider when you purchase anything from the main menu from any of New Century’s food traders.
If you’re not partaking in ‘dry’ January, you can switch out any of the non-alcoholic beverages for a house lager, cider, or wine, for an additional £1.50.
New Century is also doing a Happy Hour from 4-7pm on Wednesdays – Fridays throughout January.
Enjoy Happy Hour house draughts, Red Stripe cans and medium house wines for £4, house double spirits and mixers for £6.50 and 4 for £12 on Jagerbombs. Grab a house bottle of wine for £15 or a bottle of prosecco for £20.
New Century, 34 Hanover St, Manchester M4 4AH
0161 552 6719
Tariff & Dale – 50% OFF food
50% off the food menu, Mon to Fri throughout January from 5PM – 10PM (T&Cs apply, bookings required, max 6 people, restaurant only).
Tariff & Dale, 2 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FN
0161 710 2233
Almost Famous: Half price burgers
For All of January, ALL of the Almost Famous venues in Manchester are offering 50% off ALL burgers.
That includes Almost Famous Northern Quarter, Great Northern and Withington.
The offer runs ALL day every day, except on Saturdays.
Almost Famous, 49-51 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW
0161 244 9424
Maray: 50% OFF veggie and vegan dishes
Diners can enjoy 50% off veggie and vegan dishes, all day Monday – Thursday, for parties of up to seven people.
Maray, 14 Brazennose St, Manchester M2 6LW
0151 347 0214
Another Hand: Two plates and a glass of wine for £29
Starting on January 18th, you can grab yourself two plates from the evening menu and a glass of wine for £29 or three plates and a bottle of wine for £55. Wednesday – Saturday, 11am to 2pm.
Maray, Unit F, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
0161 834 2988
Nell’s: 50% OFF pizza
50% off full-sized pizza all day, every day at Nell’s, including Kampus, Common and The Beagle. Enjoy Sunday – Thursday throughout January. Bookings only!
Nell’s, 22 Minshull St, Kampus M1 3EF
0161 806 0516
Bundobust: Bundobutties meal deals
Bundo’s will be bring back their ‘Bundobutties’, two new vegan sandwiches to spice up your weekday lunchtimes.
Make it a meal deal by choosing any sandwich, side and a soft drink for £9.95, or upgrading to a pint of Bundobust Brewery’s Python Premium Lager for £12.95.
Available from January 4th to February 11th at Bundo Piccadilly and Bundo Brewery.
Bundobust, 61 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2AG
0161 359 6757
El Gato Negro: Three dishes for £18
El Gato Negro on King Street will be offering three dishes for £18 all-day Sunday – Thursday. All vegan specials will be three for £15, running alongside these times.
El Gato Negro, 52 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LY
0161 694 8585
WOOD: Three dishes and a glass of wine for £25
WOOD have launched their new lunch menu – three dishes and a glass of wine for £25. The offer is available throughout January, Tuesday – Wednesday from 5pm and Thursday – Saturday (last orders at 3pm on a Saturday).
Wood, Jack Rosenthal Street, First Street, M15 4RA
0161 236 5211
The Firehouse: 50% OFF all food
Get 50% off all food at Firehouse Wednesday-Friday, 4-9pm and 12-9pm Friday, until February 7th. Offer applies to tables booked in advance with a maximum group size of 14 people. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
The Firehouse, 40 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JG
0161 441 9029
Diecast: 50% OFF all food
Take 50% off your food bill from Wednesday-Friday (4-9pm) until February 7th. Offer applies to tables booked in advance with a maximum number of 14 guests. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
Diecast, 51 Ducie St, Manchester, M1 2JQ
0161 260 0333
Elnecot: 30% OFF total bill
Get 30% off your total bill at Elnecot this January from Monday – Saturday (including bottomless drinks). The offer applies to bookings only, and must write JANUARY 30% in booking comments.
Elnecot, 41 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AJ
0741 257 4324
The Jane Eyre: 25% OFF all food
Get 25% off all food at The Jane Eyre in Ancoats throughout January, from Tuesday – Friday.
The Jane Eyre, 14 Hood St Ancoats Manchester M4 6WX
0161 236 8171
The Drop: 50% OFF all food
50% off the full food bill only throughout the full month of January, also includes New Year’s Day. Exclusions: Fridays & Saturdays after 6:30pm & Sunday between the hours of 2pm-6pm. You’re advised to book.
The Drop, 356 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, M21 8AZ
0161 286 3317
Sonata: 25% off drinks and discounted entry
Get 25% off almost all drinks at Sonata this January, including their spectacular cocktails. They’re also offering entry for £5 on Fridays and Saturdays in January, with free entry on other nights (and before 8pm on Fridays for early birds).
