Come As You Are socially-distanced weekender

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Come As You Are socially-distanced weekender
Come As You Are

Come As You Are socially-distanced weekender at The Refuge, City Centre 28 — 30 August 2020 Entrance is free

This August Bank Holiday weekend, The Refuge is running a refined version of the annual Come As You Are weekender – working within the government guidelines to allow guests to celebrate safely. This feast of love, music and food runs from Friday 28th August until Sunday, 30th August, at a smaller scale than usual to adhere to social distancing guidelines. The team have put the love and effort the event is renowned for, to keep the spirit of togetherness in place whilst complying with COVID-19 safety measures and guidelines within the venue.

The Refuge is running a refined version of the annual Come As You Are weekender

The Refuge’s Come As You Are Cocktail as seen on The Good Mixer Guardian last year is making a return for the occasion. This is a twist on a Summer English spritz with Earl Grey-infused gin, garnished with fresh strawberry, orange twist and mint leaves. In addition to this, a Tenner Well Spent is a menu available in the courtyard and in the Public Bar on Sunday, which features a pork sandwich, on a crusty baked roll, with a side of roast potatoes and gravy. Also, the locally-famous Sunday Roast is available in the dining room.

The soundtrack will be provided by some of the finest DJs in Manchester, starting on Friday with Homoelectric, Luke Unabomber, Gina Breeze and Will Tramp on duty. Saturday will see Supernature Disco, High Hoops, Kiss Me Again as well as DJs Mix-Stress and Muddy Feet. Then finishing on Sunday with DJ Paulette, Abigail Ward, Massey, Ladybeige (The Social Service), and Kim Lana.

Head down early to avoid disappointment

And there’ll be the usual unique and original occurrences from the Come As You Are team, all designed to celebrate the city while staying safe. Come As You Are is not ticketed and no bookings are available for the outdoor terrace as it will run on a first-come-first-serve basis. Head down early to avoid disappointment, and please note that face covering is mandatory when entering in the venue until seated.

Come As You Are socially-distanced weekender at The Refuge, City Centre 28 — 30 August 2020 Entrance is free

Where to go near Come As You Are socially-distanced weekender

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Bundobust Brewery

Launched in 2021, the Bundobust Brewery makes modern beer with their vegetarian and vegan food menu in mind.

Palace Theatre Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
Palace Theatre

A Manchester landmark for almost 130 years, The Palace Theatre is reopening in early August 2021 with a few small but vital changes to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all.

City Centre
Restaurant
Real Junk Food Project Manchester

Enjoy a gourmet lunch for whatever price you feel and help fight food waste. Real Junk Food Project Manchester has final found a permanent home, ideally located along Oxford Road, and business is booming.

Bundobust Oxford Road
Manchester
Restaurant
Bundobust Oxford Road

Bundobust Oxford Road is the latest addition to the ever-growing alt-Indian food chain. Opens spring in the St James Building on Manchester’s Oxford Road.

City Centre
Restaurant
Nudo Sushi Box

Nudo Sushi Box on Manchester’s Oxford Road specialises in freshly-prepared boxes of – you guessed it – sushi.

Ditto Coffee Manchester
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Ditto Coffee Manchester

Ditto Coffee is a coffee shop specialising in independent music and speciality coffee. This Manchester coffee shop is the second from the Liverpool-based Ditto Music company.

City Centre
Bar or Pub
The Temple

Originally called The Temple of Convenience owing to its former life as a public toilet block, this is a tiny bar with some of the finest bathroom graffiti in town.

Gorilla, Whitworth street Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Gorilla

Gorilla is a good choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. From a hearty full English to meaty burgers via good vegan and veggie options. It also hosts some of the best gigs and events in Manchester.

Dog Bowl bowling alley and restaurant Manchester.
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Dog Bowl

A bar and 10-pin bowling alley combined, Dog Bowl is a neon-lit venue that serves up cocktails and Tex-Mex food to go with your time on the lanes.

Society Manchester
City Centre
Society Manchester

Society Manchester is a glorious indoor and outdoor space in the very heart of the city, with five street food vendors to choose from and a range of high-quality drinks.

City Centre
Bar or Pub
Fab Cafe

A cult tv and movie themed bar set below street level on Portland Street in Manchester.

What's on: Food and Drink

Ramona Live
Until
Food and DrinkAncoats
Ramona Live at Ramona

Every Thursday, Ramona’s MOT Station plays host to a specially curated roster of touring bands, local artists and resident performers. All live, all free entry, all the time.

free entry

Culture Guides