Your bumper briefing of news and what to look out for
Nobu going into Viadux 2
Nobu, the global hospitality brand co-owned by Robert De Niro - of The Intern and Dirty Grandpa fame - has signed a deal to set up in what will be Manchester’s tallest skyscraper, Viadux 2.
The brand co-owned by the American Actor, whose performance in Cape Fear bagged him a nomination for Best Kiss (shared) at the 1992 MTV Movie Awards, will add the 76-storey Salboy development to its 36-strong roster of luxury hotels.
Once the small matter of a positive planning outcome is secured, Viadux 2 will feature a Nobu restaurant, 160-bed five star hotel and 452 luxury branded residences - the first in the UK - all operating under the hospitality brand.
“We are proud to include Manchester in our global collection, with its vibrant culture and growing global status. Strong partnerships are essential to our success, and with Salboy, Fred Done, and Simon Ismail, we have the best-in-class partners with a solid reputation and a world-renowned vision,” said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality.
“Having grown up in the area, I am personally immensely proud of this project in a city that continues its evolution as a global destination for luxury hospitality. Manchester is home to world-class developments, a thriving culinary scene, and a growing demand for high-end lifestyle experiences. None of our locations are cookie cutter; we wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of each destination. We are delighted to be working with Salboy to blend the Nobu experience with the essence of Manchester.”
Take a walk with Hotel Football and Parkinson’s UK
People living with Parkinson’s in the North West are invited to join a special event at Hotel Football on Friday 11 April to mark World Parkinson’s Day.
The free event, organised by Parkinson’s UK staff and volunteers, features Parkinson’s walking footballers from across the North West and will be an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities living locally with the condition to try walking football in a fun and social way.
Held on the rooftop pitch at Hotel Football in Old Trafford, the day will involve a series of walking football activities, drills and talks to give participants a flavour of playing the sport. No previous experience of walking football is required. You will also be provided with a free light lunch and refreshments. Family members, partners and friends are welcome. Please remember to book a ticket for each person attending.
For more information and to book a free ticket click here.
Australasia undergoing transformation
The grand old dame of Spinningfields, Australasia, is undergoing a transformation in time for Spring (proper).
A city centre stalwart since 2011, its re-opening in April will see an entirely new menu masterminded by new Head Chef Lucie Sainerova, with a focus on open flame cooking and sharing plates.
Head Chef Lucie said: “Australasia has always been a special place and I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective to its next chapter. The new menu will celebrate the bold, vibrant flavours of the Pacific Rim, with a real focus on open-flame cooking.
“Guests can expect refined and creative plates, made for sharing and enjoy an atmosphere that’s as immersive as the food itself. We are preserving Australasia's soul while giving it an entirely new body and spirit.”
Until Monday 31 March, guests can enjoy 50% off food Sunday to Friday in a final taste of Australasia’s well known dishes before the transformation begins.
Corrie comes to The Lowry
Stars of Corrie from across the years will be taking part in An Audience with Coronation Street in September.
The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre will host an evening of behind the scenes secrets, stories and favourite moments from the world’s longest-running soap.
Hosted by This Morning’s resident soap expert Sharon Marshall, the evening will welcome the likes of Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), and the second half will also see a special guest appearance from a Corrie legend.
For more information and to book tickets visit The Lowry website.
Simply Books bags best Northern Bookshop award
Simply Books in Bramhall has been named best bookshop in the North of England by The Bookseller, a magazine for the publishing industry.
The independent bookshop, operating under owner Ben Johns since April last year, was announced as one of nine winners across the UK - other regions included Scotland, Wales, Ireland, London, and other parts of England. In total, there were 72 shops shortlisted - the final nine were decided by a panel of judges, with an overall winner to be announced in May at a ceremony in London.
“There are no words to describe the level of joy and pride we're all feeling after having been announced as the winner for the North of England,” said Ben. “To have achieved this exactly one week from our first anniversary of taking over the shop, and to have our efforts over that period recognised, is nothing short of mind blowing.
“We faced some real tough competition from our fellow indies, all of whom are excellent. It is a testament to the wonderful team we've built and most of all our fantastic community of readers who make the shop the special place it is.”
For more information on upcoming author events at Simply Books visit their website.
SXSW Roadshow coming to Manchester
SXSW London, the premier event for the convergence of tech, music, film, TV, arts and innovation is launching a Roadshow in partnership with BIMM University and Digital Catapult.
Rocking up in Manchester on Wednesday 9 April, the roadshow will provide a range of sessions designed to inspire the next generation of talent to pursue their passions.
The daytime conferences will take place in BIMM Manchester, The Dancehouse, 10 Oxford Rd, M1 5QA
Then later that day the live showcases will be staged at Night & Day Café, 26 Oldham St Manchester M1 1JN.
David Rowe, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Music, at BIMM University, said: “BIMM University is proud to be hosting SXSWL UK National Roadshows at our vibrant campuses in Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester. We cannot wait to showcase an array of emerging talent from our creative communities and to welcome leaders from business and culture.”
Tickets are free but limited, and can be found here.
Music for the Senses this summer
A multi-sensory musical experience is coming to Manchester this summer with the arrival of Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city.
A collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art and Manchester City Council, Music for the Senses will run from 7 July to 31 August.
Many of the artworks, exhibitions and installations that celebrate Manchester’s music scene will be formed from guitars, and an amnesty is now open for the people of Manchester to contribute instruments, whether they be new, old, broken or revered, to become part of the trail.
Guitars can be taken to Manchester’s libraries and venues across the city centre. All donors will be named and credited as part of the trail, and the people of Manchester will be able to seek out their own contributions and discover the artworks they have become.
50 businesses across Manchester are invited to step forward to support the event and sponsor the artwork on display.
When the trail is complete the guitars will be auctioned for charity, with monies raised going to grassroots music projects and venues across Greater Manchester via a dedicated music fund managed by charity partner Forever Manchester in collaboration with key music partners in the city.
Bangkok Diners Club to open in Edinburgh Castle
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