The North Pole Is Back... And It's Better Than Ever

Yes, it's that magical time of year when the air turns crisp, we get to don our thermal underwear.... and celebrate the return of Manchester's favourite festive bar, the North Pole.

With seasonal snug and chalet areas, it's anything but your average pop-up. Plasma screen fires and dangling antler horns get you in the mood for Christmas and there's an 8ft resident polar bear 'Parky' to hang out with too.

Launching in 2008, the 1000-capacity bar and venue has become a winter landmark in Manchester. And on its return to Cathedral Gardens, organisers promise that it's going to be bigger and better than ever before.

The North Pole has loads of new attractions to check out this winter, including Chesterfield sofas and vintage rugs. As part of the 1000 capacity venue, the 'Rudolph Room' is a decadent, red-velvet draped space, perfect for Christmas parties and winter film screenings. And there's an area which aims to recreate the cool, cosiness of a contemporary ski chalet, giving you the chance to enjoy your apres-ski to the max.

None of us can resist a warming, winter fare – and at the North Pole, urban explorers can choose from locally sourced favourites including their signature Winter Crumble pudding. Check out German-style sausages, straight from the grill swing and for those hosting Christmas parties, there are a range of winter canapés and warming dishes created by local culinary impresarios.

Supping on something hot and chocolatey is part of what makes winter worthwhile – and drinks to keep you warm in the big chill include speciality hot chocolates and Illy coffees. Our favourites are Mint Hot Chocolate, and toasty Cinnamon Latte and there are a host of alcoholic options to enjoy too. With fine European wines and beers, and a warm, cocktail menu that includes creamy drinks and spicy mulled wine, there's something to please even the coolest palate.

Daytime family fun will be hosted by Parky, the Polar Bar’s 8ft polar bear who'll be showing you how to win at giant Jenga games and king-sized Connect 4. They're gone all out to make sure there's something for all the family this year – and after dark, things get distinctly funky. A full programme of winter action will be announced shortly, with a line-up that includes secret gigs, live events - and special celebrity guests are promised.

 The North Pole bar is an Ear to the Ground production. They're the Manchester-based international event organisers behind the likes of Parklife, Pride and The Warehouse Project. The North Pole bar will open on Thursday 3 November in Cathedral Gardens.