It’s only two bloody weeks until Christmas. Normally this time of year, we’d normally be falling over ourselves at work Christmas dos and glugging down mulled drinks in freezing temperatures.
Of course, this year it’s very different, blah blah blah, it’s Tier 3 life. But, you can still get your hands on some banging festive specials, takeaway food and home delivered booze. Who knows, this may be the last week of Tier 3, we’re holding out hope.
Salut Christmas wine boxes
Independent city-centre wine shop and bar has launched a range of wine boxes especially for Christmas, such as the Adults’ Christmas Eve Box (£35) with a cheese board, olives, prosecco and a ‘spicy’ festive red. There’s also a Vegan Christmas Box (from £36.50); a Christmas Essentials Box (£65) which includes a festive ‘wine journey’ for the big day itself, from breakfast bubbles, mealtime wines and port to finish; and other selections available too.
With more than 400 wines available for takeaway, delivery and click and collect, staff at Salut can also help build custom cases over the phone or in store. View all the boxes here.
Northern Soul Grilled Cheese’s Christmas Special
Normally a staple of any visit to the Manchester Christmas Markets, Northern Soul Grilled Cheese’s Christmas special is now available at their Tib Street spot.
The Ultimate Crimbo Dinner sandwich is packed with a three cheese blend, the best crown of turkey, pink lady stuffing, cranberry sauce with a gravy soaked pig in blanket lollilop on top.
Open from 10am until late, Wednesday to Sunday on Tib Street. They’re also on Deliveroo and selling ‘Grill it Yourself’ kits for you to make their grilled cheeses (including the Christmas special) at home.
DD’s Burgers at The Koffee Pot
The Koffee Pot has transformed into a takeaway spot for DDs Burgers serving burgers, beers, milkshakes and more. DD’s burgers are made with 35-day aged Aberdeen Angus and Herefordshire cattle rib eye trim and which can come with a range of toppings like bacon, blue cheese and salt beef. There’s also a vegan version with garlic mayo and heritage tomatoes. Sides include shoestring fries, ‘drunk’ fries with beer-cheese sauce and chimichurri, and loaded skins.
They’ll be open on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter from 12pm to 8pm every Friday and Saturday until the restrictions change. Visit their Instagram page for more details or order via Deliveroo.
Mini Christmas markets start this week
Two small versions of the regular Christmas markets are starting this week, with a Winter Market in Piccadilly Gardens selling gifts and another in St Ann’s Square featuring popular food vendors from previous years, including Yorkshire pudding wraps and halloumi fries, as well as traditional bratwurst and mini pancakes. Alcohol sales won’t be allowed so there’ll be none of the usual mulled wine, German beer and boozy hot chocolates.
The Markets will be open over two long weekends from 9 to 13 and 16 to 20 December. Personally we’d rather see restaurants allowed to reopen, but there we go.
Nell’s Office Pizza Party
As we said, this time of year we’d normally be prepping for a debaucherous night on the town with our colleagues. But this year, Christmas dos will be a smaller and calmer affair. Home to the 22 inch pizza, Nell’s are delivering their massive pizzas, craft beers, natural wines, canned cocktails and more to office on Friday 11 and 18 December.
Order via massivedeliveries@nellspizza.co.uk or by calling 0161 832 9245. Full information is on their website here: nellspizza.co.uk.
