THIS is a party political broadcast on behalf of the Humbug Party. Taste of Manchester will be spending much of the run-up to Christmas on doorsteps canvassing for a bright new future for Britain. Maybe, Which ought to stop us adding to our vast collection of gluhwein mugs we couldn’t bother to get our deposit back on.
Actually we quite like the look of this year’s limited edition mug to celebrate 20 years of Manchester Christmas Markets. They will be available – while stocks last – from the opening day of the Markets on Friday, November 8 until they close on Saturday, December 21 (Albert Square until 4pm on Sunday, December 22).
There is a mind-boggling volume of traders to track down across the various city centre Market sites – St Ann’s Square, Albert Square, Market Street, Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens and, for the first time, Piccadilly Gardens. We’re in awe of the M.E.N. hacks who busted a gut to list every single one. On your marks, seek out Porky’s of Yarm, Dontbitchstitch, Twixie-Pixie, snugglebottle.co.uk, The Wooden Tie Company, Dinky Art Bonsai, Drydock Driftwood and Dimkin.
Inevitably, despite a plethora of snacking opportunities you end up washing down a bratwurst with some tinny-tasting Pils or a Dutch waffle with scalding hot chocolate. It doesn’t have to be like this. There’s a variety of booze-fuelled retreats on offer. Here’s our pick of the mix…
THE TAVERN, SPINNINGFIELDS (from November 8)
Brought to you by the creators of ‘The Lawn Club’ and open from 12pm until late, this pop-up log cabin in leafy Hardman Square will serve authentic German dishes, including bratwurst and chicken schnitzel alongside warm cider, hot cocktails and beer served in Bavarian steins. For more information follow @TavernMCR on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
CUROUS TEEPEE, SPINNINGFIELDS (open)
This magical marquee at the Oast House in The Avenue Courtyard has become a festive fixture with its formula of fire pits, fur throws, festive fairy lights and warming drinks. You can book it for private functions; email [email protected].
ENCHANTED FOREST AT 20 STORIES (from November 13)
Two giant snow globes will be taking over the roof terrace at 20 Stories for a new seasonal theme in a partnership with Moët & Chandon. Expect a forest of festive foliage! Plus blankets and additional outdoor heaters. The winter garden-themed rooftop will be offering seasonal drinks, plus a new cocktail menu plus a dedicated Moët menu.Group bookings can be made for the ‘Into The Woods’ themed roof terrace for party sizes of between six and 70; email [email protected]
THE LODGE AT FIRST STREET (from October 31)
The city’s newest neighbourhood brings us this 150-person Nordic winter tipi which will provide a range of quality Nordic-style beers and a mix of hot drinks, served alongside food that includes Yorkshire pudding wraps. Refreshingly The Lodge will also double up as a flexible event venue – offering craft, arts and sustainability-themed workshops, as well as wellness classes and family-focused events. Expect ABBA (or reggae) yoga make your own wrapping paper workshops, trainer repairs and more. The Lodge, a collab with on-site operator Gasworks Brewbar – will be in situ at First Street until the New Year.
IGLOOS BACK AT REFINERY (from November 8)
Faux fur blankets and fairy lights deck the familiar igloos outside the XYZ building in Spinningfields. Snow Queen vodka are behind the pop-up, and will have special cocktails and snacks on offer throughout their stay, including pigs in blankets, mini cheeseburgers, and wild mushroom Yorkshire puds. Each igloo accommodates up to eight people if you're dining, or 10 in for just drinks and nibbles, with full table service in each. Bookings are available in two-hour slots, seven days a week, at 1.15pm, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 3.45pm, 5.45pm, 6pm, 8pm, and 8.15pm. There are two igloos available for hire – to reserve one it’s a minimum spend of £200 on food and drink. you’ll need to spend a minimum of £200 on food and drink to reserve one. Email [email protected].
BAR HÜTTE – CHALET LIFE WITH CAROL-OKE (from November 7)
Carol-oke they call it – rustic, twinkly Alpine huts, each with it own karaoke machine to let you unleash your festive favourites. Bookings include table service from the Après-Ski Bar, which will offer a menu of classic cocktails and seasonal specialities including hot winter G&Ts. Reservations can be made can be made for slots of an hour and three quarters for groups of six to 10 people, with a non-refundable reservation fee of £45. Larger parties can reserve a VIP Hütte for up to 20 guests for a deposit of £200, which can be put towards any food and drink packages, plus a £100 booking fee. Those without reservatins can enjoy drinks at main bar. Book here.
BRRR THRILLS AT THE ICE TIKI BAR (from November 8)
This bar serving tropical cocktails in sub-zero temperatures is in the Ice Village in Cathedral Gardens, so officially part of the Christmas Markets. Guests will be given thermal capes to keep them warm inside the frozen venue, which will be chilled to -8ºC. Ice sculptures of Easter Island's monolithic Moai statues decorate the bar. Cocktails including supersized ice bowls to share will be available to buy along with warming shots and fruity mocktails. Admission is £15, to include one cocktail or mocktail in an ice glass. The Ice Village, also home to an under cover ice rink, a slide and an ice cavern featuring frozen sculptures of mythical beasts will run until January 5.
GLOBAL WINTER WARMER IN THE GARDENS (from November 8)
Making its debut in the new Piccadilly Gardens market site, the giant Snow Globe dome bar will offer gin hot toddies and other seasonal specialities under a transparent canopy with twinkling fairy lights. Regular live music sessions kick off on Saturday, November 9 with an ompah band as well as choral performances from Longford Community Choir and League of Ladies WI Choir. Tickets cost £12 plus booking fees. Buy them here.
GET YOUR SKATES ON AT MEDIA CITY (from November 15)
FRIDAY, November 15 is the launch date for the new Ice Rink at MediaCityUK this Christmas, which also includes a Christmas Market and light festival plus “The Retreat” – a winter cabin offering treats for skaters and non-skaters alike. The family-friendly 500sq ft ice rink will accommodate up to 200 skaters at one time. ToM may sit that one out and plump for the cabin cosiness faux of furs, fairy lights and lots of warm nooks with access to hot cider, mulled wine, draught beers, wines, soft drinks, teas, coffees and hot Vimto on tap… oh and the obligatory hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream. The Retreat is open to all, not just skaters. The Rink will run until January 5. Prices for an hour’ skating are £13 for adults and £11 for children with a family of four special ticket £40. To check times and book visit this link.