O perfil de montee51

One of the mainstays of the ever changing Oldham St vintage clothing scene, this is one of my favourites as it always seems to just about set the right balance of practicality - ie clothes and accessories that people actually want to wear - and the simply fun and outlandish designs that bring in the window shoppers. There are some fantastic items of retro costume jewellry, bags and knick knacks and occasionally that jaw dropping party dress. Its great fun and highly recommended.

It looks a real dump from the outside but be brave and enter because this is a real serious Manc boozer. The clientele is a little oddball with a healthy mix of students ( Salford Uni is just across the road ) dodgy gangland types and old grannies. They used to have some fairly decent indie bands on years ago with very ‘late licences’ but that seems to have changed now. Most are pretty friendly and the beer is dirt cheap.

The first impression is not good of this family run bike shop, as its a little dingy and dark. Dont let that put you off because they certainly know how to fix bikes with minimum fuss. Years ago, this is where a number of local cyclists used to congregate most days for a chat and it still has a good friendly atmosphere. There are loads of new and second hand models for sale round the back and this is a good a place as any for a new cycle.

Got a hen do to arrange? Or just want to look ridiculous? Ive always found dressing up in embarrassing gear is a great leveller and a real ice breaker. Stage Door Fancy Dress is where I used to go before I saw the light and I often used to spend the odd hour browsing for nothing in particular. This is a proper theatrical outfitters and hire shop - a bit like the guy from Mr Benn. Its a bit pricey and large deposits are required but its easily the best in town.

I like this shop even though its a bit of a mixed bag. Along with all the cheapo throwaway gifts and plastic ware are some lovely items like chinese scented candle sets and crockery. It the type of place that people like because you can just rummage at will - maybe you will find a lovely piece of bone china or a tacky nodding dog. Good place to waste a half hour or so

This theatre has produced some great shows over the years and the odd turkey. I spent most of my English Lit studies coming here and have seen some really entertaining stuff. Its hardly changed at all in its 40 years and is a real Bolton icon. I used to love coming here and even though I only visit once or maybe twice a year nowadays, the welcome is always warm.

A great excuse to get out of the rain or if you are bored with Stockport’s shops is to go underground and visit the air raid shelters. This is probably the most popular attraction in the town and well worth it. You tour the underground network of tunnels all the while hearing and seeing reconstructions of lifelike air raids - audio visual stuff and plenty of artifacts lying around. If you are only remotely interested in our history then make sure you visit - its good fun and a real eye opener.

I remember this hotel from my deep and distant past as a teenager. I attended several do’s over the years here in what was then an average medium sized hotel. Things have changed somewhat and it is now quite highly regarded and has been extended to house an extra 12 rooms. There is a big bar and restaurant now and large back garden with seating. Its only 5km from the city centre and convenient for the airport.

This was my first field trip as a primary school youngster and is an excellent example of English Tudor history. Its a classic black and white 15th century timber-framed manor house and is set in acres of wooded parkland with some lovely flower gardens. It is a great place to bring the kids for a picnic (weather permitting!!) and in summer time there is always something happening with country fairs, market days and the odd posh wedding reception taking place.

This is a stone’s throw away from my house and a fun place for a night out for small time gamblers like me. You usually get around 10 races a night with a minimum stake of £1. It attracts allsorts - from the bored housewife, professional gamblers and even stag do’s. When it gets a little chilly, there is a nice grandstand restaurant and bar to watch the dogs with occasional side entertainment and the food is really good, although a little pricey. There are races 4 nights a week and weekends are quite lively with up to 2000 punters on a good night. It costs £6 entrance.