Manchester’s dining scene is set to welcome an exciting new addition this spring as acclaimed chef Caroline Martins announces the opening of her second Manchester restaurant, BRASA. Following the remarkable success of her chef’s table restaurant SAMPA, which currently has a four-month waitlist, Caroline is giving food lovers an opportunity to experience her celebrated Brazilian cookery in a new, more relaxed setting. With demand for SAMPA showing no signs of slowing, BRASA offers a new way to secure a table and enjoy her bold, fire-led flavours.

BRASA is a vibrant Brazilian barbecue concept that places the grill at its heart, celebrating the warmth, generosity and theatre of traditional churrasco cooking. In contrast to the refined twelve-course tasting menu at SAMPA, BRASA will serve a generous à la carte menu with a focus on the grill. Guests can expect barbecued flatbreads such as Pão de Alho, alongside Pão de Queijo – Brazil’s beloved cheese bread – served with caramelised onion butter. Salgadinhos, a selection of Brazilian croquettes filled with chicken, beef and cheese, will be paired with smoked chilli mayo, while a charcuterie plate of lomo, fennel salami, spianata romana and house pickles brings a nod to European influence.

The menu will showcase prime cuts cooked over fire, with traditional large cuts alongside a signature BRASA steak frites, a very special barbecued Picanha rump served with annatto-seasoned Julienne fries and Caroline’s requeijão peppercorn sauce, as well as platters such as Linguiça na Chapa, featuring pork sausage and onions with Brazilian condiments, served family style. The larger sharing cuts will include a 450g ribeye, a 650g T-bone and an impressive 900g bone-in prime rib. Sides will range from hand cut skin-on fries tossed in annatto seasoning to feijão preto of black beans with garlic, bacon and coriander, and a fresh heart of palm salad with cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion and parsley.

Caroline Martins’ journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Raised in the suburbs of São Paolo, she initially built a career in science, completing a PhD before moving to Texas to work in academia as a plasma physicist. A desire for creativity ultimately led her to swap the laboratory for the kitchen, enrolling at Le Cordon Bleu in London in 2017. After further training in Italy and time spent in some of London’s most respected kitchens, she relocated to Manchester, falling in love with the city’s burgeoning food scene. Following a series of acclaimed pop-ups and appearances on BBC’s Great British Menu, she opened SAMPA in 2024, where her British-Brazilian fusion tasting menu and intimate chef’s table format have been a sensational success.

With BRASA, Caroline returns to the bold, generous flavours of her upbringing, presenting them in a more informal and fire-driven format while maintaining the technical excellence for which she has become known.

Reservations are now open at www.brasabarbecue.co.uk.

Follow @brasa_steaks for the latest updates.

Further details, including the official opening date and location reveal, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Bubble Planet Experience will open at Depot Mayfield in February, ahead of the half-term. This follows acclaimed runs in more than ten global cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Milan and London.

Bubble Planet Experience

Set within one of Manchester’s most exciting cultural destinations, Bubble Planet finds a fitting home at Depot Mayfield. A former railway depot transformed into a vibrant hub for arts, entertainment, and large-scale experiences.

Co-produced by family entertainment producer Exhibition Hub and Fever. They are the leading platform for discovering live entertainment and cultural experiences. The Bubble Planet Experience invites visitors to step into a joyful, dreamlike world where bubbles take centre stage.

Enjoyed by over four million visitors worldwide and shared more than 1,000 times on Instagram. Furthermore, the experience was designed to awaken curiosity and reconnect audiences with a sense of childlike wonder. This includes a series of visually striking, multi-sensory environments.

Moreover, as visitors journey through the experience, they are immersed in a bubbly universe where colours, lights, textures and illusions blend seamlessly. Plus, giant balloons and floating soap bubbles, each space offers a new perspective, encouraging exploration and playful discovery. Equally, it has been carefully designed to engage all the senses. Bubble Planet transforms imagination into a tangible, interactive adventure.

