If you hadnt guessed already, i just love Manchesters markets!!
I was horrified to discover that i hadnt given you guys the heads up on the one Mancheter market that is indoors!
Manchester Arndale Market has moved and been revamped in the last 18 months or so, it used to be under the Arndale and to be honest, a bit grotty!! But low and behold, there has been made for you, a shiny new Arndale Market upstairs, that IS clean!!!
It is now split into two sections, on one side you have the food market, where you can sample fresh fruit, fresh fish, local produce, there is a great butchers too which are like rocking horse teeth to come by in the pre packaged food era!! Taste snacks hot and cold from all different cultures which is great!
On the opposite side you have the stalls which have moved from downstairs, save from a few who sadly closed down! As well as shoe shops, fashion clothing, greetings cards and gifts and mobile phones to name but a small selection of the 65 traders selling here! There is also beauty services such as nail bars and salons too!
Maybe just set aside one weekend and spend it visiting all of the fantabulous Markets Manchester has to offer!!
Monday, 30 June 2008
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Cheap Curry and Culture in Manchester
If you want to discover some culture away from the city centre then toddle down to the Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road . It is located just outside the city centre in Rusholme.
There is a very, very high concentration of Eastern Restaurants. You will find over 50 Asian Restaurants, Kebab Houses, Takeaways and Sweet Houses on the road! Delicacies range from Pakistani to Indian and Bangladeshi to Iranian dishes.
The great thing is that due to the volume of restaurants and the fierce competition between them all the prices are always really cheap too!!
This is the place to visit if you want to try something new, leave your Tikka Massala behind, this is where you can be adventurous and explore the amazing tastes and sensations of the Asian culture. There are so many dishes to choose from and as well as curries there are plenty of vegetable dishes too. Most Asian restaurants don’t serve alcohol so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some traditional drinks like Mango Lassi.
My personal recommendation of restaurants is Sanams, the food is unbelievably tasty and they have a sweet centre inside!!
The Curry Mile has such a unique atmosphere, it is a thriving Asian community, you can spend your time marveling at the tons of sweet shops, the beautiful Asian Dress on display in shop windows, the gold jewellery displays and the mouth watering aroma from the many restaurants.
Most restaurants are open until the early hours of the morning, so you can even come when you’re on your way home after a night out!
You can get to the Curry Mile easily by bus from Piccadilly gardens in Manchester City Centre.
There is a very, very high concentration of Eastern Restaurants. You will find over 50 Asian Restaurants, Kebab Houses, Takeaways and Sweet Houses on the road! Delicacies range from Pakistani to Indian and Bangladeshi to Iranian dishes.
The great thing is that due to the volume of restaurants and the fierce competition between them all the prices are always really cheap too!!
This is the place to visit if you want to try something new, leave your Tikka Massala behind, this is where you can be adventurous and explore the amazing tastes and sensations of the Asian culture. There are so many dishes to choose from and as well as curries there are plenty of vegetable dishes too. Most Asian restaurants don’t serve alcohol so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some traditional drinks like Mango Lassi.
My personal recommendation of restaurants is Sanams, the food is unbelievably tasty and they have a sweet centre inside!!
The Curry Mile has such a unique atmosphere, it is a thriving Asian community, you can spend your time marveling at the tons of sweet shops, the beautiful Asian Dress on display in shop windows, the gold jewellery displays and the mouth watering aroma from the many restaurants.
Most restaurants are open until the early hours of the morning, so you can even come when you’re on your way home after a night out!
You can get to the Curry Mile easily by bus from Piccadilly gardens in Manchester City Centre.
Chinese culture.
Popular attractions in the City Centre are everywhere, so rather than give you the name of a cool club or trendy restaurant I would prefer to give you the heads up on specific areas in Manchester that are worth checking out!
Firstly you have China Town . The obvious attraction in China Town is the Ming Dynasty Imperial Arch which stands over Faulkner Street in the city centre.
China town is a major cultural attraction which is famous for its culinary delights in particular. It was started in the 1970s and has continued to grow in both size and reputation ever since.
