Weekend Bender - Part II

Hi there! My name is Darren Cooper and when they let me out of my box, (which does happen occasionally!) I like nothing better than the freedom of the open road, the wind in my hair and the smell of pleather in my nostrils.

A Fleet of Berties

It would appear that romance has its price - no - not the cost of a taxi fare from some unknown part of Greater Manchester, more like a dull thud behind the eyes.

Still, it's a price worth paying for such an exquisite evening of fun and frolics all thanks to the inaugural Manchester Gala Ball (See previous blog) and nothing that a couple of Nurofen, a strong coffee and a bout of therapy, of the retail kind won't fix.

Showered, shaved and stuffed to the gunnels with a hearty breakfast, including the ubiquitous black pudding (essential for the start of any day up north) I head out to discover Manchester by day.

It's stopped raining thankfully and there's even a glimmer of sun in the sky, the streets look clean and fresh, much like myself (get her!) as I cut-a-dash out of the hotel to explore. For those in the know the Northern Quarter is the place to head for apparently with quirky, cool and original shops, cafes and boutiques - sounds perfect, and, as with most things in central Manchester is easily reached on foot, or so I thought!

Captain America Film Set

According to my map the Northern Quarter is between Piccadilly and the Ancoats Centre, however my chosen route is blocked by a truck parked across the street and several slightly menacing looking men. It turns out they're security, I know this because they have day-glo vests which display the word 'Security' in big letters across their broad shoulders - nice work Watson!

It turns out that this is a film shoot for the new Captain America movie out some time in 2011. The security is tight thanks to some Hollywood heavyweights on the cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and our very own Dominic Cooper, how very glamorous!

Unfortunately I don't get a glimpse of anyone remotely famous (at least no one I recognise), what I can see though is the set which resembles a New York street circa 1940 complete with vintage cars and extras milling about and looking sharp in zoot-suits.

Of course it's no coincidence that Manchester pays more than a passing resemblance to the Big Apple, or rather I should say that the Big Apple resembles Manchester. As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution Manchester was the most technologically advanced city in the world at the end of the nineteenth century and the blue print for a modern, progressive metropolis.

Manchester imitating New York

New York's own red brick architecture was built by imported Mancunian builders to emulate the world's most industrialised city. Over 40 other cities around the world actually named themselves Manchester such was the city's success. Imitation they say is the most sincere form of flattery, and Manchester has received more than its fair share of both it would seem.

The resulting film set looks incredibly convincing and I make a mental note to hit the flicks once the film is released and not resort to screaming "I was there when they filmed that!" like some incredible dullard.

Enough history though - I'm such a bore once I get started, and anyway, shopping beckons!

It's a short detour around the film set to my destination, the Northern Quarter. This area of the city has become Manchester's creative, urban heart in recent years and a great place to head for a slice of real Manchester. Although just a stones throw from the high street shops and brands in and around the city centre, this area of Manchester is well known for its independent outlets, cafes and restaurants and also some of the city's hippest nightlife.

During the day the area also reminds me a little of New York and the East Village in particular. It's arty, quirky and a little eccentric and it is easy to see why artists, media types and independent retailers thrive here.

If a place was made for browsing this is it, the psychedelic cup cakes at Café Pop look tempting, but deadly so I resist and next door the retail experience at Pop Boutique is truly out there. Vintage fashion is a big draw for the area and American Graffitti is the place to head for all things retro.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Actually I'm more of a label queen and thankfully I'm not disappointed. Oi Poilloi's casual fashion range spans the globe and features brands that are not just bang on trend - but BIG BANG on trend. The independent fashion-fest extends further at Affleck's, a former department store that has been re-invented to house dozens of concessions from up and coming designers and brands. I depart with several bags of new threads, and oodles of fashion kudos!

