MANCHESTER UNLOCKED
FOUNDER OF THE UK’S LGBT+ RADIO STATION GAYDIO, IS YOUR EXPERT GUIDE TO MCR
EAT AT… RAMONA
When the founders of Manchester’s Bavarian beer palace Albert’s Schloss announced they were opening a pizza place in an old MOT station, you knew it wasn’t going to be run-of-the-mill. Outside it’s all campfires and firepits, while the pizzas are unreal. As is the margarita bar.
takemetoramona.com
DRINK IN…
WEST DIDSBURY
Is it cheating to talk about a whole street? Within actual stumbling distance of where I live there are a ton of great places on Burton Road: it’s one of the reasons we moved here! Our current go-to is Saison, a casual neighbourhood place with a load of guest beers on tap and live music most nights.
saisonbar.co.uk
SHOP AT…
OLD MILL ANTIQUES
I’m no antiques aficionado but it’s easy to lose an afternoon wandering around this vast red brick warehouse in Failsworth, north Manchester. It has everything from architectural salvage to furniture, records, clothing and more. oldmillantiquesltd
failsworth.co.uk
GIG AT… THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE
One of the most unique theatre spaces in the country, this is constructed within Manchester’s former Cotton Exchange building. If you look up, you can still see the original trading board with the day’s closing figures.
royalexchange.co.uk
DON’T MISS... MANCHESTER PRIDE
Gaydio was initially formed as a pop-up station for Manchester Pride back in 2006, and the city’s Pride event, which did actually take place this year, reflects something very special about the place. Manchester is a city which tells you anything is possible, and the attitude is contagious.
manchesterpride.com
Gaydio is available on DAB and FM radio in UK cities including London, Glasgow, Brighton and Manchester. gaydio.co.uk
NEAREST STATIONS:
Deansgate, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road