BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE Gretna Green has completed a £300,000 renovation of its toilets, transforming them into a unique weddingthemed experience. In collaboration with local business CPM Joinery & Building Ltd., also based in Gretna, the project celebrates Gretna Green’s rich wedding history dating back to 1754. The newly renovated toilets feature displays of Scottish wedding traditions, including the quirky ‘Bury a Sausage’ custom, where a bride buries a cooked sausage the night before her wedding to bring good weather. Near the sinks, visitors will experience an immersive feature: a looped video of a couple having a handfasting ceremony in front of a Gretna Green anvil. The anvil is a symbol of the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, where couples have been eloping since 1754. When entering, visitors walk down an aisle with oak pews, arched mirrors, wooden beams, and floral arrangements, creating a traditional wedding atmosphere then choose to use the Grooms (male) or Brides (female) toilets, which even features a sign with a kilt. All toilet fixtures are motion-activated for a touch-free, hygienic experience, and Scottish-made soap and hand cream are provided to support Scottish businesses. The official opening took place on 5th March 2025 after the wedding of Linda Coombes and Henry Masterson, who cut the ribbon and unveiled the new toilets to the public. Gretna Green also plans to enter the Loo of the Year Awards, celebrating excellence in washroom design and has recently announced an £8million investment in a major revamp of the Famous Blacksmiths Shop site, set to enhance the visitor experience over the next two years. For more information, please visit www.gretnagreen.com MANCUNIAN CLASSIC Marriott Manchester Hotel Piccadilly, the city’s largest four-star hotel, proudly unveils Loom & Ladle Bistro, its new restaurant concept led by Chef Thomas Gardner. With a focus on locally sourced, freshly produced ingredients, the bistro aims to bring the true flavour of Manchester to the table and is now available for reservations. Conveniently located just steps from Piccadilly Train Station, in the vibrant Mayfield neighbourhood, Loom & Ladle Bistro is named as a nod to Manchester’s rich cotton factory heritage At the heart of the restaurant is head chef Thomas Gardner, a seasoned professional with 27 years’ experience. Inspired by childhood cooking shows and his passion for creating fresh ingredients, Thomas brings his expertise to every dish. His menu reflects a love for classic favourites with a sophisticated twist, ensuring an exceptional dining experience for every diner. A bespoke wine list has been carefully curated to complement the dining experience. Guests can also indulge in the hotel’s signature cocktail menu, featuring the ‘Mancunian Classic’ crafted with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, fruit juices, and the city’s beloved Vimto mixer. With price points ranging from £6 to £32, the bistro offers an accessible yet elevated dining experience. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared with locally sourced ingredients, bringing a fresh and inspired approach to traditional comfort food. For more information or to reserve a table, please visit Loom & Ladle Bistro website: www.morecravings.com/en/venues/restaurant-14 or contact the restaurant team at 0161 272 3200. THE PERFECT BLEND Vermilion is the Manchesterbased restaurant, bar and event space renowned for its bold, eclectic fusion of Indian, Thai, Korean, and Chinese cuisine. Its theatrical cocktails perfectly complement the opulent surroundings, creating a dining experience that steals the show at every turn. For 18 years, Vermilion has been a symbol of glamour, thriving where many others haven’t. It has transformed a once-overlooked corner of the city with its signature Thai and Indian menus. As Manchester City’s Etihad Campus expands and the Co-op Arena draws new visitors, Vermilion continues to evolve. Head chef, Siddhesh Raut brings a wealth of experience spanning London and Mumbai, and combines his creativity, precision, and passion to Vermilion. Having honed his craft at renowned establishments such as Kricket in London, Cheval in Mumbai and Opa Bar & Café, Mumbai, Siddhesh is dedicated to curating a unique and unforgettable dining experience, blending bold flavours with exquisite presentation, ensuring consistency in every dish. A favourite among footballers and celebrities – including Tim Burton, David Cameron and Girls Aloud – Vermilion has long been Manchester’s premier celebration destination. Located in Ancoats near Sport City, Vermilion has played a key role in the regeneration of East Manchester since opening in 2007. Just six minutes from Piccadilly Station with a 300-capacity car park, it is owned by Seamark, a global food sector leader with operations in Manchester, Bangladesh, and New York; the company is also actively engaged in educational and charitable initiatives worldwide. Call 0161 202 0055 or visit www.vermilion.uk.com FEEL THE BURN Hotpod Yoga, the UK’s largest yoga business, recently opened its new studio bringing its immersive, heated yoga experience to the heart of Manchester located in Bendix Street, Ancoats Gardens. Known for its unique approach to yoga, Hotpod Yoga combines the benefits of heat with dynamic, immersive yoga classes designed to suit practitioners of all levels. The brand has worked with worldleading inflatable experts, top architects and heating consultants to create patented pods which sit inside its permanent studios. The pods form an immersive yoga environment that is regulated at 37 degrees, deepening the effects of a typical yoga class. Studio owner Gabrielle Fuller was born in the Lake District and has a strong connection to Manchester having attended University in the city during the nineties and with her ancestors hailing from Ancoats during its industrial heyday. Following a transformative experience with Hotpod Yoga during a visit to Jersey, Gabrielle was inspired to explore the brand further, fuelling her passion to launch a franchise in Manchester. For people wishing to continue their Hotpod Yoga experience, a variety of classes will be available between 7am and 9pm, sevendays-a-week, catering for all experience levels. Prices range from a single class for £18, a five-class pass for £80, a mini membership (one class per week) for £48, and an unlimited monthly membership for £120 per month. Visit https://hotpodyoga.com/studios/manchester-ancoats 9 LOCAL NEWS
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