Friday, 16 September 2011

Manchester Pride's 21st Birthday - A personal account...


Angie and Tina, lucky winners of the recent VIP Competition for Manchester Pride’s 21st Birthday in August 2011 speak about their experiences of their three day weekend in Manchester

Hello Manchester,
I still can’t believe we won, wow... My name is Anj, I work in customer care and live in Hull East Yorkshire with my beautiful fiancé Tina. We’ve been together 3 years in April, she’s my soul mate and I love her very much.

We are regular visitor’s to Manchester we particularly enjoy our visit to the gay village and everything else from the Printworks and Hard Rock Cafe to the shopping areas there is always something to do. The gay village is fantastic! We like going to Churchill’s then Via to see Valentino Drag King then we wind down in Taurus, such a relaxing place to finish your night.

On the day of the parade the song “Don’t rain on my parade came to mind”, but the sun shone and what a fantastic parade it was, everyone in the street joined in, the atmosphere was incredible and all the work that had gone into the floats & the organisation of it all was very much appreciated. It was good to see the support of public sector organisations as well as private companies and everyone else who supported Manchester Pride, from toddlers to one man and his dog.


Being a VIP had its advantages which was great from having shelter, nice clean and well equipped toilets, to mingling with the performers who were all brilliant. 


We met some corrie actors /actresses especially Samia Smith (Maria), she was lovely , we spent some time chatting to her she was very down to earth, she even joined her boyfriend in the main arena, what a lovely girl!


When we visit Manchester one bar we love to visit is Taurus, friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere and the food is excellent too. On Pride weekend Polly, the owner, is as always a good sport and forever game for a laugh, he performed outside Taurus for a very long time in his high heels!


Having all those fabulous performers it was hard to decide whom we liked the most again all brilliant but Pam Ann and Angie Brown we particularly liked.



Staying at Abode Hotel ... WOW it was fantastic, we even saw Michael Caines (the chef who owns the exquisite fine dining restaurant and café in the hotel) when we arrived..


The room was very spacious it had a 42” television, Nintendo Wii, magazines and a very large bed! It was amazing and the staff were great, nothing was too much trouble, service was brilliant, great place to stay - the Gay Village, Piccadilly train station and city centre all 5 minutes away.

If your other half is into watching the local teams, then get them to treat you to a spa treatment at Macdonald Hotel. Oh. My. God. We really enjoyed this, we both had a head massage followed by a gorgeous facial. Thank you Laura and Melanie it was very relaxing. I even heard my self snore!


I would highly recommend it, a beautiful place to visit and we would certainly like to go back again.

If you have not been to Manchester before then put it to the top of your list of places to visit, especially over Manchester Pride – it takes place each August Bank Holiday (the last weekend in August). You will not be disappointed!

To sum up Manchester in one word  
AWESOME

Manchester, all our love,
Tina & Anj xxx

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

Where to stay:
Abode Hotel Manchester
MacDonald Manchester Hotel & Spa

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

Friday, 4 March 2011

Food Glorious Food

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.


Food Glorious Food


Like most people, dining out is something that I look forward to when visiting a new place. A city can arguably be judged by the food that it serves and one of the ways to this man's heart is most definitely through his stomach.


Hardly surprising then that my pulse is already racing having done some saliva inducing research on Manchester's 300 plus restaurants. 


I've also taken some local advice on where to eat in Manchester too which is always a good idea from my experience. The first name to trip off the tongue of most of the people that I talk to seems to be ABode, Michael Caines award winning restaurant, (it was voted the best restaurant in Manchester by the Pride of Manchester Awards) situated in the centre of the city in Piccadilly.


The restaurant is the most anticipated eatery to have opened in recent years in Manchester and this stylish basement eatery doesn't disappoint. Both the food and service are impeccable, without being stuffy and the food here manages to be both hearty and refined (as well as delicious) in equal measures. If you are planning a trip to Manchester then this establishment comes highly recommended. A reservation will avoid disappointment, for convenience do it at the same time as booking your room at the excellent ABode hotel. 