Themed Rooms

Ten themed rooms guide guests through surreal landscapes that blur the boundaries between dream and reality. Firstly, the Bubble Ocean is a vast expanse of bubbles designed to evoke calm and serenity. Secondly, the Infinity Room, where mirrors and shifting lights create the illusion of endless space. Thirdly, underwater Bubbles transport visitors into a hypnotic aquatic world, recreating the magic and mystery of deep-sea exploration.

In addition, younger visitors can unleash their creativity in the Bubble Dome. This is a play area designed for hands-on fun. Additionally, tech fans can embark on an exhilarating virtual reality journey that adds an extra layer of adventure to the experience.

Every element of Bubble Planet has been carefully crafted to inspire awe. Dazzling light displays, interactive installations and unexpected textures work together to turn an ordinary visit into an extraordinary shared moment. Suitable for families, couples, groups of friends and everyone in between. Thus, Bubble Planet offers a joyful escape from the everyday.

Hamza El Azhar, CEO of Exhibition Hub says;

“We are delighted to be bringing Bubble Planet to Manchester for the very first time alongside the team at Fever, and to be part of a city with such a strong and celebrated cultural identity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience a joyful, immersive adventure that sparks curiosity and wonder for all ages,”

Ticket and Booking Info

For more information visit Bubble Planet Experience
Follow Bubble Planet Experience on Instagram for the latest updates
Tickets available from Fever

Location:
Depot Mayfield: 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY

How to get there:
The nearest Metrolink stop is Piccadilly, just a two-minute walk from the venue. From Piccadilly Gardens, the venue can also be reached on foot in around 12 minutes. Depot Mayfield is easily accessible by car via the Inner Ring Road, which connects the city centre with all major routes.

Words written by Indigo PR and Rachel McAlley (@LadyRach)

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A nationwide study of UK adults reveals that modern luxury is now defined by quality time with loved ones, shared experiences and affordable treats, rather than extravagance – as The Ivy announces the expansion of its iconic 1917 two-course set menu for just £19.17 from Monday 5^th January.

Everyday luxury over extravagance

The research found that more than one in three Brits (36%) believe luxury today is about how something makes you feel, not how much it costs, while just a small minority (14%) associate luxury primarily with exclusivity or high price points.

When asked what they consider to be “everyday luxuries” in 2026, the top responses for the people of Yorkshire included:

• Treating yourself without worrying about the cost (45%)
• Peace of mind about money (41%)
• Spending quality time with family and friends (38%)
• Good food in a beautiful setting (38%)
• Enjoying a meal out with others (35%)

The findings reflect a cultural shift towards accessible, emotional luxury – experiences that feel special but still fit into everyday life.

Dining out is still considered a special treat

While almost half of Brits in Yorkshire seeing dining out at a restaurant as a special treat they enjoy occasionally (48%), a number of people feel that luxuries, such as dining out, should feel special but still feel affordable (30%) and therefore a more attainable experience.

When asked what price point feels like an affordable luxury for a restaurant meal, nearly half of Brits (49%) said £30 or less, reinforcing the growing demand for high-quality dining experiences at accessible prices.

What makes a meal feel luxurious?

Rather than excess, the people of Yorkshire say luxury dining is defined by:

• High-quality food (36%)
• A beautiful, welcoming setting (33%)
• Good service that makes guests feel valued (29%)
• Being able to relax and take time over a meal (29%)
• Consistent quality you can trust (22%)

The Ivy’s 1917 Menu Expands

In response to this shift, The Ivy is expanding its much-loved 1917 two-course set menu, priced at £19.17, celebrating the year the first Ivy restaurant opened in London.

Available across The Ivy Collection, the menu now has an additional two dishes per course, offering a curated selection of seasonal dishes that combine classic Ivy style with contemporary flavours – delivering what diners increasingly want: elevated luxury at an everyday price.

