THING OF THE WEEK

ROBOTS… Cumberland County sure knew how to make an impression at UKREiiF, bringing along Spot the robot dog to the show. Spot is used at Sellafield to help with nuclear decommissioning efforts by going into areas too dangerous, or difficult, for humans to access. The quadruped robot hung out at Cumberland’s stand at the show, clutching a box of Carr’s biscuits (manufactured in Carlisle). Spot also made an appearance during Cumberland’s showcase session at the property convention, adding a bit of wow factor. If anyone needed reminding that Cumberland is an innovation hub, Spot proved the point.

 

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TAYLOR TOWN… Liverpool is embracing Swifties, rechristening itself Taylor Town in honour of the star’s three shows on 13, 14, and 15 June. Leaving no Blank Space, Liverpool City Council and Make CIC are putting together a walking trail with 11 Gorgeous art installations – each themed with a different Taylor Swift era – throughout the city centre. Even the University of Liverpool is getting in on the action, hosting a Tay Day symposium about the star on 12 June. While some may say to Liverpool: You Need to Calm Down, true Swifties will have to agree that the city has Style.

You can expect a wide variety of activities in Liverpool for the festival. Credit: PNW

ARCHITECT’S DELIGHT… The Liverpool Architectural Festival returns on 1 Juen for a monthlong programme of exhibitions, walking tours, workshops, and socials celebrating the good and great of Liverpool’s design scene – as well as providing inspiration for the future. This year’s theme is ‘Neighbourhood’, with community playing a major role. Learn more, and grab your tickets, at laf-uk.com.

Bad news for reindeers in Wales. Credit: Nicolas Lafargue on Unsplash.

SCROOGE… A Christmas tree farm and reindeer centre off Llay Road in Cefn-y-Bedd was rejected in November last year (as THING devotees will remember) – and now, it is going to appeal. If the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future were unable to change the mind of Wrexham County Council, the only hope left is the Planning Inspectorate – a spectre that can truly terrify.

Pip is set to open in late summer. Credit: via Indigo PR

PIP PIP HOORAY… We officially have the first of three new restaurants coming to the Manchester Treehouse hotel. Pip by Mary-Ellen McTague is set to focus on low-waste cooking and seasonal ingredients, with a menu that includes Carlingford oysters with fennel kimchi liquor, Lancashire hotpot with pickled red cabbage and oyster ketchup, and Rhubarb fool with olive oil biscuits. We’ll be able to indulge in Pip’s cuisine later this summer, when the hotel itself opens off Blackfriars Street.