Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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United Kingdom : Manchester - May 2008

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As the late spring sun bathes the country, Manchester just gets cooler and cooler. May sees Mancunians hitting the streets to make the most of their vibrant city. Hazel Davis heads up there to find super-slick apartments, unique jewellery and stand-up comedy that’s actually funny

Getting around

Manchester Airport is 15km from the city centre.

Train: During the day there are seven direct trains an hour to Manchester Piccadilly, which take 20 minutes. The service operates less frequently at night. Many trains also stop at Deansgate and Oxford Road. Tickets cost about €4/£3.
Taxi: A taxi from to the city centre costs about €25/£20. The journey generally takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
Tourist information: The main office is in the Town Hall Extension Building, Lloyd Street (tel. , visit manchester.com).

NORTHERN QUARTER

When people wax lyrical about Manchester, they’re probably thinking of the Northern Quarter with its eclectic bars, unusual shops and kooky customers.

Sleep soundly – Embrace your inner city slicker at Premier Apartments in the Icon 25, a futuristic new development which has 60 stylish oneand two-bedroom apartments for hire.

Culture vultures – Set in what was the Victorian Smithfield market, the Manchester Craft and Design Centre (17 Oak Street) is at the hub of Manchester’s creative community. Its 18 studios feature the work of emerging and established jewellers, ceramicists and artists. Perfect if you’re looking to inject a bit of culture into your weekend.

Must eat – For a menu that changes with the seasons, tuck in at the Buddhist-run Earth Café (16-20 Turner Street, tel. ), which serves the best blueberry vegan tofu in the city. If you’re a foodie, head to the Northern Quarter Restaurant and Bar (108 High Street, tel. ). Don’t leave without trying the signature roasted garlic and cherry tomato risotto or their fantastic roast pigeon.

Shop til you drop – You’re in the Northern Quarter, so you must be stylish. And when Charles Saatchi buys your latest piece, you’ll want to make Magma (22 Oldham Street) your first port of call. It’s a design-lover’s dream: a library rammed with pretty books, clothes and stationery. Luckily, while the clientele are super-cool, the staff here are really friendly.

FALLOWFIELD

Until recently, Fallowfield was one of the less salubrious parts of Manchester. Now home to many of the city’s students, you can have a lively night out here for very little money.

Sleep soundly – Set in five acres of landscaped grounds, the university-owned Chancellors Hotel & Conference Centre is steeped in rural charm, but is only minutes from the city centre.

Culture vultures – Regularly voted best comedy club in the North, XS Malarkey (Bar XS, 341-343 Wilmslow Road) sees some of the world’s finest comics walk through its doors every Tuesday. British comedians Johnny Vegas and Alan Carr both cut their teeth here, so it’s the place to see the next generation of jokers.

Must eat – For top-of-the-range Greek fare, head to Kosmos Taverna (248 Wilmslow Road, tel. ) where you can taste fasolatha (white bean soup) freshly prepared by TV chef Loulla Astin. If your tastes run to Thai food, walk up to Thai Banana (262 Wilmslow Road, tel. ), which serves traditional dishes beautifully presented.

OXFORD ROAD/ SOUTHERN QUARTER

The area around Oxford Road is building a reputation as a hip media hang-out. Based around the BBC building and between the city and the universities, the self-proclaimed Southern Quarter will soon be a contender for the Northern Quarter’s cool crown.

Must eat – A haven for bookworms and film lovers, The Cornerhouse (70 Oxford Street, tel. ) is open 24/7. Showing the best of independent cinema, it does decent food as well. If you’re after Indian nosh, nip round the corner to East Z East (Princess Street, 1 244, 5353, eastzeast.com). It has a great Punjabi menu and a 40-bin wine list.

Must drink – For cosy drinks in a quirky hang-out, shimmy over to Odder (14 Oxford Road). With its painted floorboards and shabby-chic mirrors, it’s a laid-back drinkers’ paradise.

Dance the night away – The Music Box (65 Oxford Street) is a Manchester institution. Oozing with character, this basement venue is famed for its monthly Electric Chair parties and midweek live bands. A must for committed clubbers.

Compiled by Hazel Davis