Nice quiet day with nothing planned. happy days. until i got a text. "the girl down the road" from school days got in touch to say she was in Manchester for the day and would i help her kill some time...could hardly say no could i?
Another trip to the Xmas Markets - ok then! Bailey's hot chocolate avoided (unfortunately - cos it smelt so good!). Devoured a pot of tea in The Bridge though!
Monday, 23 November 2009
Saturday 21st November
Another early start - so unfair. Can't wait to have beer so it makes me sleep in...
Soft boiled eggs and soldiers for breakfast - rock on.
Then an Abdul's donner kebab for dinner. mmmmmmm. It was so good i had another one at half two in the morning!
Another trip to the Xmas Marekts - can't keep away from the place! Went with Matt to meet Viv, Jen, Clyde and Vaila. The left for Velvet for a pre Warehouse Project drink. We went to Space (2 brews) then Revolution on Oxford road to meet Craig, Steve and Justine.
Next up was The Millstone in the Northern Quarter to meet Karen, Nick and Si.
Thought we'd treat ourselves to a stop off in Noho but it was too busy, so went back to Centro for one (galss of water).
Final venue of the night was the very impressive Lammars. Job done.
Soft boiled eggs and soldiers for breakfast - rock on.
Then an Abdul's donner kebab for dinner. mmmmmmm. It was so good i had another one at half two in the morning!
Another trip to the Xmas Marekts - can't keep away from the place! Went with Matt to meet Viv, Jen, Clyde and Vaila. The left for Velvet for a pre Warehouse Project drink. We went to Space (2 brews) then Revolution on Oxford road to meet Craig, Steve and Justine.
Next up was The Millstone in the Northern Quarter to meet Karen, Nick and Si.
Thought we'd treat ourselves to a stop off in Noho but it was too busy, so went back to Centro for one (galss of water).
Final venue of the night was the very impressive Lammars. Job done.
Friday 20th November
Bed at 3am and work at 9am - not a good start to the day...
Got home after work with plenty of time for a power nap - no such luck. Back in town for 8pm...straight to La Vina to meet Russell and Nicola for a catch up and a glass of water.
Then to the markets again to meet Fionnuala and Al, watched them eat bratwurst then took them to Corbieres - a hidden gem of a bar.
Athenaeum was next to meet Viv, Clyde and Jen. They'd switched their brew making facilities off early, so it was a red bull for me...
The main event of the evening was the legendary Dave Haslam's Sweet Sensation night in The Circle Club. What can i say Dave, another awesome set. Loved it. Just wish i'd been around for the Hacienda days!!
Got home after work with plenty of time for a power nap - no such luck. Back in town for 8pm...straight to La Vina to meet Russell and Nicola for a catch up and a glass of water.
Then to the markets again to meet Fionnuala and Al, watched them eat bratwurst then took them to Corbieres - a hidden gem of a bar.
Athenaeum was next to meet Viv, Clyde and Jen. They'd switched their brew making facilities off early, so it was a red bull for me...
The main event of the evening was the legendary Dave Haslam's Sweet Sensation night in The Circle Club. What can i say Dave, another awesome set. Loved it. Just wish i'd been around for the Hacienda days!!
Thursday 19th November
First things first. a BIG congratulations to the new Dr Dodd. Well done with the phd Alyson!!
Celebratory drinks in Space with Alyson and the gang. Think i managed 3 pints of water and a mug of tea...and a very tasty steak baguette.
Then it was a quick drive across town to Mint Lounge for Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura night. one word. AWESOME!! Live musicians from Havana. A stonking DJ set from Gilles. Fit latino ladies. and plenty of banter. Loved it. The night was sponsored by Havana Club rum...i missed out on a lot of free alcohol :o(
well worth checking out the bands/artists and info on the website - http://www.havana-cultura.com/
Some of the Havanans shown below...
(and boy could the lead singer woman salsa dance!!)
Celebratory drinks in Space with Alyson and the gang. Think i managed 3 pints of water and a mug of tea...and a very tasty steak baguette.
Then it was a quick drive across town to Mint Lounge for Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura night. one word. AWESOME!! Live musicians from Havana. A stonking DJ set from Gilles. Fit latino ladies. and plenty of banter. Loved it. The night was sponsored by Havana Club rum...i missed out on a lot of free alcohol :o(
well worth checking out the bands/artists and info on the website - http://www.havana-cultura.com/
Some of the Havanans shown below...
