• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Arts and Culture

Manchester M17 1TZ

nursey71 said
Too loud!
It must be said that the architecture of the Imperial War Museum is very impressive and already one of those buildings that is automatically identifiable when you see it in profile.

The exhibits are thought-provoking and very interesting, a poignant reminder of the past, especially with the personal effects of 'ordinary' people caught up in wars over the years

The walk about the museum was rather spoilt, however by the over-use of multi-sensory media, with loud narratives played through loud-speakers and the whole museum being turned into a wall on which video footage was played. I would rather have had the opportunity to watch these films away from the rest of the exhibits as everyone in the room had no other option than to watch as all the lights were dimmed

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Arts and Culture

Manchester M4 3BG
0161 605 8200

nursey71 said
Avoid the school-children and it's great!
Another free day out to broaden your mind and entertain you!

Urbis's changing exhibitions mean that there is often something that you will find interesting - the 'factory' exhibition of last year was great and an opportunity to reminisce and enjoy the multi-sensoral attraction, and prior to that an interesting opportunity to view a photography exhibition which was not held in London!

The information regarding the regeneration of Manchester following the IRA bomb was always going to be interesting and to be able to see how much the city has changed

A recommended day out - just avoid the glass lift if you are scared of heights!

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Arts and Culture

Manchester M3 4FP
0161 832 2244

nursey71 said
Something for everyone
The Museum of Science and Industry is free to get in and only charges for it's changing special exhibitions. You can easily spend most of the day there looking at the various exhibits and it's a great source of information about Manchester and it's progression as a city over the years.

It is, also, one of the few places offering information regarding Manchester's social history now that the Pump House is closed and the limited section in Urbis devoted to this subject.

A few of the exhibits, especially some of the 'interactive' ones did not seem to be working fully last time that I visited, but it is still an enjoyable and educational place to spend a day

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Restaurants

Manchester M20 2LN

nursey71 said

A contender to match the Lime Tree!!!

Rhubarb is a friendly, if little, place - it is probably worth booking if you want to go on a weekend.

The range of wines (and after-dinner port) was excellent and recommendations given by the staff as to what was a good choice (and it was a good choice it turned out!)

The menu is small, but interesting and the food has always been delicious and beautifully presented - as with most small eateries, there is limited choice for vegetarians, but I have always enjoyed the option that they have provided - a highly recommended little restaurant!

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Restaurants

Manchester M20 6UR
0161 4380838

nursey71 said

There isn't a lot to say really, it's a pizza express!

This means though that you know what will be on the menu and what you like and don't like I guess. The food has always been fresh and tasty and the it's handy to have a chain out in the suburbs.

The inside of the restaurant is tastefully decorated and it has a nice atmosphere - the staff seem to have a high turn-around, but they have all been pleasant and warm when I've been there

The only slight downside is the limited range of wines, but then this is across all branches of pizza express and not just this one in west didsbury

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Restaurants

Manchester M2 1HN
0161 907 3210

nursey71 said
Sweet hide-away
I have to say that I did prefer Grinch when none of it's furniture matched and the decor was a bizarre mix of kitch, lime green and pink walls and odd pictures

It's now slightly more 'corporate' and uniform, which I think detracts from the atmosphere, but it is still very popular and it seems to change it's function throughout the day

It's great to pop in for coffee when shopping, or even have a quick bite to eat - the lunch time menu is not too adventurous, but every time that I've had something it has been tasty. After work is when the best offers are - often 2 for 1 pizzas (they are yummy) but be prepared for a scrum as lots of other people have the same idea

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Food and Drink

Manchester M21 0BN

nursey71 said
Great bags!
As overheard on a train in the Midlands a few weeks ago, "Those Unicorn bags get everywhere" ..

I guess that they do have a rather trademark image, with lots of their jute bags being seen everywhere these days - but for good reason. Unicorn is a great place to stock up on a range of store-cupboard items and ethical cleaning products. But the range of fresh fruit and veg, locally sourced, is great - where else would you find seasonal produce, weird and wonderful shapes and colours? There were purple peppers there last week!

Unicorn also has a great deli counter and range of chilled tofu type products (though could be argued not such a good range as eighth day!) and not to forget the organic beer section - super!

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Manchester M1 1ET
0161 856 3287

nursey71 said

I'd lived in Manchester for 15 years or so before finally getting around to going to the Police Museum - but it was a lovely little potter about and worth making the effort to go

It is only open on a Tuesday, which I guess does reduce the opportunity to just pop in when you are in town, but if you can avoid the groups of school children, it is a quiet and interesting little place to spend some time

The exhibits are a little worn and tatty, but the exhibits taken from the riots at Strangeways were poignant and thought-provoking

The staff there were helpful and eager to chat about the museum but were not overly intrusive - a lovely gem of a museum!

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Food and Drink

Manchester M20 2DY

nursey71 said
Cheesy
What more can be said? It has a great selection of cheeses and the staff are helpful and know lots about what they are selling

I would recommend 'black bomber' as one of the best cheddars you will ever have tasted! But, they don't just stock British cheeses, but a wide variety of continental ones also. Their selection of goat and sheep milk cheeses is impressive and the range of blues mouth-watering.

The only small downside is the small shopping area, and if you are short, like me, you can't always see everything that is available, though if you just ask, the staff will help

Avoid Saturdays as it is really busy, but a great independent shop which we should all champion

• Added: 3rd of September 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Manchester M4 5JN
0161 835 3815

nursey71 said
Cooky ...
The first time I went to the Fringe, there was a biker convention there and I wondered where my friends had taken me to ...

... but, there was a friendly atmosphere, and the range of beers (all served with their own glass) was a little overwhelming but great to look through. Some of the fruit beers I had never heard of before, but were just like drinking pop (had to keep reminding self that they were 6%!!!) and were very moorish indeed

Since my first time there, I've been back to try out more of their range of beer and realised that it is quite handy when walking back to piccadilly train station after a day of shopping (just for the one though ...)