Altrincham Today magazine - Issue 10 by Angela Audsley

AUTUMN 2019 ISSUE 10

FREE Highly Commended Regional Press Awards 2019

2019

INSIDE: THE TOUR OF BRITAIN COMES TO ALTRINCHAM • SPECIAL FEATURE ALTRINCHAM MARKET • FIVE YEARS ON • PROPERTY • BEERS • EDUCATION VIOLET LOVES VINTAGE • PETERLOO • DUNHAM MASSEY • EVUNA • LISTINGS MENAI HOLIDAYS • BLANCHFLOWER • TILE BY TILE • HOTEL REVIEW • CARS

Explorer Days

are not far away this autumn at

TATTON PARK 14 September – 3 Nov 2019 Pick a pumpkin down at the Farm, taste delicious apple varieties from our Orchards, join in a woodland welly walk...or simply crunch the leaves on a Parkland stroll. Celebrate autumn with us tattonpark.org.uk/autumnadventures

Farm • Gardens • Mansion • Parkland

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AUTUMN 2019 ISSUE 10

EDITORIAL

Editor David Prior david@altrincham.today DESIGN

Artwork Designer Angela Audsley-Hickie angela@taangerine.com SALES & MARKETING

Marketing Consultant & Advertising Sales Katherine Dunham kath@hyperlocaltoday.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS

Laura Hudspeth Gail Titchener GENERAL

Editor-at-large Jo Prior jo@altrincham.today

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the autumn issue of the Altrincham Today magazine. This, our 10th edition, is something of a special issue. For one thing, it’s our biggest yet, and also features our largest ever print run. But there’s another reason why all available shoulders have been put to the wheel of this particular edition to make it as strong as we possibly can. It’s because this one, more than any other, is going to travel. On Saturday September 14th, thousands upon thousands will descend on Altrincham for the start of the final stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race. Anyone who has ever attended the start or finish of a stage on a major cycling tour can testify that they are unique sporting spectacles; a complete riot of colour and noise. It’s the first time Altrincham has ever hosted a stage of the Tour of Britain, and it’s quite possibly one of the biggest events ever to grace our town. Which is why every business in the town – including us – has the opportunity to make their products travel. Among the hordes visiting Altrincham for the Tour of Britain, many will be here for the first time. Many will be coming for the first time in a while. They’ll be here early on a Saturday morning and many will be looking to stay here and eat, drink, shop, watch a film, have a coffee, whatever. It’s a fantastic opportunity to market Altrincham to a lot of new people in one day.

AUTUMN 2019 ISSUE 10

FREE Highly Commended Regional Press Awards 2019

By the way, if you are visiting Altrincham for the first time, we have put together a special feature running through 25 things you absolutely should do while you’re here. Turn to page 31 for more. Here’s to a great day, locals and first-timers alike. Enjoy the issue. David Prior

2019

Front cover illustration: Nick Thompson lemondropcreative.co.uk

To enquire about advertising in our next issue, email kath@hyperlocaltoday.co.uk AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 1

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Contents AUTUMN 2019 | ISSUE 10 1 Editor’s Letter

Our editor introduces in the only way he knows.

NEWS

24-26 ‘It Was Now or Never’

From small beginnings on Altrincham Market, Violet Loves Vintage has now opened a permanent boutique in Stamford House on Moss Lane. We sit down with owner Rachel Warburton.

4-5 Gallery

Twenty five Altrincham businesses took part in the town’s Best Dressed Window Competition this summer, to coincide with the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. Here’s a selection of the best.

48-50 Market House Traders

We round up all the fantastic traders that you can find inside Market House.

50-51 Market Garden

In her latest Market Garden column, Gail Titchener says that by introducing just one source of nectar-rich food into your garden, you can improve bees’ prospects of surviving the winter.

PROPERTY & HOME

6-9 The Catch-Up

Timperley pubs, the Hale Barns Carnival and a Hale tornado - all stories that feature in our round-up of recent Altrincham news.

11-16 What’s On

A comprehensive live music and theatre guide for the next few weeks, including the world amateur production of Corrie! The Play at the Altrincham Garrick and a celebration of James Taylor at the Cinnamon Club.

LOCAL

28-38 The Tour of Britain Comes To Altrincham

Thousands of people will descend on Altrincham on Saturday September 14th as the town hosts a stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race. We mark the occasion with our rundown of 25 must-do things to do while you’re here.

MARKET

54-55 All Things Bright And Beautiful

Award-winning franchise owner Faye Roddy runs Bright & Beautiful Altrincham, which keeps over 900 homes clean and tidy across Cheshire every month. We sit down with her as she celebrates her nine-year anniversary.

56 Most Expensive House Sales

The 50 most expensive Altrincham house sales between April and June 2019.

58-60 Most Valuable Roads

18-20 Autumn Is My Favourite Season

The park and woodland at Dunham Massey place are full of changing colours, crunchy leaves and wonderful wildlife during autumn. We catch up with Park Ranger Jon Lucas.

22-23 My Altrincham

Louisa Reid, the Altrincham-based author of critically acclaimed books for young adults, picks his favourite spots in the town. 2 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

41-46 ‘We’re Continually Challenging Ourselves’

Check out the latest property trends to find out how valuable the roads are in Altrincham, Bowdon, Broadheath, Hale, Hale Barns and Timperley.

62-66 Tile by Tile

Five years on from their relaunch of Altrincham Market, co-owners Nick Johnson and Jen Thompson reflect on the impact it’s had on the town - and why they are reimagining a new kind of department store for the high street.

Husband-and-wife team Basil and Dasha McFarland are opening a threestorey tile shop in a former dairy in Altrincham town centre. We speak to Dasha about their plans for Tile by Tile.

47 Food & Florists

We round up some of the latest new developments in the Altrincham area, including final approval for a new library and community centre for Hale village.

From fishmongers to flowers, butchers to bakers, here are the details for the traders operating out of Altrincham Market.

68-70 New Developments

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LIFE

FOOD & DRINK

71-72 What Altrincham’s Reading

100-102 Restaurant Review Our resident restaurant reviewer, Laura Hudspeth, tries out a new Nepalese option on Ashley Road in Altrincham.

From non-fiction to children’s, our regular look at the most popular books sold in Waterstones Altrincham.

103-105 Calling All Bounty Hunters

72 Book Review Angela Prior reviews a “beautifully written” historical novel set in the time of the Peninsula War.

86-87 Hotel Review

David Prior travels to Formby and the heart of England’s Golf Coast.

We can do our bit for the environment by simply eating our local harvest, says Blanchflower owner Phil Howells.

73-74 A Day In The Life

88-90 Car Review

106-107 Food On The Tracks

His gold at the Barcelona Olympics is credited with opening the floodgates for the British cycling success that has followed - but Chris Boardman has an even bigger challenge on his hands now.

Seriously considering buying an electric car but don’t want it to cost the earth? Andrew Walker has a cost-effective option.

For a new regular feature, we take a trip to a restaurant within easy reach of a tram stop on the Altrincham line. First up, classic bistro Chez Nous in Sale.

108-110 Best Craft Beers

75-76 Peterloo Massacre

Batch Bottlestore, described as a halfway house between an off licence and a tap room, has opened in Altrincham. We ask co-owner Chris Bardsley for six of his favourite tipples.

For her first novel, Altrincham author Carolyn O’Brien follows one local millworker as she risks everything to join the great assembly that will forever now be known as the Peterloo Massacre.

77-81 Fitness, Salons and Spas A newly expanded run-through of all the health, fitness and beauty places that Altrincham can offer.

91-93 Taking The Hassle Out Of Holiday Letting

Owning a second home is a popular option for an increasing number of people – and North Wales is an enduringly popular location. We speak to Luke Edwards, from Menai Holidays.

EDUCATION 94-96 School Performance Tables 82-83 How Mother Nature Can Lift The Seasonal Gloom Summer’s over, but you don’t need to slip back into old habits, says Altrinchambased nutritionist Kate Roberts.

84 Alternative Therapy Joining a choir may seriously improve your life. Our resident doctor, Dr Lizzie Croton, explains more.

How do the local schools rate for some key performance metrics? Our tables give parents the information they need to know.

98-99 Schools News Round-up

A musical award for Willows Primary and an update on the plans to amalgamate Stamford Park Infants and Junior schools - it’s all here in our roundup of local schools’ news.

111-113 ‘After A Month I’d Found My Passion’ Sixteen years ago, Jane Dowler left a career in marketing to set up the first Evuna. Now, with her fourth restaurant open in Altrincham, she talks steep learning curves, the unique way she sources wine – and why she thinks Evuna is so special.

