Hello Autumn! Sure we may be about to have a couple of warm days (sorry, I changed my wardrobe over to winter knits, totally my fault), but it’s definitely chillier.
This week is a busy week, the inbox has been overflowing! We’ve got cookery classes, menu launches, crafty news, and I’m going to gently whisper the C-word because festive stuff is coming through too. Yes I know it’s a little early, but given the Brexit-y situation we’re in, people may like to get a head start. So I’m adding it in anyway. If it’s too early for you, skip over it!
Openings:
Salt Dog Slims are opening over on Cross Street! Beers, cocktails and chilli dogs, just around the corner from where Dogs n Dough used to be. Given that was a favourite haunt, here’s hoping Salt Dogs can fill the gap. I do like a bit of sausage.
Events:
Stitched Up Clothes Swaps are back! Get a whole new wardrobe by swapping yours with other people. The idea is simple – get together a pile of clothes you want to get rid of, book a ticket, pop along and swap those for someone else’s. I’m a bit of a lover of these, but I admit, as a plus size person, I’m not sure what the size range is going to be, but I may have a nosey and report back. In the meantime if like me, you’re not sure, why not have a look at their workshops, also back for booking, and learn how to mend, amend, or create you own. Full details here.
Speaking of clothes, Manchester Vintage Kilo Sale hits Manchester Cathedral again this weekend. COVID safe, featuring a one way system, and ticketed, it’s perfect if like me, you love a bit of a rummage. Book tickets here.
Cookery lessons are back at Food Sorcery in Didsbury. Whether you’re an absolute beginner (for those classes head here), wanting to emulate GBBO with bread, or more accomplished, there’s something for everyone. I’ve been to a few classes, so you can read how they work here, or just peruse what’s available here.
Over at Hatch, it’s officially Oktober Fest this Friday and Saturday (8 and 9 October). The space will be transformed into an Oktoberfest-inspired “bier hall” for the weekend with long tables, bunting, music, sausages, keg cracking and of course – lots of German Beer! Bavarian craft specialists ABK will be serving their Hell, Edel, Dunkel, Festbier, and Radler beers. Whilst the steet and more.Madame Von Spowitch will be hosting all-day entertainment. Expect live Oompah heavy Bavarian music from Brasswurst and DJs playing lots of big tunes for toasting tankards and dancing. Fancy dress is optional!
Menu Launches:
Whether it’s seasonal, festive or a something a little different, I’ve decided to do a whole section on changing menus. We’ve a couple this month, so I think it’s warranted!
Hard Rock Cafe have launched a ‘Pinktober’ Menu for October – breast cancer awareness month. The menu features a menu of pink-themed food and beverage items and £1 from every Pinktober burger will go to Hard Rock Heals to benefit The Caron Keating Foundation.
The menu includes the Mushroom & Bourbon Onion Burger, The Ultimate ‘Pub’ Burger, Blue Cheese & Bacon Burger, and a Tropical Margarita – with fresh strawberries, orange liqueur, guava, pineapple and lime juice.
To go alongside the menu, Hard Rock International will be offering limited-edition merchandise in support of breast cancer awareness and research, including a PINKTOBER-themed Hard Rock t-shirt and PINKTOBER pin. Again these will raise money for the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, donating to charities that help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Christmas
OK I’m giving this a whole section of it’s own, just before Hos Goss, so you can see it and skip it if you want if you’re next feeling festive yet.
Glaswegin have launched their Christmas crackers. Hot on the heels of their new gin release (Raspberry and Rhubarb – also included in the crackers), you can snaffle these pretties for Christmas stockings, gifts, Secret Santa, or you know, just because, here.
And maybe to go with your gin, you’d like a little tonic? Fever Tree have launched a festive tonic for you to enjoy – using damsons handpicked in Herefordshire on a third-generation family-owned farm and sloes foraged in the foothills of the Black Mountains, this is marketed for autumn, but sounds perfect for Christmas to me!
Hos Goss
Oops. I’ve not been out and about much this week, so not much has reached my ears! Must do better.
BUT – you may have noticed a name change on Twitter and Instagram, to the Pickled Ginger. Apt, right? I’m likely to be changing the blog too, but not yet, this will be a slow, gentle change, after nearly ten years of blogging. What do you think?