The Printworks has invited renowned Mancunian graffiti artist, Kelzo, to help create an edgy backdrop for their forthcoming Alternative Games featuring skateboarders, a Streetdancer competition and football freestylers. Tony Kelzo was born in Hulme, where he still lives, and has been active in the graffiti world for over 29 years. His work can be found all over Manchester and, since 1984, he has been part of a youth movement helping kids to find an appropriate channel for them to do positive things. ~ 10 July 2012
The Knutsford based Living Ventures group have announced plans to open a London branch of The Oast House, with potential locations in the capital or Edinburgh also being mooted for a second Australasia.
The company are also set to open a second Alchemist just off Piccadilly Gardens and hope to bring Manchester its first Michelin Star with Manchester House, a new fine dining restaurant next to The Oast House, with chef Aiden Byrne rumoured to be lined up. ~ 5 July
San Carlo have announced a £700,000 upgrade to their flagship Manchester restaurant. The modernisation will increase the number of covers by 40 to 248 whilst also adding a private dining room. A new patisserie and ice cream making facility on the lower ground floor will supply all of San Carlo's local venues. ~ 18th July
Replacing the excellent but incredibly short-lived Sole fish restaurant, hidden away in the Northern Quarter, comes Solita charcoal grill restaurant. Now offering "Italian, New York and Mancunian cuisine" we can't help but feel it wasn't actually the food that needed changing but their dreadful marketing. ~ 16th July 2012
Former Living Ventures director Paul Newman and chef David Mooney, who also own The Lord Binning in Kelsall, have spent £250,000 in transforming The Red Cow in Knutsford into the Old Sessions House. ~ 5th July
21 branch Bristol chain, Loungers are set to open in Liverpool this year with two Manchester branches following shortly after. The informal food led cafe bars are similar in concept to Simple or The Banyan Tree. ~ 2nd July