(and boy could the lead singer woman salsa dance!!)
Wednesday 18th November
3pm meeting with a corporate lawyer which would have normally involved the first visit to the Manchester Christmas Markets of the year for overpriced, warm beer was adapted to be an Earl Grey and tiffin in Costas in Waterstones...much warmer in there.
Next stop - bottle of still mineral water in Bar 38 - courtesy of Sonio Singh of Mahindra Maini LLP solicitors.
Final stop - food at one of the opening nights of Zaika Indian Restaurant. One of the investors was not happy I wasn't drinking...oh well. The lager taps broke anyway...so it didnt really make much difference.
Next stop - bottle of still mineral water in Bar 38 - courtesy of Sonio Singh of Mahindra Maini LLP solicitors.
Final stop - food at one of the opening nights of Zaika Indian Restaurant. One of the investors was not happy I wasn't drinking...oh well. The lager taps broke anyway...so it didnt really make much difference.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Tuesday 17th November
Went to the Friendship Inn in Fallowfield for the quiz. we didn't do great, but a pot of tea was just 90p.
Sunday 15th November
Nothing. Actually nothing.
Except i had to have home made bangers and mash without port in the gravy. hard times.
Except i had to have home made bangers and mash without port in the gravy. hard times.
Saturday 14th November
Quick stop for 3 chicken mayo burgers...then straight back to Manchester to view some houses. Saw, hopefully, the craziest hippy/hoarder house in Chorlton. Had to be seen to be believed. Couldn't even get in three of the rooms...
Next came a very rare event...a Saturday night in...the first one of 2009 i think!! (disclaimer - i wasn't at my own house, but we didn't go to any drinking establishments)
Probably could a have done with some beer to numb my mind whilst x-factor was on!!
Next came a very rare event...a Saturday night in...the first one of 2009 i think!! (disclaimer - i wasn't at my own house, but we didn't go to any drinking establishments)
Probably could a have done with some beer to numb my mind whilst x-factor was on!!
Friday 13th November
Lunch visit to The Old Grapes - just water again to go with my lamb shank, mash, peas and gravy...
Fri night - trip to Leeds - went out in Headingley. It was really quiet in Arc and Trio. Did meet some random (apparent) ex Rhinos player from New Zealand. Tomo or something - but can't find him on the web.
Quote of the night. In relation to my 'golden yellow' hoodie - "you look like a piece of mazipan. it makes me want to finger you"...
Fri night - trip to Leeds - went out in Headingley. It was really quiet in Arc and Trio. Did meet some random (apparent) ex Rhinos player from New Zealand. Tomo or something - but can't find him on the web.
Quote of the night. In relation to my 'golden yellow' hoodie - "you look like a piece of mazipan. it makes me want to finger you"...
Friday, 13 November 2009
Thursday 12th November
Trip to Oklahoma (in the Northern Quarter) for lunch. don't think they even sold beer. but they did sell a pretty tasty chocolate cake!!
Manchester Christmas lights turn on in Albert Sq. never been before - pleasantly surprised. Excellent fireworks. boom.
Then a quick stop at Corbieres - half a pint of tap water. job done. still can't believe you've never been there before Viv!
Manchester Christmas lights turn on in Albert Sq. never been before - pleasantly surprised. Excellent fireworks. boom.
Then a quick stop at Corbieres - half a pint of tap water. job done. still can't believe you've never been there before Viv!
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Wednesday 11th November
Why is it never easy when it comes to cars??!
my wrench has been rounded. My housemates wrench was too big. And then the wheel nuts were too stiff/ceased to get off with a socket set...
Andy to the rescue again...two new wheels fitted. plus an Andy eye socket shaped dent to my drivers side wing...don't ask...
Beers on me Mr Dawson, sometime after 2.31pm on 5th December...
my wrench has been rounded. My housemates wrench was too big. And then the wheel nuts were too stiff/ceased to get off with a socket set...
Andy to the rescue again...two new wheels fitted. plus an Andy eye socket shaped dent to my drivers side wing...don't ask...
Beers on me Mr Dawson, sometime after 2.31pm on 5th December...
Tuesday 10th November
another one of those evenings where a cold beer would have gone down a treat!
First stop Padfield to collect my car after its MOT - £75 for a new battery - really??! Still £175 all in for another years motoring, can't complain.