It is the home of the Chinese community, you will find that they have their own church, grocery stores and financial and legal services.
Of course it is the food which draws most visitors, great for a night out on a budget as most restaurants have a buffet meal deal and is roughly £7 per person. This is a great thing to do, especially if you are new to oriental food as you can try a bit of everything and pick what you like whilst finding out what you don’t!
You can choose from Cantonese and Pekingese, Thai and other oriental restaurants. A popular restaurant is Yang Sing which is advertised as one of the very best Cantonese restaurants in Europe !
This is a Chinese version of the Curry Mile and has a great atmosphere, its another piece of culture that makes Manchester such a multi cultural city. The bright colours and garlands strewn about give it a great feel too. Walk around at night and you will see everything lit up which looks great too!
A day out for everyone..
This area is dubbed one of the best “Gay Scenes” in the UK !
Of course it’s the Gay Village !!!!!!!
The Village is a lively gay community and its vibrant nightlife attracts visitors from all sexual orientations!!
Located around Chorlton Street and Canal Street there is large selection of clubs, pubs and bars such as the infamous “Queer”, as well as “Gay friendly” businesses like hairdressers, beauty parlours, hotels and taxi companies.
There is a great sense of unity here, a real “loud and proud” attitude, and the completely unthreatening image makes it a great place to walk around without feeling uncomfortable around the usual crowd in pubs and clubs.
The Canal Street area of the Village gets really busy in the summer when the weather gets nice, all of the bars and pubs have outside seating areas and it’s a really nice setting to sit and sip on a beer! The Village at night couldn’t be further at the other end of the spectrum, expect lots of 80s music and boys in dress up outfits!!!!
It really is a top night out!!
Monday, 23 June 2008
Dawdle around Deansgate..
Time for the lowdown on another area of Manchester City Centre!
This Month it is the turn of the famous Deansgate Area!
Firstly, it is located in the heart of the city meaning you can guarantee a lot of traffic all times of the day, it is a bus route, there’s lots of taxis along with the regular traffic of the day to day swarm!
Deansgate is home to the Manchester Evening News head office as well as The Guardians Head Office. There is a mix of old and new, many new buildings such as No.1 Deansgate and The Royal Bank of Scotland building which are very impressive to look at for their contemporary style, lots of glass and space. On the other hand you have many historical buildings, in particular John Rylands Library and the Barton Arcade.
It is a very popular venue for a night out, with its trendy bars and numerous restaurants Deansgate is always busy with people, night or day! You will find plenty of people sitting outside on a nice day, sipping drinks and getting a bite to eat, most bars and restaurants have outside seating areas so you can watch the hustle and bustle pass you by!
Deansgate is also a favourite spot for TV stars, especially those from Coronation street , you are more than likely to see someone from the cast walking around!!
There are also many shops including House of Fraser ( formerly known as Kendals) which is great for all your designer labels. There is also a large 3 storey Waterstones, and some hair salons and not forgetting the staple of any “trendy” area, a Starbucks!!
A popular place to drink is The Moon under the Water, which is one of the largest pubs in Britain !! There is also a Slug and Lettuce, Label and the Living rooms.
To eat you have La Tasca, a Spanish tapas restaurant, Café Rouge, San Rocco, and Akbars to name a few!
From Deansgate you can also acess Deansgate Locks, which is a “trendy” part of Manchester , with various clubs and bars such as Loaf, the Fat Cat Café, Revolution and Baa Bar.
As you can see, there is plenty to see and do in this area of the city!!
This Month it is the turn of the famous Deansgate Area!
Firstly, it is located in the heart of the city meaning you can guarantee a lot of traffic all times of the day, it is a bus route, there’s lots of taxis along with the regular traffic of the day to day swarm!
Deansgate is home to the Manchester Evening News head office as well as The Guardians Head Office. There is a mix of old and new, many new buildings such as No.1 Deansgate and The Royal Bank of Scotland building which are very impressive to look at for their contemporary style, lots of glass and space. On the other hand you have many historical buildings, in particular John Rylands Library and the Barton Arcade.
