Mad about Manchester

Famous for its inclement weather, I am hastily reminded by the Manchester tourist office that it doesn't always rain here.

'In fact,' I'm informed, 'our average rainfall is less than Plymouth.' It's a bad idea to pigeonhole Manchester.

You'd go far to find people more committed to their city than Mancunians, and it's a pride that verges on the bolshy. 'Manchester?

Capital of Europe, mate!' boasts one local. 'Best people, best beer, and best football team in the world!'

Though several million Brazilians might take issue with the latter point, it's hard to disagree when a city is brimming with this much confidence. And thanks to its football team, Manchester is undoubtedly the second most famous English city in the world.

Where to stay Malmaison hotel, Piccadilly: double rooms from £115 per night, suites from £175 (tel: 0161 278 1000). The up-and-coming Malmaison hotel chain is named after the country retreat of Napoleon and Josephine. Impressive attention to detail in the rooms ranges from engaging local photography on the walls to mini CD players. There's a sign in the bathroom encouraging you to steal the specially-commissioned toiletries. This luxury, art deco hotel has an amazing brasserie and an incredible array of relaxation treatments in the spa.

Dining out Loaf Dining Room, Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West (0161 8195858). Perhaps the patronage of Manchester's very own royal family, Posh and Becks, makes Loaf among the most popular of the new restaurants under these converted railway arches. The menu is contemporary and diverse, and the under-stated decor makes for a laid-back atmosphere, with a well-heeled cross-section of locals, er, loafing around on the bar-area sofas. The waiter tells me it's very different at weekends, with queues stretching down the street.

Big night out Revolution, Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West (0161 839 7568). Another new venue in the city's ever- diversifying nightlife, a vodka bar with a range of cocktails and more than 60 imported spirits that will leave you, to use a local phrase, gobsmacked. Again, it's spacious, relaxed and well-appointed. What about the famous 'Cream of Manchester'? 'We still like a pint of bitter,' my local cultural attaché informs me. 'We're proud of our traditions, but we're also cutting edge.'

Cultural visit The Lowry, Salford Quays (0161 876 2000, www.thelowry.com). Open: Mon-Sat (10am-8pm) and Sun (10am-6pm). Admission: free. At a cost of £94 million, The Lowry is perhaps the most expensive monument in history to a single artist.

For all the family The Printworks, Exchange Square (0161 385 8000 and www.theprintworks.com). Prices/opening times vary - call for details. Now that the Granada Studios Tour has closed, The Printworks seems to be the future of family entertainment in Manchester. Housed in the former home of the Daily Mirror and Evening Chronicle, The Printworks is a celebration of the role of newspapers in Manchester's past and present in a futuristic setting. There are shops and restaurants, and an exciting mix of exhibits and activities - a state-of-the-art cinema (The Filmworks) and the Living Ceiling which changes the environment of the centre with digital cameras and surround sound.

The next big thing Deansgate Locks area is part of the redevelopment taking place as Manchester gears up to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games (www. commonwealth-games2002.com) - entertainment complexes, conference centres and shops are springing up everywhere.

Travel facts Virgin Rail (08457 222 333) has return fares from London to Manchester from £20. For more information call the Tourist Information Centre (tel: 0906 4700847, premium rates apply, or www.visitnorthwest.com).

Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.