114-116 Dining Guide Whatever your preference, we have the complete guide to eating out in Altrincham, Timperley, Hale, Hale Barns, Bowdon and Dunham. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 3

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Blooming marvellous GALLERY

Twenty five Altrincham businesses took part in the town’s Best Dressed Window Competition this summer, to coincide with the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. And designer furniture shop Ferrious was judged the winner by RHS judges, with Gran T’s Coffee House named the People’s Choice competition after securing an incredible 852 votes out of almost 5,000 cast on the Altrincham Today Facebook page. Toast, Two Brothers, The Old Roebuck and Sand Hairdressing completed the top five in the people’s vote. Jeremy West from Ferrious, who designed and created the display, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition coordinated by Altrincham BID and it was great to see so many businesses around the town decorated with beautiful and creative floral displays.” 4 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

2 1 Ferrious 2 Toast 3 Sand Hairdressing 4 Randalls 5 Off The Wheaten Track 6 The Old Roebuck 7 Two Brothers 8 Sew Creative 9 Gran T’s Coffee House

3 Photography: Graham Douglas

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AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 5

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The Catch-up OUR PICK OF THE BEST-READ STORIES ONLINE

Timperley pub to get £380,000 facelift The Gardeners Arms in Timperley is to undergo a major £380,000 refurbishment and reopen as a “modern family-friendly neighbourhood local” this autumn. The future of the Deansgate Lane pub had been in doubt earlier this year after it appeared to have closed. But its future has been secured after its owner, Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars, struck a deal with Warrington-based pub operator Priory Inns North West. It has now closed in order to be given a “complete facelift” and will reopen in early September with a new food offer, with 16 new jobs created.

New diner for Hale village American-style diner Deadwood Smokehouse has taken over the former Morley’s restaurant/bar in Hale village. Morley’s, on Ashley Road, had closed earlier this year after opening in the former Stockyard unit in early 2018. Prior to that it was the popular Amba restaurant for many years. But a deal for the vacant unit has been completed by Hale-based Harvey Silver Hodgkinson. Deadwood Smokehouse offers authentic American BBQ food including steaks, sharing plates and burgers, plus desserts, craft ales and cocktails. 6 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

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Bay City Rollers to headline Hale Barns Carnival The organisers of the Hale Barns Carnival have announced that the event will return in 2020 – with 1970s hearthrobs The Bay City Rollers revealed as the first headline act. This year’s event – headlined by Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp, Brother Beyond’s Nathan Moore, Odyssey and The Real Thing – proved to be the three-year-old carnival’s biggest event to date and raised over £100,000 for the local community. And now it’s been confirmed that the fourth annual Hale Barns Carnival will take place across the weekend of Saturday 18th July and Sunday 19th July 2020. This year the first name confirmed is the Bay City Rollers, who will take the Sunday evening ‘legend’ slot and perform all their greatest hits including Bye Bye Baby, Shang a Lang, Remember and Summerlove Sensation.

Retailer Magnet Kitchens has closed its Altrincham store The company had moved into the corner unit on Stamford New Road back in 2014, becoming one of the first to take up space in the refurbished Stamford House. It had reportedly agreed a 10-year lease on the 1,600 sq ft space and spent about £250,000 fitting it out. But it confirmed to Altrincham Today that it had closed the store, apparently as the lease had ended.

Grinding them down for over 25 years OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE • • • •

Stump removal Site clearance Log and briquette delivery Tree work and planting

GET IN TOUCH FOR A FREE QUOTE Call us on - 0800 722 3826 Or email - alex@wtsr.co.uk www.wainwrightsstumpremoval.co.uk AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 7

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Tornado-like wind hits Hale Hale residents recalled a “massive swirling sound” that saw a tornado-like wind leave a trail of destruction through Hale and Altrincham in July. A large part of a roof blew off a property on Elm Road in Hale, landing on the opposite side of the street and causing significant damage to one car and minor damage to another. Several houses in the vicinity, including a number of houses on Hale Road, also lost tiles from their roofs after the sudden weather event.

£800,000 upgrade for ‘Bleeding Wolf’ track An area of railway named after a legendary act of bravery is getting an £800,000 upgrade this summer, ensuring quicker journeys between Altrincham and Chester. The section of railway in Hale known as ‘Bleeding Wolf ’ will benefit from the investment by the Great North Rail Project when just over a kilometre of track is overhauled. The area is so-called because in the 13th century, as legend has it, the Earl of Chester was attacked by an injured wolf and saved by local forester Adam De Lauton. The work will see 2,500 tonnes of railway stone and 700 sleepers replaced, allowing a 20mph speed limit on the MidCheshire line to be lifted.

8 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Two GP practices to move into health centre Two Altrincham-based GP practices with more than 24,000 patients will be relocating to the new Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Centre this autumn after an agreement was reached with Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group. St Johns Medical Centre and Barrington Medical Centre, both currently based in Altrincham, will be moving into the first floor of the controversial £24million town centre facility. Both were due to be one of the six original tenants at the 88,000 sq ft centre but withdrew when the CCG discovered a funding gap of £1.9m and went back on an agreement to let the practices move in on a cost-neutral basis. However, Trafford CCG has now agreed to let the practices move in on a cost-neutral basis, ending a stalemate that has seen the centre lie dormant for a year at an ongoing cost to the CCG of £51,000 per week.

NEWS

Lidl to open first Altrincham supermarket Budget supermarket Lidl is planning to open its first store in Altrincham. The fast-growing German supermarket has filed an application with Trafford Council that would see it take over part of the Homebase store at Altrincham Retail Park. The proposal would see the existing store downsized by 15,100 sq ft to allow for the creation of a new 20,000 sq ft unit to house Lidl. The new supermarket would create up to 40 jobs, although it’s not yet known whether Homebase’s downsizing would result in any separate losses.

Cars stranded as Altrincham hit by summer floods A flood warning was issued for Timperley Brook during an unprecedented spell of rain during late July and early August. Heavy downpours caused extraordinary scenes across Altrincham and Greater Manchester as a whole, with cars stranded on roads including Wellfield Road and Thorley Lane in Hale, and there was severe flooding on Delahays Road. The flood drain on the Navigation Recreation Ground also became so full that water geysers started spurting from the ground.

Timperley pub given £200,000 revamp A Timperley pub has unveiled the results of a £200,000 makeover by brewery J W Lees. The Moss Trooper, on Moss Lane, has had a complete overhaul after closing for two weeks for an August refurbishment. It will be launching a new menu in September. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 9

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What’s On

MUSIC, THEATRE & FILM LISTINGS

September Friday 6th September

tevie Williams & The Most S Wanted Band The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm Always an amazing night of live music, Stevie brings original songs mixed with favourites from artists such as Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. He knows how to blend momentous vocal melodies, wistful thinking and insightful lyrics over skilfully crafted original songs, while the band has a range of zelig-like skills and vintage sounds infused with impressive guitars, drums and harmonica playing from the fabulous Billy Buckley, Markie Creswell, Dave Hassell and Clive Mellor. Tickets: £12, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 6th September to Sunday 15th September Corrie Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, 7.30pm The Garrick has pulled off a coup for its first play of the season, winning the right to present the amateur premiere of Jonathan Harvey’s play Corrie. Based on 50 years of life on the first and most iconic TV soap, Corrie features a cast of 18 playing 56 characters - there’ll be all of 30 scenes in Act One and 19 in Act Two.

Remember the legendary rows between Elsie Tanner and Ena Sharples, Hilda Ogden’s ‘murial’ and Gail’s many husbands? They are all here alongside the Ken, Deidre and Mike Baldwin affair, Alan Bradley’s demise under a Blackpool tram and Richard Hillman’s fatal car crash into the canal. Tickets: Monday £9, Tuesday - Friday £15.50, Saturday - Sunday evening £16.50, Saturday - Sunday matinees £12.50. Book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or call the box office on 0161 928 1677

Saturday 7th September

Friday 13th September

e California Bums Th The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm Re-united as a quartet for the first time in over five years, this band has such a wide range of songs and every musician is a master. If you fancy a glorious blues night with plenty of soul, come and try this Friday night – you won’t be disappointed. Tickets: £12, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 20th September e Strictly Swing Band Th The Cinnamon Club Ballroom, 7.30pm Recently formed by Simone McGregor, The Strictly Swing Big Band is a 17-piece big band under the musical direction of Bryan Pendleton. Bryan is supported by an outstanding selection of highly accomplished musicians and together they will pay tribute to the greatest swing bands of the era, including Miller, Basie, Dorsey, Goodman and more. Matt Ford, voted the UK’s Best Male Big Band Vocalist, will be performing the hit songs of Sinatra, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett. Simone adds even more variety and glamour with hit songs from Peggy Lee and many others. Tickets: £20, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

J eremy Sassoon & friends The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm

Manchester-based jazz and blues singer pianist Jeremy is one of the UK’s most in-demand singer/pianists. Either solo, or accompanied by his band, he’s been wowing audiences with his natural, soulful voice, and a repertoire of his arrangements of jazz and blues classics and songs spanning a wide breadth of genres. Tickets: £12, book online at thecinnamonclub.net AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 11