Perfectly comforting for winter, starters include a warming French Onion Soup, topped with gratinated cheese croutons and parsley and a luxurious Duck Liver Parfait with caramelised hazelnuts, apricot and apple chutney, served with toasted brioche. Other options among the starters are Robata Grilled Chicken Skewers with a creamy bang bang peanut sauce, sesame, coconut, lime and coriander, a vibrant Tamarind Beetroot and Endive Salad and Salt and Pepper Calamari with a sesame and gochujang glaze and an Asian slaw.

Stars of the mains include The Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie, made with slow-braised lamb and beef, topped with cheddar mash and served with a rich rosemary and red wine sauce, a Pan-fried Aegean Sea Bream with shaved fennel, Granny Smith apples, chives and white wine velouté and a rich and creamy Foraged Wild Mushroom and Truffle Linguine. For a £4.95 supplement, guests can also opt for the Minute Steak, accompanied by a rich peppercorn sauce, crispy onions and triple cooked chips.

Guests needn’t stop there, as for an additional £4.95 there are a selection of delectable desserts, including a Flambéed Crème Brûlée and Sticky Toffee Pudding. For a £2.95 supplement, guests can enjoy in the iconic Ivy Chocolate Bombe with vanilla ice cream, honeycomb and hot caramel sauce.

Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef for The Ivy Collection said: “It’s clear from our research that luxury today is about connection, comfort and quality – not cost. Our 1917 menu is about making everyday luxuries more accessible, whether that’s a midweek lunch, a spontaneous dinner or time spent catching up with loved ones. At just £19.17, it is the perfect antidote to the winter blues, giving guests an opportunity to continue enjoying life’s small luxuries, even when budgets are feeling stretched after Christmas.”

A luxury people can enjoy more often

With over a third of Brits (36%) saying they prefer regular, guilt-free treats over occasional big splurges, the research highlights why accessible luxury is becoming the new benchmark.

As diners look for experiences that feel special without being extravagant, The Ivy’s 1917 menu offers a chance to enjoy the brand’s signature hospitality, heritage and atmosphere – for just £19.17.

The 1917 menu will be priced at £19.17 for two courses from Monday 5^th January until Saturday 28^th February. The 1917 menu will not be available on Valentine’s Day (Saturday 14^th February)

Menus at The Original Ivy (West Street, London), The Ivy Belfast Brasserie and The Ivy Dawson Street (Dublin) will differ.  

Instagram: @the_ivy_collection

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Louis The Italian-American restaurant and live music venue will welcome guests in from the cold to celebrate the holidays in true New York fashion. A love letter to the Italian-American dining room of Manhattan, Louis’ festive season promises glamour, live performances, and special menus including a Christmas twist on its much-loved Supper Clubs.

Guests can choose from three sharing-style menus — Little Italy, Manhattan, and The Big Apple — featuring Italian-American favourites made with exceptional ingredients. Highlights include Crispy Focaccia with Parmigiano Cream and Italian Truffle Salami, Calamari Fritti with Spicy Marinara, and Iberico Meatballs topped with Cheesy Béchamel. Main courses feature indulgent dishes such as Wagyu New York Strip and Dover Sole with buttery cranberry and parsley sauce.

For those wishing to continue the celebrations into the night, Louis’ Supper Clubs offer the best seats in town — evenings of dining, drinking, and dancing set to live DJs and performers. Now open seven days a week.

Tattu this year, Tattu’s iconic cherry blossom trees will turn icy blue, reflecting a new look for the festive season. Guided by the Azure Winter Dragon, a mythical creature symbolising transformation and strength, the restaurant invites guests to embrace a season of renewal and new beginnings.

Cosiness meets sophistication as Tattu’s kitchen presents three festive sharing-style menus, each featuring three “waves” of signature dishes. The Emperor’s Choice menu begins with a Mixed Dim Sum Platter of Wagyu Beef, Lobster, Surf & Turf, and Royal Koi Gau. The second wave highlights Salt-Grilled Japanese Black Wagyu with enoki mushrooms and shallot soy, while dessert culminates with the striking Azure Bauble — a blend of white chocolate, miso, and winter berries. Menus vary per location.