Sonata, 3, St Ann’s Alley, Manchester M2 6AJ
Flat Baker: Pistachio croissants for £5
Flat Baker’s viral Christmas Markets pistachio croissant will be back at its Ancoats bakery from January 6th, for £5. Also available in doce de leite and chocolate flavours until January 27th.
Flat Baker 23 Radium Street, Ancoats, M4 6AY
The Smithfield Social: 50% OFF food
Take 50% off main menu items at the Smithfield Social in January, valid Monday-Friday, 12-9pm.
The Smithfield Social, 53 – 55 Thomas St Manchester M4 1NA
0161 441 3522
Hispi: Two dishes for £15
Elite Bistros (the folk behind Didsbury’s Hispi) have created a new Italian-inspired menu for January! Get two dishes for £15 or three for £20 from January 2nd. Available lunchtimes Monday – Friday and until 6.30pm Monday – Thursday.
Hispi, 1C School Ln, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RD
0161 445 3996
Peru Perdu: 50% OFF all food
Peru Perdu will be offering 50% off your food bill for the whole of January.
Peru Perdu, 74 Princess St, Manchester M1 6JD
0161 549 0005
Madre: 50% OFF tacos
Enjoy 50% off tacos at Madre, Monday-Thursday.
Madre, Minshull House, 47 Chorlton St., Manchester M1 3FY
0161 843 8383
BAB: 50% OFF
50% off BABs, Monday – Wednesday from January 8th.
BAB, 14 Little Lever St, Manchester M1 1HR
0161 806 0813
Desert Island Dumplings: Bring a friend and get 10% OFF
In celebration of Veganuary, Desert Island Dumplings are running a ‘bring a friend scheme!’ Bring a non-veggie or vegan friend to try their vegan fusion dumplings and get 10% off your order.
Desert Island Dumplings, Third Floor, Afflecks, Church Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1PW
07446949896
On The Hush: 25% OFF food
Take 25% off main food menu on Saturdays, and enjoy two for one on selected cocktails all day Sunday, throughout January.
On the Hush, 24 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PN
The Midland: Free prosecco
Guests staying at The Midland in January, who also celebrate their birthday in January, will receive a free bottle of prosecco during their stay (proof of ID required).
The Midland , 16 Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS
0161 236 3333
Fenix: Three chapters lunch for £31.50
Enjoy the three chapters lunch offer for £31.50 at Fenix, with dishes inspired by ancient myth and modern Mykonos.
Fenix, The Goods Yard Building Goods Yard Street, Manchester M3 3BG
0161 646 0321
Mughli: 30% OFF Karis
Take 30% off Karis, including Mughli’s famous butter chicken, plus a selection of meat, veggie and vegan options. Maximum party of six and tables must be booked under the January Sale section of the website.
Mughli, 30 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5TQ
0161 248 0900
The Black Friar: £10 pies
Enjoy one of The Black Friar’s famous pies for £10, all day Monday and other days until 6pm throughout January and February. The deal includes three set pies and revolving specials.
The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Manchester M3 7DB
0161 667 9555
Embankment Kitchen: 40% OFF food
Take 40% off food when dining from the à la carte menu – this deal is not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
Embankment Kitchen, 16 Chapel St, Salford M3 7NH
0161 240 1611
Public: 50% OFF food
Enjoy 50% off food, including burgers, noodles and sandos, all day Monday-Thursday.
Public, 9 Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DB
La Bandera: 50% OFF tapas
Enjoy 50% off the tapas menu at La Bandera when you buy a drink. The deal runs Monday – Friday throughout January, using booking code ‘LB23’. Maximum of six people per table, not available with any other offer. Minimum purchase of one drink and all guests must follow La Bandera on social media.
La Bandera, 2 Ridgefield, Manchester M2 6EQ
0161 833 9019
Hello Oriental: 20% OFF food
Take 20% off your food bill at Hello Oriental’s food hall throughout January.
Hello Oriental, Circle Square, South Pavilion, 2 Symphony Park, Manchester, M1 7FS
The Anthologist: Main and a drink for £15
Enjoy a delicious main and a drink for only £15 when you book a table at The Anthologist.
0161 667 0640
Double Zero: 20% off
Enjoy 20% off from Monday-Thursday for the month of January. Offer applies to every customer buying a starter, pizza and dessert. This will be available per person on collection or dining in.
Double Zero, 368 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton, Manchester M21 8AZ
0161 943 8980
Canto: Three dishes for £18
Enjoy three dishes for £18 at Canto, all-day Sunday-Thursday, then 12-5 Saturday and 12-4 Sunday. All vegan specials will be three for £15, also running during this time.
Cutting Room Square, Blossom Street, Ancoats, M4 5DH
0161 870 5904
Kala: Two dishes for £15
Tuck in to their new Italian-inspired menu and get two dishes for £15 or three for £20 from January 2nd. Available lunchtimes Monday – Friday and until 6.30pm Monday – Thursday.
