Manchester’s libraries are the best places to hang out in when the rain sets in. You can sit there for hours, and go in when it’s light and come out when it’s dark-a bit like the pub but only cheaper… I’m a big reader myself and like to read fiction books, and Manchester libraries have thousands of books to read or borrow for free. I’ve written a blog on a few libraries in the area. See if it whets your appetite for reading………
John Rylands Library-150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
John Rylands has recetly been renovated andis free to go in. The grandeur and detail is amazing. Strangley it’s best seen on a sunny day as the light comes through the windows in main hall. It also contains the earliest fragment of the New Testament known. The second best Manchester library, closely following Manchester Central. With stunning architecture and the best library in terms of book selection, John Rylands certainly stands out from the rest of the Manchester libraries, with Central library being probably the only exception.
Central library- St Peter’s Square, City Centre, Manchester, M2 5PD
The main Manchester library is Manchester Central, located in St Peter’s Square in the centre of town. It has it’s own coffee shop and theatre, but perhaps the best part of it is the Manchester archive library, the local history section. Me, being the geek I am, has spent ages in there looking at the books on Manchester’s history-and there’s an extensive records section for those of you who are into their family genealogy. There’s also software available where you can search the 1880 census- see who lived in your house back then, what they did, what their servants were called………it’s quite fascinating. There is a general reader’s library with a big reference book section, and a huge computer cluster. As mentioned it does have it’s own theatre and theatre company, (for the more refined amongst you!) and the two times I’ve been it’s been an enjoyable night. Manchester Central library is worth a visit.
Chorlton Library- Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9PN
Chorlton library was the saviour of last summer for me because I was bored and this was a good place to come in and spend the day reading. The fiction and reference sections are both quite big, and since the refurb they now have toilets which was something they were lacking before. This is probably the best library in terms of interior, as I find Central quite gloomy. The library building itself is nice and is located a short bus ride away from Manchester city centre or a walk away from the centre of Chorlton. Chorlton library have an audio book section, and even a small foreign languages section with Urdu and Polish books available to borrow. Once a week the children’s book section has a reading. And there are a dozen or so computers for people to use as long as they book in advance. Some customers are on first name terms with the library staff, which is a sign of good customer service. Not as good as Manchester central but for it’s size, Chorlton library is still a good local library.
Withington library- 410 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 3BN
Like Chorlton, Withington library has not long been refurbished. On the busiest bus route in Europe, the library is easily accessible by car or public transport. One of the lesser-known Manchester libraries, Withington still has everything you want from a local library-with basically the same facilities as Chorlton library but with a bigger reference book section. All Manchester libraries offer free newspapers to read and I have often sat at a table in Withington library with a huge mound of papers ranging from tabloid to broadsheet and been kept entertained for a couple of hours- because that’s what libraries are about essentially, somewhere to go to pass time as well as being a borrowing service.
Didsbury library-692 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DN
Out of the suburban Manchester libraries, this has got to be the best library in terms of architecture. Located in a grade II listed building which looks more like a church than a library, Didsbury library has all the standard facilities of local Manchester libraries, however, only a handful of computers compared to the others.
So if any of you are bookworms, then I suggest you get down to a Central, which I crown as the best out of the Manchester libraries. Most facilities are free or only for a small charge, and it’s a good investment to make because you will have bed-time reading as well or an audio book to listen to when you’re having a bath…….if that’s what floats your boat…..
Jamie Doherty
A Sunday stroll is always a good thing after a long week. Somewhere green and beautiful, or indeed somewhere of historical interest, and a picnic, and that’s your day complete. A perfect way to round off the week….
Urmston Meadows
This stretch of meadow is right by the River Mersey and is perfect for walking dogs, horse riding and other activities. Accessed by a bridge over the Mersey, I’ve spent many a day here as a kid collecting berries and looking at the butterflies. There’s an old Victorian rubbish dump on the meadows and I’ve often seen people digging for old bottles there (although the farmer doesn’t like it much!)Not only makes it a place of relative natural beauty it’s also a place of historical interest, because going round picking up the old bottles, you can really piece together some of the social fabric and local history of the area. Good fun as long as it’s not chucking it down.