It is a very popular venue for a night out, with its trendy bars and numerous restaurants Deansgate is always busy with people, night or day! You will find plenty of people sitting outside on a nice day, sipping drinks and getting a bite to eat, most bars and restaurants have outside seating areas so you can watch the hustle and bustle pass you by!
Deansgate is also a favourite spot for TV stars, especially those from Coronation street , you are more than likely to see someone from the cast walking around!!
There are also many shops including House of Fraser ( formerly known as Kendals) which is great for all your designer labels. There is also a large 3 storey Waterstones, and some hair salons and not forgetting the staple of any “trendy” area, a Starbucks!!
A popular place to drink is The Moon under the Water, which is one of the largest pubs in Britain !! There is also a Slug and Lettuce, Label and the Living rooms.
To eat you have La Tasca, a Spanish tapas restaurant, Café Rouge, San Rocco, and Akbars to name a few!
From Deansgate you can also acess Deansgate Locks, which is a “trendy” part of Manchester , with various clubs and bars such as Loaf, the Fat Cat Café, Revolution and Baa Bar.
As you can see, there is plenty to see and do in this area of the city!!
Whats on in the next few weeks..
Maybe its because Summer is finally here but there seems to be so much to do and see in and around Manchester this month!
Here are a few of my recommendations for the moment..
Neverland – Rediscovering Child Art.
This exhibition looks at childrens drawings and pictures and evaluates how they inspired artisits such as Picasso, Klee and Miro with their inventiveness and creativity. Showing at the Whitworth Art Gallery Until August 17th 2008 and admission is free.
Lindow Man – A Bog Body Mystery.
The body of a naturally preserved Iron Age man has been brought to Manchester from the British Museum in London . The mummified body was discovered in a peat bog at Lindow Moss in Cheshire in 1984. The brutal way in which he is thought to have been killed suggests that his death was a ritual sacrifice. He is thought to have died between AD20 and AD90. The exhibition is showing at the Manchester Museum until April 2009 and the admission is free.
Evita.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical is back on stage at Manchesters Opera House from the 23rd June until 5th July 2008. It is a rags to riches story of the wife of Argentinian dictator Juan Peron. West End Broadway star Louise Dearman takes the lead role singing inspirational songs such as Don’t Cry for me Argentina . Ticket Prices range from £8.50 - £32.00.
The Halle Taj Festival.
This festival is a celebration of South Asian Culture and marks its 150th Anniversary. There will be music, workshops, sari demonstrations, dance in full costume and Indian food and Drink. It is at the Bridgewater Hall on the 27th and 28th June 2008 and ticket prices range from £13.00 - £29.00.
I found something pretty cool also ( well I think it is anyway!). You can take a “Manchester Music Tour” which is a 90 minute stroll around Manchester , marveling at musical landmarks and other music heritage. Your guides are Craig Gill ( from the Manchester band Inspiral Carpets) and Phill Gatenby (author of Morriseys book “Panic on the Streets”). Tours are weekly at 11am on a Tuesday and 1pm on a Saturday. The Tours depart from Manchester Visitor Info Centre on St Peters Square ( next to the Town Hall). If you would like to book a place on one of the tours you can call 07958 246 917 or email info@manchestermusictours.com. Tickets are just £4!!
Here are a few of my recommendations for the moment..
Neverland – Rediscovering Child Art.
This exhibition looks at childrens drawings and pictures and evaluates how they inspired artisits such as Picasso, Klee and Miro with their inventiveness and creativity. Showing at the Whitworth Art Gallery Until August 17th 2008 and admission is free.
Lindow Man – A Bog Body Mystery.
The body of a naturally preserved Iron Age man has been brought to Manchester from the British Museum in London . The mummified body was discovered in a peat bog at Lindow Moss in Cheshire in 1984. The brutal way in which he is thought to have been killed suggests that his death was a ritual sacrifice. He is thought to have died between AD20 and AD90. The exhibition is showing at the Manchester Museum until April 2009 and the admission is free.