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September Monday 23rd September to Saturday 28th September Towards Zero Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, 7.30pm What is the connection between a colonial adventurer, a well-known “lounge lizard”, a retired barrister and the complicated marital arrangements of a famous tennis player? To the casual observer, apparently nothing. But when a house party gathers at “Gulls Point”, the seaside home of the elderly (and rich) Camilla Tressilian,

earlier events come to a dramatic head. Superintendent Battle must unravel these connections if the wrong person is not to be hanged for murder! Tickets: Monday £9, Tuesday - Friday £15.50, Saturday £16.50. Book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or call the box office on 0161 928 1677

Thursday 26th September Altrincham Film Club The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm

The film club presents another unique event at the Cinnamon Club: a movie of quality, and a short of distinction. Enjoy a great atmosphere with friends and

neighbours, watching the film from your own table, and you’re welcome to stay chatting long after the films have finished. Tickets: £9 book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 27th September Barb Jungr Bob, Brel & Me The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm

Described by the Telegraph as “truly a marvel who should not be missed”, Barb is back with her autumn tour Bob, Brel

Q&A with... Ben Cox, jazz singer

ALTRINCHAM TODAY: What have you been up to since you last played the Cinnamon Club? BEN COX: I can’t believe that it has been two years since my last gig at the Cinnamon Club, the time has just flown by and I am so looking forward to coming back with this exciting new show. 12 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Over the past year I have dedicated some of my time to folk music, through learning to play reels on the Irish whistle. This genre has always been a love of mine and it is wonderful that I finally get to be a part of it. I have also been working as a primary school music teacher. I find working with young minds incredibly inspiring and rewarding. They have taught me a lot! AT: Your forthcoming show in November will celebrate the music of James Taylor. What can people expect on the night? BC: The show is energetic and varied with some beautiful vocal harmonies and an incredibly tight band. The line up will be: Danny Arbiter - Guitars, Ben Cox Vocals, Alex Maydew - Piano/Keyboards, Flo Moore – Bass/Backing vocals, Rod Oughton - Drums/Backing vocals. We will be playing two sets of James Taylor’s most beloved songs, including the first song he ever wrote in 1968, Something in the Way She Moves, through to songs of the Warner Brothers years, such as Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain and Steamroller Blues, and not forgetting his huge hits including Carolina in My Mind, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) and many others. We may also include the odd Carole King number!

AT: How much of an inspiration has James Taylor been to you and the band? BC: A huge amount to all of us! There is something about the way in which he wrote these iconic songs that just goes straight to my heart and I am extremely fortunate to be working with a band of first class musicians who are passionate about James Taylor too. I couldn’t be happier about this and it has made rehearsals a whole lot of fun and we all feel honoured to be playing his music. For the first time in my life I feel blessed to have the full support and creative input of a band who want to be performing this music as much as I do and I think this is quite rare to have. AT: What’s next on the horizon for the Ben Cox Band? BC: Continuing to tour the project and allowing it to evolve and develop along the way by adding new repertoire from the extensive and incredibly influential James Taylor songbook which will hopefully lead to a third album.

HOURGLASS: The Music of James Taylor featuring The Ben Cox Band is at The Cinnamon Club at 7.30pm on Friday 15th November. Tickets: £12, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

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September / October and Me. In this brand new collection, Barb turns her acclaimed ability at reinvention and reinterpretation to a set of Dylan and Brel songs she has never tackled before on stage, all in original arrangements. They include ‘Les cœurs tendres’ (The tender hearts), ‘Voir un ami pleurer’ (To see a friend break down and cry), ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ and ‘This Wheel’s on Fire’. Placed alongside them will be some of Barb’s own songs, written with a number of wonderful collaborators including Level 42’s Mike Lindup. Tickets: £15, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Thursday 3rd October Only Fools And Boycie – An intimate evening with Only Fools And Horses actor John Challis Altrincham Garrick, 7.30pm Enjoy an intimate evening with John Challis, one of the nation’s greatest comedy actors, best known as Boycie in BBC1’s Only Fools and Horses. In this one-off show the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set with stories and anecdotes from his dazzling career. Having worked with some of the biggest names in show business, he’ll be spilling the beans about Only Fools and Horses co-stars like Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst and friends and fellow performers like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Oliver Reed and George Best. He’ll also recall tales from his time in Dr Who, Coronation Street and other TV classics. Mr Challis will also meet fans after the show to sign autographs and pose for pictures, while signing copies of his autobiography, Being Boycie, and novel, Reggie: A Stag At Bay. Tickets: £18, book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or call the box office on 0161 928 1677

Friday 4th October

Lucy Mae - The Mudez Project with Stringsvis The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm Having delivered a sublime gig on her one other appearance at the Cinnamon Club back in April 2018, Lucy Mae returns with her sultry, soulful vocals as the lead vocalist of quintet The Mudez Project, also featuring Luc Phan (instrumentalist/ producer), who play with elements of soul, pop, jazz and trip hop. Also appearing will be a string quartet. Tickets: £12, book online at thecinnamonclub.net Kytsun Wolfe – In the image of Cliff Richard Altrincham Garrick, 7.30pm After Kytsun Wolf ’s huge success portraying Cliff at the illustrious London Palladium, he is now touring his amazing and unique talents through Europe. Kytsun and his band ‘The Sound of the Shadows’ are loved and supported all across the country, not only because of their exceptional talents, but also because no other act recreates the illusion with such amazing accuracy. Their performance is so uncanny that fans all agree that the experience is so magical, that they truly feel when watching this show that they are back in the 60s at an actual Cliff and the Shadows concert. This dynamic salute to Cliff and the Shadows has received standing ovations and encores at every theatre played. Tickets: £24. There is an additional £2 transaction fee for each individual payment made by telephone or online. Book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or call the box office on 0161 928 1677

Saturday 5th October Memories are Made of This Altrincham Garrick, 7.30pm This fast moving, rollercoaster of a journey through some of the greatest songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s, will be a show you are sure to remember. Over 160 amazing costumes, a touch of humour from one of the UK’s top comedians and performances rarely seen outside the ‘West End’ from this superb cast of singers and dancers. Including songs by Jersey Boys, Four Tops, The Supremes, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Abba and many more.  Tickets: £16 (concessions £15). Book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or call the box office on 0161 928 1677

Sunday 6th October Let’s Hang On Altrincham Garrick, 7.30pm Discover how four New Jersey boys from the wrong side of the tracks invented their own sound and sold over 175 million records before they turned 30. This critically acclaimed theatre production takes you on a musical journey through the prolific career of ‘Rock n Roll Hall Of Famers’ Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, still one of the most successful bands in pop history. Performing all the hits from a catalogue spanning over five decades, including Grease, Stay (Dirty Dancing), December 1963 (Oh What a Night!), Sherry, Beggin’, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back To You and Walk Like A Man. Tickets: £25, book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or call the box office on 0161 928 1677

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 13

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October Sunday 6th October

K2 with special guest Mark S Nightingale The Cinnamon Club, Doors at Midday, Sunday Lunch available, Gig at 1:30pm Formed in 2013 by Dave Tyas to perform the Stan Kenton repertoire at concert venues and jazz festivals, SK2 has been met with great acclaim. The music ranges from 1949 to 1979 and the band plays the greatest hits of the legendary composer and pianist. For this performance, Mark Nightingale is a very special guest. Mark has been named Best British Jazz Award Trombonist no less than 18 times, and has played with Georgie Fame, BBC Big Band, Steely Dan, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Frank Sinatra. Tickets: £15, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 11th October

Monday 14th October to Saturday 19th October My Mother Said I Never Should Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, 7.30pm A poignant, bittersweet story about love, jealousy and the price of

freedom. First staged in Manchester in 1987, the play is about the relationships between mothers and daughters, and explores the themes of independence, growing up and secrets. It addresses the issues of teenage pregnancy, career prioritisation and single motherhood. It is also about how the different generations break free from their parents’ traditions and culture. The story explores the lives and relationships of four generations of women: their loves, expectations, and choices are set against the huge social changes of the 20th century. Tickets: Monday £9, Tuesday - Friday £15.50, Saturday £16.50. Concessions available. Special Ticket Offer: Tues to Sat - Student ticket (up to 18yrs): £10. Book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk or call the box office on 0161 928 1677

Monday 21st October to Saturday 26th October

Zoe Kyoti - the full Wishbone album The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm Zoe Kyoti, of The Magic Beans, plays tracks from her debut solo album, Wishbone. This is the second full band performance of its exotic folk and jazz-tinged songs, with the debut show at JazzVoices brilliantly received back in April. She’s been described as “Joni Mitchell for this century, enchanting tunes with brilliant, evocative lyrics”. Zoe will be supported by contemporary folk quartet Balter. Tickets: £15, book online at thecinnamonclub.net 14 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Swallow Altrincham Garrick Playhouse (Lauriston Studio), 7:30pm A play that delves deep into the lives of three uniquely complicated women - Sam, Rebecca and Anna - exploring their insecurities, anxieties and passions for life. The play is poetic and contemporary in style, gliding in between the lives of these spirited women, exposing the hard truths of everyday life aided by love, sex, tears, dark humour, and of course, wine! Tickets: £10, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Thursday 24th October