ABode Restaurant
If classic French is more your style than contemporary English cuisine then the The French is another Michelin standard establishment having won the first star to be awarded in the UK. The great and the good, from royalty to rockstars have all eaten here over the years.  Another French dining establishment for those in the know is Moss Nook, a homely little place which is actually next to Manchester airport. You won't find the usual airport cuisine here though and this bistro has been listed in the Which Good Food Guide for the last 29 years, so worth mentioning here.


Another award winning eatery is Manchester favourite Thai restaurant, Chaophraya, which has also been awarded Manchester's best restaurant and was voted 'Members' Favourite Restaurant' too for 2009 and 2010. Once inside the plush interior it's easy to see why this is a firm favourite with locals, the well priced fantastic Thai food probably also has something to do with it!


Following on the Asian theme is newly opened Ocean Treasure Chinese restaurant. This restaurant is just off Peter Street and serves a healthy menu of food mainly from the Cantonese region. I'm also a big fan of Japanese cuisine and Sapporo Teppanyaki is the place to head for excellent teppanyaki, delicious sushi and where watching the flamboyant chefs at work is just part of the experience. 


The international culinary jamboree doesn't end there though, in Chinatown the Yang Sing has been dishing out some of the best dim sum for over 30 years while just around the corner in the Northern Quarter, Malaysian and South East Asian dishes are served up in the beautifully decorated Ning.


Relatively new to the restaurant scene is Rosso, an grand Italian restaurant at the top of King Street, which is proving to be a firm favourite with Manchester's A-list. Don't be surprised if you see a some of Manchester's sporting gods or a table full of Wags next to you here. If its authentic Italian cuisine that tickles the tastebuds then San Carlo, just off Deansgate, has been a jewel in the culinary crown of Manchester and is always a popular choice so be sure to book ahead.


Back with familiar British cuisine, the second floor restaurant at Harvey Nichols is a fantastic fine dining option with superb views of Exchange Square and Manchester Cathedral. Linen also flies the British culinary flag in an impressive dining area inside Manchester235 casino, perfect for an after dinner flutter.


If it's stunning surroundings that you are looking for when you eat out then Vermillion, which is close to the City of Manchester stadium is a real show stopper. The interior of this Thai inspired Asian fusion restaurant has been refurbished to the tune of £4.5 million and is arguably the most spectacular restaurant in Manchester and just a 10 minute cab ride from Piccadilly.


Perhaps my favourite though, being a confirmed carnivore was Gaucho, an Argentinean grill located in a former church which still houses a resplendent organ. Meat lovers will be in their element in this beautifully restored chapel, I can highly recommend one of the killer margarita to get proceedings started off with.


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.

Wednesday, 26 January 2011

One Stop Shop Stop

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.


One Stop Shop Stop 


I am fully aware that I am playing up to homosexual stereotypes here (he says whilst typing away listening to Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall) - but to say that I just adore a spot of shopping would be something of an understatement. So when the chance to zoom up to discover the retail possibilities in Manchester came up, well, I shrieked with joy, grabbed my plastic and hailed a Hackney carriage straight to Euston station - and don't spare the horses!


I've of course been to Manchester before, and the shopping here has an excellent combination of choice and scope and all concentrated in an easily manageable area. I'm normally used to covering vast distances during my London shopping trips, migrations of epic proportions (that wouldn't be out of place on a BBC documentary about the Serengeti) to get from one side of town to the other. Thankfully Manchester's central shopping district covers an area that is easily manageable on foot and so negates the mandatory fights through crowded underground stations.


I've decided to hit the ground running so to speak, and dive straight into the Northern Quarter from Piccadilly Station. A five minute walk after disembarking from the train and I find myself immersed in the centre of Manchester's most bohemian and fashionable area.


