The Wheel of Manchester loses its Home After April

A favourite of the team at Stag and Hen Manchester and a popular activity on Manchester Stag and Hen parties - The Wheel of Manchester- has had to be removed from our site today. :-(

The reason why we have had to remove the Wheel of Manchester from our site is because come early April the Wheel is being dismantled from its current position in Exchange Square to make way for events planned over the Summer and the Olympics and currently has no new home agreed.

We have close links to the team behind the Wheel though and will be keeping in touch to make sure that the moment a new site is found and a date for it to return to the city is agreed we can return it to our site and offer it as Manchester stag party activity or Manchester hen party activity.

NB If you have a booking with us currently for the Wheel prior to April this will of course still happen but if you have any concerns whatsoever then do get in touch and we will be happy to answer any queries

In the meantime if you are looking for those views of Manchester that you do not get at ground level then we suggest either heading to Cloud 23 cocktail bar twenty three floors up the Hilton or if your group is larger then 15 asking us about a private dinner at the hugely popular Sky Lounge.

Regards

Mike
Stag and Hen Manchester

2012 Olympics - Will Manchester see an impact for Stag and Hen Weekends?

So for those of you that have been living in a bubble for the last year or so the Olympics the centre piece of world sport comes to the United Kingdom and in particular London in 2012. The games are scheduled to last a couple of weeks between the 27th July – 12th August 2012. The question is what impact will that have on stags and hens planning to book time in Manchester for their last nights and weekends of freedom next year?

Well although slightly early still the team at Stag and Hen Manchester have been looking at things and thought you all might appreciate a blog on the subject so here we go.

Do any Olympic Sports happen in Manchester?

Despite being well renowned as being the home of British cycling and other sports like Squash the only sport scheduled to happen in Manchester during the Olympics is what the city is most famous for and that is Football.

Football will be a major feature of the Olympic programme at London 2012. Beginning with group matches and ending with a knockout phase, the competition will offer all the drama that fans have come to expect from major international tournaments. There will be two medal events at London 2012, one for men’s teams and one for women.

As the Olympic football tournaments are scheduled to happen at 6 stadiums around the country the whole of the two tournaments will not happen at Old Trafford in Manchester but there are 7 days during the Olympics where football will happen at the home of Manchester United.

They are as follows:-

Thursday 26th July 2012 – 5-9.45pm

Sunday 29th July 2012 – 12-4.45pm

Tuesday 31st July 2012 – 5.15pm – 7.15pm

Wednesday 1st August 2012 – 5-7pm

Saturday 4th August 2012 – 12-2pm

Monday 6th August 2012 – 7.45pm - 9.45pm

Tuesday 7th August 2012 – 7.45pm - 9.45pm

These games will cause an increase in visitors to the city as the stadium can hold 75,000 people but we are already working with our partners hotels and apartment providers in Manchester to nullify any impact on those stags and hens looking at a Manchester Stag Party or Manchester Hen Party on the two weekends where there is a game being played.

Interesting Facts on Olympic Football

- Football was introduced as a medal sport at the 1908 Olympic Games.

- Great Britain won the first gold medal

- The sport has featured at every Olympic Games since, with the exception of Los Angeles 1932

- Keep an eye out for the return of a Great Britain team this year.

- Stag and Hen Manchester is going with tickets to all games at Old Trafford J

Will Manchester See an Increase in Visitors During the Olympics?

All answers to this question point to yes as those visiting London for the games look to explore a country they might not have seen before and with Manchester only a few hours away by train or plane and well known as the UK’s unofficial second city. City centre bosses, hoteliers and ourselves all expect increased demand on the weekends during the games. This means that we will be looking to hold some hotel rooms with you lovely stags and hens in mind.

What Weekends Will See an Effect?

27-29th July 2012

3-5th August 2012

10-12th August 2012

We expect weekends before and after the Games to see an effect but that will be minimal.

Are any teams basing themselves in Manchester?

At time of writing no team is basing themselves in Manchester meaning no impact from an influx of athletes , officials and supporters.

Will there be Olympic Fan Events happening in the city?

Although not scheduled just yet we would strongly suggest that there will be a series of events to mark the Olympics if you are visiting Manchester during the Games and we will release details of those on our Twitter and Facebook pages and via our emailing as soon as we are aware of them.

I am trying to organise a Manchester Stag Weekend or Manchester Hen Weekend during the Olympics – What do I do now?

Our best advice is to put an enquiry in with us now and ask us to hold some hotel rooms for you – Once we have done that you can find out final numbers safe in the knowledge you won’t suffer due to any increased demand for hotel rooms. You can take your time deciding what to do on the day and then pay us a deposit when you are ready to book and are happy with the personal Stag Party or Hen Party proposal Stag and Hen Manchester has sent you.

As the meerkat from compare the market would say – Simples! J

We will continually be assessing the impact the 2012 Olympic Games will have and will update you as we progress further towards the Games themselves. IF you have any questions in the meantime do get in touch!