Next stop - pick Andy up as designated navigator for a trip to Blackburn, to meet my new friend Jack, who sold me four wheels on ebay for less than the price of one new tyre. happy days.
So 3 hours driving without alcoholic reward...man down! slept well though.
First stop Padfield to collect my car after its MOT - £75 for a new battery - really??! Still £175 all in for another years motoring, can't complain.
Next stop - pick Andy up as designated navigator for a trip to Blackburn, to meet my new friend Jack, who sold me four wheels on ebay for less than the price of one new tyre. happy days.
So 3 hours driving without alcoholic reward...man down! slept well though.
Monday 9th November
Katsouris for lunch - no "avoiding" to be done there. another roast gammon off the bone, pineapple, onion, german mustard, iceberg and mayo half ciabata...think it is officially my favourite sandwich. close second is Greggs' chicken pesto baguette - the one with sun dried tomatos.
still think they should have kept Greggs and Braggs at Bakers Oven shops.
Evening - cooked for the first time for a long time, albeit a simple pork loin, veg and oyster sauce stir fry. tasted good, even without my usual secret ingredient - rice wine.
still think they should have kept Greggs and Braggs at Bakers Oven shops.
Evening - cooked for the first time for a long time, albeit a simple pork loin, veg and oyster sauce stir fry. tasted good, even without my usual secret ingredient - rice wine.
Sunday 8th November
Another lie in. bliss.
a quick trip into town. then back home to chill. watch Planet Terror - a little bit weird...
a quick trip into town. then back home to chill. watch Planet Terror - a little bit weird...
Saturday 7th November
Finally got some time to myself and chill. stayed in bed til nearly 2pm...
(been waking up at 5ish every day since the clocks changed. 2 weeks and counting!)
quick stop at the Sweet Tooth Cup Cakery with Freddie and Susie.
next stop town for "breakfast" (at 4pm) in Katsouris (yum) with Andy and Gez in the middle fo their xmas shopping.
then to withington for a brew and catch up with Shayrelle, Ruth and Jessica.
then to pizza express in West Didsbury for tea with Caroline, Amy, Fionnoula, Louise, Laura, Michael, and Emma. Why is it there's nothing you really want to eat in Pizza Express. Settled for Lasagna - it wasn't up to much it has to be said.
next stop the Northern Quarter and a red bull in The Bay Horse. Followed by two pints of water...don't want to get dehydrated. Met Dave A, Dave M, Carlos, Matt and Alyson.
Then to Lammars with Dave A and Carlos to meet Craig and his brother. Bumped into Amanda and Julie - mid way through what turned out to be a fairly big session, no?!
Nearly ended up with a mouthful of Guiness when some fool bumped into me when i was sat down!!
Luckily Lammars shuts at about quarter past two - so plenty of time to get back to chorlton for a Dixy Chicken burger...with hash brown...oooo yeah!
(been waking up at 5ish every day since the clocks changed. 2 weeks and counting!)
quick stop at the Sweet Tooth Cup Cakery with Freddie and Susie.
next stop town for "breakfast" (at 4pm) in Katsouris (yum) with Andy and Gez in the middle fo their xmas shopping.
then to withington for a brew and catch up with Shayrelle, Ruth and Jessica.
then to pizza express in West Didsbury for tea with Caroline, Amy, Fionnoula, Louise, Laura, Michael, and Emma. Why is it there's nothing you really want to eat in Pizza Express. Settled for Lasagna - it wasn't up to much it has to be said.
next stop the Northern Quarter and a red bull in The Bay Horse. Followed by two pints of water...don't want to get dehydrated. Met Dave A, Dave M, Carlos, Matt and Alyson.
Then to Lammars with Dave A and Carlos to meet Craig and his brother. Bumped into Amanda and Julie - mid way through what turned out to be a fairly big session, no?!
Nearly ended up with a mouthful of Guiness when some fool bumped into me when i was sat down!!
Luckily Lammars shuts at about quarter past two - so plenty of time to get back to chorlton for a Dixy Chicken burger...with hash brown...oooo yeah!
Friday 6th November
No Becks this time at Aon's networking lunch...and i'm not really a fan of wine, so alcohol wasn't too hard to avoid thankfully.
food was excellent. why can't my company use First Taste for catering??
The Evening - probably the hardest one yet...mid way through the ordeal.
