Archives for “local” tag

Since relocating to Salford, BBC is offering an ‘access (almost) all areas’ tour for the public so we can all have a good ol’ nosey and get behind the scenes of some of the programmes now filmed here. Even arriving at the MediaCity complex is impressive; the tall glass-fronted buildings adjacent to the canal stand self -assuredly as their reflection glimmers in the water below. The modern complex also houses apartments, shops, restaurants and its own metro stop. It’s so futuristic that even the security guards don’t go about on foot – you’ll see them whizzing by on segway’s instead!

The one and a half hour long tour affords the opportunity to get beyond the almost ostentatious exterior and see what really goes on here. The filming schedule for the day dictates which studios are available to view on the tour, but I was lucky enough to see the childhood favourite ‘Blue Peter’ studio as well as the ‘Match of the Day’ studio. And if you’ve ever fancied being a weather presenter, you’ll be offered the chance of filming yourself presenting. Believe me, it really isn’t as straight forward as pointing to the rain clouds on the map!

The guides also take the time to talk through the technical aspects of how each TV or radio programme is produced, and if you’re interested in seeing more it’s possible to register on the website for free tickets to watch programmes such as Mastermind being filmed.

Sinclair’s is one of a seemingly dying breed of olde world drinking establishments that ticks the boxes of the prerequisites required for a good pub. Having a great location right in the centre of town, it offers a cosy traditional layout inside, with seating over two levels within its 18th century character building. Originally built as an extension to neighbouring Wellington Inn, Sinclair’s (along with the Wellington) was subsequently dismantled and rebuilt 300 metres from its former location in 1999 when the area was being redeveloped.

The bar area itself is fairly small but that just adds to its quaint nature, and attentive bar staff mean that even at peak times you never have to queue for long to be served. Importantly, the drinks prices are not just reasonable, they are that cheap that when I took a couple of friends from the South there last weekend they thought that they must have misunderstood the unfamiliar Mancunian accent of the bartender and tried to offer him £ 20 for a round of four drinks that actually cost less than £ 8!

Let it be noted that these bargain prices don’t deter from the quality of drinks. Being run by Samuel Smith’s brewery means that drinks are predominantly their own brands, which admittedly means the selection is slightly more limited than in some of the more modern, trendy city centre bars. But if it’s a decent pint you’re after in traditional surroundings, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar is a fairly safe bet.

The Cheese Hamlet has been a long standing shop in Didsbury, keeping Mancunian’s in cheese since 1960. Whenever I visit I come over all ‘child in a sweet shop’ and stand there deliberating over my prospective purchase as I try to ascertain whether a hunk of Lancashire with garlic and chives is a better option than the Cheddar with ale and mustard. Or whether I should be a little more adventurous and go for something like the ‘Red Devil,’ a particularly spicy red Leicester with chilli’s.

At a time when people are abandoning local shops in favour of supermarket giants, it is a testament to its high quality and diverse selection of products that The Cheese Hamlet remains open and thriving. Selling not only cheese but an assortment that includes chutney’s, ports, oils and cakes, there is always something mouth-water inducing in arms reach.

It retains its traditional ways by offering a deli style rather than self service – I take advantage of this by utilising the knowledge of staff and requesting recommendations. Unsurprisingly the prices do tend to be steeper than buying a similar product in the bigger stores but the selection far exceeds that found in most other places. It’s not somewhere I’d go to buy my everyday cheddar to be slung on my sandwiches but I love to go and pick up something a little different every now and again- the only challenge is managing not to have a nibble on the way home from the shop!

Named after the late Mancunian artist LS Lowry, this modern waterfront, glass-fronted building houses two main theatres, a smaller studio for musical and dance productions, and a gallery where many of Lowry’s paintings are permanently resident.

Approximately fifteen minutes by tram from Manchester city centre, over in Salford Quays, the Lowry opened in 2000 as part of the regeneration of this area. Being a multi-purpose venue it plays hosts to a diverse selection of events in addition to traditional theatre – dancing, singing and comedy, as well as talks and exhibitions to accompany Lowry’s permanent display.

The theatres are smaller than most of the city centre theatres, affording them a more intimate feel – this being particularly conducive to making events more interactive and personal.

The Lowry also houses a café/ bar providing much needed sustenance after what guarantees to be a culture-crammed day or evening with an undoubtedly eclectic mixture of sensory stimulation!

I always keep an eye on their calendar of events as there are often first class acts performing, yet these are seemingly overlooked by some in favour of the sometimes bigger and often brasher city centre shows. This has meant that I’ve been able to bag myself some fairly last minute tickets to events as disparate as a show by comedian Dave Gorman, a talk by mountaineer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and a Christmas pantomime!

This new bar has arrived on the Manchester nightlife scene with a bang. If people aren’t talking about having been there, they are talking about going there. However, specialising in rum and not being a rum fan I initially wasn’t at all sure that this would be my new drinking establishment of choice.

The first I saw of Revolucion de Cuba was on noticing a huge queue formed outside as I wandered past one Friday night. This immediately sparked my curiosity and, being the nosy person I am and not wanting to miss out, I decided a visit was in order. The two for one offer on cocktails between 17:00 and 19:00 was in no way an enticement…..!

The two floor establishment has regular live bands as well as offering salsa lessons. Having this variety of entertainment and being open until 03:00 at weekends makes it lively enough to enjoy an energetic Friday night out there, yet still suitable for a more low-key ‘dinner and drinks’ evening.

And if, like me, you’re not a rum fan, I can guarantee you will still find a cocktail that will not only knock your socks off but still taste good. Should, after a few of these potent cocktails, you wish to switch to something slightly less intoxicating there are plenty of other liquid appetisers to choose from. Alternatively you can thoroughly embrace the ‘Revolucion de Cuba’ by shaking your thing in the salsa lessons…..which might seem more appealing after a few of those cocktails!