Kind Regards

Stag and Hen Manchester Team

Resilient Manchester Bounces Back to Stag and Hen Party Central

At the end of a crazy week where the actions of a minority of thugs have made the news and Manchester has hit the headlines as being the centre of trouble on Tuesday evening we wanted to reassure all those looking at Manchester for a stag or hen party that all is back to normal and looking forward to welcoming you into the city.

The Stag and Hen Manchester team have been in touch with all our suppliers this week and in the majority of cases our suppliers have escaped with minor damage as the mindless thugs vented their fury on the city centre's many retailers. Although some shops and areas of Manchester see chipboard up protecting premises and repairing damage from Tuesday night a lot have already either started or even nearly finished repairs . Very soon the riots will be a very distant memory!!!

We headed down to help with the city clean up and with the hundreds of Mancunian volunteers had the streets cleared and cleaned by mid afternoon Wednesday and with organisations such as City Co and the management team at Manchester Piccadilly working exceptionally hard scenes of trouble have reverted back to safe green open spaces where thousands have come to shop, relax and enjoy some Northern hospitality in the city's many bars and restaurants.

We have a number of parties in the city centre this weekend doing a variety of activities from chocolate masterclasses to clay pigeon shooting and comedy evening to high end clubbing in the White Room. We have kept in touch with them all week as unlike other companies who organise parties in Manchester we are in the city and on the ground and they have been very grateful for that. Remember to not always believe what you hear from rumours or see in the press - we are here so ask us!

Our Twitter will constantly update you and our Facebook page is there to help and of course you can pick up the phone at any point if you have any questions at all. We are proud to be part of the I Love MCR campaign started today by the city and its many residents, hoteliers, landlords and retailers and still are hugely proud to specialise in making sure your last night or weekend offreedom is a hugely enjoyable one in our home city of Manchester.

Proud Mancunians aka The Stag and Hen Manchester team!

See how much Mancunians love their city here at a Facebook page dedicated to that very subject!

Seasons Greetings and Festive Opening Times

With the silly season well and truly underway we felt it important to let all you stags and hens know about the Stag and Hen Manchester’s movements over Christmas. We realise that a lot of prospective stags and hens may well use the festive holiday period to do some investigations on those all important 2011 Manchester Stag Parties and Manchester Hen Parties so this blog is to make sure you know how to get in touch when you want to.

Monday 20^th – Friday 24^th December – Working

Use 0161 223 0417, 07970047821, info@stagandhenmanchester.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , @stagandhenmanc on Twitter or drop us a message on our “Stag and Hen Manchester” Facebook page

Saturday 25^th – Monday 27^th December – Not Working

Please note we will be keeping an eye on our email address info@stagandhenmanchester.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can respond to urgent enquiries but our phones will not be answered

Tuesday 28^th December – Thursday 30^th December – Working

Use 0161 223 0417, 07970047821, info@stagandhenmanchester.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , @stagandhenmanc on Twitter or drop us a message on our “Stag and Hen Manchester” Facebook page

Friday 31^st December – Sunday 2^nd January 2011 – Not Working

Please note we will be keeping an eye on our email address info@stagandhenmanchester.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can respond to urgent enquiries but our phones will not be answered

Sunday 3^rd January 2011 – Onwards – Working as Normal

For those of you with Stag and Hen parties in January you have been given all our numbers and email addresses you need and you are free to speak to us throughout the festive and New Year period as we appreciate how important it is to have someone available in the run up to your Manchester Stag and Hen Party.

From all the team at Stag and Hen Manchester we would like to wish a really Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year and we look forward to speaking to you in 2011.

Kind Regards

The Stag and Hen Manchester Team

Snow Days, Manchester Christmas Market and Stags and Hens Ain't No April Fools

The snow has hit the country again and Manchester has been no exception. A snow day – Well sort of has allowed us to catch up on a couple of matters.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Firstly we strapped on our hardiest walking boots and strode out to the station to get the train into Manchester to explore our famous and hugely popular Christmas markets. Passing through a wintry Piccadilly Gardens we ended up at the first Christmas market we planned to visit at Exchange Square.

As the official Christmas Markets website says "No Mancunian winter is complete without a wander through the chalet-lined streets of Manchester's famous Christmas market. "So if you are planning a Christmassy Manchester Hen Nights or Hen Weekends in Manchester we strongly suggest these markets form an important part of your plans.

Over 8 different spaces there is a huge variety of goods on offer from gifts, crafts, arts and toys to the always popular and ever delicious array of food on offer at the German Christmas market at St Anns Square opposite the town hall. The Stag and Hen Manchester team always make a point of going down for some Dutch mini pancakes, French Profiteroles, hot chocolate, Gluhwein, roasted chestnuts, Waffles and anything else we can fit in. We are heading back in again a week Friday

The team and especially our lovely hen specialist Sharon loves the Craft and Gift market on Exchange street aswell where she has picked up many a silly hat, specially made bag or stunning bespoke jewellery.

With Manchester Hen Party Accommodation at special rates make sure if its a Winter wedding you head to Manchester between the 18^th November and Christmas for that Hen party to remember.

Prospective Stags and Hens Aren’t No April Fools

We haven’t had the Christmas silly season yet and already all you organised stags and hens have been booking your 2011 Manchester Stag Parties and Manchester Hen Parties and a lot of the time you have followed the example of the new royal couple and picked April dates for your event to remember.