Sale Water Park
Sale water park is a beautiful place, tucked away behind the Manchester orbital motorway. In summer it’s great to stroll round the perimeter of the lake and watch the fishermen and boatmen at work. I’m also told that Decker’s restaurant is nice, which is by the car park. There’s a play area for children. It’s almost like a makeshift track, so perfect for running, walking or cycling around. It links well with Chorlton meadows and Stretford and Sale Ees, other local places of natural beauty. The more sprightly among you can rent a powerboat and zip across the lake, although I prefer to stand on the jetty and watch…
Wythenshawe Hall
Wythenshawe Hall was built in the 16th century. Standing in the grounds of Wythenshawe Park, I have been many a time on visits to the park. Of significant local historical interest, Oliver Cromwell’s army besieged the hall in the 17th century. Half-timbered, and Grade II listed, the hall has been a museum since 1930. Decadently furnished, you could almost imagine yourself living there and being lord of the manor…Only open one day a week for three months of the year though, it is however free, and the staff are friendly. They actively encourage you to sign the guest book and tell them of your experience of the hall, and mine is always a good response.
Castlefield
Castlefield is the old centre of Roman Manchester and a place of significant local interest. There’s a Roman fort here and I’ve been on numerous school trips to it, hearing from the guides about the history of Manchester. The modern mural on the wall of Roman soldiers is quite something and it’s also the location of the oldest surviving railway station in the world. Much redevelopment has made it a swanky area of flats, bistro bars and the like but it will always maintain its history and charm It used to be an area of warehouses and canal basins back in the day, but now looks modern and cutting edge. The fort does look out of place but it’s refreshing to get a bit of history and culture away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Castleton-
A tiny but vibrant village in the Peak District is about an hour’s drive from Manchester, but well worth it as it’s a place of natural beauty and historical interest. A place that holds memories school field trips and family outings for me, Castleton is really worth a visit. The focal point is the castle on the hill, which attracts many a crowd on a summer’s day. The fish and chips are nice from the takeaway, and when you’re done climbing mountains there’s the lovely Castle Hotel pub for a refreshing drink. Perhaps the most interesting place is Cavedale, an old river valley where lots of fossils can be still found. I remember as a youngster picking up small slabs of rock with animals and crustaceans fossilised inside-amazing, eh?! There is also a lead mine where you can take boat trips through, and a small amount of the rare Blue John lead is mined locally.
Now you know the places to go. If you’re ever bored on a Sunday or half-term you can take the kids out and enjoy these places of natural beauty and historical interest of Manchester (and beyond).
Jamie Doherty
Filed under: Manchester
Fish and chips is the traditional British dish. Known the world over and savoured country-wide, where can you find the best fish and chips locally? I went in search of the top 5 best fish and chip shops in South Manchester and these are what I found.
The Battered Cod-444 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 3BW
With three different branches in South Manchester you’re never far from a Battered Cod. This is in my opinion the best fish and chips in Manchester let alone South Manchester….a golden brown haddock or cod served with chips and peas costs around £4.50. I usually go to the branch in Withington, but there are also branches in Northenden and Fallowfield. Golden brown fish, delicious chips and a nice portion of peas to go with it is the perfect meal for just under a fiver and I recommend you go there to try the best fish and chips that South Manchester has to offer!
Harry Ramsden’s Unit 5, Throstles Green, Manchester, M16 0SN
Harry Ramsden’s claims to be the “best fish and chips in the world” (an accolade I’d give the Battered Cod!). It used to be on the Quays in Salford but moved there a couple of years ago and is now in Old Trafford close to the football ground. For around a fiver you get a generous portion of fish and chips of similar quality to it’s rival, but it’s lacking the “localness” of the Battered Cod. The staff at Harry Ramsden’s have always been happy to help, but it’s too big a chain for them to have that extra friendly edge. So not the best fish and chips in Manchester, but it comes a close second.
Fish and Chips...
Baths Supper Bar- 113 Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9PG
The Baths Supper Bar, so called because it’s opposite Chorlton Baths, is certainly the best fish and chips in Chorlton, but it’s a bit steep to say they’re the best in the whole of South Manchester. The staff are friendly and, although it sells Chinese Food, it still serves a nice portion of traditional fish and chips. Perfect for people who use the leisure centre (although if they’re trying to lose a few pounds they should opt for a healthier option…) or just people passing through, the Baths supper bar is third on my list for the best fish and chip shops in South Manchester.
Pisces- 35 Petersfield Drive, Manchester, Lancashire, M23 9PS
My search for the best fish and chips in South Manchester took me far and wide, but this one was close to home (or at least it had a special place in my heart!) Pisces, just near to Tesco’s in Baguley was close to my old school and we used to go there all the time. We couldn’t afford to get fish and chips often but it was always a treat……not been back for a while and this is one I’d recommend but check the address on Google maps because it’s a bit difficult to find!