Manchester Design Centre
Northern Quarter
It's an overused term, 'bohemian' isn't it - but I think that this area of Manchester can certainly do the adjective justice. The atmosphere here is definitely hip, yet it is still a little rough around the edges, which actually only adds to its charm. The shops here are all independent boutiques where local arty, trendy types browse for original clothing and other bits and pieces. 

If you are into vintage, retro classics, quirky furnishings, or a printed t-shirt that you wont see on the high street then this is the place to find them.

There's a whole raft of vintage shops here that are re-inventing past trends for those fashion forward enough to carry them off. Personally I'm more comfortable in contemporary brands that haven't made it mainstream, yet - and the
Thomas Street Post Office, Oi Polloi and Afflecks definitely do not disappoint in this regard.



As a fashionista I also enjoy a quick spin through the Tib Street Fashion Market. This market was set up to support up and coming designers from Manchester and gives them a space to sell their wares in the city centre. The result is a dazzling display of quirky stalls selling clothes, lingerie, bags, purses, hats and jewellery.

If the Northern Quarter is the champion of the independent store, then the
Arndale Centre, which is just around the corner, in the very centre of the city is a homage to the high street. This is Manchester's largest shopping centre, only to be outdone in size by the lavish Trafford Centre five miles outside the city. No time for the Trafford Centre on this trip though, so I guess I will just have to make do with the 240 shops at the Arndale.

Just outside the Arndale is Market Street, Manchester's busiest and most central shopping thoroughfare. Although this is the main shopping artery that runs through the city it's also pedestrianised which of course means no traffic. For a serial shopper like me this is fantastic, and could even be a lifesaver in my case. 

When something sparkly catches my eye in a shop window on the opposite side of the street my natural reaction is to run towards it - like a dog chasing a cat - an involuntary action, I just can't help myself. Thankfully I can indulge my shopping urges in Manchester without fear of being turned into road-kill, a gauntlet I run on a daily basis in London.



Selfridges
There are two more of my favourite shopping passions that I can indulge here far more easily than at home also, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Three different tube lines and an eternity of nervous anticipation usually separate me from my two favourite shopping outlets, in Manchester they are right opposite each other on New Cathedral Street (thankfully also pedestrianised!)

These two stores are not the only concessions, substantial though they are to designer brands on Manchester's shopping scene.

A walk down New Cathedral Street reveals a host of other top name brands including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Hugo Boss which all have flagship stores here. 

This route also sees me meander through St Anne's Square and takes me down to the equally refined shopping on King Street.

The gorgeous Georgian buildings along King Street used to house Manchester's professionals classes, now they house Vivienne Westwood, Jaeger and Tommy Hillfiger  for Manchester's eager shoppers.

It's getting a little late now and even a hard-core shopper like me is feeling a little exhausted. Not too tired though for one last stop,
The Avenue which is just off Deansgate in the Spinningfields area of the city. This is Manchester's newest retail area and is set amongst the ultra modern buildings and landscaped courtyards in this area.

This brand spanking development has attracted some pretty big businesses to the office space in this area and the big brands weren't far behind. Emporio Armani, Mulberry, D&G and some very slick suits at Brooks Brothers soon perk me up again for some more serious browsing. 

At last though even I have to take a break and what better place than the Alchemist Bar with its extensive cocktail list. I eventually plump for the very exotic sounding passion fruit meringue martini to wet my whistle while I review all my new purchases!


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.

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Will the Real Manchester Please Stand Up

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.


Will the real Manchester please stand up.

Thanks to my guided walking history tour (read all about it here) I feel that I have got my bearings in Manchester, so today I have decided to strike forth on my own! There are already a few things that I have made a mental note to see here today, the first of which though is brunch at the Koffee Pot in the Northern Quarter.

It's just a short walk from my hotel to Manchester's most bohemian and artsy district and I have heard from a couple of friendly 'Pot Heads' (the name the local Koffee Potters give to themselves) that I won't be disappointed.

