WE already feel so spooked out by the host of Halloween activities we might just stay home on October 31, gouge out a pumpkin or two, indulge in the odd Satanic rite. What would we be missing? Well Visit Manchester has a pretty comprehensive list of events plus Twitter updates via @HalloweenMcr.
The city’s restaurants and bars are naturally getting in on the act (see below) but for a novel occasion we’s recommend getting your slobbering jaws around a Spielburger at the Halloween night launch of the new Everyman Cinema at the Granada Studios site.
Before tucking into a special screening of The Exorcist (pick of a clutch of scary movies across the three screens, including the recent Joker) we’d recommend you order that burger homage to the great director Steven. We enjoyed ours at the Leeds Trinity Everyman venue – one of 30 around the country promoting quirky sofa seating, sundaes and shakes alongside a proper food menu and bar.
Everyman Manchester opens on Thursday, October 31 at ABC Building, 23 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 4AS.
TATTU’S A SCREAM
Just across Quay Street Tattu is also cinematically celebrating the season with ‘Halloween Screamings’. They’re hosting a full day dedicated to some cult classics and a brand new Halloween inspired 3-course menu, including creepy drinks.
Kicking off the day is the witchy Hocus Pocus at 1pm, followed by The Addams Family at 4pm and Evil Dead at 7pm. Before each film there is a spooky inspired cocktail, Black Magic, served in Tattu’s infamous smokey skull glasses.
While watching enjoy an appropriate dim sum basket featuring Chicken Xiao long bao eyeballs and Wagyu mummy dumplings, followed by a main of chicken curry clay pot or a veggie version, served with jasmine rice or seasonal vegetables. Dessert will be Asian pear sticky toffee pud.
Sunday October 27, Halloween Screamings. Tattu, 3 Hardman Square, Gartside Street, Manchester M3 3EB. To book call 0161 819 2060.
HALLOWEEN BITES AT SHORYU RAMEN
From October 14 to November 13 the Piccadilly Garden ramen maestros are tweaking their standard buns and broths in ghoulish fashion at a less than frightful £24 for bun, ramen, dessert and a drink.
Fillings including BBQ Pork, chicken karaage and pumpkin croquette and the broths included the signature Shoryu Tonkotsu (with black squid ink and fried shallots), the new Dracula Tonkotsu (caramelised black garlic mayu, garlic chips, fried shallots and topped with egg) and The Black Natural (tonyu soy milk, miso, atsuage fried tofu, kikurage mushrooms, spring onion, menma bamboo shoots and nori seaweed). I-Scream! is the desserts theme.
CREEPY IVY AND THE MELTING WITCHES HAT
To celebrate Halloween The Ivy Spinningfields have launched a limited edition cocktail and dessert, available in the Ivy Brasserie and Roof Garden. The Midnight Martini will be available from October 24 to November 3. At £9.25 it’s a rich concoction of Tosolini Expre, Absolut Vanilla, dark Crème de Cacao and cinnamon syrup. The Melting Witches Hat dessert, a ‘spooktacular’ treat will be available for only night only on Halloween itself. Dark chocolate, mint mousse, vanilla ice-cream, popping candy and topped with lashings of caramel sauce. Enjoy for £9.95. To book a table call 0161 503 3222 or visit their website.
SHRIEKING STRIKES AT ALL STAR LANES
It’s a hyperactive Halloween in the Great Northern’s upmarket bowling alley/bar.
Halloween at All Star Lanes 2019 – from fancy dress prizes to Thriller-themed drag queen brunches, fuelled by some wicked cocktails. ‘Spooky Sips’ (available October 15-November 3) include the Drunken Pumpkin, Devil’s Blood and the Goblin Sour, all of which can also be served on the brand-new shot-tail menu at 3 for £10 in miniaturised form.
From Thursday 31 to Saturday 2, it’s Halloween party time with fancy dress opportunities and prizes while November 2 and 3 bottomless Bloody Marys stoke the brunch extravaganza (drag queens on the Saturday, too).
RAISE A TOAST TO THE DEAD AT WAHACA
Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween these days without Wahaca in the Corn Exchange celebrating the Mexican Day of The Dead. From October 28 to November 3 margaritas cost just £5 and there’s a special seven-dish meal for two at £18.50 a head, £37 in total. Expect some appropriate face painting action too.
Wahaca, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, Manchester M4 3TR.
WHO LET THE DOGS OUT AT HATCH?
For the second year running, Hatch, food, drink and retail destination on Oxford Road is presenting Howl’oween! – Manchester’s free to enter Halloween party for Hounds. It runs from 12pm-6pm on Sunday, October 27. Centrepiece is the ‘Spooky Pooch’ competition at 4pm. Best dressed wins a prize to stay at the Hotel Principal along with its owners.
This fun event makes it into our food round-up because Hatch boast such a fine array of street food traders and splendid drinks operators in Vin-yard, Number 8 (cocktails) and Öl (craft beer). Plus for your hungry hound on the day look out for hand-made treats from Millie’s and Ruby’s Dog Bakery.