Theos- 4 Shaftesbury Avenue, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 7LY
Theo’s Fine Kettle of Fish has other branches in Manchester, but I usually go to the Timperley branch. The fish and chips at Theo’s is enjoyable but doesn’t top the likes of Battered Cod or Harry Ramsden’s for quality. Again, like the Battered Cod it has a “local” chip shop feel to it despite being a small chain.
So, if you’re looking for a decent portion of fish and chips I’d recommend any of the five, but my special recommendation goes to the Battered Cod for quality and customer service. The chips are steamy, the fish succulent and you can even buy a Battered Cod T Shirt. It just edges it to top the list of best fish and chips in South Manchester.
Jamie Doherty
Filed under: Manchester
We all love a stroll in the park. On a nice summer’s day, a picnic under the shade or a game of football on the playing fields is a perfect way to pass the time. I have fond memories of playing in the Manchester parks as a nipper, and still enjoy them today. I’ve put together a compilation of the best Manchester parks and playing fields, and maybe it will encourage you to get out this summer and take advantage of the lovely weather, in a Manchester park instead of a beer garden!
Fletcher Moss Park- Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RQ
This park is definitely more for the older generation, as it’s less of a “playing field” park, and more of a park where you can go for a long walk and explore. And with a wooded area and access to the River Mersey, Fletcher Moss park has plenty to do just that. The jewel in the crown is definitely the botanical gardens, with many rare plants are housed. Another good feature is the grass tennis courts, so you can have your very own Wimbledon experience. This really is a must-visit Manchester park.
Heaton Park- Middleton Road Prestwich Manchester M25 2SW
The best known Manchester park probably, Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. Renowned for it’s concerts and being the venue for “Proms in the Park” on several occasions. You can rent a bicycle and see what the park has to offer, or rent a boat and go for a gentle cruise around the lake. Oasis recently played three sell out gigs. This is far from a local park- it’s much too big for that, but is more one for a family day out. It has a number of grade listed buildings within the park, such as the beautiful observatory.
Beech Road Park (Chorlton)- Cross Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21
Tucked away off Beech Road in Chorlton and known by locals as “the Rec”, Beech Road Park is perhaps more known for its summer fête, the Beech Road Festival. Taking place in July, there is live music, stalls and all manner of fun to be had. This small local park has no playing field as such but it does have an enclosed space for football with a goal, and that’s always sufficed as a football pitch. A hidden South Manchester gem, and if you can, make your way down to the festival on the July 9th because it’s worth a visit.
Wythenshawe Park- Sale Road, Northenden, Manchester M21 0BA
This is the crème de la crème of Manchester parks. Most famous for Cromwell’s siege of the hall, there now stands a statue of him to commemorate the event-which is a smack in the face of all the poor people that were besieged, quite frankly! The farm is worth a look, as is the tropical house. The biggest south Manchester park, it has everything a park could offer- an athletics ground, ample playing fields, a fun-fair on public holidays, crazy golf, tennis courts…you’re never short of anything to do there. A great place to pass a summer day.
Platt Fields- Mabfield Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LA
Another Manchester park I’ve enjoyed in the past, Platt Fields is close to the watering holes of Fallowfield so if you get thirsty you can always pop in one for a pint afterwards. It has a lake in the middle of the park where children can feed ducks, and as far as I’m aware you can go boating on the lake. It’s another one with a local park feel to it, despite it’s size and it has huge playing fields for people to play sports on.
Chorlton Park- Nell Lane, Chorlton, Manchester M21 7UD
Chorlton Park has everything you could possibly want in a local park. Large playing fields for football and cricket, tennis courts and a large playground, it’s perfect for summer because it has plenty of space to play sports or just sunbathe. It has a nice brook with ducks in for the children to feed, and the park staff are friendly and cheerful. No lake, or farm, but for a more traditional local park, Chorlton Park is a good Manchester park to go to.
Longford Park- Edge Lane, Stretford, Manchester M32 8PX
This used to be the park that was owned by John Rylands. Therefore it aint no ordinary local park. It’s lovely. It’s one of only a handful of Manchester parks to have a running track, and is somewhere I’ve spent many a sports day at school with a box of sandwiches, watching rather than participating. There’s also a gym in the running track area. The adventure play area is something to be marvelled at and the smaller playground is great for the younger kids. This also has a farm, with aviaries full of variety of birds and cages with rabbits in-this is definitely a child-friendly Manchester park. Rumour has it, that the building next to the farm area will be turned into a café. Plans were put on hold due to a lack of lottery funding, but hopefully this will come soon, as it would simply top off this beautiful space.