The café itself looks like a typical greasy spoon from the outside. Once inside though I find that it's been fully 'Quartered up' and now boasts funky graffiti covered walls, free wi-fi and a great Sunday brunch that costs me less than a Grande Latte back in London, fantastic!

The rest of the patrons are equally as cool and quirky as the establishment. They are tucking in to hearty breakfasts, busily surfing on Mac books or reading, the Guardian, a dog-eared paperback. It's all very bohemian and relaxed, so my scruffy just got out of bed look passes as cool rather than just, well, scruffy.

Fully fed, and coffee'd up to the gills I head out for some urban discovery. My route takes me through the centre of the city, which is already filled with earnest shoppers and a far cry from the relaxed streets of the Quarter. I'm headed for Manchester's medieval centre, not a period that the city is well known for but its there, if you know where to look.

Passing through Exchange Square, where there are some of the few surviving medieval buildings in the city. I carry on around the modern glass structure of Urbis, (which will be home to the National Football Museum later this year) and I have arrived back in medieval Manchester.

To my right is the Chetham’s School of music, home to the Chetham Library, which was first, opened in 1653 and was the first public library in the English-speaking world. The library, which is located in the school's beautiful quad, is still open to the public, unfortunately only on weekdays so I have to make do with Manchester's other medieval masterpiece, its stunning cathedral.

Royal Exchange Theatre
Although the cathedral has been extensively restored during Victorian times and also after bomb damage during the Second World War, a large part of the interior still retains the ornate stone and woodwork from the 15th century. There's obviously a concert taking place in the cathedral at some point too as a stage has been set up in the middle of the church complete with a large glitter ball - it's a first for any cathedral that I've ever been in.

Moving just around the corner to the Royal Exchange Theatre I can also see old and modern Manchester colliding. The former commodities trading hall was once where cotton, which gave Manchester its huge wealth, was traded. This great hall was once described as the most important room in the world, and it certainly looks the part. Huge pink marble columns soar up to an ornate glass domed roof, and this is just half of the original building.

Inside the centre of the hall is the Theatre itself, which was added more than 20 years after the trading stopped. It resembles some kind of space pod that has landed in the centre of the hall and the contrast is very striking. A room within a room, well a theatre in the round that can seat 700 people in a room to be more accurate, but you know what I mean, right?

 From the Royal Exchange it's a short walk through St Ann's Square to Deansgate and the next stop on my tour of the city. The John Rylands library looks more like a cathedral or a castle from the outside, an absolute riot of ornate Victorian Gothic architecture.

Image: John Ryland's Library

The wife of one of Manchester's most successful industrialists built the library in the 1890s, to which she also donated their impressive book collection. The resulting building is well worth a visit just for the stunning interiors, there's also an equally impressive medieval collection of manuscripts on show to the public too.

The next stop on my itinerary is the People's History Museum, which is located on the river Irwell that separates Manchester from neighbouring Salford. This is the area of Spinningfields and has some of the most impressive modern architecture in the city. Over the last few years over 2.5 million square feet of new commercial, residential and office space have made this Manchester's most futuristic and modern district.


Image: Leftbank, Spinningfields where the People's History Museum is located. Credit: Tony West

 
The Museum itself traces the fight for democracy which has taken place over the last 200 years in the UK. Manchester has played an important part in the rights of people over this period, the Suffragettes and Labour movements both having started in the city. The story is told excellently in between the museum's modern wing and the original Victorian pump house building.

Following the river away from the city centre and I come to the area of Castlefield, which is famously home to Granada Studios where Coronation Street is still filmed. The show is now the longest running soap on TV celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010. This isn't bad for a show that was expected to run for 6 weeks!

The Museum of Science and Industry covers 7½ acres of this area of the city, unfortunately though I don't have the time to take in the many exhibits of this living museum and push on back towards the centre of town.

Image: Castlefield

Castlefield is another area where layers of history are literally stacked up on top of each other. The original Roman fort sits right next to the canal, railway and modern tram system that passes by the cotton warehouses that are now des-res converted luxury apartments. The last part of my route takes me onto the Rochdale Canal, which I follow back in to town and also helpfully goes all the way to Canal Street in the Village.

