Moving on, did you know it’s International Better Sleep Month this May? Allow us to suggest you catch a few zed’s in of our beds, described on Trip Advisor as ‘comfortable’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘just so comfy, we had a wonderful sleep both nights’! Take advantage of the upcoming Bank Holiday (7th May) and view our Manchester serviced apartment special offers Remember to use the SAVE5 promo code to save 5% on any bookings you make!

Should you take us up on one of our great value offers (Trip Advisor: ‘The price seemed too good to be true when I found it online.’), here’s our recommendations for visiting the legendary city of Manchester this May:

1. ‘Here there is an insane love of football, of music, of celebration’ – Eric Cantona on Manchester.
   The excitement’s climbing daily among the football fans in the office and there’s a great atmosphere in the city in the lead up to Monday 30th April’s Manchester derby – ‘Game on’ says Fergie. We’ve finally got a date for the opening of the football museum (6th July)! Add to this national excitement about Olympic football at Old Trafford and Manchester really is footie capital of the world this summer.
   The North West’s Olympic festival, Looping the Loop  starts on the 19th May – view the programme here, and check availability and rates for the crucial dates here, and get involved in the 2012 spirit with the 20.12% discount offered at some of our group hotels.
2. Enter into the patriotic spirit over the Bank Holiday by discovering the picturesque  Lancashire countryside. Check out Creative Tourist’s guide to going rural without leaving town.
   
   Premier Apartments is the perfect base from which to pack your picnic and catch some (environmentally friendly!) public transport to the places mentioned above –  our Manchester city centre apartments are only fifteen minutes from Piccadilly rail station, ten to Victoria station and just steps to Shudehill bus station.
   If you’re more of an urban explorer, visit the Barbour shop on King Street, pull on some wellies at Hunter in Selfridges or check out the Jack Wills shop, also on King Street – all within a fifteen minute walk of Premier Apartments Manchester.
3. Finally, a few recommendations for some wonderful food in Manchester. The pretty Richmond Tea Rooms down on Richmond Street in the Village was recently recommended to us by a guest, and it boasts a lovely Breakfast and Afternoon Tea Menu, as well as an Alice-in-Wonderland themed interior, replete with big windows through which to people watch and escape the April showers for an hour or two – perfect for a long day’s shopping.
   
   Download some discount vouchers here
   The lovely FYG Deli is just minutes from our door, just on Tib Street, and is perfect for a breakfast bagel or lunchtime deli dish, they even did ‘Fondue Fridays’ on evenings throughout April – check out their Facebook page for the newest additions to their menu – the lemon meringues look very sweet!
   Third, Australasia – an Antipodean-themed, amazingly stylish, subterranean restaurant located down in Spinningfields. Celebrate her Maj’s Jubilee year by visiting the land down under – no vegemite sandwiches here though, rather ‘modern Australian cuisine combining Pacific Rim flavour with strong European foundations’ – oooh!

Hope that this month’s blog was an interesting read, and we hope to see you soon at Premier Apartments. Until then, la revedere, Tschüss, despedida, farvel, adjö – tata for now!

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Manchester Football

We’re finally back into the swing of European club football we have both Manchester teams competing. The atmosphere on match days with home and away fans mixing is a vibrant one and our apartments a right in the thick of things only 15 minutes from both of Manchester football teams stadiums. Staying with football the excitement is building for the opening of the new National Football Museum located just a few minutes walk from the apartments.

Easter City Breaks

Easter is fast approaching which will also bring an end to the Manchester wheel which is being dismantled to make way for the councils Olympic festivities. So it is a good time to take one last trip to view the Manchester skyline and the surrounding areas, as far as the Pennine Hills. It also marks the start of the many bank holidays we have this year, which makes a perfect time to visit the city and we have some great Easter breaks in Manchester special offers on our official website.

St Patricks Day

St. Patricks Day is also just around the corner and in Manchester this is HUGE!! We have the famous St.Patricks Day parade, one of the biggest in Europe and also the biggest Irish festival outside the Emerald Isle. This will be the 17th Annual Manchester Irish Festival. It is a 17 day extravaganza straddling the whole array of Irish culture from music to arts and comedy to sports. This year’s is set to be bigger than ever with an estimated ONE MILLION pints – mainly Guinness and Magners consumed over the period and attracting more than 200,000 visitors. More than 80 venues will play host to the festival and some of the highlights will include a concert from Sinead O’Connor and an Irish Market similar to our Christmas markets. During this time we expect to see many shades of green including the glowing town hall clock and our very own “green” wall. This is not just for our huge Irish community all are welcome as there is some thing for every one from 8 to 80!!

And finally, we have the world famous Harlem Globetrotters playing at the MEN Arena at the end of the month.

With so much to look forward to this spring we hope to welcome you to Manchester very soon!

