Manchester’s Hottest Week Yet: From Drake & Billie to a Maray Lunch Escape
With global icons like Billie Eilish and Drake lighting up Co-op Live, the streets alive with performances for Manchester Day, and even Lipton Ice Tea setting up shop near Australasia, the city has been absolutely buzzing. So when Lydia and I grabbed a quick lunch at Maray on Bold Street this past Thursday, it wasn’t just a break from work.. It was a chance to soak in bold flavours and calm energy in the middle of a city in celebration.
In a week packed with high energy and even higher star power, here’s why our midday moment stood out and how Manchester, once again, proved it does it all better than Birmingham (sorry, not sorry).
🎤 Music Royalty Hits Manchester: Billie & Drake Take Over Co-op Live
Between July 19–23, Billie Eilish brought her “Hit Me Hard & Soft” tour to Co-op Live and made headlines by announcing a mysterious 3D project with James Cameron mid-performance. The legendary director was even spotted in the crowd, and fan theories are swirling about a possible concert film.
Then came Drake, taking over the arena on July 25, 26, and 28 with his "$ome $pecial $hows 4 UK" tour. With guests like PARTYNEXTDOOR and Central Cee, the sets were electric. But what really got the crowd going? Drake’s slip-up when he shouted out... Birmingham… despite being very much in Manchester. Social media had a field day, and the city definitely didn’t let that one go unnoticed.
To his credit, he made amends quickly. Not only giving Manchester its proper flowers later in the set, but also spotted dining at The Ivy. If in doubt, dine it out.
✨ What We Ate at Maray (+ the Setting)
Lydia and I grabbed Maray’s £19.95 lunch deal, which includes a mezze and two plates — light, fast, and full of flavour. Here's what we had:
My Picks:
Whipped Goat’s Cheese – Creamy, tangy, and topped with just the right amount of dukkah for texture. A standout start.
Fried Chicken – Golden, crispy, and juicy inside. Comfort food done right.
Disco Cauliflower – Spiced, crispy and full of character. No wonder it’s a Maray signature.
Lydia’s (Vegetarian) Picks:
Olives – Briny, bold and a perfect light opener.
Falafel – Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. A classic done well.
Fattoush Salad – Fresh, zingy, and herb-packed with a citrusy crunch.
What really stood out, beyond the food, was Maray’s interior. Soft lighting, earthy tones, and rich textures made the space feel calm and inviting. The restaurant’s warm wood, pops of greenery, and relaxed layout offer a perfect escape from the noise and chaos outside. It’s casual but curated — the kind of place where you instantly feel like you’ve made a good choice.
🎉 Manchester Day: Street Performances & City-Wide Vibes
Though the official Manchester Day parade took place yesterday (Saturday, 26 July), the city was already in celebration mode all week. I headed back into town later that afternoon and caught some incredible live performances — think street dancers, spontaneous singalongs, and brass bands lighting up Cathedral Gardens.
It’s exactly the kind of city-wide energy that reminds you why Manchester’s summer scene hits different.
📍 Why Maray Was the Perfect Midweek Pick
Calm in the chaos: While the city buzzed, Maray gave us the perfect lunchtime pocket of calm.
Menu that works for everyone: With Lydia being veggie, Maray’s variety made ordering easy and exciting.
Food with character: Bold, fresh flavours that felt in sync with the city’s creative energy.
📝 The Final Bite
There’s something special about Maray’s £19.95 lunch deal.. Incredible value, vibrant flavours, and a cosy, modern space that lets you breathe amidst Manchester’s madness. But drop that into the middle of Billie Eilish’s 3D announcement, Drake’s unforgettable (if slightly confused) performance, The Ivy sightings, and Manchester Day’s joyful chaos?
Suddenly, a simple lunch turns into something way more memorable.
🔗 For more local finds and food that fits your day perfectly, check out Find Dining — your go-to guide to eating well in the city that always does it better. Looking at you again, Birmingham.