The canal also passes the site of the famous Hacienda nightclub where plaques still announce the famous names that appeared here inn the 80s and 90s. Madonna played her first UK gig here in 1984 and the club was instrumental in producing some of the UK's most influential bands as well as the 'Madchester' music scene.

The Hacienda was demolished and turned into flats in 2002 but the story it tells is one that has been retold in Manchester for centuries. This is a city that has not only always moved forward, but also pioneered the way for others to follow. Industry, civil and workers rights, music, entertainment, Manchester not only tells these stories brilliantly, it can also lay claim to being the inspiration and at their very beginnings too. Whatever next!


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.

2011 events in Manchester

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.


What’s on in Manchester for 2011

Manchester is well known for football, northern humour, Canal Street and of course the UK’s largest pride festival that culminates with a huge 3 day street party right in the heart of the city.

There’s no need to wait until the August bank holiday though to head for the north’s pulsating queer heart. As well as being a great city break destination, Manchester also hosts a whole series of festivals and events to brighten up a weekend away.

I decided to take a look at what was happening in Manchester in 2011 - and found some great events taking place all throughout the year!


National Winter Ales Festival 19-22 Jan 2011
Real Ales had a rather dower image during the nineties, especially when compared to the flashy premium lagers served in the glittering chrome and glass bars that sprang up everywhere during that decade. Thankfully now though, locally produced small manufacturers are in, and collectively offer much more variety and diversity for the palate than the large breweries own monotonous fizzy offerings.


I know what you’re thinking: The whole shebang will be like a piss up at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s house with rustic types in the ascendant. OK, so, perhaps leave the Gucci loafers out when you pack for this trip. Anyway, after a couple of pints of Old Harry’s Snodge-Croddler you won’t care what anyone is wearing.


Chinese New-Year celebrations 3 Feb 2011
The annual Chinese New Year celebrations that take place in and around Albert Square are definitely worth seeing. Manchester’s thriving China Town comes to life with spectacular dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations and of course fireworks. This is one spectacular party that is definitely worth putting into your calendar. It’s also handily just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Canal Street too!




¡Viva! Spanish Film Festival 6-17 March 5-27 March 2011
There’s no denying that Spanish cinema is hot right now, and I am not just talking about Javier Bardem either. Spain is churning out some exceptional cinematic treats and world class actors right now, and there is no better place to catch up on Iberian and Latin American cinema than at Viva! The whole festival takes place for 3 weeks and includes a packed program of contemporary visual arts and film. Once again Manchester's Cornerhouse cinema is home to the proceedings which include, the festival features premières and previews of recent features, plus a special spotlight event.


www.vivafilmfestival.com 


Great British Bear Bash 28 Apr - 2 May
Bears and their admirers unite for one long weekend of furry fun as the great British Bear Bash arrives in Manchester. The host hotel is the Portland Street Ibis which is the hub for all activities taking place over the long weekend. Expect a packed program of events for this annual event which is now celebrating its 14th anniversary.


FutureEverything 11-14 May 2011
Digital arts and music are the focus for Manchester’s award-winning FutureEverything show which takes place over a long weekend in May. This urban showcase for the digital arts and music scenes will include experimental performances, exhibitions and concerts in a variety of venues all across the city. FutureEverything also includes debate and discussion on a range of environmental and global issues too.

www.futureeverything.org


Dot to Dot Festival 30 May 2011
The Dot to Dot Festival is taking in 3 UK cities this May with its unique selection of established and up and coming global music acts and artists. Acts can be seen at a variety of venues in Manchester where the Mystery Jets will headline the festival. Zane Lowe will be taking a break from Radio 1 to hit the decks and local Mancunian rockers Twisted Wheel will add a local flavour to the proceedings.




