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The locals' guide to...Manchester
Forget what you've seen in Coronation Street and Shameless - this is a friendly city with lots to give. So clear your diary, pack your mac and head up north...
How do I get away from large tour groups wearing matching caps?
Tour groups tend to swerve around Manchester on their way to the Peak District, which is their loss but good news for you. Still it pays to visit the city centre on a weekday morning when most of the locals are hard at work or hungover. With museums, shops, theatre, sport, a vibrant nightlife and a great music scene Manchester has plenty to offer. If you have the time head to Salford Quays and the Lowry Centre where you'll find two theatres, contemporary exhibitions, the works of LS Lowry and rocking views.
Where do the locals party?
Fish are born to swim, ducks are born to quack and Mancunians are born to large it, so they know a good bar when they see one. Choice is something you won't be short of. Try the converted railway arches at Deansgate locks, located opposite Deansgate railway station, or if you find yourself in the fashionable Northern Quarter try Odd or The Northern. Via in the gay village is just one of many excellent bars along Canal Street.
Restaurants without an 'all-you-can-eat tourist buffet'?
If your trousers keep embarrassingly slipping off in the street step into Sam's Chop House or Mr Thomas's Chop House and sample their hearty northern fare which will have you bursting out of those baggy jeans in no time. Both are owned by the local and independent Victorian Chop House Company, which specialises in tasty food that heads straight for your love handles.
The locals' absolutely secret number one tip :
The Museum of Science and Industry is just a short walk away from the city centre and admission is free. Learn about Manchester past and present, carry out your own experiments and more. There is a charge for special exhibitions.
A quick guide to where the locals hang out
The breakfast: Abergeldie Café in Shudehill. Traditional builders' breakfast, no fuss, just great hangover food at cheap prices.
The flicks: Cornerhouse is a great cinema in the heart of the city showing independent films. It has a lovely café, bar, bookshop and art gallery.
The shops : Rags to Bitches on Tib Street is a gorgeous vintage clothing boutique selling affordable and customised clothing. Worth a visit just for the yummy cupcakes on offer.
The gallery: Whitworth Gallery is often overlooked in favour of the larger galleries. It specialises in textiles and boasts an award-winning café.
The coffee: The Royal Exchange Theatre is a perfect place to stop for a coffee if you're all shopped out.
The cocktail: Socio Rehab is a sleek cocktail lounge in the heart of the Northern Quarter offering the best mixed drinks in the city.
The view: The best view of the city is from the Wheel of Manchester. It's worth putting up with the crowds to see it from on high.
The museum: Urbis is an exhibition centre dedicated to life in the city, worth a visit even if you only want to admire the impressive glass building.
Why not try? Manchester city hop-on hop off tour
Details:
Lowry Centre, Pier 8, Salford Quays, +44 (0)870 7875780, www.thelowry.com; Odd Bar, 30-32 Thomas Street, +44 (0)161 8330070; The Northern, 56 Tib Street, +44 (0)161 8352548, www.thenorthernpub.co.uk; Via, 28-30 Canal Street, +44 (0)161 236 6523, www.via-bar.co.uk; Sam's Chop House, Back Pool Fold, Chapel Walks off Cross Street, +44 (0)161 8343210, samsmanchester.thevictorianchophousecompany.com; Mr Thomas's Chop House, 52 Cross Street, +44 (0)161 8322245, tomsmanchester.thevictorianchophousecompany.com; The Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, +44 (0)161 8322244, www.msim.org.uk; Abergeldie Café, 40 Shudehill, +44 (0)161 834 5548; Cornerhouse, 70 Oxford Street, +44 (0)161 2001500, www.cornerhouse.org; Rags to Bitches, 60 Tib Street, +44 (0)161 8359265, www.rags-to-bitches.co.uk; Whitworth Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, +44(0)161 2757540, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk; Bar Exchange, The Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann's Square, +44 (0)161 6156666, royalexchange.baxterstorey.com; Socio Rehab, 100-102 High Street, +44 (0)161 8324529, www.sociorehab.com; The Wheel of Manchester, Exchange Square, +44 (0)161 8319918, www.worldtouristattractions.co.uk; Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, +44 (0)161 6058200, www.urbis.org.uk; City Inn Manchester, One Piccadilly Place, 1 Auburn Street;
Can I drink the water?
The eight essential questions you'll need answering
Which local animal is likely to hospitalise me?
You don't have to worry about the animal life beneath, but a fall into the brown waters of the Manchester Ship Canal could be pretty gruesome.
Which native liquor will make me think I am attractive?
By ‘eck, it's got to be the Boddingtons bitter.
How can I avoid a beating by the local hard nuts?
If you're in town when Manchester United happen to be playing Liverpool, it's best not to adopt a Scouse accent.
Will I get lost?
It's pretty difficult to get lost, and if you stick to the city centre and its immediate surroundings you're sure to stumble across your Manchester hotel sooner or later.
Will I find myself?
Shops, food, football, bars, culture - yes. Finding yourself - no.
Should I take an umbrella?
Is the Pope a Catholic?
What should I order in a restaurant to impress the locals?
Manchester isn't known for its signature dishes, but if you're sampling the fantastic curry in Rusholme's ‘curry mile' go for something a little more adventurous than a Chicken Korma.
Can I drink the water?
In Manchester hotels, bars, clubs, homes - yes. From the canal - best not.