Preview: NQ Jazz – 21.10.2019 – Sue Rynhart & Huw Warren

NQ Jazz is one of my favourites things. Yes we have Matt and Phred’s and I give thanks to the gods of live jazz that we do. But Manchester needs even more and NQ Jazz gives us that more in a gloriously dark, underground befitting location that is The Whiskey Jar. To speak in NewContinue reading “Preview: NQ Jazz – 21.10.2019 – Sue Rynhart & Huw Warren”

School for Scandal hits First Street

It was back to school for me this week. I wish I was young enough for that to be true in the traditional sense but for every realisation that you’re not getting any younger, there is a silver lining. To be over the age of 18 is to have your name on a more importantContinue reading “School for Scandal hits First Street”

Greater Manchester Fringe – Into The Deep

There is a lot being done to raise awareness of male mental health at the time of writing, which is both joyous and tragic. Joyous that those afflicted or potentially afflicted are being offered support, reassurance, an outlet, and above all else, a message that they are not alone. Tragic that the above is allContinue reading “Greater Manchester Fringe – Into The Deep”

New Music Launch! Manc favourites Jess Kemp & David Gorman to hit The Deaf Institute

Fans of singer/songwriters Jess Kemp and David Gorman will be thrilled at this double bubble news that they will be co-headlining a gig at top city venue, The Deaf Institute, on 18 May 2018. Each will be individually taking to that iconic stage with a full band, to launch some brand new music to treatContinue reading “New Music Launch! Manc favourites Jess Kemp & David Gorman to hit The Deaf Institute”

Manchester plays host to Fizz Club – cava load of this! (sorry)

I’ve been a member of a number of clubs in my life. Chess club, book club, netball club, Never has my enthusiasm been so strong, my interest piqued so much, my commitment been so absolute than for this particular club I’m proud to be a member of. That of course is Fizz Club, as broughtContinue reading “Manchester plays host to Fizz Club – cava load of this! (sorry)”

eXchange Food and Drink Lounge – call me ☎️

It’s a rare day I pick up when my phone rings. It’s a hell freezes over day I call someone else. I’m not a monster, a social pariah, arrogance personified. I guess you could call me the ultimate screener. But it’s not through a sense of selecting who I want to talk to. It’s moreContinue reading “eXchange Food and Drink Lounge – call me ☎️”

*MCR Event* Burns Night in style – Chivas Regal with Paul Smith

Dear old Rabbi Burns Chivas Regal celebrated Burns Night at Paul Smith on Cathedral Street this year. Whisky never tasted so stylish…

*MCR Gigs News* Whiskey Jar welcomes Jess Kemp – 3 February 2018

The Whiskey Jar is fast becoming a veritable feast of live music giggery. The latest artist to announce their upcoming headline appearance is Manchester’s own singer/songwriter, Jess Kemp. (Trust A Fox Photography) Following on from a successful 2017 which included appearances at Kendal Calling and the Bluedot Festival, Jess says, “Last year absolutely blew myContinue reading “*MCR Gigs News* Whiskey Jar welcomes Jess Kemp – 3 February 2018”

My Manchester in 2017 – in pictures

The highs, the lows and the love that stemmed. Beautiful Manchester. .

Fall fork first into autumn at Malmaison

After a summer of outdoor activities, beer gardens and sun terraces (yes, even in Manchester, naysayers), October heralds a time for taking it back indoors . Personally happy to see the back of light summer salads, all I can see ahead is a series of extended Sunday lunches with friends and family and delicious decadent dinners. AutumnContinue reading “Fall fork first into autumn at Malmaison”

Mancs vs Food – aka my Saucy Sunday 

Sunday, Bloody Sunday.  You wake up in the morning, you’ve got to read all the papers, the kids are running around, you’ve got to mow the lawn, wash the car, and you think  Sunday. Bloody Sunday With a few adjustments to the woes listed by Alan Partridge , I often do think the same. They’reContinue reading “Mancs vs Food – aka my Saucy Sunday “

Brasserie Abode – bringing it home.

It was on a balmy night in Manchester when Brasserie Abode threw open its doors, banged on its bongos and welcomed Manchester into its loving, refurbished arms. If the recently rebranded bar and restaurant is anything like its welcome party, us mancs (born and honorary) are in for a treat. Last Thursday I got aContinue reading “Brasserie Abode – bringing it home.”

The Blue Pig (I like it)

I have a friend. Let’s call him Beer (no I’m not metaphorically telling you I have a drinking problem, Beer is an actual man). Beer, I said (typed), give me three words to sum up your thoughts on The Blue Pig. I like it. Thanks, Beer, I said. Beer wanted to expand on this andContinue reading “The Blue Pig (I like it)”

Pen and Pencil – you don’t have to be Mad Men mad to go there…(you actually don’t)

February 2015, around the same time I arrived fashionably late to the party that was the iconic television drama Mad Men, I arrived early to this bar. Very early. After aimlessly circling a building in pursuit of this exciting new establishment I’d been reading about, some more googling led me to realise I was about 3Continue reading “Pen and Pencil – you don’t have to be Mad Men mad to go there…(you actually don’t)”

Foundation – their coffee casa is indeed your coffee casa

It’s 2pm and I’m sat in a coffee shop, writing about the etiquette of working in a coffee shop. The more I worry, the more I write about the worry, the longer I spend here, the more I worry. The circle of strife. This wasn’t my original intention. I was going to blog about FoundationContinue reading “Foundation – their coffee casa is indeed your coffee casa”