Stephanie Alderson

Jun 4, 2024 | northernsoul.me.uk | Andy Murray |Helen Nugent |Desmond Bullen |Stephanie Alderson

The Lowry Hotel is posh. As in porter-opening-your-taxi-door kind of posh. It’s probably the poshest posh in Manchester City Centre. And the food is posh too. In a five star hotel that’s played home to celebrities, sport stars and the Dalai Lama, you’d expect no less than excellence from the kitchen, so the Northern Soul Editor and I ambled along to The River Restaurant to test the delights of the à la carte menu.

Jun 3, 2024 | northernsoul.me.uk | Andy Murray |Helen Nugent |Desmond Bullen |Stephanie Alderson

“What sort of clothes should I be putting on?” said Wor Lad as we were getting ready for a meal at Artisan. “I’m not sure,” I said. “I think it’s smart-cas?”Little did I know I wasn’t just describing the appropriate evening wear for our imminent dining experience. Smart-casual should be used as an umbrella term – a slogan even – for Manchester’s Artisan. From the atmosphere to the food, the décor to the drinks, the general feel of the place is one of high quality without a whiff of social stigma.

May 21, 2024 | northernsoul.me.uk | Helen Nugent |Robert Hamilton |Amy Stone |Stephanie Alderson

Tis the season to party!With lots of holiday celebrations to look forward this month there’s every excuse to treat yourself to a night out, and with plenty of venues offering up a Christmas bonanza of great bands there’s no reason not to. As far as the arena gigs go, Kasabian will be returning to Manchester’s Phones 4u Arena after their success at Glastonbury this year. There’s still some tickets left for December 12, even in the lower tiers, but hurry if you want to attend.

May 21, 2024 | northernsoul.me.uk | Helen Nugent |Robert Hamilton |Amy Stone |Stephanie Alderson

A Grade II listed monument was removed from Sheffield in the 1960s. The Victorian Society says it should be returned to its rightful place. The Crimean War monument was designed in 1858 by George Goldie and looked very impressive in its day, consisting of a tall column topped by a seated figure of Victory, and surrounded by Russian cannons at its base.

May 21, 2024 | northernsoul.me.uk | Helen Nugent |Robert Hamilton |Amy Stone |Stephanie Alderson

If you were asked what you thought about the state of the Irish novel, would you have an answer? Perhaps not, but this and other questions will be answered at one of the Manchester Literature Festival’s events this month. In an event billed as a meeting of two of Ireland’s most accomplished masters, Sebastian Barry and Colm Tóibín will be discussing their novels and sharing thoughts on their success and that of their contemporaries.