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As much as I need to be in easy reach of the hustle and bustle of the city, I take equal pleasure in a quiet wander through the countryside.  Although I was born in an urban town my childhood was spent whiling away the days in amongst the flora, fauna and mud of 'The Dingle', part Reddish Vale to which we had access from the top of the road I grew up in.  Those memories of fun, freedom, blankets of bluebells in the spring and conker collecting in the autumn have remained.  I'm lucky now to live opposite the Bridgewater Canal and a few minutes walk from the Trans Pennine Trail and, at the very least a saunter to Dunham Massey is within easy reach.  Unusually, we recently took a 'right turn' onto the towpath for a slightly more industrial alternative to our regular wanders around Dunham to check up on the progress of the new housing development on the historically significant site of the Linotype building.      

Linotype Building, Altrincham (2)
Linotype Building, Altrincham (2)
Boarded Up Brick Building Showing Linotype Works 1897 in Brickwork

The L&M building is of huge historical significance locally and industrially.  Linotype transformed the newspaper industry and the Linotype and Machinery Company opened its Broadheath factory in 1897.  Inspired, probably by Port Sunlight and Bourneville the company built houses, tennis courts, bowling greens, a cricket ground, children's playground and allotments for its 10,000 employees.  The houses are still there, part of a conservation area, with the roads - Lawrence, Lock, Pollen, Bemrose, Place and Weldon named after directors of the company. 

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I was treated to afternoon tea at Hotel Gotham for the second time in a year and was beyond excited to be returning to this Manchester favourite.  Last year's excuse was my birthday and this year a little Easter bank holiday mother daughter time.  It was the day of the annual duck race, now apparently in its 8th year - the closest we've got to it in previous years is the obligatory Instagram of the giant yellow duck in Spinningfields so we decided to take a peek and see what we've been missing.  The corporate race was in full flow when we got to the banks of the River Irwell, that's full flow, not to be confused with fast flow and it was down to the Waxi and organiser dinghies to create enough of a current to help the front runners limp over the finish line.

Manchester Duck Race
Start of Manchester Duck Race

I love our Manchester traditions, although it has to be said they sometimes lack a little forethought - the tram that delayed midnight on New Year's Eve, the aforementioned river that appears to lack the current to enable to ducks to race, the Chinese New Year fireworks halted by the wind and not to mention the Christmas Markets whose stallholder lineup is as predictable as the Manchester rain - but traditions they are and like any self-respecting Manc I respect them. We did, however, decide to call it a day on the ducks once once we'd watched the general 'racers' drop from the bridge over the River Irwell.

Housed in the art deco former bank premises at 100 King Street, Hotel Gotham is a grand and imposing building once christened the 'King of King Street' due to its size and castle-like style.  Already winning a host of top awards since it opened in 2015 its fun, attention to detail, opulent styling and friendly customer service is what sets it apart.

Hotel Gotham, Manchester

The Honey Restaurant had a couple of new additions since we'd last visited and taking pride of place on the table were the new bee salt and pepper shakers, a cute nod to Manchester.  The Easter special afternoon tea gave our second visit a different feel, the finger sandwiches and bite-size sweet treats beautifully presented and the scones were as delicious as ever.  What makes every visit so enjoyable though is the 5 star attention every customer receives from the staff of the 2 AA rosette awarded restaurant, nothing is too much trouble, the atmosphere is relaxed and un-hurried and a seemingly limitless supply of fresh tea available to complement the food.

Hotel Gotham is a must if you're visiting Manchester and should definitely be near the top of anyone's bucket list.

Honey Restaurant, Hotel Gotham
Honey Restaurant, Hotel Gotham
Honey Restaurant, Hotel Gotham
Honey Restaurant, Hotel Gotham
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Today’s insta♥love is my own of a very special surprise from the very lovely ‘Dodger’ for my birthday xx

Birthday Flowers Courtesy of Interflora

 

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One place that has been on my bucket list for quite some time is Portmeirion in Wales, setting for the 1960’s TV series ‘The Prisoner’ and last Sunday, my birthday, thanks to my lovely children and a mystery tour to Wales, I got to tick it off!

Portmeirion

The village is beautiful and as soon as you get through the gates you’re sucked into the magic of its quirky colourful architecture, mysterious nooks and crannies and the breathtaking coastline surrounding it. Quite apart from the village, with its coastal walk and woodland trail, you really could spend the day there. We took the easy route through the woods on the train which leaves every 20 minutes, climbing slowly up the hillside and winding through the trees past the children’s playground, oriental pond and other delights. There’s even a stop on the way at the hillside gazebo to dis-board and take the obligatory ‘aerial’ photo of the village below.

Gazebo View at Portmeirion

All three of us spent the afternoon like children running through an enchanted garden and we’ll definitely be visiting Sir Clough Williams-Ellis creation again!

Portmeirion

Portmeirion