30/08/2007 It’s grim up north? You obviously haven’t been to Manchester recently. Once a city of mills, filthy canals and smoggy air, today the place is transformed. Think more Footballers Wives than Dirty Dives, and trust me when I say that’s a good thing!
Sure the miserable heroes of yesteryear have left their mark; Joy Division, The Smiths... But now it’s the upbeat Hacienda vibe that lives on. ‘And on the eighth day God created Manchester,’ was their favourite phrase. Clubbers raved on to the Happy Mondays, Primal Scream, Stone Roses and the Inspiral Carpets (the ugliest band in the world ever, possibly). Today’s generation has neverhad it so good, with some of the chicest Britishboutiques. You could make a pilgrimage to followin Morrissey’s footsteps, lurk around the famousSalford Lads Club, skulk around graveyards ifthat’s your thing. Laters, we’re hitting the town!
IT’S A FACT!
· MANCHESTER SET UP THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE IN 1888.
· LOCAL PREACHER REV WILLIAM COWHERD INSPIRED THE FORMATION OF THE VEGETARIAN MOVEMENT IN 1815.
· MANCHESTER WAS HOME TO THE WORLD’S FIRST INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
· IT IS NOT THE WETTEST CITY IN THE UK. IT COMES NINTH BELOW OTHER CITIES SUCH AS GLASGOW AND PLYMOUTH.
TONGUE-TIED?
“NOT SEEN YOU FOR TIME!” – “I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU FOR AGES!”
”NOT SEEN YOU FOR PURE TIME!” – “I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU FOR A REALLY, REALLY LONG TIME!”
”NO MITHER!” – “NO WORRIES!”
”EEE YAR!” – “EXCUSE ME”
”DO ONE!” – “GO AWAY!”
’MINT” – “GREAT”
“STOP TALKING RUNCORN YA LITTLE WHOPPER!” – “REFRAIN FROM TALKING GOBBLEDEGOOK,YOU CRAZY CAT!”
CHECK THIS OUT
Manchester has shopping to rival London in a compact city centre. Selfridges is right beside Harvey Nichols, which is next to the Arndale Shopping Centre. Some shopping centres get bad press - the Arndale was gutted by an IRA bomb in 1996. Rebuilt, it’s now a glittering retail palace with a great food court and market. The Manchester City Art Gallery (Moseley Street) hasfine old masters. Or the Urbis Exhibition Centre(Cathedral Gardens) explores global cultures,covering photography, design, architecture,music and art. Tram it to Salford Quays, the city’s revamped docklands . Here you’ll find the Lowry Outlet Mall with top brands at low prices.The Lowry Art Centre is an architectural flagshipoffering ace entertainment andhouses LS Lowry’s art collection which includes his world famous city scapes with ‘matchstick men and matchstickcats and dogs’. The Imperial War Museum North is a must-see. The building itself is an award winnerfrom Daniel Libeskind. Inside you’ll discoverpeople and their stories; how lives have been andstill are shaped by war.
GET AWAY AND STAY
Go carbon friendly and leave the plane behind. Virgin Train runs regular services to Manchester. Their new website makes it easy to find the cheapest fare. Upgrading to First Class at the weekends costs just £15. Go on, spoil yourself.
www.virgintrains.co.uk
The Ibis Hotel (96 Portland Street) is right in the thick of things. A hop, skip and a jump from some prime shopping and the city’s bars and clubs makes its location perfect around the clock. Rooms cost just £59 a night making it easy on the wallet and breakfast is served till noon to oust that morning after. www.ibishotel.com
ON THE PULL
‘Queer As Folk’ put the city’s gay village squarely on the map and it’s been paying the price ever since with hen party invasions. Canal Street is central to all things queer. You can’t really go wrong with the likes of Spirit, Taurus, Tribeca, Queer, and Velvet. The Rembrant is older and ‘rougher’ but they’re all just pussycats underneath the leather. Hotel bars have had a bad name in the past. But the new Hilton (303 Deansgate) is the hottestticket in town, with the Cloud 23 bar offering chicdrinks and spectacular views.
Alternatively, the Northern Quarter is drawing them in with Bluu, Odd, TV21, Trof and SocioRehab. Or if it’s summer hit the Castlefield area for Barca, and Dukes 92. Fancy hitting the dancefloor? Sankeys on Great Ancoats was only refurbished earlier this year, or head to Club V on Deansgate, or alternatively Ampersand, behind Deansgate.
IT’S A DATE!
28th June – 15th July The first ever Manchester International Festival presents unseen work and fresh ideas from the most talented innovators. August. Manchester Pride is one of the biggest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (keep it PC!) festivals outside of London. There’s film, arts, community events, entertainment and a big ole parade. Remember, heels mean pain!
October. Manchester Comedy Festival brings laughs from its creme of comedy talent. |
