Activities in Liverpool

Introducing Susie Stubbs

Susie's blogger page is coming soon!Popular Articles by SusieManchester's Best Museum and Gallery ShopsTop Three Art Galleries in ManchesterHello Mr D'Arcy! Visit the Best Country Homes in Manchester (Including That Famous Fountain!)Stop and Take it All in - 3 of the Best Views in Manchester Click here to meet the City Guide team

Ruth Allan - Manchester Wire

Tell us something about your city people usually don’t know?It takes a while to get into Manchester. It's a bit like a really good record. You have to listen to it a few times before it becomes part of your soul.What is the top place in Manchester people shouldn’t miss?They change all the time but proper places like Sam and Tom's Chophouse remain at the top of my list as they make really good steak and kidney pies that everyone should try at least once in their life.What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own blog?Just do it! I've met loads of people who want to be writers, but the only way to be a writer is to write. It doesn't matter if no one reads it. At least you can tell yourself that you are doing what you want to do and be proud of yourself. I really think that making stuff - even if its just a paragraph of text on the web - makes life a richer, more meaningful experience. Writing has got me out of loads of really dark places, plus, I believe that by covering small, independent businesses and events in Manchester, Manchester Wire is helping to get the word out there that Manchester is a great city to live in, and that you don't have to live in the capital to get involved in cultural stuff.Popular Articles by RuthDrunk at Vouge Guide to the Best of Gay/LGBT in ManchesterContact’s Matt Fenton Guide to the Best of Manchester TheatreA Place to Write the Next Great NovelManchester's Best Small MuseumsGet in the Know With Our Insiders Guide to Manchester’s Best Big SightsCreative Sighting: Manchester's Packed With Original, Modern Artwork for Sale - If You Know Where to LookA Star Spotters Guide to Manchester TheatreWhere Manchester's Coolest Music Promoters go to See Live BandsSalford's Cultural Renaissance Back in the Day: Un-Modern Places to Visit in ManchesterBike Shops Manchester - Best for Bike HireManchester Yoga Classes - Best for Beginners____Click here to meet the City Guide team

A Place to Write the Next Great Novel

Writers, poets and lyricists have pounded Manchester’s damp streets since Roman times. But this is a city which wears its heritage lightly. The Anthony Burgess Foundation Relaxed venues, like The Anthony Burgess Foundation are a case in point.A diverse events programme means that IABF is as often home to musicians like Julia Holter, as it is to award-winning writers. The Clockwork Orange author’s archives and reading rooms are tucked away in the basement and, if you pop in for a coffee, you’ll find people browsing Burgess’ back catalogue, in the kind of contemporary urban surrounds (it used to be a fire station) that could have been lifted from the pages of one of his novels. Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street, M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776 The Contact Theatre Unassuming literary hangouts are a bit of thing in Manchester. The Contact Theatre’s foyer is one. Upstairs, you’ll find companies like Quarantine workshopping new shows, taking breaks in the spacious café and entrance hall below as what light the city has filters in. The result is inspiring and chilled. Oxford Road, M15 6JA. Tel: 0161 274 0600 The Portico If it’s atmosphere you are after, The Portico Library is a particular thrill. Designed with optimism in the 19th century, this impressive building has a main room, complete with large, ornate circular skylight in the roof overhead. Below, literary exhibitions and award ceremonies, like the Portico’s own book prize take place. The rear portion of the building could double for Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter films. Crumbling books line the shelves, reachable only by creaking mahogany ladders as older gentlemen snore off their lunch by the fire. The Portico is primarily for members, but visitors are welcome to drop in and have a look around during the day. If you are lucky, you might spot one of the city’s famous literary faces. Eric Gregory Award-winning poet, Adam O’Riordan, can occasionally be found by the grate, while other patrons include crime writer, Val McDermid, and BBC 6 Music’s Stuart Maconie. 57 Mosley Street, M2 3HY. Tel: 0161 236 6785 Bad Language Thanks to the hundreds of thousands of students that pour into the city each year, there’s a vibey underground literary scene too, with plenty of places to meet like-minded souls. Bad Language is one of the most credible nights. It takes over the back room of the Castle Hotel on the last Wednesday of the month and is devoted to new work. Regulars include founding members, Daniel Carpenter and Joe Daly (pictured, on the venue’s 200-year-old, creaky stage) with previous guests that include the Quietus’ editor, John Doran. 66 Oldham Street, M4 1LE. Tel: 0161 237 9485 Tales of Whatever Local journalist and writer, Mark Powell, meanwhile, is the brains – or, should I say, mouth – behind Tales of Whatever improvisation night - a cross between stand up and a group drinking game. You’ll find Powell and his merry crew on the second Wednesday of the month, across the road from The Castle Hotel at Gullivers. Happy reading. 109 Oldham Street, M4 1LW. Tel: 0161 819 2970 Where do you hangout in #Manchester? Tweet us! @Groupon_UK #grouponguide ____ Check out our deals for culture in Manchester.

Activities in Liverpool

Categories

Waterloo Rugby Club

Waterloo Rugby Club: Home Game Tickets With Two-Course and Programme Each For Two (£15) or Four (£24)

Discover Liverpool

Introducing Susie Stubbs

Ruth Allan - Manchester Wire

A Place to Write the Next Great Novel

Popular Categories in Liverpool

Activities Deals in Nearby Places

Get the Daily Deal for:

Categories

Waterloo Rugby Club

Waterloo Rugby Club: Home Game Tickets With Two-Course and Programme Each For Two (£15) or Four (£24)

Introducing Susie Stubbs

Ruth Allan - Manchester Wire

A Place to Write the Next Great Novel

Related Reads