I've also ear-marked the Manchester art and design centre as worth a visit. Situated in a former Victorian railway building the centre also houses concessions, this time from local artists and crafts-people. All wrought iron with a completely glass roof the natural light in this building lends itself perfectly as a creative space and is utilised to the full. Ceramics, jewellery, prints and paintings each one a perfect and unique Christmas gift - had I not just blown my budget on yet more designer jeans and trainers!

But at least I'll look fabulous at Christmas.

I'm starving! Luckily I clocked what looked like a promising lunch option whilst doing the rounds and head back for a closer look. It's called Teacup and there are even a few gay and lesbian couples lunching or perusing menus. I had been thinking that this was just the kind of area that would attract a few family members so happily I'm not disappointed.

Right on queue, a whole fleet of Berties (the collective noun for a group of gay men) arrive, obviously lunch with the girls is very much on the menu today and the excitement is palpable. I manage to crack an 'alright luv' and a cheeky wink from one of the party but can only manage a weak smile in return - how dreary!

However I do also feel like I have been part of some 'in' kind of banter, which feels good and skip out after lunch - all light on my loafers!

Manchester's Exchange Square

Exiting the Northern Quarter I find myself right on Piccadilly Gardens, which is the very heart of Manchester. It's all hustle and bustle here, a far cry from the relaxed cool of the Northern Quarter, even if it is only a couple of streets away.

None the less Piccadilly is home to its own shopping delights, and the area around Exchange Square, The Triangle and New Cathedral Street, King Street and St Ann’s Square which is positively packed with high street brands and stores.

This was the area of Manchester that was destroyed by an IRA bomb in 1996 and the consequent re-development has made this one of the most attractive shopping centres for both retailers and the public alike.

I particularly like the pedestrianised Market Street, home to the Arndale Centre and a pleasant change from the car clogged centres of many cities. Manchester is also, rather fabulously, home to Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and House of Fraser which is testament to the city's success as a serious retail destination.

Sadly for me (and my bank balance) I'm already salivating at the thought!

Manchester is only 2 hours and 7 minutes from London. 

Fly to Manchester in 60 minutes from London with British Airways  and BMI

For even more information visit the official Visit Manchester LGBT website.

Where to stay:
The Place
Days Hotel
Radisson Edwardian Manchester 

Britannia Hotels

Abode Hotel
Become a fan of Manchester's Gay Village on Facebook.

Weekend Bender - Part 1

Hi there! My name is Darren Cooper and when they let me out of my box, (which does happen occasionally!) I like nothing better than the freedom of the open road, the wind in my hair and the smell of pleather in my nostrils.

Euston station, London - destination, Manchester.

The trip up to Manchester is something of a pilgrimage for us queer folk. Not the penitent kind of course; why crawl when Virgin Trains can whisk you there in a little over 2 hours? After picking up my ticket I settle into my pre-booked window seat and delve into 'The Fry Chronicles' as I hurtle northward.

I have of course been to Manchester on more than one occasion and I am sure that there are many of us lucky enough to have already been seduced by the many charms of the UK's queerest northern Mecca, including it would seem Stephen Fry himself!

"It was hard not to like Manchester. Being called 'love', 'chuck' or a 'daft barmcake can only delight a southerner used to the lonely and unsmiling lovelessness of London and the south-east"

I couldn't agree more - but then who am I to disagree with a national treasure? Only one thing for it then, to find out for myself.

Manchester Pride Float

This visit I am avoiding the mass influx that invades Manchester from all corners of the UK - and the world - during August bank holiday for the annual pride celebrations and heading there in September. While Manchester Pride has become the queer event of the UK's LGBT calendar there's a whole lot more to Manchester than the best pride event in the country happening all through the year.

Actually it has been a full month since pride finished - enough time I hope for Manchester to get over the monumental hang over it inflicts on itself during the largest queer street party of the year. OK - perhaps that's me I'm talking about, either way I'm hoping for a healthy portion (or two) of full-fat northern fun this weekend.

