My family and I were recently invited down to The Printworks in Manchester for their ‘Family Fun For All Package’ which consisted of a movie of our choice at the Odeon followed by lunch at Chiquito . If you haven’t been to the Printworks before, it is an arcade which has a big IMAX Odeon cinema, Hard Rock Café, and lots of other restaurants and bars suitable to any budget. It is also a short walk from Shudehill bus station, so handy for a day trip to Manchester. The cinema itself has various food and snack options including Whey Hey ice-cream and Froyo, which is great if you’re looking for healthier treats. But of course they also have cinema favourites like pick’n’mix and popcorn. There is also a Costa for coffee lovers like myself.

The movie and overall experience of the Odeon was great, and it was the first time that Amber has ever sat through a whole movie in the cinema.

Next stop..feed our bellies! I absolutely love Chiquitos, when I lived in Aberdeen I would go twice a month and we usually go to their Parrs Wood restaurant for brunch. They are always fantastic with kids and Drew and I both love Mexican food. This was our first time visiting their Printworks restaurant. We were given some complimentary popcorn for Amber on arrival and a kids pack which consisted of colouring materials and a moustache making pack. Great way to make kids feel welcome and stop them getting distracted.

The food as expected was great, I’m a creature of habit and always order the chicken wings for my starter, they are too delicious. For my main I had steak, which again I couldn’t fault. Drew was raving about his fajitas for a good 24 hours! The kids menu has a variety of options for younger kids and older kids, with this in mind Amber had the chicken wrap, which was a perfect portion size for her, followed by fruit and ice-cream (I’m always happy to see fruit on a kids menu!)

At one point we had a very hyper toddler, and the staff were very friendly and patient which puts you at ease as I’m sure all parents with toddlers will agree on. Overall we had a very fun day out. The Odeon offers some great ticket offers which makes a family day out very affordable, these are before 5pm during the week and before 1pm on weekends. They also do an off-peak family package for £16.00 for 1 adult, 3 children or 2 adults, 2 children.

Cinema tickets and our meal was kindly provided by the Printworks in return for an honest review.