Maggie Bell & Dave Kelly The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm Maggie Bell and Dave Kelly renewed their partnership in 2016 after a twoyear lay-off and their on-stage chemistry is immediately apparent, stemming from their love and respect for the music they play as well as the deep knowledge of the genre. Although both originating from the blues/soul explosion of the late 1960s, their repertoire is far broader than that: their set includes folk, rock, country, gospel as well as blues and soul. But this is no slick show wheeled out with predictability: when Maggie and Dave take to the stage, anything can happen - and often does. One promoter commented: “I don’t know how they make such a sound with one guitar and two voices - it sounded like a full band.” A wonderful evening of acoustic blues, soul and good times, and no doubt a little humour. Tickets: £25, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 25th October

An Evening with Dominic Halpin The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm One of the club’s very favourite performers returns in the most intimate of settings, upstairs in The Lounge, with an all-star cast including Ben Wiltshire, Jono Price and Matt Wells. As ever, Americana, country and more will be delivered with style, with songs from the likes of Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and The Mavericks. Classic country rock with a little Elvis swagger. Tickets: £12, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

NEWS

Jake’s top picks JAKE SHOES, ALTRINCHAM

1 Kids 1460 Glitter Dr Martens, £55–75 Kids and glitter – need I say anymore? 2 Saucony Jazz Kids Trainers, £40

Tom Bradshaw, co-owner of Jake Shoes, picks six great boots to see you through the autumn

A sized-down style of the hugely popular adults’ range 3 Ladies Fly London Haku Wedge Hiker Boots, £165 Possibly my current favourite boots in the shop

5 Ankle Boots A new Spanish brand we’ve found for this season – they’re so soft and comfy 6 Western Boots, £44.99 A great price point for the Western Look which is massive this coming season 7 Mens Ultrarange Vans, £95 Water-resistant – perfect for the North West weather!

4 Ladies Marco Tozzi 25307 Heeled Ankle Boots, £49.99 I love the bold mustard colour!

Find Jake Shoes at 24 George Street, Altrincham, WA14 1SF, or buy online at jakeshoes.co.uk AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 15

NEWS

October / November Thursday 31st October Altrincham Film Club The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm

The film club presents another unique event at the Cinnamon Club: a movie of quality, and a short of distinction. Enjoy a great atmosphere with friends and neighbours, watching the film from your own table, and you’re welcome to stay chatting long after the films have finished. Tickets: £9, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 1st November

the Parkers and the Soppitts – who are all highly respected pillars of their community – gather together to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversaries when the festivities are brought to a sudden halt by a shocking revelation. Home truths fly like confetti and conjugal rites turn into farcical fights. Can a lid be kept on the couple’s embarrassing secret with a newspaper photographer due to arrive any second, a missing housekeeper and a doorbell that doesn’t stop ringing? The bullies get their retribution and the hen-pecked are satisfyingly liberated in this classic comedy that is full of laughs, surprises and comic mayhem! A poignant, bittersweet story about love, jealousy and the price of freedom. Tickets: Monday £9, Tuesday - Friday £15.50, Saturday £16.50, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 15th November Altrincham Garrick, 8:00pm It’s Friday night... it’s comedy night as Manford’s Comedy Club brings another one of its hilarious, sell-out shows to the Garrick, starring some of the funniest comedians on the UK comedy circuit, all personally chosen by Jason Manford. This show will feature Matt Reed, Krystal Evans, Martin Mor and Andrew Ryan. Tickets: £12.50, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Friday 8th November Northern Soul Night The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm The Cinnamon Club’s first in a series of Northern Soul nights brought to you by the team who ran Soul on The Edge at The Festival Hall in Alderley Edge. Paul Kidd, Steve Connelly and Ian Wills, along with two top drawer guest DJs, will be bringing the same format that was such a huge success at The Festival Hall. The Twisted Wheel, Wigan Casino, Top of the World, Tony’s Empress Ballroom - if you loved these venues, you will never want to miss this night. Tickets: £5, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

Monday 4th November to Saturday 9th November When We Are Married Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, 7:30pm Set in Cleckleywyke, a fictional town in the heart of Northern England in 1908. Three couples - the Helliwells, 16 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

The Clik - Sixties Rock’n’Roll as it should be The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 6.30pm Alan Thompson’s The Clik cover 60s songs from artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Buddy Holly, Heinz, Eddie Cochrane, Them, Van Morrison, The Merseys and Fleetwood Mac. The experienced band’s enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism makes a powerful combination which powers these songs along in a style seldom experienced since they were first written. Tickets: £10, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

HOURGLASS: The Music of James Taylor The Cinnamon Club Lounge, 7.30pm For this show, Ben Cox brings together a new band to celebrate the music of Grammy award-winning American singer-songwriter James Taylor. The tight-knit band contains four singers who bring these songs to life with great harmonies. You’ll hear some of the much-loved songs written by Taylor including How Sweet it is, Mexico, Sweet Baby James, Carolina On My Mind and many more. The Ben Cox Band have twice sold out Ronnie Scott’s and debut album The Waiting Game was one of the top jazz albums of 2015. Tickets: £12, book online at thecinnamonclub.net

For exclusive dress rehearsal pictures of each Altrincham Garrick show, follow @altrinchamtoday on Facebook and Twitter

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LOCAL

Autumn is my favourite season at Dunham Massey DUNHAM MASSEY

The park and woodland at the National Trust property are full of changing colours, crunchy leaves and wonderful wildlife during autumn. We caught up with Ranger, Jon Lucas, to find out more ALTRINCHAM TODAY: What do you love about Dunham Massey at this time of year? JON LUCAS: Autumn is my favourite season as a ranger at Dunham Massey. Working outdoors you can see the drama of the season as the colours change from the lush greens of summer to various shades of red, orange, magenta and browns. I love walking through the woodland with the crunch of leaves underfoot, crisp air and sights to lose myself in. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a fantastic time to spot wildlife in the area. As the summer birds migrate to warmer climates, new birds can be seen in the area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is not uncommon to see huge flocks of pink-footed geese flying overhead as they migrate from Iceland to the UK for winter.

Dunham Massey Park Ranger Jon Lucas

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Of course autumn is also an important time for our herd of over 150 fallow deer in the park too as they begin to rut. This is the time when the bucks, with full grown antlers, are full of testosterone and fight for the pick of the does to mate with. If you join us on one of our early morning guided rut walks, you will hear the deep bellows and might even be lucky enough to see two bucks clashing antlers.

made at Dunham Massey

A breath of fresh air

I also love that autumn is the time we get to really shine a light on the wider Dunham Massey estate. For most of the year there is so much going on in the house, garden and walled park. But during autumn we have Taste the Estate guided walks that take visitors to several tenanted farms outside of the park walls. You really get to see that Dunham Massey is a full working estate that provides us with cider and beef, amongst many other local produce. With many projects in the pipeline such as the Dunham Estate Future Project, hopefully there’ll be even more ways to find out about the estate in the coming years.

Rediscover nature's lost words in the park, sample the tastes of autumn on the wider estate, and listen out for the early morning sounds of the deer rut. Take in the drama of the season as nature puts on a colourful show at Dunham Massey.

These are the places that make us. nationaltrust.org.uk/Dunham-Massey

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AT: What does a typical day look like for a ranger during autumn? JL: Each day is different; no two days are the same for a ranger. In early autumn we spend a lot of time working with trees. We look after all of the trees on the Dunham Massey estate, both new and old – we actually have an oak that is over 500 years old. Last year we planted 3,000 saplings, taking five of us four weeks to complete. The trees at Dunham are really important habitats for wildlife, even the deadwood that we leave on the ground. The homes that they provide to rare beetles are one of the reasons that the park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Later in autumn, after the rut finishes, the first thing we do every morning is feed the deer with barley that we get from a tenant farmer on the estate. Usually the deer are waiting for us by the gate. This is the only time of the year that we feed the deer, as the colder weather means that the deer are using more energy and need more food. We never hand feed them though, as they are wild animals and we do not want them to become dependent on humans, both for their health and the safety of our visitors.

AT: Spending your days looking after nature must be rewarding. Why do you think the work you do is important? JL: I’m really proud to be a part of the conservation work at Dunham Massey. It is really important to understand how much people love and want to conserve our countryside and heritage, and this is something that has become even more apparent since working at Dunham. A recent study has shown that younger people are starting to disassociate certain words with nature. Words such as tweet, web and stream are now mainly thought of in terms of technology, and that’s a real shame. This year we have really been trying to inspire the next generation to get involved with nature; from the Percy the Park Keeper children’s trails in the garden and house, which are based around looking after nature and Percy’s woodland friends, to The Lost Words, inspired by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris’s brilliant book. Visitors will be able to spot giant conkers, nests and lost words hidden in the trees, as well as getting hands on with free adult workshops running until next year.