Had my first dream about beer on thursday night - made me feel all warm and cosy inside!!
Felt agitated and really tired...a few beers would have sorted this out nicely - as it was i had to put up with wasted folk in mojo for 3 and a half hours!!
Some good support from barman Simon Yardley helped me through.
Night took a turn for the worst when some guy fell/slipped down the stairs - would assume he was unconscious - ambulance was there for ages!! hope he's alright.
food was excellent. why can't my company use First Taste for catering??
The Evening - probably the hardest one yet...mid way through the ordeal.
Had my first dream about beer on thursday night - made me feel all warm and cosy inside!!
Felt agitated and really tired...a few beers would have sorted this out nicely - as it was i had to put up with wasted folk in mojo for 3 and a half hours!!
Some good support from barman Simon Yardley helped me through.
Night took a turn for the worst when some guy fell/slipped down the stairs - would assume he was unconscious - ambulance was there for ages!! hope he's alright.
Thursday 5th November
No fireworks or bonfires for me. First time ever i think!!
It was Maven Capital's First Thursday event in Grinch - my favourite free bar...hardly remember being there in October - pints 10 to 15 (that i remember) were consumed as part of my 30th birthday weekend build up.
Anyhow - in grinch the cups for the tea were small and pointless, so cranberry and OJ all the way...
It was mentioned how weird it was to see me sober at 8.30pm at a First Thursday Event - another first for me...
It was Maven Capital's First Thursday event in Grinch - my favourite free bar...hardly remember being there in October - pints 10 to 15 (that i remember) were consumed as part of my 30th birthday weekend build up.
Anyhow - in grinch the cups for the tea were small and pointless, so cranberry and OJ all the way...
It was mentioned how weird it was to see me sober at 8.30pm at a First Thursday Event - another first for me...
Wednesday 4th November
could have well done with a beer, or four...
Car wouldn't start, nor would it jump start. Bump started ok though after much huffing and puffing...
stressful drive to Padfield hoping it didn't conk out. Back to Chorlton for a SHYTE chinese.
a few beers would have chilled me out nicely...one month and one day to go!!
Car wouldn't start, nor would it jump start. Bump started ok though after much huffing and puffing...
stressful drive to Padfield hoping it didn't conk out. Back to Chorlton for a SHYTE chinese.
a few beers would have chilled me out nicely...one month and one day to go!!
Tuesday 3rd November
Trip to cinema - not even i think about having a beer at the cinema...
Saw Michael Jackson's This Is It. Just bits and bobs from the rehearsals - but OMG i reckon it would have been a good show. Had tickets for the 4th show - gutted!!
Saw Michael Jackson's This Is It. Just bits and bobs from the rehearsals - but OMG i reckon it would have been a good show. Had tickets for the 4th show - gutted!!
Monday 2nd November
Dinner round at a friend's house. Deliberately drove to remove the "wine with dinner" temptation...took a bottle of wine with though as thanks...
excellent food and company. cheers freddie and susie.
excellent food and company. cheers freddie and susie.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Saturday 31st October
House hunting in the day time - could have well done with a beer break!!
Kebab for mid pm snack then off to town to The English Lounge to meet up (two pints of water), then to the MEN Arena for the Green Day gig - awesome. Probably the best gig i've ever been to.
Straight to a halloween party after that. Everyone was wrecked by the time i got there...difficult times...
Made it through though. And my smoke machine went down pretty well!!
Kebab for mid pm snack then off to town to The English Lounge to meet up (two pints of water), then to the MEN Arena for the Green Day gig - awesome. Probably the best gig i've ever been to.
Straight to a halloween party after that. Everyone was wrecked by the time i got there...difficult times...
Made it through though. And my smoke machine went down pretty well!!
Friday 30th October
not much to report unusually for a friday...
Lunch with Philip Wong of Hursts in The Old Grapes. he had Becks Vier, I ad water (and a lamb shank with mash, peas and gravy).
The evening consisted of a quick stop at a mate's house in Chorlton
on a pot of tea in The Bridge in town. Rest of evening was spent in excellent company - you know who you are.
Lunch with Philip Wong of Hursts in The Old Grapes. he had Becks Vier, I ad water (and a lamb shank with mash, peas and gravy).
The evening consisted of a quick stop at a mate's house in Chorlton
on a pot of tea in The Bridge in town. Rest of evening was spent in excellent company - you know who you are.
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