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So if you’re wondering what to do to make a night out with your special loved one my advice would be to book one of our modern, stylish apartments and add our Romance Package, or have a single red rose with Champagne placed in your room before arrival. All of which can be added to your room reservation when booking on our website. Then a fun night out to either one of the above concerts at the Arena (which is only a 5 min walk away) or out on the city to paint the town (rose) red!

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Bhurrr. Can you feel the chill in the air? Autumn is definitely upon us and soon it will be winter. Right now is a very exciting time here in Manchester as the Manchester Christmas Markets are in full swing. Manchester Christmas Markets are really 9 markets in venues dotted a couple of minutes walk from each other across the city centre. It’s not something to be missed and wonderful opportunity to find that perfect artisan gift on Exchange St- or that mug of mulled wine to warm you up from the cool autumn air at St Ann’s Square! More information can be found on the Manchester Markets website.

This past month has been a busy one for us here. There have been plenty of great acts playing at the nearby MEN Arena. Our location here in Shudehill is fantastically convenient for attending all the events in Manchester city centre, including at the MEN or Christmas Markets.

Currently we are all looking forward to Christmas parties and the New Year to be spent with family, friends and co-workers. We are in a bit of hitch at the moment as to where to hold our Christmas party, any suggestions?

From all of here at Premier Apartments Manchester we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very happy and safe New Year.

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Experience 48-hours of art, culture, festivals, theatre, food and so much more with the Manchester Weekender.

Over the weekend of Friday 14th October Manchester explodes with 6 festivals plus the opening of the new art exhibitions and the start of the new music and theatre season. The packed programme features more than 70 events crammed into one amazing weekend. There’s something for everyone from tours and trips, to screenings and live music sessions, plus talks, workshops, photography exhibits…

For the complete Manchester Weekender experience we suggest beginning with an evening of cocktails, canapés and cabaret at the opening of Adolphe Valette: A Pioneer of Impressionism in Manchester at The Lowry. On Saturday morning take to the streets and explore our city with a passionate tribute to the women of Manchester and join the Hysterical Historical Tour, meeting at the Exchange Bar. Alternatively why not take in An Exhibition in a Day? Documenting the human story of Manchester and Salford’s regeneration over the last 30 years, photographer Len Grants new exhibition at MediaCityUK in Salford. It’s also an amazing opportunity to learn new skills and stretch your creativity with amateur workshops.

For an afternoon of live music we’re looking forward to EthniCITY at Manchester Craft and Design Centre Art. This cultural collage of world music features artists from across the globe and promises to be a unique event.

If by now your inner fashionista needs attention, pay a visit to the quirky vintage shops around Premier Apartments in our fabulously artsy Northern Quarter.

Saturday evening has a mind boggling choice of events. If you’re just popping back to your apartment for a quick freshen-up and change before a great night checkout some of our top Manchester restaurant recommendations.

On Sunday stand in the footsteps of legends Elbow, I am Klout and Cherry Girl on an Access All Areas tour of Blueprint Studios or explore the waterways and canals ona guided cycle tour. The close of the Weekender is iconic performer and famous Mancunian Jarvis Cocker discussing what it means to be a man-of-ideas and cultural-provocateur at Manchester’s Great Hall.

If you can’t make it for the Weekender, Manchester is a city of fantastic events year-round. Keep an eye on the Premier Apartments Manchester Facebook page for great ideas and our special offers.

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There are a few truly authentic Italian restaurants in Manchester worth visiting.  Luckily one of the very best is also one of the closest, just round the corner on Clarence Street so less than 5 minutes stroll is Piccolino.  The noisy atmosphere is typically Italian and the restaurant is stylish but unpretentious but of its the incredible food and great wines that really make this my absolute favourite.

China Town Manchester by Olli_ruhr

As the city has one of the largest Chinatowns outside China it’s not too hard to find quality Chinese restaurants in Manchester and the most famous of all is Yang Sing.  Situated on Princess Street and right in the heart of Chinatown this restaurant is the place to go for dim sum (and then dim sum more – sorry, couldn’t resist).  Priding itself on only using market fresh ingredients in its Cantonese creations and providing impeccable hospitality we’re certain you’ll love Yang Sing as much as we do.

We have seen a number of great Manchester Thai restaurants open over the last couple of years but none are as good as Tampopo.  Tampopo serves dishes from the whole Malay peninsula, all freshly cooked to perfection in front of you, making it ideal for groups or if you’re not completely decided what you’re in the mood for.  The large restaurant has noodle bar style benches and fast, friendly service.  My personal recommendation is the deliciously spicy Gaeng Keow Wan – a green coconut curry with prawns, onions , Thai aubergine and lime leaves.

Staying with spicy, how about trying one of an amazing Indian restaurant Manchester.  East Z East have two locations in the city and their Riverside restaurant in Deansgate is only 10 minutes walk away.  Somewhat unusually for an Indian restaurant it is stylish, sleek and modern which perfectly reflects the modern interpretations of traditional Punjabi cuisine.  Its hard to recommend a single dish but if I really had to single one out it would be the Balti Chicken Tikka Garlic, try it with a tablecloth sized Nana.