AT: You actually feature this in another of Dunham Massey’s exhibitions, Local Lives: Small Change, Big Difference. Can you tell us a little bit about how this came about? JL: I feel like a local celebrity! The photography exhibition focuses on local champions of nature; those who are doing their bit every day to look after the places they love. I was a bit shocked when I was asked to be a part of it because I really admire the other sitters included and I hadn’t really thought about the difference I personally make. To get the shots, local photographer Jan [Chlebik] spent a couple of days with the ranger team as we did our ordinary jobs. After a little while we forgot he was there and he was able to take some great natural photographs. To see my picture in the house, alongside other staff, volunteers and everyday local Trafford residents doing their bit for nature has really been a humbling experience. AT: And finally, what is the favourite thing about your job? JL: I love working for the National Trust and knowing that the dayto-day work that I do in the park and wider estate helps to care for Dunham Massey now and for future generations. I also enjoy driving around on our brand new tractor ‘Big Daddy’ - the name was chosen by children during Ranger Fest earlier this summer. It was certainly one of my dreams as a kid to get to drive around on tractors. I’m lucky that I get to do that in my job and know I’m making a difference at the same time.

For full details of what is happening at Dunham Massey this autumn, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/Dunham-Massey

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Do you know someone who loves to sing and act? LITTLE VOICES Established in 2007, Little Voices builds confidence and nurtures talent through inspirational education in music and drama for children aged 4-18. With a 100% LAMDA pass rate in our centre, we work with trained singing and drama tutors in small classes and are passionate about helping all our pupils reach their full potential. Our small classes mean we can focus on the individual child’s development, ensure everyone gets a part and provide a wonderful, caring environment where your child can make new friends and grow in confidence. With schools under pressure to focus on the core subjects, music and drama are falling off the curriculum but we know that the skills acquired through these subjects go way beyond performance. Our pupils learn so much that they can transfer into other areas – important life skills like eye contact, posture, breathing, handling anxiety and nerves, effectively communicating with the spoken word, good diction and most importantly, CONFIDENCE! There are 3 lessons available as well as THEATRE WEEKS and workshops during school holidays: Mini Voices Ages 4-7: Mini Voices introduces children to the performing arts, with fun at the core of our lessons. These lessons are short to maximise concentration and learning. We also start to nurture your child’s talents and develop their communication skills. Little Voices Ages 7-12: We also start to nurture your child’s talents and develop their communication skills. During these lessons we introduce characterisation, expression, complex scripts and working together as a cast. We really nurture their young singing voices with vocal health as a priority and fundamental acting techniques. Voices Ages 13-18: Voices is where we start to see the Little Voices training brought centre stage. Many of our Voices pupils go on to further study in performing arts subjects or are able to transfer the valuable skills acquired to other careers paths and life situations. As they acquire the higher grades the marks often provide a valuable contribution to UCAS points for entry to college and university. Lessons take place mid week and after school, meaning no weekend commitment encroaching on all-important family time. If you’d like to find out what makes our award-winning lessons so amazing, please get in touch.

All Little Voices Principals and Tutors are fully enhanced DBS checked. Little Voices is a registered trademark of Little Voices Limited. Little Voices schools and centres are operated as a franchise, LLP or sole trader and are independently owned by the franchisee or individual. Terms and conditions apply. Prices may vary. Subject to application. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 21

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My Altrincham

LOUISA REID, NOVELIST

My favourite pub

I’m not much of a pub person these days, although since its refurb The Stamford is lovely. I’m more likely to be found having a glass of wine at the Market, to be honest. My favourite restaurant

Happily we’re spoilt for choice in this department. Yara and Porto are favourites, but my top pick is Sugo where we always go for special occasions. The service is brilliant and so is the pasta.

My favourite coffee shop

Common Ground is great: they have an excellent selection and do a great iced latte. My favourite green space

I lived in Cambridgeshire for a long time and got quite used to the very flat landscape of the fens, so it’s nice to be back here and look into the distance and see hills. Closer to home, I love Denzell Gardens and seeing flowers coming out according to the season. Of course Dunham Park is beautiful and we’re so lucky to have that on the doorstep.

1 Sugo 2 Common Ground 3 St Vincent’s church 4 Denzell House 2

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5 Everyman cinema

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What Altrincham’s Reading P71

My favourite walk

When I take my dog out we do a good loop up through Dunham Woods and the Devisdale. I prefer walking in the woods as there’s usually no one else around and I tend to have good writing ideas when I leave the confines of the house and get away from the glare of the computer screen. Dickens apparently used to walk for hours every morning, and I can’t admit to emulating him, but if you have a bit of writer’s block, a walk tends to help. 4

My favourite building

Probably St Vincent’s church. I went there every week for mass on Sunday as a child and teenager, my sister and best friend were married there, my daughters were baptised there and my dad’s funeral mass was held there too, so it is the repository of many memories. It’s a beautiful church and I walk past it every day going to and from work at Loreto. The best thing about living here

How to choose? There’s the amazingly comfortable Everyman cinema; the fabulous Waterstones; the library; the fact that I only have a seven and a half minute walk to work; the lovely independent shops and the busy market… not to mention all the transport links and the proximity to Manchester. I’m really glad I moved back here. I love it. Louisa is the author of critically acclaimed novels for young adults, including Black Heart Blue, which was named Sunday Times Book of the Week, and Lies Like Love. Her third novel, Gloves Off, is her first to be published by Guppy Books and was published in hardback on August 29th. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 23

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After a horrendous couple of years, it was now or never VIOLET LOVES VINTAGE

From small beginnings with a stall on Altrincham Market, Violet Loves Vintage has now opened a permanent boutique in Stamford House on Moss Lane. We caught up with owner Rachel Warburton and discovered how a terrible sequence of events convinced her to follow her dream ALTRINCHAM TODAY: So Rachel, you’ve just opened Violet Loves Vintage on Moss Lane in Altrincham. Tell us a bit more about it. RACHEL WARBURTON: Violet Loves Vintage offers women something a bit different – we call it ‘modern 24 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

vintage’ - so vintage inspired clothing, shoes and accessories for modern life. Vintage-inspired clothing tends to flatter all body types and feels fresh and feminine. We have everything from workwear and everyday styles to occasion-wear that’s perfect for the races or a wedding and everything

in between. We also stock gorgeous handbags, jewellery and shoes – including Ruby Shoo and Joe Browns. Customer service is at the heart of everything we do and we are always on hand to offer help and advice – especially for men looking for gifts! although we do sell gift vouchers too!

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AT: How did Violet Loves Vintage come about? RW: I had always wanted to run my own business but had never taken that step. Life moved along, as it does, but after a horrendous couple of years, I decided it was now or never. In the space of two and a half years both my parents passed away, I had a miscarriage and was made redundant from my job. It was such a hard period in my life and everything that happened brought it home to me how precious life is and to make the most of every moment. So at the beginning of 2017, immediately after being made redundant, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business, and I’m so glad I did. The shop is named after my daughter Violet and my grandmother was also called Violet. Iain, my husband, has also been involved so it’s a real family business. AT: That must have been a really hard time, how did you get started? RW: I started off in March 2017 with a weekly stall on Altrincham Market, then in September 2017 the opportunity arose to have a shop in Afflecks in Manchester. This gave me an excellent grounding for the business and I learnt so much – when you run your own business there is so much to do. I run our social media accounts, order stock, run our website, pick and pack online orders – the list is endless! 26 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

AT: How did you end up back in Altrincham? RW: Since starting the business on Altrincham Market, my ultimate goal had been to have my own shop in Altrincham. We live in Altrincham and my heart belongs to the town – so I kept looking at ways I could make it happen. I started with a pop-up shop on George Street, while looking for a permanent base in the town. A couple of months ago, the owner of the Vintage Angel home and gift shop decided to relocate to Dunham Ice Cream Farm and I managed to secure the unit for Violet Loves Vintage’s permanent home. I collected the keys on a Thursday, and we opened the following Friday, so it was a whirlwind of decorating, ordering stock and pulling it all together – there was a lot of long days and late nights, but it’s all been worth it! AT: What’s the biggest misconception about Violet Loves Vintage? RW: That women are too old for our styles or too curvy! We have customers from teenagers looking

for prom dresses up to stylish ladies in their 80s, and we stock dresses in sizes 8-26, so you are never too old or too curvy! Another misconception is that we only sell full skirted dresses with big petticoats – in reality we have slim fitting (wiggle) dresses, wrap dresses, jumpsuits, shorter dresses, shirt dresses – all sorts! AT: What advice would you give to other people dreaming of running their own business? RW: Go for it! Start small, perhaps with a market stall so you can test your product or idea and listen to your customers’ feedback. It’s a learning curve and there will be hurdles to overcome but it is so worth it – as I walk through Altrincham to my lovely new shop, I still can’t believe it’s mine! Find Violet Loves Vintage at 5 Moss Lane, Altrincham, WA14 1BA (one of the Stamford House shops). Open seven days a week, or visit their website at violetlovesvintage.com Photos: Curt Milner Photography

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The Tour of Britain comes to Altrincham Thousands of people will descend on Altrincham on Saturday September 14th as – for the first time ever – the town hosts a stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race. The 2019 OVO Energy Tour of Britain, which takes place from Saturday September 7th to Saturday September 14th, is Britain’s biggest professional bike race and part of the UCI Europe Tour. It features the world’s top teams and riders across a 1,250-kilometre route, and the prestigious final stage will take the riders on a 166km race from Market Street in Altrincham to Manchester city centre. In this eight-page special, we give you all the info you need for the Altrincham and Hale part of the stage – and, for visitors and residents alike, provide a run-down of 25 fantastic things to do while you’re here.

