While my other ‘Been There, Done That’ pages are based on holidays, between April 2012 and June 2014 I found myself working for the Co-operative Group, spending four days a week in Manchester.
I posted a number of ‘Ramblings’ (left) reviewing bars and restaurants in and around Manchester’s ‘Northern Quarter’ – well a boy has to do something to occupy his lonely evenings away from home.
Here are some memories of that period of my life.
This is the Holiday Inn Express – my home for much of that period.
Room 819 was the third window from the left, top floor.
Travelling on Mr Branson’s fine Pendolino trains.
Virgin Pendolinos (Euston)
…at considerable speed
High speed rail travel
And I was fortunate enough to spend some time working in ‘1 Angel Square’
The Co-operative’s stunning new head office building.
1 Angel Square, from the Co-op Bank Building
1 Angel Square Atrium
I met some interesting people.
Sensible Drinking with Cleo Rocos
‘Selfie’ with Ray Davies
An evening with Lee Child
Caught up with some old friends.
Phill Morton
My Brother Dave, and his sons Paul & Richard
Had some interesting evenings.
Beer Tasting Record
This explains a lot!
Saw some unexpected sights! 
Tried to take some ‘arty’ photos.
Terracotta Pigeons at Tib Street
Boots on Edge Street
Manchester Christmas Markets
Rainbow from my room
Mac users at Common Bar, Edge Street
Manchester Back Street
Co-op Bank Building – Miller Street
Enjoyed some awesome meals
Almost Famous Burgers – Triple Nom
Kentucky Fried Burger at Solita
Southern Tasting Platter at Southern 11
Nepalese Curry in Didsbury
BBQ Double Bacon Cheeseburger at Reds
Luck, Lust, Liquor & Burn
And.. after two years as a ‘resident’ – this was what greeted me on my last week in Manchester.
‘Blue Plaque’ at the Holiday Inn Express
I was genuinely touched.