Looking for something to do in Manchester this weekend? Why Don't You....
:: Enjoy a cup of tea and a cupcake at the Sweet Tooth Cupcakery in Chorlton Cupcakes are the new rock and roll, as any fule doth know. With Chorlton frequently being referred to as Manchester's answer to Islington (just without the Caledonian Road and the bendy buses), it's no surprise that us uncouth Northerners have managed to get our own rather delightful little bakery as well.
In my opinion, this is one of the best cake shops in the world. Located in a hidden away corner, and decorated in vintage Americana, all the cupcakes served are handmade in shop using the richest ingredients such as French butter, mascarpone and fresh fruits. and are given characters once created which range from famous Hollywood film stars to local characters.
Whilst you're there, be sure to try the Johnny Cash (double chocolate with an oreo base) accompanied by one of the bakery's signature milkshakes. Just make sure you wear something loose fitting.
Sweet Tooth Cupcakery, 9a Oswald Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9LP
:: Have a wander around the Art of the Black Panther exhibition at Urbis
Emory Douglas was the official artist of the Black Panther movement throughout the 1970s. His strong graphic style helped to communicate recent news and events to the largely illiterate local black community. Douglas coined the iconic slogans, 'All Power to the People', 'Revolution in our Lifetime', and was the first to use pigs and rats to represent police and politicians.
This is the first time that Douglas' work has been seen in an exhibition of this kind in the UK. Best of all, this exhibition is free. That's NO POUNDS people, which means you really have no excuse if you're looking for something to do on a cold rainy Saturday.
Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG
:: Put your gladrags on and have a good old dance at Clique
If you're a hip young gunslinger wanting to be seen in Manchester, then you go to Clique. A bespangled glitter ball of a club, Clique plays some of the best music you're ever likely to dance around your handbag to. The Mint Lounge (where Clique is held) also does some of the best cheap cocktails in town-perfect if you're looking for a post-Valentines credit crunch friendly rave-up. Be sure to arrive early though-Clique is ridiculously popular, and is sure to fill up fast.
Clique, The Mint Lounge, Oldham Street, Northern quarter.
10pm til 3am
£6 / £5 with flyer
:: Have a rummage around for vintage dresses and learn how to make do and mend at Rags to Bitches
Think of a courtesan's boudoir crossed with a 1960s boutique, and you're not even skimming the surface of Rags to Bitches charms. This is more than just your average vintage clothing shop. You can spend hours trying on everything from vintage 1950s couture to neon pink playsuits.
The store's own label takes personalised customer service even further -if you fall in love with an item that doesn't fit, for a nominal fee, the shops own seamstress service will tailor it to your needs. Customers can have designs custom made, with extra bows here or there. Its charms are not just limited to its clothing range. Rags to Bitches also stocks a wide array of hats, handbags, jewellery, scarves and shoes; the majority being a size 4 and a half. It also hosts events, from clothing swap shops to discos.
Rags to Bitches is a treasure trove of wonder, a cacophany of pleasure, and a must see for anyone who find themselves in Manchester's Northern Quarter with a few hours to spare.
Rags To Bitches, 60 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LG
:: Spend some quality time reading the graffiti in the toilets of the Temple of Convenience
The Temple of Convenience is a pub located in a disused men's toilet, situated on the busiest bus corridor in Europe. If you think I'm trying to put you off here, then it's only because that the Temple also happens to be pretty much my favourite bar in the whole of my beloved city. It doesn't look much, but that doesn't stop it being suffused with its own strange, grotty charm. At any given moment in the Temple, you can find yourself standing next to Elbow's Guy Garvey (who is pretty much a fixture of the place), or end up discussing the various merits of Tom Waites's back catalogue with one of Manchester's myriad of drunken hipster poet types.
Plus, if that wasn't enough, if also has a fine selection of whiskey behind the bar, the best collection of graffiti you will ever read in its toilets, and possibly the best jukebox in Manchester. This is a bar so good, there should be songs written about it.
Alas, I won't be in Manchester this weekend as I'm off to Liverpool to see Mr. Cay. But if you are in the area and do any of these things, be sure to let me know what you thought of them in the comments!