Latest news with #Ancoats
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Aldi's full list of 30 stores getting complete overhaul from Scotland to Kent
Budget supermarket Aldi has unveiled bold plans to revamp 30 stores across the UK in the coming months - and to open 10 brand new locations as part of a £650 million investment Aldi is giving 30 stores across the UK a huge makeover, as part of an ambitious £650 investment. The budget supermarket, which currently has more than 1,050 stores, will also open 10 more stores in the next 14 weeks - with each one slated to create around 40 new jobs with 'market-leading levels of pay'. Often crowned the UK's cheapest supermarket, Aldi hopes its mega expansion will bring low prices to even more shoppers. 'Enhancement' to select stores, including Herne Bay in Kent and Ancoats in Manchester, will begin in the coming months. These include additional in-store features such as improved Bakery and Health and Beauty fixtures for customers, as well as CO2 refrigeration upgrades. The announcement comes after the retailer increased its Store Assistants' pay earlier this year, with hourly rates increasing to at least £12.75 and £14.05 within the M25. "At Aldi, our goal is to ensure everyone has access to high-quality food at unbeatable prices," Jonathan Neale of Aldi UK said. "We're committed to achieving that with our ambitious store opening plans. "We're targeting 40 new store openings in 2025, while many of our current stores will also be getting a refresh to enhance the customer experience. [This] means we can consistently offer the best value for money to even more shoppers across the UK." Aldi stores getting a makeover - the full list Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Herne Bay, Kent Aigburth, Liverpool Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent Southampton, Hampshire St Marys Gate, Sheffield Weymouth, Dorset Ancoats, Manchester Ayr, Scotland Northampton, East Midlands Nuneaton, Warwickshire Lye, Dudley Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear Inverness, Scotland Norwich, Norfolk Horwich, Greater Manchester Glastonbury, Somerset Darlington, County Durham Sandbach, Cheshire Bingley, West Yorkshire Cowdenbeath, Scotland Salisbury, Wiltshire Murdishaw, Cheshire Romiley, Greater Manchester Clevedon, North Somerset Hexham, Northumberland Louth, Lincolnshire Cupar, Scotland Burton On Trent, Staffordshire Chelmsford, Essex Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror's Money newsletter here for all the best advice and shopping deals straight to your inbox. Standing proud as the UK's fourth-largest supermarket, Aldi's new stores will 'boost' employment opportunities within local areas - and hopefully slash travel time for shoppers. Aldi is also the only supermarket to offer all colleagues paid breaks, which is worth approximately £1,370 a year for the average store colleague. New Aldi stores - the full list Brighouse, West Yorkshire Oldbury, West Midlands Caterham, Surrey Sheffield, South Yorkshire Deeside, Wales Fulham Broadway, London Diss, Norfolk Hilton, Derbyshire West Denton, Newcastle Market Harborough, Leicestershire Article continues below The Mirror has contacted Aldi to ask what customers can expect to see in its revamped stores.
The Guardian
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Winsome, Manchester M1: ‘The new, big, generous beating heart of Manchester hospitality' – restaurant review
Winsome has been much anticipated on the Manchester food scene, not least because chef Shaun Moffat was pretty much the toast of the town during his time as executive chef at the Edinburgh Castle gastropub in nearby Ancoats. Rather than being attractive in a sweet, innocent way, as the restaurant's name suggests, Moffat's style – or swagger, to be more precise – is elegant but plentiful modern British cooking, featuring a scoop of Fergus Henderson, a nod to Mark Hix, a dash of London's Quality Chop House and a teeny touch of Toby Carvery. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Think meaty things, saucy things, big bowls of crunchy roast spuds and exquisite oversized yorkshire puddings. Pork with rhubarb ketchup and freshly baked parker house rolls to drag through warm butter or hollandaise. Asparagus with a dippy egg for starters, or mussels and trotters on toast. Bread-and-butter pudding with brandy custard. You get the gist. This is Cool Britannia wearing a napkin bib with a side portion of rhubarb jelly and custard for pudding. But Winsome is far from a novelty restaurant. Yes, there are little playful touches here and there – dino egg cups, cow-shaped gravy boats and school dinner puddings – but it's all done in such a sleek, cool and pared-back way. Moffat may be a hugely experienced chef, but this is his first proper bricks-and-mortar venture, working with Owain Williams, who, among many other restaurants, launched Liverpool's rather brilliant Belzan, and Tom Fastiggi, ex head bartender at Manchester's bold, glitzy Schofield's. Winsome has taken over a large, cool, airy space clamped to the side of Whitworth Locke, one of those new-fangled co-working/hotel/gymnasium/cocktail bar/leisure/third spaces populated by bright young things on laptops. What is it exactly? An apparthotel? A cult headquarters? Never mind all that, this restaurant stands fully alone, so let's just concentrate on Winsome. It is from the outset an attractive and lovable room, with a large open kitchen down one side and blue-aproned staff serving trays of sbagliatos and breakfast martinis laced with Duerr's marmalade. Tables are large and well spaced, and topped with pale tablecloths topped with pale paper, presumably to protect the linen from spills. No such luck with us. Perhaps your family can share a platter of cylindra beetroot in goat's curd without someone leaving a CSI Manchester crime scene smear; mine was not so successful. 