Your bumper briefing of weekly news and what to look out for
Pubs looking in better health
Hydes Brewery report record turnover
Stalwart of the North West pub scene since 1863, Hydes Brewery is in better shape than ever after reporting a record turnover for the financial year 2023-24.
In accounts for the year to 31 March 2024, Hydes reported a turnover of £39.3m, up £5m from the previous year.
The results improve on last year’s previous record turnover figure of £34.1m which was up £5.8m on 2022’s figure of £28.3m.
The brewery says the increase was due to numerous successful refurbishment projects, investment in and opening of a new managed site at Heswall and growth of contract brewing sales.
“Once again, Hydes has shown resilience, innovation, and customer loyalty, resulting in a record-breaking turnover for the second successive year," said Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes. "This reflects the brewery's commitment to delivering exceptional products and services and also highlights that investment in our pubs and our people remains a key priority."
After a shaky few years for The Pub, it looks like returning to rude health.
Sawyers Arms gets a refurb
Owner of the longest running liquor licence, dating back to 1730, The Sawyers Arms on Deansgate is set to keep that going following an extensive renovation.
The exterior of the building is already a treat to look at - more pubs should have their name in large raised letters outside - but now the inside looks similarly handsome.
Go and have a look for yourself, have a pint while you're at it and keep that liquor licence working hard.
Mulligans of Manchester expands
Read here for our resident Guinness hound Hayden Naughton's article on Manchester's favourite Irish pub expanding.
Smoking ban could be extended to terraces and beer gardens
Yes, I know it's a terrible habit, and an objectively stupid thing to do, but smoking a cigarette while having a pint outside the pub and talking endless nonsense is one of life's great pleasures.
Should this ban - which The Sun reported on earlier this week from leaked government documents - come to fruition it will change things in much the same way the indoor one did - people will adapt. I can't imagine how much your best Friday night outfit must have hummed after an evening in the pub pre-2007.
I prefer an influx of fresh air with my cigarettes, but if it comes down to huddling in a designated bus shelter (see Manchester Airport terminals) 50 yards from the pub, I may just quit. Cigarettes, that is.
Some Proper News
For a roundup of what's going on in the world of property in the city, along with other news, read our Editor-at-Large Jonathan Schofield's report This City.
Hard Rock Cafe Charity Painting Challenge
Hard Rock Cafe at The Printworks are holding their Charity Painting Challenge on Thursday (5 September), Freddie Mercury's birthday.
Create a painting of a Manchester music icon and if you win there's a prize of £250 Hard Rock restaurant voucher along with the iconic merch.
The paintings will then be auctioned off in aid of the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
The judging panel will include Zoe Watson, Curator of Contemporary Art at The Lowry, Dr Emily Brick, Senior Lecturer in Film and Media at Manchester Metropolitan University, and… me.
I could be swayed by a portrait of Mark E Smith terrorising a poor journalist, and that's all I'll say.
Here's some further info:
When: Thursday 5th September 2024 (Freddie Mercury's birthday)
Doors will open at 10:30am for an 11am start. You will have until 4pm to complete your piece of art.
Judging will follow soon afterwards and the winner announced around 5/5:30pm
Where: Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, The Printworks, Manchester, M4 2BS
The format/running order: 10:30am - 11am: Arrival and set-up on the mezzanine
11am - 4pm: Five hours to create your portrait on the subject of Manchester musical icon*, including comfort breaks and lunch etc.
4pm - 4:30pm: Judging
5pm - 5:30pm: Winners announced and prize giving
The prizes: First prize is a £250 Hard Rock Cafe restaurant voucher and a Rock Shop merchandise bundle - there will also be prizes for second and third places. There is no cash alternative.
All the artwork created on the day will be auctioned by Hard Rock Cafe Manchester in aid of the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
A good morning bagel on Oxford Road
The Bagel Factory has opened a new store in Circle Square, Oxford Road.
As a fairly frequent visitor of the Spinningfields site, I'm glad to see one opening in what can be a bit of a tricky spot to find a quick and affordable breakfast or lunch. I'd recommend downloading the app, then it's there waiting for you as you arrive.
Salt beef, if you're asking.
Jack Grealish's sweaty training top
The British Heart Foundation charity shop in Hyde is selling Man City player-worn training kits kindly donated by the club.
When doors open at 8.30am on Saturday (31 August) shoppers will be able to pick up 220 individual pieces of kit including those worn by Jack Grealish, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Stefan Ortega and Erling Haaland.
Queues are expected as shoppers can buy authentic kit worn by the team, including waterproof jackets, long sleeves, drycell and warmcell tops and hoodies, shirts, t-shirts, shorts and joggers.
I can't promise that they've left them unwashed, but you never know.
Parties at Red Bank
There's a party due to be held at the Red Bank arches next month (Saturday 7 September).
The celebration on Faber Street will combine great food, drink, and music for everyone – with food supplied by the likes of The Spärrows and Half Dozen Other and beats from local artists including Manchester City’s resident DJ, Jamie Anne, and renowned club staples Jake Rowbottom and SHADEV.
The family friendly event will be held at the Red Bank Viaduct, on Faber Street, on Saturday 7 September, from 12-9:00pm.
Tickets for general admission are available for free here.
Fancy Gaffs
This week's Fancy Gaff is to be found in the city centre, would you believe it.
A three-bedroom, 323 sq m duplex penthouse, it could be yours for a mere £1.4m.
Estate agents Rothmore Property describe it thusly: "One of a kind, this stunning penthouse occupies the entire top two floors of a beautiful historic building, situated in one of Manchester's most sought-after areas.
"Located at the cultural crossroads of the vibrant Northern Quarter and trendy Ancoats, this duplex penthouse is more than just a residence; it's a statement of refined living, offering an unparalleled blend of space, style, and sophistication."
£1.4m for a massive room, or an opportunity for fancy loft living? Let us know in the comments.
Picture of the Week: Sarandë, Albania
This Picture of the Week comes courtesy of my friend Tom taken on our July holiday to the Albanian resort town of Sarandë.
In front is the beautiful blue sea, to the right the Viking-themed party boat, and behind us the giant screen where we watched England beat Holland in the Euros. Seems an age away now.
If you've got a photo you'd like us to consider for Picture of the Week, send it to davida@confidentials.com
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