Chorlton Water Park-Maitland Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester M21 7WH
A water park, Chorlton marina, as it’s known, differs from all the other Manchester parks featured, because instead of having a farm and a play area this has a huge man made lake in the middle of it, and it’s popular with fishers. Situated just off Maitland Avenue, it’s a nice local park to go jogging, cycling or dog-walking in. There’s a bunch of people that use it to go fishing with the famous carp being caught a few times each year! Just don’t upset the fisherman with your dogs- they don’t like it!
Hough End playing fields-Mauldeth Road West, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7SX
Gigantic playing field situated just off the main route into south Manchester, Hough End is the ultimate place to come if you want a picnic because there’s acres of space. Used as a Sunday league football field it has changing facilities, and in the far corner is the police training centre which is where all the horses and dogs are trained. Model planes are flown on Sunday.
Alexandra Park- Russell Street, Moss Side, Manchester M16 7JL
Another local park to me, this also has a lake. Known for it’s Caribbean music festival in the summer, it gives its name to the Alexandra Park housing estate close by. It has an avenue of trees which locals try to argue is like the avenues in Central Park. Ok – a slight exaggeration, but you can’t blame a Manc for bigging his home city! There’s also some tennis courts and play area- the play area is great but the tennis courts could do with a little more TLC. There’s word on the street that the park may get some funding to improve its facilities.
So, now you know the Manchester parks, you’ve really not got an excuse this summer……get yourself out and enjoy what the local parks have to offer!
Jamie Doherty
Filed under: Manchester
Best 5 bars for students in Manchester
Those of us that have been students in the past (or are indeed students now) will know that a selection of decent local bars is a must-have for any student area. I’ve been out and about in Manchester’s student area and have put together a guide to the best Fallowfield and Chorlton bars for students. For all you students who don’t know Chorlton, get yourself of the student mile and go and experience where you’ll end up living when you graduate (!).
Revolution, Fallowfield (aka Student Ville)
Affectionately known as Revs, this place is no doubt an institution for students of Manchester. Located in a large neo-Gothic looking building, it just looks fun. And the fun gets better when you get inside, because it’s essentially a cocktail bar and it has a large selection. I opted for a Scarlett Miss Charlotte; I don’t remember what they put in it but it was moresome and strong. It also had an array of shots to wet the whistle. With plush leather sofas it’s a relaxed bar by day and a sort of club by night. One downside is the costliness, and for student budgets it might not be the best idea to hang around in all day, but it’s certainly a decent place to spend a day or night.
Queen of Hearts, Fallowfield (*best bar for students overall)
Next-door to the Cheshire Cat, and located in an old church is the Queen of Hearts. My last visit here was straight after a strenuous game of football in Platt Fields and I was in need of a refreshing, and preferably alcoholic, drink. This was the closest venue that had a beer garden, and there were people playing table tennis there. I was drawn in, as it was the first time I’d ever seen that in a pub beer garden! The Queen of Hearts is a venue, which is ideal for student budgets, as most bars in Student Ville are, but I noticed it had a mix of locals and older people too. It’s part of the Scream chain of pubs, and it no doubt conjures up images of rowdy nights out. However, it had a laid back atmosphere when I was in there, which is what you need for an early evening pint. It was relatively cheap for a pint of Bulmers, and a few of my party were feeling peckish so they took up the offer of a beer and a burger for £3.50, which is just an absolute steal for a medium sized burger served with chips and a beer to wash it down. In my opinion, this is the best bar for students in Manchester.
Proof, Chorlton
This is one of the newer bars in Chorlton, and as Chorlton bars go, it’s certainly a classy establishment. We’d heard its cocktails packed a punch so we decided to see for ourselves, and we weren’t disappointed. Costing around six quid, which is maybe a tad expensive, we were served with not only the alcohol but ice, lime, cherries and lemon, which gave the cocktail a kick. Bar staff were friendly and the atmosphere chilled out, but the service was a little slow-perhaps owing to the care taken in preparing the drinks. A classy Chorlton establishment with the tiniest of bars, this is not one to recommend for student budget as it did bust the bank!
