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Northern Cool When you think of Manchester you probably think of the football teams, the music scene and perhaps the industrial revolution. You might even remember the IRA bomb that exploded in city's main shopping district in 1996. But unless you've visited in the past few years, we're guessing that's where your imagination stops. Ironically for an act of violence that caused so much destruction, the IRA bomb prompted the beginning of Manchester's reinvention, with Harvey Nicks', Selfridges, Ugg and Jigsaw currently drawing in shoppers eager for a taste of luxury. While bargains abound at the Trafford Centre and Market Street, there are independent stores selling one-offs throughout the Northern Quarter, while you'll find designer boutiques jostling for space on King Street. One of the most unique shopping and dining spaces is the glorious Victorian mall Barton Arcade, a haven of dinky shops and high-class eateries including Kitchen, which provides sustenance for the über-cool clientele populating the Circle Club. If you have an appetite for more than atmosphere, head over to Linen inside the Great Northern complex. Housed within the casino at Manchester 235, the restaurant serves hearty British fare such as Goosenargh chicken breast and loin of venison in a fabulous former warehouse with its rivets still proudly on show. The casino is popular with celebs and sporting stars and offers a Vegas-style experience, unsurprisingly when you consider that it's owned by US casino giant Harrah's. For nightlife head to the bars and clubs of the Northern Quarter, where you can sample the likes of Walrus, Trof, and aptly named cocktail hotspot Socio Rehab. Listen to cool newcomers at MoHo Live, go to Mojo on Bridge Street Rock 'n' Roll or tantalise your eardrums with house and techno courtesy of Sankey's NASA-designed sound system. Luckily there are plenty of excellent hotels within easy stumbling distance of the city centre. Surrounded by some of Manchester's hottest bars and clubs on Canal street, the 19-bedroom boutique Velvet Hotel is ideal for party animals with a taste for luxury, while the dramatic five-star Lowry and the historical Victoria and Albert each offer their own particular charm. One of the most understated is the Park Inn. The hotel sports a contemporary crimson and grey décor and an outdoor terrace where you can sip cocktails and admire the stormy skies that seem to be a permanent fixture over the city. Close to this hotel you'll spot a futuristic green glass structure that resembles a pyramid crossed with Concorde. This is Urbis, one of the city's most impressive museums, with five floors of exhibition space, as well as the studios where Channel M, Manchester news and entertainment channel, produces its shows. The museum is worth a visit just to ride the elevator that shoots across its sloping surface. Once inside you can grab a bite at the Social café bar or indulge yourself with panoramic views of the city skyline and divine desserts such as dark chocolate and malt whisky tart at The Modern - voted Restaurant of the Year 2009 at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards. If you like to be more hands on with your food, head over to leafy Altrincham, home to the Vegetarian Society. The society's Cordon Vert cookery school teaches a broad array of courses, including their popular Messe course which allows you to play with flavours and ingredients such as Halloumi cheese, Carmargue red rice, avocados and pistachios. At the end of the lesson you get to sample all your creations, finishing with Moroccan Medjul dates stuffed with mascarpone - as deliciously decadent as any petit fours. Whether you head to Manchester for the nightlife, the shopping or the food, one thing's for sure, you're likely to have your expectations exceeded, and then some. Judy Darley is a freelance writer and editor specialising in travel, gastronomy and culture. She is the founder and editor of EssentialWriters.com, a website for writers, by writers. Hotels/ www.manchester-victoria.parkinn.co.uk www.velvetmanchester.com www.thelowryhotel.com www.manchestermarriottva.co.uk
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