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The Insider’s Guide: 25 Great Things To Do in Altrincham TOUR OF BRITAIN SPECIAL

In town for the Tour of Britain? We have your day covered with this selection of outstanding ways to make the most of your stay Gluten-free glory

Breakfast bangers

Home for a hero

1 Oxford Road Cafe Asked to name their favourite breakfast haunt in Altrincham town centre, quite a few of the locals’ hands would go up for Oxford Road Cafe. The all-day breakfast menu is frankly enormous, with six different ways to have your Eggs Benedict alone and every other morning staple accounted from an American pancake stack to a ‘Man Up’ breakfast that will set you up for the day and possibly the next day too. Touts itself as the busiest cafe in Altrincham, and for good reason.

Juniper Cafe Open for just over a year, this former florist has proved a blooming success with the discerning residents of Hale village. And no wonder - slide in here on pretty much any day of the week and you’re assured an exceptionally good feed and a tremendous atmosphere that will have you marching off down Ashley Road with a spring in your step. Excellent service, too.

19 Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DP. Follow @ OxfordRoadCafe on Twitter.

163-165 Ashley Road, Hale, WA15 9SD. Follow @ juniperhale on Twitter.

Off The Wheaten Track Its name alone is enough to make you want to visit this cute deli on the corner of Oxford Road and Peter Street. But this is also something of a first in these parts, a place of sanctuary at last for coeliacs and others with some kind of food intolerance. Owner Hayley Hadfield sources most of her products locally, and alongside cheeses, cooked meats, pies, cakes, pancakes and gluten-free bread, Off The Wheaten Track also sells wine, Dunham Massey ciders and gluten-free lagers from First Chop brewery in Eccles. 8/10 Oxford Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DY. Follow @ offthewheatentrackdeli on Facebook.

4 Private William Speakman Blue Plaque Bill Speakman, who grew up in Altrincham, was just 24 in 1951 when he fought off a wave of attacks from 600 soldiers for more than four hours during the Korean War. He subsequently became the first man to receive a Victoria Cross from Queen Elizabeth II, and was given a hero’s homecoming on the town’s streets by thousands of proud locals. Earlier this year, 12 months after his death, a Blue Plaque was unveiled in his honour at Altrincham Interchange. Take a trip down and have a look, and then read all about his remarkable act of courage online. Altrincham Interchange

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Where to watch the Tour of Britain in Altrincham and Hale

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It’s Frank, it really is

Explore Britain’s largest winter gardens

Proper coffee shops

5 Frank Sidebottom Statue The more the years pass since the untimely passing of its creator Chris Sievey, the more the legend of Frank Sidebottom appears to grow. Earlier this year, a documentary about the papier-mache-headed character was given a cinema release and received rave reviews. Sidebottom was famously devoted to his home village of Timperley, and it’s worth the fiveminute trip from the town centre to see the wonderful statue of a thumbs-aloft Sidebottom that provides daily amusement for locals and visitors alike. Stockport Road, Timperley village

Showtime 6 Altrincham Garrick The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse is a local fixture, a thriving home of amateur drama productions in the town for over 100 years. Today, it hosts a great mix of touring shows, concerts and productions by local companies, and while the prices are a shadow of what you’d expect for your average big city musical, the quality certainly isn’t. This autumn it’s hosting the world amateur premiere of Corrie! The Play, and recent acts have included Jason Donovan and Russell Kane.

7 Everyman Cinema Altrincham is the only place in Greater Manchester - and one of only two places in the North West after Liverpool to have an Everyman Cinema. Think of a typical trip to your local multiplex - and think again. Here you can recline on glorious sofas, summon a glass of wine or freshly made pizza to your seat, and generally have a cinematic experience the like of which you probably haven’t before. The main draw here though is the films - say goodbye to franchised blockbusters, and hello to a carefully curated mix of classic, independent and, yes, mainstream films. And check out the enormous mural of Brigitte Bardot on the brick wall adjoining the cinema’s rear entrance on Central Way, which took spraypainter Richard Wilson eight days to complete. 74-78 George St, Altrincham WA14 1RF. Visit everymancinema.com for more.

Barrington Road, Altrincham WA14 1HZ. See page 10 for upcoming performances.

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Dunham Massey There’s much to recommend a visit to Dunham Massey during your stay in Altrincham, an estate dating back to the 11th century that was given to the National Trust in 1976. Whether it’s the 300-acre deer park, the stunning gardens and lake, the Grade-I listed Georgian hall, or the remarkable concentration of ancient trees that give you a refreshing sense of your own insignificance. The wildlife is glorious too, with 500 species of insect alone, and if you’re a National Trust member, you can gain free entrance to the estate’s formal gardens; Britain’s largest winter gardens, with 700 species of plant and 1,600 trees or shrubs. Come back in the spring and the gardens are carpeted with a quarter of a million snowdrops; an utter delight to behold. Fancy something closer to the town centre? Try the hilly John Leigh Park, a beautiful space just half a mile from Altrincham Market. Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ. See nationaltrust. org.uk/dunham-massey f or more.

9 Two Brothers This smart Stamford New Road haunt brings the precision of an engineer to its coffee-making - hardly surprising really given that the two founding brothers in question are, indeed, engineers. Roasted in the basement below, Two Brothers coffee is sublime and its service never less than exceptional. The coffee lovers’ coffee shop. Two Brothers, 53 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1DS. Visit twobrothers.coffee. 10 Gran T’s We can thank the original Gran T, the grandmother of owner Chris Taylor, for inspiring the style that has been so stunningly realised inside this Stamford New Road cafe. The attention to detail is immense, with the result a truly homely experience where comfort and relaxation are at the fore. 29 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1EB. Follow @gran.t.coffeehouse on Facebook.

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Restaurants to fall in love with 13

11 California Coffee & Wine If your day isn’t brightened by a visit to this delightful spot on Oxford Road, you probably want to check your pulse. Husband and wife team Justin and Diana, both Californians, bring the sunshine but also a genuine passion for, and knowledge of, their trade. Come for the small-batch coffee, stay for the wine... and leave with a big smile. 3 Oxford Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DY. Visit californiacoffee.co.uk for more. 12 Common Ground The best view in town? On a sunny day, there are few more alluring places to sit in Altrincham than this Shaw’s Road coffee shop when the sliding doors are open and the full glory of a bustling Market Quarter is revealed. But there’s much going on inside this Nordic-inspired, freshly refurbished cafe too. The Caravan Roastery coffee is utterly delightful, but the brunch menu is excellent too, and at long last it is now open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for those who want to move on to something boozier and a carefully curated selection of small plates, sharing spreads and desserts. 20 Shaw’s Rd, Altrincham WA14 1QU. See commongroundalt.co.uk for more.

Sugo Regularly touted as one of the very best Italian restaurants in the region, never mind just Altrincham, this place oozes class. Taking its cue from Southern Italian cooking, it describes itself as being “ridiculously passionate” about “making Italian food exciting once again”, and you can tell. Try the House sugo - Orecchiette with a slow cooked beef shin, pork shoulder and nduja ragu - for a taste of something remarkable. Book ahead though - it’s nearly always busy. 22 Shaw’s Road, Altrincham WA14 1QU. Visit sugopastakitchen.co.uk. 14 Tre Ciccio You may have walked past a small, unassuming restaurant on Moss Lane called Tre Ciccio. Appearances can be deceptive though: once you descend the stairs it opens Tardis-like to reveal a 50-cover dining room with glass terrace (with retractable roof ) that on a sunny day is one of the most glorious places in Altrincham to settle back with a glass of vini rosati and a plate of their memorable signature dish: chicken and roast potatoes, Italian style. 4a Moss Ln, Altrincham WA14 1BA. Visit treciccio.co.uk. A Day In The Life of Olympic Cyclist Chris Boardman MBE P73-74

15 Angkor Soul There are only three Cambodian restaurants in the UK, and two of them are called Angkor Soul. The Altrincham one is entirely without pretension but don’t be fooled - the cooking here is stunning. Owned by head chef Y Sok, whose family escaped the horrors of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, the food here mixes Thai, Vietnamese and French influences to create something rather special. Angkor Soul, 20 Ashley Road, Altrincham WA14 2DW. Visit angkorsoul.co.uk for more.

