Jan Rhodes

A lovely artisan craft centre full of individual shops selling handmade jewellery, clothes, pottery, leather goods and paintings.
Beautiful building with the sun streaming through the glass ceiling.
Plus a lovely little cafe selling drinks and cakes.
Definitely worth visiting if you're looking for a unique gift or piece of art.

We went to visit the Home Art Exhibition of 400+ local artists. It was well organised, with plenty of staff helping out and providing interesting information about the artists and others. I found most of the art work unconventional, made from many different mediums including; cardboard, string, plastic, metal, various fabrics etc. As well as the usual paint. Worth a visit if you're in the vicinity but not worth a special trip. I suppose I was disappointed that there was so much nonconvential works, some of which looked like they had been knocked together in a few minutes from whatever was lying around.

Turkish restaurant in the centre of Manchester. The last time I ate here was around 10 years ago and it's changed quite abit, both the decor and food, I wonder if it's changed hands 🤔 the natural brown and cream decor is present enough but bland and I was disappointed with the food. I've always had the vegetarian moussaka but it's changed completely. It's OK but not as good as the previous recipe. This one was chopped vegetables, aubergine, onion, courgettes and tomatoes in a cast iron dish with a small amount of bechamel sauce ontop. Very similar to a lasagne. I couldn't taste any nutmeg or cinnamon or any species. Previously it was more traditional, more Turkish, now it tastes like an English version. Pity.
The cheese roll starter was nice enough but I think there should have been more than 2 pieces of hallumi cheese, at least 3, 4 would be even better.
In summary I think that they've turned down the Turkish element in every way, probably hoping to suit the more bland English palate.
I won't be rushing back. 😌

Very disappointed 😞 alot going on for children, I suppose that's what happens in school holidays, but it certainly wasn't worth the 18 mile trip. Firstly, parking is a nightmare, the streets surrounding it are chocker blocked so you're left with car parks. We used a small one, Greenheyes Community Car Park, on Acomb Street just off Denmark Road which charges £1 per hr, but cash only.
The Whitworth Art Gallery itself was very disappointing, much smaller than the newly refurbished building suggests with lots of pencil drawings and fabrics with very few well known artists, all I spotted was a Cezanne and a couple of Lucian Fraud. Lots of empty space giving it an modetn open spacious feel, but generally lacks substance.
Current exhibition on exploring gender fluidity, which is interesting but was dull the way they presented it (August 2023).
I called previously when they were just beginning the renovations so was eager to see the new building which is impressive with lots of wood and glass, looking out over the park, but just needs more interesting displays.
Tried to get into the cafe, but it was full, again full of mum's and children, so left, pity as I'd been told it was good. Unfortunately I'll never know as I'll not be going back.
My recommendation is only go if you're a student and need artistic references or a mum with toddlers.

Another traditional old style pub done up sympathetically in a shabby chic style. I liked that they have kept some of the original features such as tiles, wooden floors, and brickwork. Surprisingly big with 3 floors, worth a visit if you're around that area.