Fenix, the high-end contemporary Greek-Mediterranean restaurant and destination bar, will transport guests to the mystical Grecian isles with its festive offering. Expect decadent sharing menus, limited-edition cocktails and desserts, extended opening hours at The Nest Bar, and tailored options for group celebrations.

Inspired by Karavaki, the Greek Christmas tradition where children carry illuminated boats while singing carols to bless sailors of the Aegean, the venue will shimmer with thousands of twinkling lights. Four special Christmas menus — Athenian Taverna, Greek Nostos, Mykonian Aura, and Athenian Garden take diners on a culinary journey through Greek heritage and celebration.

The festive season across all Permanently Unique Group venues will run from 3rd November to 30th December.

Website: louisrestaurants.com

Social: @louisrestaurants

Website: fenixrestaurants.com

Social: @fenixrestaurants

Website: tattu.co.uk

Social: @tatturestaurant

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Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, The Nutcracker reimagines the story’s whimsy and wonder through an elegant six-course tasting journey. From Clara’s dreamlike adventure beneath the glittering Christmas tree to the opulent realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy, each course pirouettes between nostalgia and innovation, bringing festive storytelling to the table with signature Six by Nico flair.

Chef Nico Simeone, CEO and founder of Six by Nico said: 

“The Nutcracker has always captured something truly magical about the season – that moment when reality softens and imagination takes over. We wanted this menu to feel like a story unfolding, where each dish reveals a new scene filled with warmth, theatre and a touch of surprise. For many of us, The Nutcracker is part of the soundtrack of Christmas – familiar, comforting, yet endlessly full of wonder. Translating that into food meant blending the nostalgia of a childhood Christmas with the creativity and precision of elevated dining. We hope guests leave with the same feeling they get at the end of the ballet – a sense of joy, delight and a little sparkle of magic that stays with them.”

This festive symphony in six courses is available 17 November – 31 December 2025 across all Six by Nico restaurants in the UK and Ireland.

The Nutcracker Menu

Course 1:  The Gift

Baked Gruyère Royale | Smoked Pancetta Jam | Chestnut & Vanilla Emulsion

A warm, velvety opening act — the essence of Christmas morning captured on a plate

Course 2: Through the Frosted Gate

Smoked Salmon | Bergamot Caviar | Cauliflower Couscous | Frozen Horseradish Snow

A delicate overture of cool elegance, mirroring the shimmering stillness of a winter’s night

Course 3: The Enchanted Market

Carrot “Tartare” | Winter Preserves | Lovage Emulsion | Salted Gooseberries

A playful interlude inspired by the bustle and colour of a Victorian Christmas fair

Course 4:  The Frozen Lake

Sea Bass | Ember-Roasted Leek | Burnt Apple | Taramasalata | Dill Pickle Apple

Light, graceful, and poised — a course that glides like a ballerina across ice

Course 5: The Midnight Duel

Pigs in Blankets | Artichoke | Black Garlic | Caramelised Mushroom

A darker, more dramatic movement — festive comfort with a flourish of mischief.

Course 6: The Land of Sweets

Almond Financier Bonbon | Passionfruit Jelly | Clementine Sorbet | Candy Cane Tuile

A grand finale of colour and confection — a curtain call worthy of the Sugar Plum Fairy

Vegetarian and vegan alternatives available on request when booking. Nutcracker six course menu is priced at £45 per person (UK venues) / £55 (London Locations). Optional themed wine pairing and festive cocktails including Toymaker’s Fizz and Midwinter Ember are also available.

Locations & Dates

The Nutcracker menu will run from The Nutcracker runs 17 November – 22 November (Mon – Sat only) and from 26 November – 31 December (Wed – Sat only) across all Six by Nico restaurants in Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh (Hanover & West), Glasgow (Byres Road, Merchant City & Southside), Leeds, London (Fitzrovia & Canary Wharf), Manchester (Deansgate & Spring Gardens), and Oxford.

