An afternoon in the Northern Quarter

Yesterday afternoon was one of pure, lazy indulgence. My cheerful neighbour of two years 'Max the Italian' has decided he has had enough of a semi rural existence and so has bought himself a superbly renovated apartment in the lively Northern Quarter of Manchester. This isn't some dreaded mid-life crisis on his part, he is quite a few years younger than me. As he says, he has finally 'come out' and is a confessed 'metrosexual'. So a group of us wished him 'bon voyage' (any excuse), in what will become his new local, The Northern.

Recently stripped down and re-fitted by John Locke and Ray Cook, the Northern takes its place as part of that hub of drinkeries and late night dens that lie about Tib Street like luscious litter. The aim of the Northern is to become “a pub for all seasons and reasons”. Within the warmth of the pub you may be asked to become an Honorary Northerner, the pub’s innovative loyalty scheme.

The two rooms are built around a central rosewood bar, offering a wide range of drinks, with guest ales on pump changing weekly. The food is “gastro pub” in orientation, freshly prepared from locally-sourced produce by the in-house chef and star-to-be Rob Lamont. As well as great food and booze, and the finest company and conversation this planet has to offer, entertainment includes bands, DJs, cabaret, poetry and acoustic nights, as well as art installations…

More about the pub here.... http://www.thenorthernpub.co.uk/

The Northern Quarter has long been known as the 'creative quarter' of Manchester-the home of many fashion designers, creative agencies, art galleries and quirky retailers. Whilst these still remain, the area is growing in popularity with bars, restaurants and residential development. It is becoming the new vibrant area to live-work-play among many age groups-and is forming a contemporary and inspirational extension to the core of city centre Manchester. Sited between Piccadilly and the Ancoats, the Northern Quarter retains a unique character and charm, one set to continue through its ongoing development and regeneration. The Northern Quarter must be seen to be appreciated, the heart of the area is beating again with a vitality and personality second to none ...