Bruce the Patterdale Terrier, face of Black Dog Ballroom, has struck a pose and released his own 2015 calendar to raise money for Manchester Dogs’ Home. The calendar features the cheeky canine in twelve different poses reflecting the months of the year and features famous Manchester sites.
Bruce has been the mascot of the bar after he walked into owner Jobe Ferguson’s life five years ago. A fan of long walks, chewy toys and popping balls, he is often found at the Black Dog bars, where he has become a firm favourite with customers.
Jobe Ferguson, co-owner of Black Dog Ballroom says: “Over the past few years we’ve always had a great reception from the various photos of Bruce that we have released, so we’ve taken it one step further and created a true collector’s item. Bruce loved dressing up in all the different costumes and having his photo taken, we just hope he doesn’t expect star treatment from now on! As dog lovers we were all devastated by what happened to Manchester Dogs’ Home last year, so we have decided to donate all sales from the calendar to support the much needed work they do.”
Bruce has become a cult icon with social media followers with his Octodog videos, where he predicts the football results. He is dressed as Octodog for the June page in the 2015 calendar. Bruce is also immortalised on the side of Affleck’s Palace, under which Black Dog Ballroom is located, in a mosaic by Mark Kennedy.
Last year Black Dog Ballroom Northern Quarter donated all door fees for the weekend of the tragedy to Manchester Dogs Home and the group donates 50p from the sale of every Brucie Bonus pizza sold at the NQ and NWS venues to the cause. They have sold 2486 pizzas since June 2013 raising £1,243.
It's Elvis's birthday on the 8th of January, so All Star are celebrating the only way they know how… peanut butter jelly style!
For the whole of January (once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!) they are offering a special HOUND DOG a 100% pork frank smothered with peanut butter, homemade grape jelly and topped with toasted peanuts. It's sweet, salty and totally unique — just like the King himself. Happy Birthday Elvis.
Popular celeb haunt Panacea is to close whilst a refurbishment is carried out. The refurb which comes 10 years on from the venue's launch, will take around 6 weeks. A closing party will take place on Feb 7th, ahead of the refurbishment commencing, in readiness of a Spring relaunch . _ 28 Jan 2015
Spinningfields' Lawn Club has been closed for a refurbishment, which will involve the whole venue being rotated 90 degrees in order to enjoy better views, and also make way for the upcoming No1 Spinningfield building. The work is expected to be completed in Spring 2015. _ 26 Jan 2015
Manchester's Mark Cain, has sadly died. Mark who was famous as owner of the Velvet portfolio, will be sadly missed throughout the Manchester hospitality scene and beyond. _ 25 Jan 2015
Artisan Gin producer Sipsmith have launched a range of cordials, designed to give gins a flavour which is inspired by a classic cocktail. The range includes Original, Gimlet and Bishop, and each comes with two serving suggestions. _ 25 Jan 2015
Maison De Sousa has launched what they are calling an Umami Champagne. The extra brut champagne has been blended from the 2009 vintage and highlights the Umami flavours. Umami is the 5th taste profile and is the Japanese word for 'pleasant savoury taste'. _ 22 Jan 2015
After investing in a canning machine, Rooster is set to become the first micro brewer in the Yorkshire region. Rooster will start by canning 3 of their beers. The brewery's flagship beer Yankee, American style pale ale Fort Smith and IPA baby-faced assassin. _ 21 Jan 2015
Thatcher's Old Rascal cider has been given a branding facelift to emphasise the product's 'premium positioning', and help it to stand out amongst the crowd. The 4.5% ABV cider has a loyal following, and had been a strong part of the Thatchers portfolio for many years, yet Thatcher's feel that it has been a 'hidden secret for too long'. _ 16 Jan 2015
The man behind 90’s drink Two Dogs Alcoholic Lemonade has created Tisane a tea infused zero alcoholic sparkling wine. Tisane is made by fermenting grape juice without yeast before infusing tea. This process adds tannis but no alcohol develops due to the omission of yeast. _ 14 Jan 2015
Manchester's four day beer and cider festival organised by the Manchester branches of CAMRA (campaign for real ale) will take place next week. Seeing collaborations from local breweries included in the 500 strong selection of real ales, craft beers and ciders. CAMRA members will have free entry except Friday evening.
_ 13 Jan 2015
Without warning to customers or staff (it seems), Room Restaurant & Bar has closed down. The once popular restaurant and bar in the striking former reform club at the top of King Street closed for business on Monday 12th January 2015, with staff only finding out when they turned up for work. Both the telephone lines and website have been disabled. The reasons for closure are unknown but over the past few months stalwart staff had left and it became apparent that money was not being spent on the venue. _ 13 Jan 2015
The Great Northern Warehouse is set to become the permanent home of B.eat Street after the transformation of what is currently a disused space. The residency of B.eat Street is expected to be a great addition to the Great Northern Warehouse after the success of Friday Food Fights last year. _ 12 Jan 2015
Every Saturday night from the 28th February will see the Euro Car Park on Bridgewater Street turned into The Urban Food Fest Street Food Night Market from 5pm – Midnight. The weekly event will feature 15 weekly changing Food Trucks / Stalls serving gourmet street food, craft and premium alcohol along with entertainment. _ 12 Jan 2015
A planning application has been submitted by ON Bar for the former Mantos unit on Canal Street which closed in October 2013. ~ 12 Jan 2015
A planning application has been submitted by The Pen and Pencil for the former Drip unit on Hilton Street. More details to follow as soon as they become available. ~ 12 Jan 2015