Manchester Stag and Hen Accommodation in the city centre across all weekends in April is already looking fairly booked up so if you are planning for that month I would suggest getting your plans and friends together as soon as possible and getting booked in.

Don’t fret though we know all the best places to source value for money 3*,4* and apartment accommodation and will move heaven and earth to get you booked in and if for some reason we can’t we know the best places just outside the city centre that will work for you instead! So get in touch with us locals and let Stag and Hen Manchester get you that perfect bespoke party you will remember ahead of your special day!

Regards and Early Seasons Greetings the Stag and Hen Manchester team!

A copy of this blog at www.stagandhenmanchester.co.uk

The Divine Comedy at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester

Ever popular with Stags and Hens for its food, atmosphere, friendly staff and convenient Printworks location, the biggest Hard Rock Cafe in the UK (there are unbelievably only 4!) was the venue last night for a Q Music sponsored gig by The Divine Comedy. Neil Hannon has been producing brilliant music since the early 90’s and his latest album “Bang goes the Knighthood” continues this trend.

Stag and Hen Manchester decided to go for a quick meal at Tampopo just across exchange square on the outside lower floor of the Triangle shopping centre beforehand. For Manchester Stags and Hens that don’t fancy any food at the Hard Rock Cafe Manchester and fancy instead just a Manchester cocktail masterclass with a spot of far eastern cuisine afterwards it is an ideal and relatively cheap option ahead of a good stag or hen night out.

As it happened though as we had been invited there was the wide ranging buffet that Hard Rock Cafe put on with their brill Manchester cocktail masterclasses to have before The Divine Comedy came on stage. So chicken strips, mini burgers, stuffed potato skins and warm brownies later the team were more than stuffed! We then hit the bar with avengeance – Sorry guilty as charged but we don’t get many Monday nights out and got a smidge Giddy! J

When The Divine Comedy hit the stage Neil Hannon was on good form and played a real mixture or back catalogue classics and new music from his latest album and had the crowd of 650 competition winners and mad keen fans eating out of his hands from the stage. He played for a full hour before shooting off to another appearance that Stag and Hen Manchester believe was on the radio (not confirmed and we can’t be sure

For a taster of the man himself and the fab venue that is the Hard Rock Cafe Manchester check out our Facebook and Youtube channels for pictures and videos from the Gig.

So remember stags and hens if you are in Manchester on a Friday night head to the Hard Rock Cafe at the Printworks for live music, good food, tasty cocktails and an atmosphere for food that struggles to be beaten.

Stag, Hen and Sten/Hag Hard Rock Activities

Platinum Menu = £25 per person

Cocktail Masterclass = £20 per person

Cocktail Masterclass with buffet = £35 per person

Until the next time Stag and Hen Manchester signing out

Henry J Beans Manchester - Hen and Stag Dining at the Printworks

Last Friday saw me head into Henry J Beans in the Printworks in the selfless gesture to make sure that the high quality of the food offered to Hens and Stags coming to Manchester was as good as ever. I can happily say that it most definitely is!!

Now I didn't push the boat out too much as the Manchester Stag and Hen packages start with sharing platters so I opted to head straight into the main course with "The Classic Burger" and go for the mark of a good restaurant in my and Stag and Hen Manchester's mind a good burger.

After ordering with the friendly bubbly staff my burger arrived in short order and looked stunning on the plate on its toasted bun with plenty of salad, chips and American coleslaw. The burger itself tasted fab and was hand made with what I can say was very good beef. I dolloped a splurge of tomato ketchup my favourite sauce and got stuck in. Now be you a stag or a hen if you can manage to eat the burger properly you can officially award yourself a prize for your big gob as I opted for a knife and fork approach but don't let that stop you trying.

Alongside my main course I opted to go for one of the three cocktails offered to Hens on arrival as part of the Manchester Henry J Beans Hen dining package a "June Bug" as I was off afterwards to drink a fairly large amount of beer (the stag option) with friends so fancied something different with lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed a couple of glasses of this as it fulfils one of my good cocktail criteria which is being ridiculously easy to drink.

Now I had serious plans after my burger to get some of Eli's vanilla cheesecake but I had been watching the Wimbledon tennis and dawdling so unfortunately i had to scarper but don't worry I got the following description from a table next door to mine which had opted for it " Heavenly - End of" so hang fire as you see me shamelessly find another excuse to head back all in the name of Stag and Hen Manchester to try it for myself.

In the meantime if you are thinking of a Manchester Stag Party or Manchester Hen Party and need some food for your night out you will find a delicious three course option with starting drinks all for the value for money price of £25. Simply head to the Stag activities page and select Henry J Beans Manchester or head to the Hen activities page and select Henry J Beans Manchester.

Henry J Beans Manchester is located in the popular Printworks area of nightlife and will fit perfectly with nightlife passes or tickets to the Birdcage, Pure or Entourage and a Manchester Stag Comedy Evening or the Manchester Hen Comedy Evening.

Mike says - Give it a try!!

Stag and Hen Manchester