'I do apologise,' I told the staff as we gave back the empty plate after a feast of Tewkesbury courgettes in a glut of excellent olive oil that we'd spilled rather dramatically while grabbing our fair share. There's something about Moffat's cooking, however fine and highfalutin it may seem to be, that lends itself to the sheepish dry-cleaning of blouses. A plate of Brixham crab came with celeriac remoulade and a whole heap of mustard cress that weirdly reminded me of growing the stuff back at primary school. Another starter of incredibly rich fried wild mushrooms and shallots on a slick of well-seasoned pease pudding was similarly deeply nostalgic. For mains, we shared a whole john dory, cooked perfectly and served in a pool of pale green pie shop liquor, and a Creedy Carver assiette of duck featuring rare breast, rendered skin and a jug of rich duck jus. It was a Sunday, so both came with all the Sunday lunch trimmings, which here involve cartoon-esque XL yorkshire puddings, carrot puree, roast parsnips and a thick piece of trencher bread topped with stewed beef shin in ale. This is confident, clever cooking that stays just the right side of earnest, or at least as earnest as a chef can be when he also serves up a dessert that is essentially a 1980s school sponge pudding with a scoop of milk ice-cream flecked with multicoloured sprinkles, or hundreds and thousands as they will for ever be known in my heart. In a further nod to the sainted Fergus Henderson, right at the end of the meal eccles cakes are offered with slices of St Sunday's cheese from Cumbria. Winsome may well be my new favourite restaurant, and it's the new, big, generous beating heart of Manchester hospitality. It's classy but come-all – bring your gran, bring your baby, no one need feel conspicuous. There's something about the place that makes me want to use it as a canteen, not least out of sheer curiosity as to what Moffat will put on the menu next. Great cooking, and forward-thinking fine dining without any of the faff. Bring your appetite and don't wear pale colours. Aaah, Manchester, you have so much to answer for. Winsome will seriously impact your waistline. Winsome 74 Princess Street, Manchester M1 (no phone). Open lunch Thurs-Sun noon-3pm (8pm Sun), dinner Mon-Sat 5-11pm. From about £60 a head for three courses; Sun lunch £35 for two courses, £39 for three, all plus drinks and service
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Popular restaurant loved by Masterchef judge announces sudden closure after six years leaving owners ‘heartbroken'
A BELOVED family-run restaurant that a tough MasterChef judge raved about has announced its sudden closure. Manchester Ancoats restaurant, Street Urchin, has been delighting punters since a couple, Kevin and Rachel Choudhary, opened the 'English Market Diner' in 2019. 5 5 5 But yesterday, Rachel posted on social media that the restaurant had closed after six years because her husband, Kevin, and the head chef had a heart attack. In Rachel's post announcing the closure reassured followers: 'He is recovering (slowly), but we are unable to continue as a business. 'We are heartbroken. 'Thank you to our amazing team who supported us over the years and continued to do so in these dark times. 'Thank you also to our suppliers, we never thought this would happen. We're so sorry x.' Masterchef judge and renowned food critic Jay Rayner described the restaurant, whose menu left him ' dribbling ', as a place 'where nice things happen.' This is high praise from the foodie critic who notoriously 'doesn't mince his words.' Tributes and messages of support poured in after yesterday's shock announcement. One of the restaurant's meat suppliers, Rachel wrote: 'So pleased we had the chance to visit and eat with you and also supply your wonderful restaurant over the last 4 years. 'Wishing Kev a full recovery and for you, Rachel, to take time to heal too. Take your time, this isn't the last chapter.' 5 5 Fans of Kev's cooking described him as a 'talented culinary artist.' One wrote: 'Without exaggeration, I can say that this was the best restaurant in Manchester.' Jane added: 'We had some wonderful meals with you, my Dad is still raving about the dinner we had last year- but family comes first.' Phil said: 'This is devastating news, you worked so hard to build that business, and it was always top notch, wishing you both good vibes. 'Please bring your talents back one day, it's a public service.' Kev's menu was known for its experimental flair, serving up everything from panko cuttlefish nicoise to king scallops, veal strip loin and banh xeo pancakes. The son of a fisherman, Jay praised the authenticity of the menu, 'the cheerful tumble of great ingredients.' He loved the 'life force' of the restaurant, raving about its 'distinct pulse' as many fine dining establishments had become 'sterile,' post covid. The experimental restaurant made headlines across the pond for its viral wild squirrel dish. Rachel described the experience of the contreversial 'crispy buttermilk wild grey squirrel dish' making headlines in the New York Post and Fox News as 'completely bizarre.' She insisted it was included on the menu because it was sustainable, not to create a viral talking point. Rachel added: 'We didn't think we'd get more than a couple of Facebook comments about it. 'We've mostly had positive comments about the dish, I don't think anyone has regretted ordering the (£22.50) dish.' But for some, it was a step too far, with some commenters baulking at 'creamy rodent stew' and begging the restaurant to 'leave the squirrels alone.' What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One of Manchester's oldest Irish pubs could reopen by the end of the year