The streets that spawned the Smiths

16 The Smiths are normally touted as a Manchester band - but in truth, they were an Altrincham one. Johnny Marr wrote most of the legendary four-piece’s first album in a room on the top floor of a house on Portland Road in Bowdon, while most of seminal records Meat is Murder and The Queen is Dead were written in a house on Marlborough Road. The guitarist still lives here, in fact, and if you’re very lucky during your trip to Altrincham, you may catch him driving a soft-top down the high street or out on one of his regular jogs.

Tapas to die for

17 For lovers of tapas, Altrincham’s cup overfloweth. You can’t book at Porta, opposite the market, so you stand as good a chance as anyone of rocking up and settling down to some exquisite padron peppers or chorizo and lentil stew, to name only two from a mouthwatering menu. The newer arrival in town is Evuna on Stamford New Road, which is notable on account of the fact it imports its wine list direct from small family-run vineyards, with no middle man involved. You can taste the difference. Porta, 50 Greenwood St, Altrincham WA14 1RZ. Evuna, 84-86 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1BS (see page 112 for more) AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 35

LOCAL

Drinks fit for a King 18 Kings Court Kings Court, off Railway Street, is one of those places the locals love and visitors often miss. But don’t make that mistake - you could spend a long afternoon here enjoying the bars that back onto the sun-lit courtyard. Libero is a sports bar with a difference and feels like an extension of your living room, only with a considerably better craft ale selection. Cheshire Tap is one of the most popular bars in the town centre, while newcomers in the court include specialist gin bar Gin can... and craft beer bar Batch Bottlestore. Any culinary needs will be more than met by Kings Cafe. Kings Court, Railway Street, Altrincham WA14 2RE.

Lunchtime legends 19 Toast Toast by name, and toast pretty much comes with everything at this beautifully converted former bank. Everything but the salads comes with the stuff - and yes, that includes pudding. But boy, do they make it go a long way. Owner Justin Orange – twin brother of Take That’s Jason - and head chef Ed Carr have come up with an imaginative menu that works for both breakfast and lunch, and the degree to which Toast is almost constantly busy says it all.

20 Blanchflower Simple dishes, amazing flavours and an ingredient list you can count on one hand. That’s the aim at this smart Shaw’s Road joint, and the fact many now consider it the Altrincham lunch destination would suggest it has succeeded. Excellent value, too. 12-14 Shaw’s Rd, Altrincham WA14 1QU

Step out of the hubbub 21 Goose Green Once a collection of residential cottages for local workers with roots dating back to the 1700s, Goose Green is now one of the most distinctive corners of Altrincham, an oasis of daytime calm away from the town centre hubbub and a bustling destination for drinkers and diners in the evening. Eat at Cafe Cleo and House, down locally brewed pints at Costello’s, catch a live band at The Green Room and dance the night away at Trader’s Tiki bar.

63 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1DS. Follow @toastaltrincham on Facebook. 36 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

The ‘Bravest’ Street in England

Jazz up your day

22 Chapel Street Today it’s a paved walkway that leads you down the side of the Phanthong Thai restaurant and onto the tarmac of Regent Road car park. But 100 years ago, this walkway was the cobbled entrance to Chapel Street, a nondescript cul-de-sac of some 60 Georgian terraced lodging houses. Its place in history is assured, however. By November 1918, some 161 residents of Chapel Street had stepped up to serve their country in the trenches. Of those, 29 would not return while a further 20 would succumb to their injuries soon after returning home. So great was its sacrifice that King George V called Chapel Street the ‘bravest little street in England’, and there’s a plaque attesting this remarkable claim on the side of Phanthong Thai.

23 Cinnamon Club Head up The Downs out of Altrincham town centre and before long you’ll alight upon a real rarity these days: a jazz club. And not just any jazz club: housed in a splendid Edwardian building and possessing the largest sprung dance floor in Cheshire, this is one of the very best in the North, and reason enough for the stars (from jazz greats like Cleo Laine and Georgie Fame in the early days to Barb Jungr and Ian Shaw today) to head out of London for. Check out their latest gigs at thecinnamon.club The Firs, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 2TQ

Opening times Mon: CLOSED Tues: 9am - 5:30pm Wed: 9am - 5:30pm Thurs: 9am - 7pm Fri: 9am - 5:30pm Sat: 9am - 5:30pm Sun: CLOSED

“Altrincham’s Premier Bike Shop” Serving the town for over 20 years we are an independent bicycle store renowned for our expertise and freindly advice for the entire South Manchester cycling community. As well as stocking great brands such as Trek, Ridley, Genesis & Vielo we have one of the finest workshops in Greater Manchester. Fully qualfied experienced mechanics with Shimano Service Centre certification means your bike is in the most capable hands. Attention to detail, customer service. Itʼs what we do.

#fortheriders Ride to work? Weʼve got you covered. We accept all major cycle schemes.

3 Oakﬁeld trading estate, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 8EJ / 0161 929 9355 / shop@bikeshak.com

LOCAL

The market mecca

Big brand bargains 25 Elite Dress Agency If you like a bargain - and who doesn’t - then hot-foot it up to Market Street for this emporium of cut-price designer goodies. And don’t be misled by the ‘Dress’ part of the name - there’s a great men’s department at the back with an array of big brands at very, very low prices.

24 Altrincham Market It’s unequivocally the spark that lit the touchpaper for the rejuvenation of Altrincham. Once a tired old building that sold little more than penny sweets and big knickers, it is now five years into a relaunch and one of the finest examples of a modern market hall anywhere in the country. Within Market House you have a collection of independent food and drink traders (see page 47 for full details) who maintain a remarkable quality while serving 10,000 people a week, with outdoor tables filling surrounding streets whenever the temperature goes above 14 degrees. And within the Covered Market next door, there is a veritable array of craftsmen and women, selling the wares they have designed, built or cooked themselves. Start with multiaward-winning bakers Lovingly Artisan, the Winter Tarn Dairy cheese stall or Lanx handcrafted shoes. Often set to a backdrop of live local music, the whole thing adds up to a life-affirming experience that should not be missed on any trip to Altrincham. 38 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

3 Market St, Altrincham WA14 1QE. Follow @ theelitedressagency on Facebook

And much, much more... Trust us, we could easily have named 25 more. Lovers of quirky independent shops should head to Idado, Edit & Oak, Jakes Shoes, Pixie and Gift+Home, while if you’ve ever wondered what a Danish Ikea would look like, the warren-like Sostrene Grene is the answer. If you fancy something a whole lot less demanding, then simply make the modern world go away for an hour at Zero Gravity Float Spa, an ethereal experience if ever there was one. Pub-wise, the Stamford in Bowdon has been reinvented as a proper country boozer, the Railway in Hale is as popular with the locals as ever, while the Swan With Two Nicks gives you a great reason to break your autumnal Dunham walk with a swift pint or two. But if you truly want something completely different, head downstairs to the subterranean Mort Subite bar.

CHILDRENSWEAR, TOYS & GIFTS OPEN IN HALE AND ALTRINCHAM SHOP AUTUMN

NEW ARRIVALS FROM ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS

AMPLIFIED KIDS I TOP Model I Bob & Blossom 3pommes I DJECO I HUNTER I Melissa & Doug LEVIS I angel’s face I SCOTCH & SODA I Papo I LEGO Tobias & THE BEAR I Petit Bateau I LEBIG I Molo FREE gift wrap in store – FREE click and collect online

MARKET

‘We’re continually challenging ourselves and our traders to keep things fresh and dynamic’ ALTRINCHAM MARKET By Gail Titchener

Five years on from their relaunch of Altrincham Market, co-owners Nick Johnson and Jen Thompson reflect on the impact it’s had on the town – and why they are reimagining a new kind of department store for the high street Photography: Claire Harrison

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 41

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Eddie McLoughlin, of D&G Fishmongers, has worked at the market alongside his dad, Tommy, for the last 20 years “I’ve seen some big changes. When I first started, we had six people serving here and customers would be queuing two-deep to get served. Then the huge supermarkets opened and well… but there’s definitely been an upsurge recently. Saturdays are busier than they’ve been for a long while and it’s younger people who are buying. I guess people are more interested to find out where their food is coming from. Our wet fish isn’t wrapped in plastic and I can also debone their fish for them and tell them how best to cook it. I’ll even try and get things in for them specially, if they ask. How many of the big supermarkets offer that? It all comes down to customer service and looking after your regulars.”

