THING OF THE WEEK
TONGUE-TWISTER TAX…Research from estate agent comparison site GetAgent has revealed that house prices in hard-to-pronounce areas like Quernmore (‘KWOR-MER’, for your interest) in Lancaster, are, on average, 20% higher than other locations in surrounding districts. GetAgent founder, Colby Short, said: “We know that some house numbers and even road names can deter homebuyers from a particular property but it would seem that being unable to pronounce the name of an area does not have the same impact.”
SUPERLATIVE AXIS…Place North West was lucky enough to be shown around PAG’s Axis building on Deansgate and we were impressed with the building’s various record-breaking feats. The 29-storey tower has the highest sliding doors of any building in Manchester, the highest roof terrace and the largest unilateral penthouse (it’s already sold, sorry).
MUCKING IN…‘Field to Fork’ is a project launched by Cheshire East Council, with the help of a £1.3m Lottery Fund grant, which shines a light on Tatton Park farm’s fascinating heritage. This week Tatton Park announced it was looking for volunteers to help bring its history to life. Casting is now open for the roles of Teamsman, Miller and Land Army girl. It is time to dust off that tweed jacket you have been looking for an excuse to wear.
Fergus
CHICKEN RUN…Place’s favourite clergyman Fergus Butler-Gallie has provided us with the answer to a question we have been asking for years: how long would it take for each Church of England Diocesan Bishop to walk from their cathedral to the nearest Nando’s restaurant? Fergus’s findings are fantastic news for the bishop of Chester Peter Forster, who can nip for a cheeky Nando’s in under five minutes. Spare a thought for the Bishop of Sodor and Man, though, whose nearest Nando’s is a ferry ride away…
GRITTY MCGRITFACE…Manchester has a new fleet of gritters and they have all been given pun-derful names as chosen by the public. Basil Salty, Grit Astley, Gritter Thunberg, Slushay Away, Snowbi-Gone Kenobi, Snowel Gallagher, Spreaddie Flintoff and Spreaddie Mercury will be out spreading on a street near you very soon. Our comments are open if you have any more nICE name ideas. Sorry.
FOOD-CHESTER…Manchester has become something of a foodie haven, an accolade bolstered by its first Michelin star in 40 years given to Mana at the end of 2019. However, the closure of Spinningfields restaurant MCR for the second time strikes a blow to our hungry hearts. All is not lost, however, as chef Aiden Byrne, who also set up the ‘sky palace’ 20Stories in Spinningfields, is preparing to launch another restaurant, so keep your mouths and ears open for that.
