Paul Coleman (1972)

Fancy an interactive cinema experience in the open air? Each year the area of Spinningfields, which is known for its high rise offices (mainly banks) turns its central green space into a cinema. They charge an entrance fee, but its just £ 2.00 so it’s a bargain.

Grab yourself one of the very comfortable yellow deckchairs (big tip: get there early or otherwise you will end up sitting on the floor) and prepare to watch a film with the crowd cheering and booing depending on who is on screen. What could be better than watching an iconic film in the great outdoors.

The screen is also used for various sporting events, Euro 2012, Wimbledon, Formula 1, The British Golf Open and of course the Olympic Games. Lunchtimes during Wimbledon are particularly busy. If sport isn’t your thing then maybe the Queen’s Jubilee will tempt you! To be honest I’d rather watch How to Marry a Millionaire!

Films start at 20:00.

Films this year:

19th April: Good Will Hunting (15)

26th April: Senna (12A)

3rd May: Romeo and Juliet (12)

10th May: Transformers (12A)

17th May: Strictly Ballroom (PG)

24th May: Labyrinth (U)

31st May: Becoming Jane (PG)

7th June: How to Marry a Millionaire (U)

14th June: Beaches (12)

21st June: Chicago (12)

28th June: Wimbledon (12)

5th July: Big (12)

12th July: Motorcycle Diaries (15)

19th July: Singin’ in the Rain (U)

26th July: Notting Hill (15)

(They also run a Family Film Club. These are unticketed events and are free.)

18th August: Cars 2 (U)

25th August: Lion King (U)

1st September: Enchanted (PG)

Just beyond Stephenson Square in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Manchester you will find Bakerie. A recent addition to the area, which prides itself on the bread it bakes and the wine it serves. The eatery is based in an old office block, but you would never guess this when you walk in. 

Long wooden tables take up the centre of this spot, creating a very social atmosphere as you sit elbow to elbow with the party next to you. You will also find a couple of booths with lower tables and next to the bar higher tables with stools.  Basically, what I am trying to tell you is Bakerie Manchester has plenty of seating!

The menu does not disappoint, you will find plenty to temp you from snacks, sandwiches and main meals. I opted for the winter fish salad, which was not only a hearty portion, it also tasted lovely. My friend opted for an open chicken sandwich and he too found the portion size ample and thoroughly enjoyed his meal. The staff happily walk you through the menu and are very attentive. Sadly I didn’t sample the wine menu on this occasion, but safe to say it is a very varied menu. 

Simple was serving food and drinks in the Northern Quarter area of Manchester long before all the other bars even thought of opening up their doors. This long time resident (ten years and counting) offers great surroundings and excellent service (with free wi-fi).

Food at Simple is great and the prices won’t break the bank. The Northern Quarter burgers are delicious. Unlike many other bars in the area Simple has a great atmosphere with a crowd that are unpretentious. The bar has recently been renovated, so is looking even better than before.

This is a perfect spot for a Sunday morning, sit and read the paper and get somebody else to cook your breakfast for you.

Monday night at Simple is Bingo night, a great social evening to visit the bar.

Another fine bar in the Manchester ‘gay village’, is Molly’s House. This three story bar, has a different vibe to the majority of the offerings in and around Canal Street. This soon established itself as a bar of choice in the village, particularly if you want to go out and talk with the people you are with.  You will find the bar tucked away on Richmond Street, which you will find runs parallel to Canal Street.

The crowd of mainly gay men is a lot more mature than most other gay bars in the area, and this is reflected in the music and the volume of the music. Whilst not wanting to sound like an old man, I love this bar as it’s a great place to catch up with friends, as you can hear yourself speak.

I would recommend the bar on the second floor, a good sized space and if you are a smoker you will find a smoking terrace at the back, which saves you going out on to the street.  As you enter the bar you will see the downstairs bar area, but don’t forget to go upstairs to the top bar, which in my view is much better. It has a cosier feel.

Most visitors to Manchester check out the Curry Mile in Rusholme when they fancy something a little spicy. If you find yourself in the city centre and don’t want the hassle of traveling out to the area of Rusholme, then you are in for a real treat.

On Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter you will find a corner café, which although doesn’t look much from the outside or in fact on the inside, the food on offer is excellent. The curries on sale are not just reasonably priced, they taste as good if not better than anything available in Rusholme.

Don’t be put off by the formica tables and the green plastic chairs, instead order your food from the counter and grab a table and wait. The vegetarian curry is very good, and would certainly be my recommendation. The staff here are very attentive and once you have had your belly full of curry you can visit one of the nearby popular bars Northern Quarter bars.