Queer Up North May 2011 est 1992
Without doubt one of the blue-ribbon queer arts event in the country, Queer Up North once again return for 3 weeks of arts and glamour. Venues throughout the village and all over Manchester will throw open their doors to lesbian, gay and queer artists, performers and entertainers of all kinds. New and established acts will be showcasing their talents with shows, cabaret and performance-art to enjoy and there are also a variety of exhibitions, talks and other events to enjoy too.




Pride Games: 4 - 12th June
Sports take centre stage in queer Manchester in June as Pride Games brings sport to the masses. Although the games culminate with international competition in various disciplines the focus of Pride Games is participation. A whole range of workshops and lessons are put on for those who would just like to have a go and see if they would like to continue.



Manchester Skins Weekend: 24-26 June
If bleached denims, Doc Martens and shaved heads are your thing then you’ll be in good company at the annual Manchester Gay Skins Weekend. More information on events taking place over this weekend will be released closer to the date on the Manchester Gay Skins website.



Manchester International Festival - biennial 30 June 17 July
The Manchester International Festival returns in 2011 with another unique program of original, new work and special events. This is the world's first international festival of original, new work and special events and also includes work especially commissioned for the festival. Past festivals featured works by Damon Albarn, Carlos Acosta, William Orbit, Heston Blumenthal, PJ Harvey, Kanye West, Happy Mondays, Ojos de Brujo and Johnny Vegas.


Sparkle Manchester 8-10 July
For the seventh year in a row gender diversity is celebrated in style at Sparkles, the biggest transgender event in the UK. For the entire weekend the trans community comes together for a weekend of fun, workshops, interactions and parties in and around the village and Sackville Gardens.


Urbanathlon 31 July 2011
Urbanathlon is a multi-disciplinary test of stamina and endurance through the centre of Manchester. The emphasis of this event is firmly on having fun, although contestants are certainly put through their paces. The course is spread over 5-km and features 12 urban obstacles to overcome. Competitors can enter individually, or find two friends and run as a team and share the fun and raise money for charity.


24:7 Theatre festival 21-29 July
The best of the fringe is celebrated at the 24:7 Theatre Festival which returns to Manchester for a week in July. Up and coming writers, directors, actors and performers are all responsible for a varied program of new and experimental theatre which takes place in weird and wonderful venues all over the city. The festival is a great introduction for those who are new to theatre with performances typical lasting for an hour or less.


Manchester Royal Exchange 2011 Season until 6 August 2011
Manchester's Royal Exchange is one of the most spectacular and original theatres in the country. With a capacity of 760 people this is the largest theatre-in-the-round in the country, a beautiful seven-sided glass and steel structure is suspended within the Victorian former Cotton Exchange. The 2011 season at the theatre includes works by a diverse range of playwrights including Harold Brig house, Vivienne Franz wood, Noel Coward, Brad Fraser, Arthur Miller, and Shakespeare.


Manchester Pride 19-29 August 2011
For the last 4 years Manchester’s pride festival has been consistently voted the best pride event in the country. This year the event is turning 21, so expect even bigger and better celebrations than ever before! Kicking off with the Pride Fringe, from the 19 August Manchester welcome queer arts to the city with a varied program of events and performances. As ever the Big Weekend ends proceedings with one massive party taking place over one massive bank holiday weekend at the end of August.



Manchester Food and Drink Festival 1-11 Oct 2011
Foodies have long been well catered for in Manchester with the renowned Rusholme Curry Mile, great real ale pubs, authentic world cuisine and excellent world-class restaurants. The 11-day Food & Drink Festival celebrates the city's culinary status in style with venues across the city hosting gastronomic events and showcasing the city’s culinary assets. Look out for celebrity chefs, cookery demos, charity cook-offs, parties, competitions and farmers' markets too.


Manchester Comedy Festival 3-31 Oct 2011
The Manchester Comedy Festival literally is a laugh a minute and sees some of the most talented names in comedy coming and performing in Manchester. International and local talent share stages and venues across the city in what has become one of the most lively and fun festivals to take place during the year in the city.




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.