Unlike previous summers, there can be no suggestion we’ve been shortchanged. This week a fourth heatwave is gripping parts of the country with highs of 35C in the hottest places.
While an amber heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, the East, South East and London, things will feel a slightly cooler here in Greater Manchester. Highs of 24C were enjoyed today (Wednesday), amid sunny and cloudy conditions.
Temperatures of around 20C to 21C are then expected in our region in the following days with more sunny intervals. Though not as hot as previous weeks, it will still be warm enough to sit out in, especially going into the evenings and as we head towards the weekend.
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We all have to our go-to spots when the good weather appears, whether it’s city centre squares to soak up the atmosphere, or quieter country pubs with beer gardens and stunning views. Right in the city centre though, there’s a bar that offers a picturesque place to grab a wine and place to indulge in some tapas too.
The Kampus neighbourhood spans apartments and a number of restaurants and bars (Image: C&C/HBD)
Four years ago, The Beeswing Wine Bar & kitchen opened its doors at Manchester’s Kampus neighbourhood. Overlooking the Rochdale Canal, the friendly hangout for lovers of wine and great food is situated on the first floor above Nell’s at Kampus and is described by the team as ‘an oasis in a busy city’.
The wine bar, which is run by co-founders Anna Tutton and Joe Maddock, has gained a firm following for its vast drinks menu – spanning wines from across the globe, including European, South African and many more.
The outdoor terrace at The Beeswing Wine Bar & kitchen at Kampus(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Its sun-soaked wine terrace also overlooks the lush gardens as well as the canalside, making it a great spot for wine, but also a bite to eat. Its food options have evolved over time, but they always prioritise using seasonal and local produce.
Their current tapas menu has been created with simple ingredients from Spain, celebrating traditional recipes with the Beeswing’s own flair. Split into several options, one option is the mixed cheese or charcuterie plate, which depending on the combination includes Spanish cheeses, cuts of Iberico meats and rosemary biscuits.
The Beeswing has started serving a Spanish bottomless brunch every Sunday(Image: The Beeswing)
There’s also pintxos, built on a small slice of bread of held together with a toothpick – pincho means spike – and eaten as finger food. Diners can try the ling prawns, Basque chorizo and Jamon Iberico puff pastry sausage rolls and pan con tomate alongside a number of other pintxos like croquetas.
The main tapas menu spans specials such as homemade pork meatballs with morcilla and chorizo in a rich tomato sauce; crispy new potatoes seared on the plancha with sea salt and salsa verde; and soft and oozy potato and egg tortilla.
Beeswing co-founders Joe Maddock and Anna Tutton(Image: Supplied)
There’s also their popular Padron peppers, seared tuna steak, gambas pil pil, and the Andalusian classic – lightly battered aubergine drizzled with honey. On the sweet side, there’s burnt Basque cheesecake, chocolate naranja, and Affogato.
Bottomless brunch is also available on Saturday. Bookings start between 1pm and 2:30pm and last 90 minutes with Spanish-inspired brunch dishes complimented by sangria, mimosas and Bloody Marys.
The terrace overlooks The Rochdale Canal and Canal Street, as well as the gardens at Kampus (Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
All of the bar’s wines are available by the glass so you can try them, savour them and compare them. Wines do change regularly to showcase the best things the team are drinking right now, but there’s a range of options incluidng English, Spanish, French, South African, Italian and South African varieties – plus lots more.
Next month (August 30), wine lovers are invited to explore the exciting world of English Wine with The Beeswing & Gusbourne at an exclusive English Wine tasting. For £40 per person, they will be able to try five exceptional wines from the Gusbourne Estate, with curated nibbles to complement the tasting.