Kala, 55 King St, Manchester, M2 4LQ
0161 839 3030
Evelyn’s: 30% OFF evening menu
Take 30% off Evelyn’s evening menu, Monday-Thursday from 5pm from Tuesday, January 2nd.
Evelyn’s, 44 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1 NB
0161 834 3303
Archie’s: Fries and a drink for £3.99
Add fries and a drink for £3.99 when you buy any burger or wrap. The ‘All-Star Upgrade’ is available on a sign-up basis via the Archie’s website, you’ll then get a QR code to use throughout the month of January.
And there are plenty more great offers on food and drink around the city this January – too many to choose from!
City Guides
The cosiest pubs in Manchester to enjoy an autumn pint
It’s officially cosy pub season and we couldn’t be happier about it
Published
2 years agoon
September 27, 2022Summer has officially departed and, while we may be sad to wave goodbye to our beloved beer gardens for another six months, we’re undeniably very excited to welcome back those log fires and warming Sunday roasts.
Yep, autumn is here and that means Manchester’s cosiest pubs are back open for business, offering all those lovely autumnal treats such as mulled wine, warming fire places and those iconic cosy corners.
And luckily for you lot, the city is teeming with wonderful pub offerings to keep you occupied throughout the colder months.
So without any further ado, here’s some of our favourite spots…
The Blackfriar
This historic boozer reopened last year after eighteen long years out of action following a massive investment by property giants Salboy, who transformed the building back into the cosy pub it once was, with a fine dining section and green oasis through the back.
But round the front, guests can settle down in front of a roaring fireplace and indulge in all those comforting pub grub classics like fish and chips and pie and mash alongside a lovely pint of Guinness. It doesn’t get much more autumnal than that, does it?
The Blackfriar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DB.
https://www.theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/
The Didsbury
Famous for its enormous front-facing beer garden in the summer (and for being the first stop in the famed Didsbury Dozen pub crawl, of course), The Didsbury is also well loved for its snug interior throughout the autumn and winter months.
Here, you’ll be able to sit back and relax with a beverage directly next to a crackling fireplace built within a lovely exposed brick wall – dogs are welcome too, incase you needed any more convincing.
The Didsbury, 852 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2SG
The Didsbury Website
The Oxnoble
Located at the heart of the old Potato Wharf in Castlefield, The Oxnoble is one of the city’s most historic pubs, having being built all the way back in 1804.
And you know what they say about old and historic pubs; they make for the best winter boozers. The pub’s low ceilings and creaky floorboards give it a very comforting nostalgic feel, with its old-timely fireplace pairing perfectly with the many beers and bitters on offer behind the bar.
71 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ
The Oxnoble Website
The Circus Tavern
The ‘smallest bar in Europe’ was always going to make the cosy pubs list, wasn’t it? Admittedly, many may consider The Circus Tavern to be more on the claustrophobic side than the cosy side but still, it’s an undeniable gem for those colder months.
While there isn’t a roaring fireplace to snuggle down next to (that’d be a major health hazard in such a small place, don’t you think?), there is plenty of old-worldly pub vibes knocking about. Plus, famed footballer George Best did frequent the pub back in the day, if that helps.
The Circus Tavern, 86 Portland St, Manchester M1 4GX
http://circustavern.co.uk/
The Marble Arch
A short walk away from the Northern Quarter down Rochdale Road, The Marble Arch is undisputedly one of Manchester’s most historic and iconic boozers, having stood the test of time since 1888.
Providing those ‘proper pub’ vibes among a sea of trendy craft beer bars, The Marble Arch brews its own beer and is a definite must-visit when looking for some solace from Manchester’s icy wind and rain.
The Marble Arch, 73 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M4 4HY
The Marble Arch Website
Sam’s Chop House
A pub once frequented by artist LS Lowry (there’s a massive statue of him propped up at the bar if you don’t believe me), Sam’s Chop House is as cosy and old-worldly as a pub can get.
Guests have to take a rickety and narrow winding staircase down to find the pub and fully functioning gourmet restaurant nestled underground, alongside an extensive drinks menu (the Guinness is really good here, too).
Sam’s Chop House, Back Pool Fold, Manchester M2 1HN
0161 834 3210
The Briton’s Protection
It doesn’t get much cosier than this; The Briton’s Protection is one of Manchester’s oldest pubs (are you noticing a pattern here?) and specialises in possibly the most wintery drink there is: whisky.
The pub can showcase up to 300 whiskies at any given time and features those classic old pub stools and circular tables crammed into a warm corner. Picture that on a cold Friday night after work… You can’t beat it.
The Briton’s Protection, 50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE
0161 236 5895
Peveril of the Peak
Of course Peveril of the Peak was going to crop up at some point – it is one of the most recognisable pubs in the whole of Manchester, after all (just look at that two-toned yellow and green brick exterior).
