Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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United Kingdom : Manchester - November 2009

Country Code: Dial for United Kingdom

Where cooler to debut your autumn wardrobe than Manchester? Still the hippest city in the North, it also has a serious side, and this month sees the launch of Version, a two-day film festival (14-15 November) presenting new short films adapted from literary texts published in the region. Hazel Davis digs out her lorgnettes

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).

CASTLEFIELD

The heart of Manchester’s industrial past, the Castlefield area is Britain’s first Urban Heritage Park, boasting viaducts and canal systems and, in recent years, a buzzing nightlife.

Sleep soundly – Modern and stylish but tucked away down a canal-side street, The Castlefield Hotel (Liverpool Road, Manchester, tel. , castlefield-hotel.co.uk, rooms from €73/£64) is the ideal base from which to soak up local history.

Must eat – Sapporo Teppanyaki (91-93 Liverpool Road, tel. ) has authentic teppanyaki cuisine and sushi. It’s also worth a visit for the giant waterwheel and juggling chefs.

Must drink – It’s hard to miss Cask (29 Liverpool Road) with its bright-blue frontage. It has the city’s best jukebox, friendly staff and a terrifyingly comprehensive beer list.

DIDSBURY

Long Manchester’s coolest suburb, trendy Didsbury is the place to spot local TV stars and chill out amongst the leafy lanes.

Sleep soundly – Cosy lighting, warm hues and a sophisticated vibe are the order of the day at the 27-room Didsbury House (11 Didsbury Park, tel. , didsburyhouse.co.uk, rooms from €98/£90). The Victorian villa also has a spa.

Must eat – Greens (43 Lapwing Lane, tel. ) has been part of Manchester’s culinary furniture for nearly 20 years. The award-winning menu is vegetarian and seasonal.

Must drink – One Lounge (1 Lapwing Lane) is both a cocktail bar and live music venue, with a range of DJs and live events on throughout the week. The bar itself is small and stylish, with lazy cushions, mirrors and plenty of late-night panache.

MILLENNIUM QUARTER

This area encompasses Exchange Square, Urbis, The Printworks, the city’s cultural urban museum and the stunning Cathedral Gardens.

Culture vultures – Urbis (Cathedral Gardens) has five floors of changing exhibitions and unique insights into the culture of modern Manchester.

Must eat – Wasabi Sushi and Noodle Bar (The Printworks, Unit 14, tel. ) is the place to go after a night on the tiles in The Printworks. Serving up a range of traditional Japanese dishes, it’s a no-nonsense eatery and has special sumo-sized options if you dare.

Must drink – The Printworks entertainment complex – a converted newspaper printers – is home to several lively bars. Check out Opus (The Printworks), three bars, two club rooms and a restaurant, one of Manchester’s most popular nightspots. With a VIP bar and dedicated club nights, it’s handily situated and home to some thrilling light displays.

SALFORD QUAYS

Salford Quays is an area packed with landmark architectural statements and waterfront entertainment. Away from the bustle of the city, there’s something here to occupy even the most restless traveller for the whole day.

Sleep soundly – Where better to wake up to Manchester than by the spectacular waterfront? The Ramada Salford Quays (17 Trafford Road, tel. , ramadasalfordquays. com, rooms from €186/£163) is a fabulous glassfronted edifice.

Culture vultures – The Lowry (Pier 8, Salford Quays) is a glass and metallic masterpiece that showcases performing and visual arts. As well as rolling exhibitions, the centre has the largest public collection of Manchester artist centre namesake LS Lowry’s work.

Must eat – Relaxed and stylish, The River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel (50 Dearmans Place, tel. ) serves award-winning British dishes using local and seasonal ingredients in a riverside setting. Go for the Cheshire beef fillet with savoy cabbage and Scottish girolles.

Compiled by Hazel Davis