THING OF THE WEEK
THE BARKSIDE… A dog salon and lifestyle store is coming to Kampus in Manchester, officially making it clear that our pets are living the best life. Dogs can indulge in mud baths and puppucinos at the salon, while their owners pick out stylish puppy hoodies, all-natural dog cologne and an iced “woofin” (the cutest muffin you’ll ever see) for their four-legged best friend. The Barkside opens this spring.
COWABUNGA… On the other side of the pet spectrum, Bowker Sadler Architecture is evidently filled with tortoise fans. A LinkedIn post from practice manager Stephanie Brooks has revealed the firm’s love of the reptile, with not one but three of the staff boasting a tortoise friend. Director Alan Sadler even has one that is more than 100 years old! With three tortoises at the firm, they’re one short of being Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Yes, we know tortoises are not turtles. But still. Get on it, guys.
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BON APPÉTIT… Cumbria is the home to a cumulative seven Michelin stars in the latest edition of the restaurant guide, with L’Enclume in Cartmel landing three stars – the only UK restaurant to do so. Lancashire was also well represented, with three total stars (two for Moor Hall and one for The Barn, both in Aughton). Manchester’s Mana kept its single star, as did Fraiche in Birkenhead. Sad news for foodies in Cheshire – the Chester Grosvenor did not make the Michelin Guide for the first time since 1990.
2019’s victorious Ride to MIPIM cyclists. Credit: Club Peloton
TOUR DE MIPIM… An ambitious crew is taking the long way to Cannes this year, cycling all the way from London to southern France in March as part of Club Peloton’s Ride to MIPIM charity event. Riders from the North West include Judi Greenwood of Regeneration Brainery, James Bruce of Civic Engineers and Simon Branson of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Money raised from the ride goes towards a variety of projects, including recruiting families for children who have waited longer than 18 months to find adoptive homes and giving bikes to young people impacted by cancer. You can contribute to their fundraising efforts at justgiving.com/campaign/CycletoMIPIM2022.
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PARIS OF THE NORTH… Most of us will have heard how Napoleon III was so inspired by Southport’s Lord Street (pictured above) that he ordered Baron Hausmann to design the boulevards of the French capital in the same way. Sefton Council is now embarking on Les Transformations des Southport, a consultation seeking feedback on proposed improvements (funded by the Town Deal) to restore the resort to its Victorian pomp. Consultation runs until 18 March. Despite the fancy name, it’s all solid, practical stuff: lighting and benches, improved station entrance, Market Street revamp and so on, but surely there’s room yet for a French twist? Maybe station signage akin to the Paris Metro. Just a thought…
The cover for Robert Graham’s book. Credit: via Freelance PR
GLORY DAYS… The best of luck to Chorlton author and creative writing lecturer Robert Graham, whose third novel, The Former Boy Wonder is out this month. The story follows the highs and lows of a Manchester-based music journo, and references several old school Manc cultural touchstones, including San Marco, The Gallery, The Boardwalk and Stretford’s Hardrock, as well as the Free Trade Hall and the old Poly’s Cavendish House. Sounds like it could be a joy for those who love a bit of Manchester nostalgia but have frankly had enough of the endless Hacienda/Factory hype machine. Count THING in.