But on the inside, the Pev provides a seriously good atmosphere, the kind only achieved by the most traditional of boozers. Inside, guests can sit on original wooden benches among stained glass window, etched mirrors and brass bells. Classic.
The Peveril of the Peak, 127 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JQ
The Peveril of the Peak Facebook
The City Arms
The historic City Arms, located smack in the middle of Manchester’s city centre, has been a regular entry in the Good Beer Guide for years and boasts all those lovely old pub features, including those built-in Chesterfield sofas and circular tables just begging for a packet of crisps to be opened and spread out upon them.
As is the case with this style of old-age pub, The City Arms really comes to life in the colder months and provides a comforting and cosy abode for Mancunians escaping the rain.
The City Arms, 46-48 Kennedy St, Manchester M2 4BQ
0161 236 4610
Bayhorse Tavern
Ah, the Bayhorse Tavern, a haunt well known and loved by all those city-centre dwellers. While it may not be an ideal layout for those hot summer days (yeah, all three of them), it is the perfect spot to shelter from the rain.
The Bayhorse has a cracking selection of beer and also do a banging roast on a Sunday – the ideal place for the whole of autumn and winter, then.
Bayhorse Tavern, 35-37 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
https://thebayhorsetavern.co.uk
City Guides
The best places to enjoy a gin & tonic in Manchester this Easter weekend
The perfect excuse to indulge in a couple of gins this weekend…
Published
3 years agoon
April 12, 2022The Easter weekend is coming up and the forecast is for warm sunny weather, which calls for one thing and one thing only; a definitive round up of the best spots to enjoy a G&T here in Manchester.
Now, it’s no secret that here in Manchester we’re spoiled for choice on where to enjoy a tipple or two. And, if gin is your tipple of choice, you certainly won’t be left wandering the streets aimlessly in search of that perfect drink.
So, without any further ado, here’s our favourite Mancunian spots to enjoy a gin & tonic…
Three Little Words
Because of course Manchester Gin’s very own distillery and bar was going to make the ultimate G&T list. The venue, located down Watson Street, boasts its own distillery, meaning every last drop of Manchester Gin is made there and then on site.
The Spirit of Manchester Distillery also also gives guests the opportunity to make their very own gin, as well as learn the ins-and-outs of distilling.
On the actual drinking side of things, their bar boasts every variety Manchester Gin has to offer, including their new Oyster Gin, as well as a whole array of other gins from across the U.K and beyond.
Three Little Words, 2-13 Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4LP
threelittlewords.co.uk
Atlas Bar
Found at the bottom of Deansgate, Atlas Bar is definitely one of the better known gin bars in the city. Boasting a massive collection of 560 gins – both local and global – guests are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting their tipple.
Atlas Bar also features a heated outdoor terrace, perfect for both summer evenings and those chillier winter nights.
Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY
atlasbarmanchester.com
The Old Bell Inn
A little bit further afield in the village of Delph, Oldham, stands The Old Bell Inn, which is an actual world record holder thanks to its vast collection of gin – all 1,100 of them.
You can’t compete with that, can you?
And, as well as it’s extensive gin offering, The Old Bell Inn is also well loved for its classic ‘countryside pub’ vibes and dazzling views of the Saddleworth Moor – the perfect place to sit back and relax with an ice cold G&T, if you ask me.
The Old Bell Inn, Huddersfield Road, Delph, Oldham OL3 5EG
www.theoldbellinn.co.uk
Seven Bro7hers
Yes, I’m well aware that I’ve included a taproom on this list but hear me out; the iconic Salfordian brewers have recently dabbled in the world of distillery by launching their very own gin brand, Sis4ers Distillery.
Their distillery has produced a number of different botanical blends with tasty flavours such as strawberry, lime and thyme, espresso and passionfruit.
Seven Bro7hers, 39 Blossom Street, Ancoats, M4 5AF | Lockside Lane, Salford, M5 4YP
sevenbro7hers.com
Lono Cove
Having only opened recently, the Northern Quarter’s newest tiki bar Lono Cove features two floors of ‘contemporary’ tiki fun, including treasure chest cocktails and an abundance of greenery… Oh, and plenty of gin.
While tiki bars are usually associated with rum (there’s plenty of that, too), Lono Cove boasts an impressive selection of gins that can be enjoyed with tonic or in their many cocktails.
Lono Cove, 14 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1DH
lonocove.com
The Black Friar
G&Ts taste better in a lush green beer garden, so of course The Black Friar had to make the list, with its stunning outdoor space.
The iconic Salford boozer recently reopened after eighteen years of no action and a massive transformation, and it is now the place to enjoy some gourmet pub grub and a couple of gins, either with tonic or in the form of a tasty cocktail.
The Blackfriar, 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DB
theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/