Evita.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical is back on stage at Manchesters Opera House from the 23rd June until 5th July 2008. It is a rags to riches story of the wife of Argentinian dictator Juan Peron. West End Broadway star Louise Dearman takes the lead role singing inspirational songs such as Don’t Cry for me Argentina . Ticket Prices range from £8.50 - £32.00.
The Halle Taj Festival.
This festival is a celebration of South Asian Culture and marks its 150th Anniversary. There will be music, workshops, sari demonstrations, dance in full costume and Indian food and Drink. It is at the Bridgewater Hall on the 27th and 28th June 2008 and ticket prices range from £13.00 - £29.00.
I found something pretty cool also ( well I think it is anyway!). You can take a “Manchester Music Tour” which is a 90 minute stroll around Manchester , marveling at musical landmarks and other music heritage. Your guides are Craig Gill ( from the Manchester band Inspiral Carpets) and Phill Gatenby (author of Morriseys book “Panic on the Streets”). Tours are weekly at 11am on a Tuesday and 1pm on a Saturday. The Tours depart from Manchester Visitor Info Centre on St Peters Square ( next to the Town Hall). If you would like to book a place on one of the tours you can call 07958 246 917 or email info@manchestermusictours.com. Tickets are just £4!!
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Bits and Bobs...
Here are some bits and bobs to keep you going for the while....
Soul Lovers, ive got some great news for you! Stevie Wonder has announced that he is doing a date at the M.E.N Arena on the 9th September 2008. Tickets are available now!
Blues Ledgend Buddy Guy is playing a date at the Bridgewater Hall on June 25th, Im not sue if there are any tickets left for sale but theres always going to the ticket office on the night!!
For all you younger generation, Lupe Fiasco is playing a gig at Manchester Academy on July 13 and as far as i know there are still tickets available for this one!
Great news for all you High School Musical Fans!! The Live Show is coming to Manchesters Palace Theatre on the 23rd June - 5th July showing ever night, with matinee performances too!!
Something completely different now for the older generation..
Celebrate 100 years of Mills and Boon Romantic novels at Central Library until 31st July! The exhibition explores the evolution of the 20th Century development of the worlds leading romance publisher. Amongst the items on show there are original books and cover art, writer biographies, original manuscripts amongst other memorabilia!! Monday - Thursday it is open from 9am - 8pm and Friday and Saturday closing at 5pm.
Soul Lovers, ive got some great news for you! Stevie Wonder has announced that he is doing a date at the M.E.N Arena on the 9th September 2008. Tickets are available now!
Blues Ledgend Buddy Guy is playing a date at the Bridgewater Hall on June 25th, Im not sue if there are any tickets left for sale but theres always going to the ticket office on the night!!
For all you younger generation, Lupe Fiasco is playing a gig at Manchester Academy on July 13 and as far as i know there are still tickets available for this one!
Great news for all you High School Musical Fans!! The Live Show is coming to Manchesters Palace Theatre on the 23rd June - 5th July showing ever night, with matinee performances too!!
Something completely different now for the older generation..
Celebrate 100 years of Mills and Boon Romantic novels at Central Library until 31st July! The exhibition explores the evolution of the 20th Century development of the worlds leading romance publisher. Amongst the items on show there are original books and cover art, writer biographies, original manuscripts amongst other memorabilia!! Monday - Thursday it is open from 9am - 8pm and Friday and Saturday closing at 5pm.
Another Market...
Another One of Manchesters Markets is on right now!
The Manchester Garden market is located on Albert Square with the Town Hall as a backdrop. It runs until the 29th June 2008 and is open from 11am until 8pm Monday to Saturday.
It features a deigner garden installation as well as urban garden accessories, an oriental garden, contemporary garden art and an array of garden furniture.
The market sells a large variety of bulbs, plants and blooms amongst anything else gardeny!!
You can enjoy a selection of Summer Foods at the lovely Tea Garden where they sell Pimms and have a hog roast!
As well as everything above there are various art and craft stalls dotted around to add to the atmosphere!
If the weather is nice i would definteley recommend a walk round the market, finishing the evening off with a nice glass of Pimms!!
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