I've also managed (somehow!) to get my hands on a ticket to the Manchester Pride Gala Ball, which is being held at the suitably grand Palace Hotel. It's a black tie affair and the hottest ticket in town, I'm sure that I'll just fit right in! The evening is being hosted by none other than Mr. Graham Norton so I'm expecting plenty of campery and frivolities, as well as plenty of wine of course, which always helps.

I'll keep you posted as events unfold!

Palace Theatre Ball Room

I have to admit that I love a good ball me, and this is the inaugural Manchester Pride Gala Dinner so the excitement is palpable. The gowns and tuxedos are extravagant numbers - where else could you accessorise your black tie with some glitter, sequins, or a plastic flamingo and get away with it?

One thing I love about Manchester is that it is a city that doesn't do anything by halves, and the Pride Ball is no exception. The evening's venue - the ballroom at the Palace Hotel - is a suitably grand gathering spot for 400 of Manchester's glitterati who have turned out in full force for the event.

Manchester Pride boasts some pretty heavyweight patrons who give it significant support all through the year, tonight being no exception. Anthony Cotton has brought along a full table of the Corrie cast - whose enthusiastic and vocal approval goes down a storm. Sir Ian McKellen's attendance adds gravitas and he effortlessly charms everyone in the room with the tale of his first recorded erection. Apparently the sight of one Ivor Novello on stage at the Palace Theatre (opposite where we sit) in his dressing gown had a memorable, and lasting effect on the adolescent Mckellen - priceless!

TV presenter and Mancunian Man-totty, Anthony Crank is also on the guest list, whom I find myself rubbing shoulders with (figuratively speaking of course) at the bar. I do hope that my feigned nonchalance managed to hide my own McKellen-esque type exhilaration!

Auction Prize - Signed Graham Norton Poster.

And as if that wasn't enough excitement for one evening, Graham Norton kept the soiree jogging along nicely as compere with a few choice and very cheeky tales of his own - but don't worry Mr. Norton, your secrets safe with me (as I couldn't possibly regale those kind of stories here!)

Despite the A-gay endorsement though I get the feeling that the real star of the show here is Manchester itself. Firstly Manchester Pride is certainly an event - quite rightly - that the assembled crowd and Manchester's LGBT community feel very proud of, and why not? This is after all the largest and most successful gay pride event to take place annually in the UK, it even makes some money for heavens sake!

Secondly - I couldn't really be anywhere else in the world apart from Manchester. The atmosphere is cool yet unpretentious, riotously fun without being tacky and everyone is friendly, and genuinely so, which from my experience is impossible to fake.

"Fancy a dance duck?" Silly question! And so I hit the floor doing - as usual - doing my own impression of a daft barmcake.

Gay Village At Night

Eventually I manage to drag myself off the dance floor (don't worry - there weren't any casualties) and head back to the hotel making a short detour to take in Canal Street. I think I'm looking pretty suave in my deconstructed DJ look, but that might just be the wine talking and anyway, no one seems to notice.

Despite being partied out myself, Canal Street is still in full swing and it was definitely worth the diversion for a late night/early morning saunter. It's started to rain (this is Manchester after all) and puddles have formed which reflect the bright neon lights of the bars along Manchester gay village's most famous street.

I can't help but bop along, humming to the camp classics that are playing in Via and Manto as I walk past, and stomping in the puddles that explode with the reflected light. Actually, it all feels rather romantic - Who'd have thought!?!

OK - so I might be a little pie-eyed, but that doesn't mean I can't also be starry-eyed too, does it?

Manchester is only 2 hours and 7 minutes from London. 
Visit National Rail or Virgin Trains for fares and timetables.

Fly to Manchester in 60 minutes from London with British Airways  and BMI.

For even more information visit the official Visit Manchester LGBT website. 

Where to stay: 
The Place 
Days Hotel 
Radisson Edwardian Manchester 

Britannia Hotels

Become a fan of Manchester's Gay Village on Facebook.