• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Restaurants

Manchester M2 6DQ
0161 834 0145

DanT said
Express Yourself
Did you know there's more Pizza Expresses in Manchester city centre than there is McDonalds? It's true. And this one on South King Street is easily the best. It's tucked away in a lovely location and is one of those traditional looking Pizza Expresses that makes you forget that it's part of a commercial chain of Italian restaurants.

Reasonably priced, nice staff, contemporary decor, lovely food. I had the Four Seasons and it was gorgeous. A million times better than the same pizza from rivals Bella Italia.

There's often 2 for 1 vouchers at Pizza Express available so have a look online before you go.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Nightlife

Manchester M1 7AD
0161 236 2754

DanT said
Student Central
If you like crap chart indie, cheap drinks and snogs make your way to 5th Ave. You really can't argue with the drinks prices, but it depends what you like from your club night. It is full of lager lager lager types singing to Oasis and students throwing up in the toilets and the bouncers love a bit of power but then again, most people seem to like it. You will hear tunes from decent bands, but only the very most popular one which they'll play week in week out.

If you appreciate good alternative music then look elsewhere. If you're up for getting leathered and copping off and maybe singing along to Arctin Monkeys on the way then this is your place.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Hammersmith
• Category: Hotels and Travel

London W14 8NL
020 7603 3333

DanT said
Definitely not 4 star
I never really enjoy my stay at Hiltons. I get this paranoid feeling that they're trying to rip me off... The Olympia was no exception.

On leaving our room in the morning we were greeted by the woman next door arguing with the waiter as she'd been charged £17.99 for scrambled egg on toast. He informed her that breakfast was this price, whatever the order.

It's a 3 star at best, the rooms are small and our view was of the dismal area in between the blocks - all pipes and grey. The staff are rubbish too.

It's location is a short walk from the Kensington High Street which is good, but it's in Zone 2 on the tube which is bad.

Unless you get a bargain off one the bidding websites then don't bother.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Manchester M4 6JG
0161 661 9668

DanT said
Rubbish since the refurb
Sankeys has been disparaged over the past year or so since its reopening by clubbing regulars and it’s becoming more obvious why. They’re still attracting quality DJs (let’s forget Kate Lawler for a sec) and offer some of the best sets in Manchester, but since when did The Printworks massive get an invite? Perhaps the competition from The Warehouse Project is too much at this time of year but that’s no excuse for the bouncers’ disgusting conduct. One can only hope and pray that Sankeys doesn’t go down the well worn path of underground success followed by a strictly regimented club that squeezes the fun out of everything. In summary, top sets, bad attitude. Sort it out Sankeys.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Events and Entertainment

Manchester M1 5NH
0161 200 1500

DanT said
Top class
The Cornerhouse - quite pricey, ever-so-slightly pretentious but absolutely mint. The cinema always has the best films on, the bar has some great cocktails and beers and the shop has the coolest books, greeting cards and magazines. The Monday night quiz is great too – pretty tricky but not too difficult.

The staff are superb. They must get paid well as they're always super friendly, efficient and look like they're having a good time. Go in happy hour in you’re on a budget as you can get some spectacular cocktails at cut down prices.

The food is quite pricey but on a Monday you can get a pizza a film and a glass of wine or a pint for a tenner! Bargain!

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Nightlife

Manchester M4 1QB

DanT said
Loungin Around
The Ruby Lounge is a fantastic venue thanks to its size, sound equipment and its chilled ambience. This is created through the several smaller chill out sections, complete with pool table and pinball machine. “One punter comapres it to the venues they have in America. “You can have a dance, play pool and then sit down and relax in the chill out sections with a beer, which is exactly the atmosphere you find in The Ruby Lounge.”

Based on the outskirts of the Northern Quarter, the underground location really does have a lot going for it, but it’s the crystal clear Turbosound system which has the music geeks flocking. Watch out Arndale Centre, as it looks like there’s a potential competitor for the Loo of the Year Award 2008. Baby pink paint work in the ladies’ complement the mirrors. Inside the cubicle you’re greeted by fancy latch locks and toilet seats sporting a barbed wire enclosed in clear plastic design.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Nightlife

Manchester M1 1JR
0161 236 9805

DanT said
Something for Everyone
Starting off as a small city centre pub in 1993, The Frog and Bucket has gone from strength to strength, boasting the best new talent around as well as being the starting point for many famous comedians. Peter Kay performed one of his first gigs here, as did Johnny Vegas. Notable comedians aside, the best thing about the frog is surely the wide variety of cheap nights on offer.

Monday’s Beat the Frog is hugely popular with students and civilians alike, perhaps due to the free entry and drink offers. The evening consists of sets by two locally celebrated comedians, followed by a merciless gong show-style format which sees brand new comedians strive to complete a five minute set before being given the boot by members of the audience.

Big Value Thursday does exactly as it says on the tin – top comedy at bottom prices (only £3 entry for students). One of the F & B’s top comperes presents four comics from the national and international circuit – the perfect accompaniment to their cut-price curry, just £4.25 on a Thursday.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Nightlife

Manchester M1 5LH
0161 839 9595

DanT said
Barrel o Laughs
With venues in both Manchester and London, The Comedy Store is the most widely recognised comedy venue in the UK. Situated on the trendy Deansgate Locks, the venue has recently celebrated its 8th birthday.

The Comedy store hosts a huge number of events, from weekly and monthly regulars, to one-off performances from some of the world’s best comedians. Their New Stuff night is a favourite with students. Occurring on the second and last Sunday of each month, New Stuff is absolutely free and features established comedians trying out their new material.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Manchester M2 4EG
0161 200 5380

DanT said
The Classiest Wetherspoons in Town
I love The Waterhouse. Even those who turn their noses up at Wetherspoons love The Waterhouse. Named after the bloke who designed the town hall (Alfred Waterhouse) the pub is traditional yet contemporary. Split into several different rooms with cosy fireplaces, the pub was non-smoking way before it became the law. It's always busy (particularly for Curry Club on a Thursday) but the service is efficient and the beers of offer are great.

• Added: 10th of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Restaurants

Manchester M20 2DW

DanT said
Est Est Est Didsbury
Choose Est Est Est Didsbury for its style, atmosphere and, of course, its delicious Italian cuisine. The menu mainly focuses on traditional Italian pasta dishes as well as pizza and, for those with a little extra to spend, a selection of fish dishes. Those on a budget may want to stick to the excellent variety of pizza or pasta, however the majority of the main courses at Est Est Est are reasonably priced. The open kitchens complete the relaxed ambience of the restaurant making Est Est Est a thoroughly satisfying dining experience.