Always learning
I love the AZ Hidden Book Series of City Based Walks. Yet the first walk from the Manchester edition seemed unpromising. One mile in distance.
But fear not, the route pointed out some things hidden in plain sight and provided plenty of interest.
Here's what I learned;
St Peters - The cross marks the site of St Peter's Church, demolished in 1907. Look at the slabs underfoot for a representation.
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| Centre of today's walk |
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| Look Down |
Midland Hotel - Fine looking hotel and the meeting place of Mr Rolls and Royce. Look for the ceramic relief under the arches.
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| There was even a roller under the arches today |
Central Library - the most visited library in the UK. I knew it was free to enter but had never made it to the domed reading room before. Worth a detour.
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| Look up for the dome |
John Dalton Street - No photos, but the scientist's eyeballs can be found in the Science and Industry Museum. A secret alley, Dalton Passage, leads through buildings to Manchester Roman Catholic Church and a monument to Abraham Lincoln.
The Waterhouse - I'd never considered why the 'Spoons was named as it is. The chief architect of the Town Hall, still under scaffold.
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| Makes sense |
Free Trade Hall - Ha, never noticed this before! Legendary music venue. Bob Dylan went electric in '66. Sex Pistols in '76. Buzzcocks first gig and hosted everyone from the Stones to Joy Division. The only UK building named after an economic policy.
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| Free Trade Hall |
Time to put the AZ book down and dip into Matthew Curtis's Manchester Best Beer Pubs and Bars for a lunch recommendation.
Sam's Chop House gets the Mappiman Dollar today. A first visit, having been to Mr Thomas's Chop House several times.
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| Sams Chop House |
Drop down into a different world and a rather uniquely decorated pub, with a real old school feel.
There's always one punter propping up the bar. A lifesize brass representation of Lowry, the artist and a former regular.
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| View towards the bar - Lowry under the lamp |
There was no need to look at the menu. Both chop houses are famous for one particular dish;
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| £19.50 worth of Corned Beef Hash |
Twitter suggested it would benefit from more (some) gravy.
Walk Details
Distance - 1 mile
Walk Inspiration - AZ Hidden Walks - Manchester, Walk 1
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