Bookings are open now via sixbynico.co.uk 

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The Pip at Treehouse festive dining line-up offers something for every occasion. Guests can enjoy a seasonal à la carte menu with comforting favourites like Yorkshire Christmas Pie, slow-roast Lyme Park venison, and Mrs Beeton’s Christmas pudding. Christmas Day brings a grand traditional feast complete with Champagne, oysters, and all the trimmings. New Year’s Eve is marked with celebratory tasting menus featuring hand-dived scallops, venison, and malt whisky parfait, while Boxing Day and New Year’s Day serve up hearty brunches – from classic full English breakfasts to festive roast sandwiches.

When:

• Festive à la carte and group set menus available from November 17^th until early January. Menus are available from November 17^th until early January. Group set menus are available for a four-course lunch at £58pp and a six-course dinner at £75pp. For large bookings and to enquire group set menus, please email enquires@pipmcr.com.
• Christmas Day menu on December 25^th, seating at 1.30pm. £165pp for adults, £80pp for children. Find out more and book here.
• Boxing Day Brunch on December 26^th, from 12pm until 4pm. £22pp which includes a brunch dish and a drink choice of bloody mary, fizz, mimosa, or beer. Find out more and book here.
• New Year’s Eve menu on December 31^st, early sitting at 6.30pm (£70pp) and late sitting at 8.30pm (£95pp). Find out more and book here.
• New Year’s Day Brunch on January 1^st, from 12pm until 4pm. £22pp which includes a brunch dish and a drink choice of bloody mary, fizz, mimosa, or beer. Find out more and book here.

Where:

Pip at Treehouse Hotel Manchester

Blackfriars Street, Manchester M3 2EQ

Pip – Festive Opening Hours

• Christmas Eve: Lunch (12pm – 4pm), Dinner (5pm – 8pm), Bar (12pm – 11pm)
• Christmas Day: Lunch (1.30pm sitting), Bar (12pm – 9pm)
• Boxing Day: Brunch (12pm – 4pm), Bar (12pm – 9pm)
• New Year’s Eve: Lunch (12pm – 4pm), Bar (12pm – 9pm)
• New Year’s Day: Brunch (12pm – 4pm), Bar (12pm – 9pm)

How:

To find out more about Pip and to book a table, please visit www.pipmcr.com.

All festive menus at Pip can be viewed here.

Follow @pip.mcr on Instagram for the latest updates.

www.pipmcr.com

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Businesses and large parties can enjoy a 10% discount on their next event as a ‘thank you’ for choosing Hard Rock Cafe Manchester to dine in style once again. Local vendors, clients, and partners are also invited to take advantage of a special offer, with the choice of a 10% discount or a complimentary upgrade on seasonal celebrations. 

Available between 1st-30th December, the restaurant’s new festive menu boasts classic seasonal flavours and signature dishes with a Hard Rock Cafe twist to enjoy against a backdrop of iconic memorabilia in a lively atmosphere. Two courses from the menu can be enjoyed for £34.05 and three courses for just £37.35. 

For starters, choose from either a Caesar Salad with romaine lettuce, classic caesar dressing, parmesan crisps, croutons, and shaved parmesan cheese, or a Berry Salad, made up of strawberries, blueberries, goat cheese, candied almonds, toasted coconut, and balsamic vinaigrette. 

For the main event, festive diners can choose from a selection of traditional seasonal dishes and Hard Rock firm favourites including: 

