Winter Entertainment in Spinningfields

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor Last Updated 16 December 2022

Not many places do winter entertainment as well as Spinningfields. This great-looking area of Manchester gets better with each passing year, whether that’s the decorations, the huge tree or just the sense that this is a lovely safe area to hang out and go shopping or eat and drink (speaking as a cyclist, this is one of the very few city centre areas where I’m happy to leave my bike unattended – full credit to the friendly security staff).

But it’s not just aesthetics and bike safety, Spinningfields also hosts a great number of fun-time destination events. This year there are a bunch of dance performances to check out, plus plenty more family-friendly things to do. The Oast House is putting on a rip-roaring show for New Year’s Eve, featuring the one and only Madchester stalwart, Clint Boon; plus you’ll find cake-making classes at Hey Little Cupcake and wine-oke sessions at Spinningfields’ newest venue, Provence. Read on for the full details.

Hey Little Cupcake

Hey Little Cupcake, 2 Hardman Street (shop entrance on Atkinson Street), Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HF - Visit now

Hey Little Cupcake is a small, trendy cupcake boutique nestled in Spinningfields that uses the finest ingredients to create a signature collection of cupcakes, cakes and brownies. No matter your taste preferences, you’re sure to find a cake and topping to delight your taste buds. Best of all, vegan alternatives are now also available.

Their Christmas gift options are a sight to behold, from festive cupcakes to subscription treat boxes, or our favourite, the beautiful postal Christmas brownie. Then there are the cake-making classes, heralded as some of the very best in town. If you’re a cake-lover, or know someone who is, what could be better? Forget the whole ‘teach a man to fish’ proverb, teach a person to make a cake and you’ll have a very happy cake-making cake-eater this Christmas (plus they’re ongoing over the next few months, all the way up to March). Go here for more details about their fun-packed cake-making classes and here for information about their next-level Christmas gifts.

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The Oast House

The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard
Spinningfields, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3AY - Visit now

Ah, The Oast House. One of Spinningfields friendliest pubs, with a warm welcome for all. And this Christmas and New Year is no different. As well as showing the World Cup final this weekend (you’ll be surrounded by probably the cheeriest crowd in Manchester), they’re putting on an almighty bash for New Year’s Eve. Spread across The Oast House, The Teepee and The Courtyard, guests will be treated to live entertainment with The Oast House’s house bands and top-class DJs, as well as the toppest Madchester DJ of them all, ex-Inspirals member Clint Boon. He’s been in the party game for a good few years so if anyone knows how to get things going, Boon does.

Standard entry is just £35 per person, available for purchase here, which includes a drink of your choice, with doors opening at 8pm. Fancy pushing the boat out? Book one of the TeePee table packages, but be quick as there’s only a limited number of tables. Each is enough for six people and includes guest list entry and a host of drinks and table credit. Mail them direct at info@theoasthouse.uk.com if you and your chums fancy going large this year.

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Provence

Provence, Unit G21, 3 Hardman Street, Hardman Street, Greater Manchester, M3 3HF - Visit now

Provence is a brand-new, all-day wine bar in Spinningfields with a unique proposition: wine for any occasion. The venue’s non-traditional approach to wine sees guests select from a menu categorised by ‘wine occasions’, as opposed to a typical region or flavour profile. That alone is worth a visit, but if you’re looking for something special to try out this winter, why not try wine-oke?

That’s right, it’s two of life’s greatest pleasures in one: wine and karaoke. You and your friends can book bespoke wine-oke sessions in Provence’s private room, The Cellar, with the option to add on entertainment, games and wine tastings hosted by an in-house wine aficionado. The sessions include wine and karaoke for 90 minutes for just £20pp, and include welcome drinks on arrival. For an extra £15pp go bottomless and make Christmas 2022 one to remember.

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