Uluru, Chorlton
An Aussie themed bar in the heart of Chorlton and named after the Aborigine name for Ayers Rock, Uluru is always a good stop-off point if you’re ever in the area. This place definitely has novelty value and well worth a visit if you are ever in the area. If you fancy a change from the usual type of bar, then this is definitely worth a visit. Typical student fare, a nice cold pint of Fosters (inevitably) was served and we took advantage of the decent jukebox. This faces fierce competition from the other Chorlton bars, but if you’re a student living at Hardy Farm, this is well worth the ten-minute walk. The best Chorlton bar for students out of the two.
Lloyds Bar, Fallowfield
This Wetherspoons bar in Fallowfield has always been the kick-starter to any student night out. There’s no music allowed because of sound restrictions, so you catch some interesting conversations. Lloyds is cheap and cheerful, as most Wetherspoons usually are, but situated a bus-ride away from town or a short walk (or stumble, whatever the case may be) to the bright lights of Fallowfield. This also does “beer and a burger”, (slightly more expensive than the Queen of Hearts but arguably better). Cider fans will also be delighted to note that Kopperberg is available here in a couple of different flavours. It has a few seats outside but no beer garden as such, and displays quite a long bar. Lloyds Bar is definitely a place to begin, rather than end, your night or alternatively why don’t you come for some food and a few beers during the day. A lot friendlier for students than the Wetherspoons in Chorlton, but still with a “local” feel I’d recommend this to any student on a budget.
Several cocktails and beers later, spread over a couple of wild nights, I came to the conclusion that Fallowfield is the place to be for student revellers whereas if you want a quieter, more artistic night, Chorlton bars are where it’s at. I pity the wallet of a Chorlton student just as much as I pity the liver of a Fallowfield student…but all in all a few great nights out to be had!
Jamie Doherty
Filed under: Manchester
Good evening….or morning as it is now! I once wrote a song called Late night coffee…it wasn’t all that good! Just thought you’d like to know! But needless to say, I am a self confessed expert on where to go for your late night coffee!
That was quite a few years ago! Anyway I wanted to work late night, and after getting kicked out of Borders at 9, was struggling to find a place to get a late night coffee in Manchester that wasn’t rammed. Then I remembered something that an ‘ex student, hitch hiking, sleeping on hall and general Northern Quarterite’ wouldn’t normally think about….. a Hotel!
I feel like I’ve discovered the best places to have a good coffee and work or read late at night! I spent the night in the rather plush surroundings of the Midland Hotel in Manchester, reading about Guerilla Marketing, getting suitably tanked up on coffee and listening to a hotel pianist. Not being a hotel goer, I felt like I was in a film! Oh dear- that really does sound bad! Nailed one book, scribbling down notes like some author (ahem!) and then started devouring my second. Naturally my excitement levels couldn’t contain sitting there for too long, and after a while I had to do a runner! But not before facing the expensive £3.40 for a coffee. Ok- not cheap, but you are paying for wonderfully comfy sofas……and the pianist!
So my current best late night coffee venues in Manchester.
1. Midland Hotel- comfy seats, good coffee, beautiful surroundings, great service, rotating doors and the concert pianist.
2. Malmaisson Hotel- moody, empty, nice lighting and candles, good coffee, seating not as comfy as the Midland, but pleasing on the eye! Coffee not as pricey as well!
3. Lowry Hotel- often have some good live music, lounge feels like a front room, nice hotel setting- open and bright and breezy. More of a hotel to meet people and get into chats, but still good for the quiet read and late night coffee.
4. Hilton Hotel- took me lady here on our first date. Up in the clouds before we descended to the more familiar NQ. The bar area overlooking the city is brilliant. Actually- yes, I really like it here. And the coffees are really well priced. Dress code is a bit of an issue if youre bearded and in jeans- the downstairs bar is there otherwise. Funky cups and saucers (but poncy to be honest!).
5. Night and Day- one of the few places in the NQ that do a late night coffee. Spent many a day down here when the bands have played and you can get in for free. Moody, crap coffee, but lovely place to hang out til the early hours.
I’ll be cheeky and throw in Centro here too. If you rock up at a certain time, you can get whatever coffee they have in the pot for the price of one (or sometimes free). Ok- it’s like tar, but it’s hot and warm and that’s sometimes all that matters at this time of night.
I would also add in the Airport.. (enjoy the dreaming conversations). And that is my current list of where to go for a late night coffee in Manchester…..
Now to try and sleep with all this caffeine swilling around!
Nighty night!
Caleb
