Welcome to The Jam Review, a bi-weekly blog for your essential need-to-know news, trends and topics. Discover the latest in digital and social, as well as our opinion on travel, finance, food and drink, Manchester and more.
Return to the OG Instagram?
After the recent algorithm update (cue outrage from Kylie and Kim), Instagram has announced some features that directly address users’ feedback. A key focus is on the user having more control and direct input into what they see in their feed.
To make the algorithm smarter and more personalised, users can now select multiple images on the explore page to mark as not of interest.
Users will be pleased to learn that Instagram won’t be moving away from introducing ideas ‘inspired’ by other platforms, a ‘mute’ option will be added to certain phrases, user handles and even emojis. That’s going to come in handy when a new viral version of “Corn” comes rolling in…
Allowing users to determine what exactly they see on their feed indicates that maybe Instagram is listening to what the people want. It is not clear yet if they are still aspiring to be like TikTok but at least they are taking into account users’ needs and wants.
We shouldn’t expect change at Instagram to slow down however, with Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri saying: “We’re going to need to evolve, because the world is changing, and we’re going to have to change along with it.”
Rising energy bills could cost us our pubs
Winter is coming and with it soaring energy bills could shut your local down.
With a predicted 300% increase in energy costs, pubs from around the country have stated that they will be forced to close. It’s an industry facing a huge crisis, and landlords are calling for the Government to step in and support the thousands of employees that will be impacted.
Companies like Admiral are trying to support pubs by investing in energy-saving equipment, but the large scale of the problem means that they cannot provide this support on their own. Other pub chains have argued for a much-needed energy cap, similarly provided for households.
With new PM Liz Truss promising to cap energy bills, we’ll have to wait and see what happens but there’s never been a greater need to support and shop local.
MCR Food Fest is back and bigger than ever
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Manchester Food Festival, running from 22nd September-2nd October.
View this post on Instagram
Here are some of the events to look forward to this year:
- An artisan food market at the Cathedral Gardens, midday till seven on 29th September -2nd October.
- Festival firepit takeover also at Cathedral Gardens showcasing some of the best local chefs.
- Wine Fest at New Century.
- £25 for 25 years – A lineup of fantastic restaurants are trailing new menus for £25 as they team up with the festival.
The city will be packed with foodies for the series of events and Jammers will certainly be amongst them. Keep an eye on our socials to see what we will be doing at the festival.