One of Manchester's oldest pubs could reopen by the end of the year according to the brewery that acquired it several years ago. Ancoats boozer The Shamrock, located on Bengal Street, dates back to 1808 and served the area for more than 200 years. However, in 2018 the pub's former landlord was left devested when Marstons, the brewery that owned it at the time, made the decision to close its doors. The venue was thrown a lifeline in 2019 when it was confirmed that Joseph Holt brewery had acquired it, with plans for 'considerable investment' and refurbishment. READ MORE: Beloved Manchester takeaway announces return after mysterious closure READ MORE: Greater Manchester rooftop restaurant with panoramic views celebrates winning top award It had been expected to open later that year, however the building remained tinned up with construction work going on around its premises ever since. When the M.E.N. contacted the brewery in early 2023, they confirmed that the pub was still expected to reopen but would no longer be an Irish pub and would be refurbished into a Joseph Holt's pub to give a "modern offering in keeping with some of the newer food and drink businesses moving into the area." Now, the brewery has said it is awaiting for plans to be approved with a tentative opening date also in the pipeline. Joseph Holt brewery marketing manager, Paul Longmire said: "Development plans for the Shamrock are now with the city planners following resident consultations and we are hoping the plans will be approved in the very near future. "If all goes well we are hoping to begin work on the development of this pub this year with a view to re-opening under a new name towards the end of 2025." When The Shamrock closed its doors seven years ago, then landlord Gerry Ellis, who had hoped to buy the pub himself, lamented the loss of 'the last traditional pub in Ancoats' at the time. The watering hole had become a gathering place for the area's Irish and Italian communities who made their homes in the neighbourhood. It was one of the last vestiges of old Ancoats, before the influx of restaurants and bars arrived to cater to the growing number of residential developments in the area.
BBC News
12-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Council wins fight to ban homeless tents camp from Manchester city centre
A camp of tents being used by homeless people in a city centre must be removed after a council won a crucial court City Council has secured a "possession order" against people living in tents in St Peter's Square next to the town hall, effectively evicting them. The "red tent camp" sprang up last spring, initially as a protest, but soon morphed into a long-term spot for homeless people to stay.A legal challenge from the Greater Manchester Law Centre to stop the council's bid to take possession of the land failed on Tuesday. The council welcomed the ruling but did not confirm when the tents would be removed."We have been clear with those camping in the square that this is not a safe, suitable or sanitary place from which to access this support," a spokeswoman from the authority said."Nor does camping in a public space accelerate their homelessness application or gain them any other advantage."The law centre formally represented one asylum seeker, who saw the council's claim against him withdrawn. 'Going through hell' The case included dozens more unrepresented refugees, with about 40 appearing in civil court, the Local Democracy Reporting Service refugee told the court: "It's not something we chose or have the option [to do], so everyone is going through hell."The law centre's Kathy Cosgrove accused Manchester City Council of deliberately diverting people from the camp to an Ancoats charity, Mustard Tree, which had no statutory duty. She claimed the council "operated a policy of not accepting people they knew were homeless because they wanted to make an example of these defendants and not provide for them".But Kuljit Bhogal KC, representing the council, rebuked these claims and said the Mustard Tree was offered to all asylum seekers and was open to non-asylum seekers."There's specific provision there with interpreters," she said. "The provision to have a conversation in the warm."Ms Bhogal said that those living in homeless camps had been accommodated by the council either in temporary accommodation or by private landlords."It's simply not right to say the statutory duty has been bypassed," she Nigel Bird ruled the refugees — considered trespassers in law — must remove their said: "St Peter's Square is a public amenity. It stands at the heart of the city and its amenity in my judgment is available for all. "I am comforted each of the defendants, named or otherwise, is within part seven of the [housing] system and I am confident the system will move forward." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