Our epicurean tour skips round to the other side of the world for our final recommendation and its for the finest Brazilian restaurant Manchester, Bem Brasil.  They have two locations, Deansgate (10-15 mins walk) and Bem Brasil Northern Quarter (5-10 mins), both offer the same wonderful food and attentive service.  The food is served in “churrascaria de Rodizio” style and  you’ll be served choice cuts of meat cooked in a variety of traditional BBQ styles.

Our Manchester restaurant guide covers only a fraction of the great restaurants in Manchester.  If you’ve any suggestions you’ve come across we’d love to hear them.

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Starting almost on our very own doorstep is Apotheca Bar, just over 100m walk you can’t miss the steel grey entrance next door to Dough Restaurant (incidentally a great choice for dinner and part of the same venue).  As you’d expect, the match will be shown on big screens all around the bar.  It’s location and comfortable atmosphere draws in a diverse range of people and after the game the party continues with excellent DJ’s most nights.

Not everyone is football mad and if you’ve group mixed with fans and those who’re just not that into it Trof could be the perfect place to go.  The match will be shown on the screens but they’re a bit more discreet than most other venues.  Relax in the comfy armchairs and leather sofas, the huge rooftop terrace catches the sun all afternoon and excellent food is served all day (try the succulent roast belly pork for Sunday lunch or Saltimbocca Ciabatta).

Just 5 minutes walk down Rochdale Road you can enjoy probably the best beer in town brewed in their very own, on-site brewery.  The Marble Arch retains the best classic traditions of the British pub yet somehow manages to be always busy but rarely crowded making it the perfect place to enjoy a perfect pint.  House specialty beers include Chocolate Stout and the fiery Ginger Beer – working your way through the list adds an extra dimension when enjoying the big game!

The Binary Bar is tucked away under the Moho building in Castlefield.  It’s a little further than the others (about 2.5km) but still under 30 minutes and well worth the visit.  No matter which teams are playing there is always a fun, friendly atmosphere.  Matches are shown on big screens dotted around the walls, as well as giant projector screen so you’re guaranteed an excellent view (ok, couple of exceptions – smoking area, stairs…).  For small groups (10 – 15 people) book the private room at the back – not only can you watch the game together but there’s also a Wii and Playstation for staging your own rematch if your team don’t win!

Thanks for reading our round up of the best world cup pubs in Manchester.

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Mark after completing the Bupa Manchester 10k Run

The course covered 10km through the heart of Manchester City Centre starting at Portland Street, down to Old Trafford and onto Wharfside Way before finally crossing the finishing line at Deansgate.

Mark was one of 36,000 entrants with 26,987 completing the race.  We are very proud Mark came in 3,925th place with an excellent time of 48 minutes and 6 seconds.  Although he “felt rather tired” at the end he’s already back in training for the Great North Run in Septmeber – a half marathon!

Beyond the Moon is Premier Apartments nominated charity and Mark raised an amazing £460 on this run.  The charity raises money to allow children with life-threatening diseases enjoy holidays together with their families away from hospitals and daily treatments.

We’re all very proud (and impressed) by your acheivement Mark and wish you every success for your next challenge.

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The big news last week was international superstar Whitney Houston was forced to cancel her two sell out gigs at the MEN Manchester Arena last week due after being treated in Paris for a respiratory infection.  We’re pleased she’s well on the way to recovery and her concerts rescheduled for Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th June – promoter Marshall Arts has advised people to retain their tickets which will be valid for the new dates.

If you can’t wait another two months, Whitney is still set to play Birmingham tomorrow.  As she was also forced to cancel her Glasgow performance, this will be her first UK concert in eleven years.  There is still some availability at our Birmingham Apartments though concert tickets may be hard to come by.

Our top recommendation is up-coming singer/songwriter John Smith who’ll be in Manchester on Friday 30th April at Band on the Wall.  One of the most exciting new voices on the acoustic and folk scene, John has supported the likes of David Gray and played Glastonbury and the Green Man.  At this gig he’ll be supported by Dead Cities whose ethereal sounds are seducing audiences across the country.

Candi Staton

American soul and gospel diva Candi Staton has been thrilling audiences with her incredibly powerful voice for over 50 years.  Most famous for her 1976 disco hit Young Hearts, Run Free and in the early 90’s a dance remix of her song You Got the Love exploded across the dance scene (Florence & The Machine released a version in 2009).  You can catch Candi perform live at Band on the Wall on Monday 19th and 20th April.

Band on the Wall is a non-profit venue run by the charity Inner City Music organisation to bring music from across the world to Manchester and works closely with community groups and local schools.  The venue is literally just round the corner from our building so not even 3 minutes walk.

With more great events planned over the summer, be sure to check back regularly (or subscribe to our RSS feed) for our updates and guides on the best to see and do in Manchester city centre.

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