Manchester has a rich cultural heritage and has been doing ‘vintage’ before it was vintage – in other words, when it was simply called second-hand. The Vintage Manchester 2012 Awards this October is a celebration of all things vintage in Manchester – and voting is heating up. Clearly not everyone can be in the final though so here are three that just missed out on the shortlist. If you want somewhere to soak up the vintage atmosphere then these three are worth a try…
1. Follow the rock ‘n’ roll music on the the first floor of Afflecks Palace and you’ll find yourself at Pinkies Diner (pictured). Pinkies serves up affordable and authentic American diner bites and refreshments in a faithful reproduction of a 1950s diner. With lots of chrome, a chequer board floor, vinyl records all over the place, and a bargainous £4.50 ‘Shake’n’Dawg’ deal to die for, this is THE place to go if you love your 1950s Americana. Pinkies Diner, 1st Floor, Afflecks Palace, 52 Church Street, M4 1PW, Tel: 0161 839 0718, www.facebook.com
2. From the creators of the renown Whim Wham Club comes The Whim Wham Cafe. Underneath one of the railway arches, this venue has taken the railway theme and run with it – from the Victorian days when trains had wood-framed carriages, brass lamps and plush first class lounges. The Whim Wham Cafe is a gin saloon serving up quality cocktails from the golden age of steam travel. The food ethos is local and slow-cooked so things like stews and pates often feature on the menu and alongside artisan bread. The Sunday roasts vary from week to week but all feature full-on flavour, with some often having been slow cooked for up six hours. Thursdays are ‘Nibbles & Tipples’ nights, where there are free nibbles with your tipples, and Friday and Saturday there is live entertainment from a variety of acts who have influences from 1920s onwards. The Whim Wham Cafe, Arch 64, Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5WQ. Tel: 0871 977 3913, @TheWhimWhamCafe
3. Based in Trafford and bordering Cheshire is about as much as I can tell you about the location of the Secret Afternoon Tea Parties. Usually on a Sunday from 2pm until 4.30pm, everything is served on vintage china placed on vintage tablecloths – some even dates from the early 1900s. Now that’s defiantly vintage! Like secrets, find out more here. Part of the Supper Club movement, this is secret underground dining at its best. Secret Afternoon Tea Parties, Altrincham area. www.vintageafternoonteas.co.uk
Our guest contributor is Susan Earlam, founder and editor of VintageManchester.com. Go to the Vintage Manchester Awards 2012 on 17 October at Matt & Phreds in the Northern Quarter to find out more about the vintage scene in Manchester. Read more here, vote here, and buy tickets here.
- Words:
- Susan Earlam
- Published on:
- Tue 25 Sep 2012
