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COMING SOON: A ’90s Blockbuster-themed cocktail bar is opening in Manchester
Blockbuster has arisen… Kind of
The Northern Quarter will soon be welcoming a cocktail bar dedicated entirely to the wonderfully nostalgic Blockbuster.
Now, the blue and yellow emblazoned film rental shop played a huge role in the childhoods of all those born in the ’90s and ’00s; to this very day, there’s nothing quite as exciting as trailing up and down the rows of VHS’ and DVDs ahead of the family film night.
And, while we’re spoiled for choice these days thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, they simply haven’t matched that nostalgic Blockbuster feeling.
@richard_gottfried / Instagram
Sadly, it was these streaming services that saw the permanent closure of Blockbuster, with the last one in Manchester’s Fallowfield closing for good in 2013.
But the Northern Quarter might just have the next best thing; a cocktail bar themed around the retro film rental shop. As I said, it’s literally the next best thing.
It’s early days and not much is known about Blockbusters NQ just yet, but what we do know is that it’s taken over the old Tony & Guy unit down Oldham Street and transformed it into the nostalgic cocktail bar of our dreams.
@richard_gottfried / Instagram
The finer details surrounding what exactly this bar will be offering are yet to be disclosed but, considering it is coming from the people behind South African restaurant Chakalaka, we can expect some seriously good stuff.
Will there be popcorn? Will retro films be played on a loop? Will cocktails be served in empty VHS cassettes? The possibilities are endless.
Blockbusters NQ is expected to be opening at some point in the new year, so make sure to follow them on Instagram for news and updates.
What's On
New makers market with everything from dog accessories to house plants and jewellery coming to Manchester
Get this one in your diary!
A brand new makers market is coming to Manchester this late May Bank Holiday weekend, with something for everyone.
Taking place at New Jackson – a new urban neighbourhood located at the southern gateway to the city – Manchester Made Market will be held on Saturday May 25th and Sunday May 26th.
Over the two days you’ll be able to browse a selection of local artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region.
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There’ll be everything, from food produce, homewares, crafts and creations to dog accessories, house plants, jewellery and homemade soap.
Among the traders will be Manchester and Cheshire-based florist and floral artists Dot & Flora, graphic artist Ablott MCR selling music prints, HGT with crochet fashion and homeware designs, and artisan candlemakers Leaves and Prickles.
Elsewhere, there will be essential oils and other treatments from Grounded Wellness, permanent jewellery from Sealed Links, and desserts from Cake With Heart.
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There will be plenty of street food options to keep you topped up while you shop, including The Wild Grill, Food Sorcery, Salvi’s and new favourite Medlock Canteen.
Neighbourhood Brew will be supplying some great drinks as well.
Supported by Renaker, the market is free, but you can upgrade your experience with a limited, free VIP ticket with access to the dedicated bar area.
What's On
Manchester Flower Festival returns with tributes to Sarah Harding and Caroline Aherne
It’s taking place later this month!
The legendary Manchester Flower Festival is returning to our city later this month, complete with pop-ups, installations and tributes to some local icons.
Taking place over the late May Bank Holiday, the event will be headlined by its ‘Floral Trail’.
This year’s theme is Manchester Icons, with a host of names past and present being honoured in flower form, including the late comedy legend Caroline Aherne, pop star Sarah Harding and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival
Collaborating with Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow, floral designer Liv Woodward will create a portrait of Caroline Aherne at the Floral Marquee on New Cathedral Street, using sustainably sourced plants and flowers.
Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding will be remembered in a ‘tribute garden’, sponsored by the AO Arena, with visitors able to donate to the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal by scanning the QR code at the display.
The homage to Pankhurst has been created by female-led Decordia, featuring an ornate wooden Manchester Town Hall-inspired planter with sashes, posters and colourful icons, alongside a wicker figure of the suffragette herself.
This can be found at the corner of Cross Street and King Street, adorned with purple, green and white plants – the colours of the suffragette movement.
The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival
Other local legends will also be honoured with their own installations, including Happy Mondays vocalist Rowetta and iconic Manchester brewery Boddingtons .
Fringe events will be taking place too, at locations including Northern Quarter art shop Fred Aldous, The Bridgewater Hall, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and the National Trust’s Castlefield Viaduct.
Selfridges Exchange Square, El Gato Negro, Tast Catala, Franco Manca, Grand Pacific Manchester and Urban Playground will also be taking part, with alfresco dining, festival-related dishes and cocktails.
The Vain Photography / Manchester Flower Festival
Now in its seventh year, the Flower Festival, which is put together by Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, with live entertainment, workshops, and arts and crafts markets.
It all happens from May 24th to May 27th – head over to the website HERE to find more information.
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