• Baby Back Ribs; a signature spice blend with barbeque sauce, seasoned fries, and coleslaw 
• Chicken Milanese; crispy chicken cutlet with lemon, parmesan arugula, tomatoes, cucumber, apple, pickled red onion, red wine cranberry jam, basil, mint, and red wine vinaigrette 
• Grilled Salmon; served with a spicy mustard glaze, golden mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and charred lemon 
• New York Strip Steak*; 10 oz New York strip steak with golden mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables 
• Cranberry Smash Burger; two smashed burgers with provolone cheese, shoestring onions, red wine cranberry jam, arugula, and garlic aioli topped with a toasted bun and served with seasoned fries 
• Smokehouse Combo; pulled pork and grilled chicken breast with barbecue sauce, crispy shoestring onions, seasoned fries and coleslaw 
• Festive Dinner (V-A); slow-roasted turkey breast with roasted fresh vegetables, home-style classic stuffing, creamy sweet potato hash, and cranberry sauce, topped with traditional turkey gravy 

And because there’s always room for dessert, sweet tooth lovers can tuck into a Caramel Apple Cheesecake; a New York-style cheesecake with caramelised apples, and cinnamon oat crunch, served with whipped cream. 

The meal can also be enjoyed alongside two limited edition drinks including the Autumn Apple Fizz made with Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, apple cider, agave, ginger beer, and toasted cinnamon, or the Blackberry Rocker; Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila, blackberries, rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, lime, and bitters.* 

To find out more about the festive menu and to book, visit: https://cafe.hardrock.com/festive 

Walk-ins are welcome but bookings are advised and can be made by visiting: https://cafe.hardrock.com/manchester/ 

*An additional surcharge of £9.95 will be added to your bill with the steak main course. 

*Festive drinks are not included in the menu price and can be added-on or purchased on the day. 

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Federal café, on Nicholas Croft, has been temporarily closed while it underwent a refurbishment and now the doors are finally being flung open to welcome customers back. 

The new interior has all the familiar Federal feels with a relaxed space filled with reclaimed furniture, plenty of greenery and comfy banquet seating to create that laid-back and down-to-earth charm Federal is famous for. Timber details and eye-catching signage bring warmth and personality and tie in beautifully with the delicious menu of fresh food and drinks.

To celebrate the reopening, from 7.30am on Friday 17th and 8am Saturday 18^th and Sunday 19^th October, Federal will be giving away free espresso drinks that use its Ozone Federal espresso blend, this includes lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos.

As well as this there’ll be Batch brew that uses rotating single origin varieties for those who prefer their coffee black. There are also free Lovingly Artisan pastries up for grabs for those super early birds each morning.

Federal social media and marketing manager, Emily Ribeiro, said: Our Northern Quarter café was the first Federal to open in Manchester back in 2014, so it holds a special place in our hearts. It has been open consistently and extremely busy for 10 years, so it was time for a refresh.

“We haven’t re-invented the wheel, this is all about making customers feel familiar and comfortable whilst improving the flow of the café and overall experience. We can’t wait to see all our loyal customers again and invite them to come and have a coffee on us and celebrate some of our favourite suppliers, Ozone Coffee, Oatly and Lovingly Artisan, who have supported us from day one!”

The café will also debut Federal’s new autumn weekly specials, starting with a Biscoff chai latte from October 18, the perfect cup of warm indulgent goodness for autumn.

Federal Northern Quarter is open Friday 7:30am-4pm and Saturday & Sunday 8am-5pm for the big coffee giveaway. For more info check out Federal’s Instagram page @federalcafebar or sign up to its E-newsletter for updates https://federalcafe.co.uk/.

About Federal Café

Founded by owner Claudio Ribeiro, Federal has firmly established itself over the last decade as Manchester’s favourite brunch hangout and has grown to three outlets with venues in the Northern Quarter, Deansgate, Oxford Road.

The brand recently announced plans to expand across the Pennines and will open its first Leeds Café this autumn.

In a recent study by bookmakers Betway, which measured the popularity of over 300 coffee shops worldwide, Federal was named the UK’s most popular independent café. It was also ranked fourth in the world with more than 1.1 million TikTok views and almost 400,000 annual Google searches, firmly establishing its reputation on the global brunch scene.

