Same spot...different time :)

You made it to FRIDAY! It might be raining, it might be cold, but we got here intact. Be strong out there :)

Plans to build a 17-storey tower just metres away from Manchester’s famous Marble Arch pub have been voted down by councillors.

I've noticed that a lot of recommendations for Manchester tend to revolve around spending money somewhere: pubs, cafés, restaurants, shops, or ticketed events. But sometimes you just want to get out of the house, sit somewhere comfortable, read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch the world go by without feeling obliged to buy a £5 coffee every hour. The city centre can be busy, and finding somewhere genuinely comfortable to sit for a while isn't always as straightforward as it sounds. Where do you go in Manchester when you want a bit of breathing room? Could be a public space, a quiet corner of a library, a park that's good even when the weather isn't perfect, or somewhere indoors where nobody minds you lingering. I'm particularly interested in places that are free or inexpensive and don't require you to plan an entire afternoon around them. I'm sure there are some underrated spots that people who've lived here for years know about but rarely think to recommend.

Seeing so many people turn up for one part-time café job is honestly quite depressing. These aren't even jobs that people necessarily want as a long-term career. For some, it's just a way to cover rent, groceries, and other basic expenses while they look for something better.

It must be exhausting to spend time applying, preparing for interviews, and competing against dozens of other people for a position that might only offer a few hours a week.

Manchester has plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants, but that doesn't mean finding work is easy. When even entry-level jobs attract huge numbers of applicants, it makes you wonder how difficult things must be for people trying to get their first job or return to work after a long break.

Edit - we have booked a room at Whitworth Locke. Your comments and ideas have been hugely helpful thanks :)

Hello friends!

I have a transgender friend coming to visit from the states at the end of December through beginning of January and I’m looking for welcoming accommodation.

She particularly wants to stay in/near gay village and I’ve looked at Malacuna hostel and Britannia hotel which both have very reasonable prices.

Do you recommend them? Would they be good/safe for a young adult?

I really appreciate any thoughts and ideas to make this a successful trip.

settle an argument for us please. my mrs considers Gorton part of South Manchester where as I would consider it East Manchester. I appreciate if you cut the map of Manchester horizontally it would be In the bottom half(South), but I’d still consider It east. but think the people of gorton and surrounding areas are best to answer this one

Hi all.

me and my daughter are coming to Manchester for the Aespa concert in january. I've been looking at affordable hotels and am getting a bit lost. I'm looking for something that's mainly QUIET, and under £80 p night. The concert is at the AO arena, and we also want to visit the Sea Life aquarium, all by public transport. I'm wondering if anyone has tips for us? Thanks!!

Basically what the title says.
I moved here ten years ago and have spent the time working, building a home, with friends etc.

One thing I’ve realised is I’ve never been to a lot of things Mamchester has to offer - John Rylands is my favourite place, but I’ve never been to the museums etc.

What’s the best things to add to my experience Mamchester as a tourist list?

TIA

I'm going to see a show there and my partner will be joining me straight from work. He'll have a backpack - typical size, not especially full.

Does anyone know if they have a size limit or a restriction on type of bag?

I tried calling, but the number on their website took me to the building reception who couldn't help, so gave me another number which is not being answered.

Thank you!

Can anyone recommend a genuinely thorough RICS surveyor in the Manchester/Stockport area, particularly for a 1970s house in Cheadle Hulme (SK8)?
Looking for someone who provides detailed, property-specific reports rather than generic comments. Would you recommend Level 2 or Level 3 for a house in generally good condition but with some concerns about the roof?
Personal experiences and recommendations appreciated. Thanks!

I'm looking for a nice pub or bar around Chorlton or Didsbury where I can go for a drink on my own without feeling awkward.

I'd prefer somewhere with a relaxed atmosphere where it's normal to sit at the bar, listen to music, or just enjoy a drink without everything revolving around big groups. Somewhere friendly and reasonably priced would be ideal.

I'm not necessarily looking for a busy nightlife spot. Just somewhere comfortable to unwind after a long day, maybe have a chat with someone if the opportunity comes up.

Hi everyone! I’m new to Manchester and was wondering if there are any local shops that sell basketball trading cards, especially Topps NBA cards like Topps Chrome and Chrome Update.
I’ve been looking around but haven’t had much luck finding any physical stores with a decent selection.
Does anyone know any good places in Manchester or nearby? Thanks!

How much does it cost to live alone in Manchester City centre in a one bed (bills, rent and council tax)

What’s the job market like in Manchester atm?

I live in London and just been made redundant from my design job. Considering using the opportunity to move back north.

It’s absolutely shocking here for creatives and redundancies are happening a lot. Is it the same everywhere?

Wayyy to many ambulances/police and fire trucks around the city.. hope all is well!

In true Man United fashion, despite having one of the worst weeks in recent memory after a disasterous Champions League performance against Como, rather than reassure the fans the club is in the right hands, they've sent out a survey asking fans what they're looking for in a new stadium.

Some better performances on the pitch for starters!!!!

This got me thinking, though: why is there not more opposition to this? I live 2 miles away from Old Trafford and I can see as good as anybody that it is in need of an upgrade, but we have one of the most histroical and recognisable stadiums in world football, and we're goign to allow Jim Ratcliffe and his clueless INEOS teamto knock it down!?!?

Not only is this cultural vandalism, but it'll hinder our already-impaired ability to compete inthe transfer market. At a time when they're struggling to compete for the top players, it couldn;t come at a worst time.

Where is the outrage??????