REFUGE
GET ready for the most extravagant Christmas pet fancy dress competition. This Sunday December 16, from 3pm, the Refuge will be hosting a special one-off event dedicated to our four-legged friends – The Refuge Rein-dog.
Has your dog been naughty or nice? Let Santa be the judge of that! The Refuge invites your furry friend to get dressed up in their fanciest outfit and have their professional photo taken, along with some fun Christmas props to choose from. It’s the latest addition to The Refuge Christmas Carol programme and the three doggie dressing-up categories are:
1 Best Rein-dog (best dressed – your dog doesn’t have to be dressed as a reindeer to win)
2 Best Prancer (best mincing and dancing dog)
3 Best Vixen (cutest dog)
Taste of Manchester’s own resident canines, Captain Smidge the chihuahua (as an elf above) and Poppy the cute cavachon are weighing up their options.
All dogs are welcome and winner’s prizes will include a Sunday Roast for the family and winning dog. Festive bonus – Father Christmas himself will be present at the Christmas Carol Bar on the day and we’re sure there’ll be foodie treats for dogs and owners alike.
The Refuge by Volta, Principal Hotel, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA. 0161 233 5151.
HATCH
Urban Narnia, that different kind of Christmas destination at Hatch on Oxford Road, is also targeting the canine in your life with its Santa Paws Grotto on Saturday, December 15. Between 1pm and 4pm dogs visiting will receive a Christmas gift and a picture of themselves on Santa Paws’ knee. Owners will be emailed the festive shot in return for a small donation to Manchester & Cheshire Dogs Home.
Hatch, pop-up craft and food pop-up under the Mancunian Way will be free to the public as usual all day. A great place to grab some Christmas presents and a range of street food. Here’s the tasty line-up.
Japanese Junk and Cottonopolis NQ bar Cottonopolis present a special yuletide version of their street food brand ‘Japanese Junk’ (above). Check out heir Pork Belly Bao with peanuts, mustard and pickles, Katsu Chicken Burgers, Wagyu Kuro Burger and snacks like vegetable gyozas and prawn cracker nachos. They’ are also serving up a range of Christmas drinks with an Asian-inspired twist including a hot, mulled, spiced plum Sake. Hot Toddy and Hot Buttered Rum will provide more traditional festive cockle warmers and they’ll also be serving up wine, beers and G&Ts served with a range of homemade festive cordials.
Electrik Box This pop and drop version of South Manchester institution Electrik. This double decker bar, the gateway to Urban Narnia is adorned with the original “E” blown off Manchester Arndale in the 1996 IRA bomb. It’s been reclaimed by owner Luke Unabomber from 23 years in storage and now sits atop this new addition to Hatch. Expect craft beer, a specially created Christmas cocktail, wines, mulled wines and ciders.
Cayuco Independent street food heroes Cayuco produce vibrant dishes inspired by Panama and wider South America. Try their freshly made tacos.
T’Arricrii Sicilian brothers Riccardo and Romeo specialise in arancini of multiple varieties (with meat, fish and veggie options) plus juices made with Sicilian fruits and cannolos.
The Mac Shac Serving up glorious, cheesy winter-warmer goodness with various topping options.
Takk Nordic-inspired coffee bar and welcoming hang out space and Ol Nano Brewery & Bar Hatch’s nano brewery and keg bar Ol will be serving up the bar’s own beers brewed on site, allowing customers to drink it straight from source alongside craft ales from across the north west and organic wine from Love + Labour.