Get social here: @federalcafébar – Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

Address:  9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester, M4 1EY

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When it opened its doors, San Carlo was the place to be. It quickly became a hotspot for Manchester’s buzzing celebrity scene – footballers, musicians, TV stars – flocked there for a taste of Italy. But more than that, Mancunians quickly made it the place where people came together: for birthdays, first dates, family get-togethers, and ‘just because’ dinners that turned into nights to remember.

Twenty years on, the atmosphere is just the same – warm, glamorous, full of energy – and still loved by the city that made it a success; with loyal guests returning time and again for that unmistakable San Carlo sparkle.

From one restaurant in Manchester to 35 locations across the UK and beyond – including the upcoming new opening in Miami – San Carlo’s story is one of family, food, and a lot of love. But for all the international success, Manchester will always be where it all began…

Marcello Distefano, CEO of San Carlo Group, commented: “San Carlo Manchester will always hold a special place in my heart. I started my journey here on the restaurant floor and have grown with it ever since – from those early days of service to now leading the business as CEO, driving its growth across the world. After 20 years we are still going as strong as ever – which shows we’ve created something truly special. San Carlo has never been just a restaurant; it has become part of people’s lives. Hospitality is about creating an emotional bond with our guests, and I believe this restaurant has done that in a way very few places do. The confidence and success we gained in Manchester gave us the platform to expand globally, and even now we have to pinch ourselves that two decades later we are preparing to open in Miami.”  

To mark this milestone, San Carlo is inviting the people who made it all possible  – you – to share your favourite San Carlo moments from the last 20 years. Maybe it was a wedding proposal over spaghetti, spotting your football hero at the next table, or simply a night of incredible food with friends. A city-wide search has launched; share your story by emailing us at stories@sancarlo.co.uk or by commenting on their Instagram post here.

Whether heartwarming or hilarious, the restaurant would love you to share your story. Some memories will even be featured as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.

Alongside the story search, the anniversary celebrations will also include:

• Anniversary Giveaway – a 5-star trip to Milan for two people, including a visit to an exclusive vineyard, accommodation and flights. To enter, dine at San Carlo Manchester in the month of October and scan the QR code, at your table, during your visit to be entered into the prize draw.
• As part of the 20-year celebrations, San Carlo has started work on a special edition coffee table book – a beautifully curated collection of recipes and stories capturing the essence of San Carlo.

San Carlo has grown from a single family-run restaurant into one of the UK’s most successful independent groups, with over 35 destinations across the UK and internationally – from London, Leeds and Liverpool to Qatar, Dubai, Bangkok and, coming soon, Miami. The pivotal moment came in 2005 with the opening of San Carlo Manchester, a bold move that became a runaway success and set the tone for future growth. What began as a glamorous hotspot for Manchester’s dining scene has since become the beating heart of a global restaurant family, built on authentic Italian food, family values, and unforgettable hospitality.

As the Manchester restaurant turns 20, one thing hasn’t changed: San Carlo is still the place for incredible food, family, and memories. Here’s to the next chapter. To celebrate with us, make a booking, please visit sancarlo.co.uk

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Many Manchester residents are finding that updating their flooring isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s a practical investment that can make a real difference to home comfort and how efficiently energy is used. The right flooring choices and home updates can provide better insulation, reduce heat loss, and help maintain steady temperatures throughout the property.

With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, more homeowners are searching for affordable home improvements that deliver long-term savings. Modern flooring options balance visual appeal and everyday practicality, helping homeowners manage comfort and energy usage during colder months.

Why Manchester Homes Lose Heat Through Flooring

Manchester’s well-known damp, cold winters create ongoing challenges for maintaining indoor warmth. These conditions make homes more prone to energy loss, with up to 15% of total heat escaping through uninsulated floors. The Energy Saving Trust points out that home updates such as uninsulated floors are a key place where heat seeps away, directly impacting your energy bills throughout winter.

Older properties in areas such as Didsbury, Chorlton, and Urmston often feature ageing timber floors with gaps between the boards. These gaps allow cold air to circulate beneath living spaces. Rooms become noticeably draughty as a result. Keeping heating at a steady, affordable setting becomes more difficult. Suspended timber floors are common in heritage homes and are particularly vulnerable to air infiltration through gaps, resulting in higher energy consumption.

Energy-Efficient Flooring Options for Manchester Winters

When considering winter-ready flooring, the insulation properties of different materials matter greatly. Carpet provides excellent thermal resistance, trapping air between fibres to create a natural insulation layer. Quality flooring Manchester specialists offer laminate and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) options that, when installed with appropriate underlay, can also provide real thermal benefits.

Choosing underlay with a high tog rating can help to reduce heat loss and improve comfort, especially in properties prone to temperature drops. Cork-based and foam underlays with higher tog values are especially suitable for homes in Manchester. They limit draughts and cope well with damp conditions common in the region.

Best Materials for Different Room Requirements

Kitchens and bathrooms in Manchester homes need special attention due to moisture exposure. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring offers strong insulation while resisting water damage. Modern vinyl options replicate natural materials like stone or wood while providing good thermal qualities for these busy areas.

For living areas and bedrooms, comfort and heat retention are top priorities. Engineered wood flooring with cork or foam underlay creates a warm surface underfoot while holding onto heat. Carpets with dense pile and thermal underlay offer maximum warmth, making them well-suited for bedrooms during Manchester’s cold winters.

Hallways and entrances require durable solutions as part of any home updates that prevent cold air from seeping in. These transition spaces often connect to external doors, making them vulnerable to temperature drops. Laminate flooring with high-density fibreboard core and quality underlay provides a strong barrier against cold air while standing up to heavy foot traffic and occasional moisture from wet shoes.

DIY Draught-Proofing Techniques for Existing Floors

Floor heat loss can be reduced even when a complete replacement is not necessary. Simple weekend projects can provide real results. For exposed floorboards, silicone-based sealants can fill gaps between boards, preventing cold air from moving into living spaces. Local hardware stores in Manchester such as B&Q and Wickes stock a variety of silicone-based sealants suitable for this purpose.

Budget-friendly underlay options exist for different floor types. For carpeted areas, adding a new thermal underlay beneath existing carpet can increase insulation significantly. Homeowners with laminate or vinyl flooring can consider adding insulation boards beneath the existing floor covering during routine maintenance.

Cold spots across floor surfaces often appear in areas with poor insulation or draughts. During colder periods, differences in temperature can sometimes be detected simply through exposed skin contact with the floor. Another observational technique involves carefully monitoring how a small open flame behaves directly above floor joins or gaps. Noticeable movement in the flame may indicate air flow, revealing locations where cold air enters or warm air escapes.

Manchester hardware stores provide dedicated in-store sections for floor insulation. For example, at B&Q Trafford, staff regularly guide homeowners on which insulation products suit local property standards. Draught excluder strips and floor sealants, clearly labelled for DIY use, are typically shelved near entrance aisles.

Additional Winter-Ready Home Improvements

Effective winter-proofing requires a thorough approach beyond flooring. Thermal curtains work alongside insulated floors by helping to reduce heat loss through windows. The Energy Saving Trust states that well-fitted, heavy curtains can help prevent heat escaping through glass, especially when closed at night. Manchester homeowners often report that closing lined curtains during winter evenings noticeably improves indoor warmth.

Smart thermostats offer clear benefits for Manchester homeowners. These devices learn heating patterns and allow room-by-room temperature control. When paired with properly insulated floors, smart heating systems can maintain comfortable temperatures more efficiently. The Energy Saving Trust notes that smart controls can prevent unnecessary heating and improve comfort.

Window treatments play an important role in Manchester’s climate. Secondary glazing films found at national DIY chains are stocked locally in Manchester branches. These have become an accessible alternative to full double glazing. The transparent films are applied directly onto existing window frames, creating an extra insulating air layer between the film and glass.

Bringing these home updates and improvements together gives homeowners a strong chance to prepare their properties for winter. This approach keeps interiors comfortable while controlling energy use during the coldest months.

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