Market stalwarts Zac Crompton (left) and Paul Flannery

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One of the UK’s original market towns, Altrincham’s charter goes all the way back to 1290, when Edward I allowed the town to hold a weekly market. Back then though, a trip to Altrincham Market wasn’t about shopping, or eating; the market held a Court Leet to sort out disputes between residents and assess punishments for petty crimes. Officials included pump lookers, who checked water quality, market lookers, who oversaw the market, and even ale tasters, who ensured the beer wasn’t watered down. But while the market may have started life as the bustling hub of the town, later - after the ‘stack ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap’ boom of the 1980s - came decline. Back in 2010, when I moved to the town, Altrincham had one of the highest proportions of empty shops in the country. One in three were unoccupied, with online shopping and out-of-town retail parks held to blame. ‘Ghost town’ screamed the red tops, and they weren’t far off the mark. Today, though, things are very different. The rate of shop vacancies has fallen by three-quarters and Alty’s once empty streets are now busy. Last November, Altrincham even won ‘Great British High Street of The Year.’ And most would agree that the beating heart of this renaissance is Altrincham Market. Run by Nick Johnson and Jen Thompson of Market Operations, the same company behind Mackie Mayor in the Northern Quarter (and Macclesfield’s Picturedrome, which is due to open in September), the idea behind its resurgence was creating a place based on how people want to interact. “I see this as a model for how you could restore the high street,” said Nick back in 2013. “The only way to do it is to bring in the quality goods that you can’t buy online and reward customers with an experience that you don’t get ordering items sitting in front of your computer screen. People love spending time with other people, eating, drinking, people watching – they always have and always will.” Of course, the changes didn’t happen overnight. Says Jen: “When Nick and I took over the running of the market we were working with some traders who had been at the market for donkey’s years. Everyone was afraid of change, but a few were willing to give us a chance because they agreed the market was in decline. They are happily not only still with us, but their businesses are now flourishing. “We actually have a very small team running the market. Paul Flannery has been here since he was 17 and his 40 years of knowledge have given us great insight and helped us to plan how to take Alty Market further. Zac Crompton has been with us from day one and has worked closely with us on the evolution of the market’s style; pretty much everything you see at the market has had some design input from Zac. We couldn’t have done any of it without either of them.

MARKET

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 43

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Winnie Greene, of W & E Greene Bags, has sold bags and luggage at the market for just shy of 40 years “Some people moan about how much the market has changed over the years but in my opinion, it had to. Nothing stays the same in retail. And if it does, it doesn’t last long. I honestly believe that if Nick and Jen hadn’t got involved there wouldn’t be a market here now. Of course, in some ways I can never compete with the online sites but ask me a question about luggage and well… I’m away! I know all the weights and sizes for cabin bags on all the different airlines. I also know all the pros and cons of, say, choosing two or four-wheeled cases. As a result, I’ve saved customers a lot of money and heartache over the years. That’s the kind of service we provide here.”

“The last five years have seen our small team curate a strong base of really high quality and talented ‘core’ traders. They sit alongside the weekly changing roster of brilliant, creative day traders that we handpick from dozens of weekly applications to make sure the quality remains high for the benefit of our loyal customers.” So, in a retail landscape where no one can afford to stagnate too long, what’s next for Altrincham Market? At a time when many department stores are regarded as outof-touch monoliths, impersonal and housing a jumble of items – and Debenhams has announced the closure of several of its stores, including Altrincham’s – Alty Market is set to undergo its latest transformation to become The Outside Department Store. “One of the beauties of the market is that it’s constantly changing, constantly evolving and we’re continually challenging ourselves and all our traders to keep things fresh and dynamic,” says Nick. “The idea came to us that we’ve actually evolved to become part outdoor department store and part market, which is quite distinctive from the transient pop-up markets that travel around from town-to-town and are very different from what we are and what we do. Especially as Alty Market has at its heart a rather special place in the form of Market House, with its nine kitchens and bars serving some of the best food and drink in the region. ‘So as department stores drift away from our high streets, Alty Market is The Outdoor Department Store, doing what we’ve always done best, which is fly in the face of the inevitable decline of the high street by being passionately regional, fiercely independent and resolutely not available online - eschewing big brands, delivering a unique experience and continuing the journey that we started out on five years ago.” With beautiful retro hand-painted signs by Gregg Johnson from Cactus Design, shoppers have seen the market transformed into numerous departments including Pet Shop, Arts & Photography, Menswear, Flowers and more, helping to direct shoppers to the right area for their needs. Rob Benson, of B&V Trading, has been at the market for almost three years “We’ve expanded massively over the years, going from one small table to four stalls of doggy delights; the whole pet department in our Outdoor Department Store. We’ve made it our mission to provide pet owners with as many product choices as possible from various local makers, including ourselves, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of their taste, budget, style, or dog breed.”

44 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Online | Altrincham Market

LANXSHOES.COM

@LANXSHOES

MARKET

Rachael Wong has been running One Small Step for the last six months “The Outdoor Department Store is going the extra mile to provide what customers want. My customers love the range of products that I have alongside the greengrocers, butchers, fishmonger, cheesemonger and bakery. It means that you can easily do all of your shopping in one place from smaller, independent businesses that have environmental and ethical practices in place, yet with the ease of shopping from the big chain supermarkets.”

46 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Why will this approach fare better than the dying breed of department stores? While online sales are increasing, the human element is still a big part of what the customer wants and expects when shopping in-store. Nothing beats interacting with staff who genuinely care and want to help. And Altrincham Market’s stallholders know their products inside out – in many cases literally, as they’ve made them themselves. Because of this, they can offer product insights or stories that help to bring the item alive... something shoppers won’t find online. And by providing the opportunity for stallholders to constantly change their space, there’s always something new to look at to ensure that people come across something different with each visit, too. Jen adds: “The goal is to keep customers on their toes by constantly giving them something new to look at and buy each time that they come, as well as providing a service and expertise that conjures up the department stores of the past.” With experiential retail at its centre, could Altrincham’s Outdoor Department Store lead the way for its ailing counterparts across the UK? I guess time will tell.

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Altrincham Market FOOD & FLORISTS

Altrincham Market, Greenwood St, Altrincham, WA14 1SA MH Market House, CM Covered Market, NMS New Market Square

GREENGROCERS

BUTCHERS

FLORISTS

Warrens Greengrocers CM Tuesday, Saturday Email Donna Warren warrendonnamarie@hotmail.co.uk

Emmis & Emmis Master butchers CM Tuesday, Saturday Text Ian Emmis 07714 471788

Chloe Robinson CM Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Text Chloe 07881 225451 Visit www.chloerobinsondesigns.com or email Chloe at robinson_chloe@live.co.uk

Mark Whites Greengrocers NMS Tuesday, Friday, Saturday (New Market Square) Text Mark White 07722 926697

FISHMONGERS Taylor Fishmongers CM Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Text Eddie Taylor 07801 979390

CHEESE Carl Peakes Farmshop CM Tuesday, Friday, Saturday Text Carl Peake 07821 336500 Jeremy Jackson CM Saturday, Sunday Text Jeremy 07786 256066

Roy Hughes Master Butchers CM Tuesday, Saturday Text Roy 07904 905578

BAKERS Lovingly Artisan CM Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Text Aidan Monks 07807 248886

Cake Pod CM Every weekend 10-4

Honey Bee CM Every weekend 10-4 Great North Pie MH/CM Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday (Tuesday-Sunday Market House) Text Neil Broomfield 01625 522112

Fresh CM Friday, Saturday, Sunday Text Aiden Nolan 07802 679424 Blooming Altrincham NMS Tuesday, Friday, Saturday Alex Cox 07486 699066

CHOCOLATIERS Sam Joseph MH Tuesday-Sunday (Market House) Text Sam 07880 238048

WINE Reserve Wines MH Tuesday-Sunday (Market House) email markethouse@reservewines.co.uk

Events & Workshops Peter and the Wolf with The Stamford Orchestra (Market House)

How to make sourdough pizza dough, with National Bakery of the Year Lovingly Artisan

The art of breadmaking, with National Bakery of the Year, Lovingly Artisan

October 21st

Sunday 29th September 9.30-11am

Sunday 13th October 10.30am-3pm

The Stamford Orchestra return to Market House in October for their half term family concert, Peter and the Wolf. Tickets from £12, family ticket from £40, including a hot pot supper.

Fancy the idea of creating your own beautiful sourdough pizzas at home? If so, join our award-winning bakery, Lovingly Artisan, for a mini master class.

Keen to master the art of bread making? Need bread making to work around a busy life yet your dream is to be eating homemade bread weekly? This workshop will teach you:

For more details, or to book, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ stamfordorchestra

Leave with all the knowledge and kit you need to make the most delicious sourdough pizza bases, which includes: • A tried and tested recipe card • A bag of Gilchesters Organics Pizza Flour • A jar of Lovingly Artisan sourdough starter …and the confidence and mojo to get started! To secure your place, email Catherine@ lovinglyartisan.com or call into the Lovingly Artisan Bakery at New Market Square. Tickets: £25

Stay informed about future events by following Altrincham Market on Instagram (@altymarket), Facebook (@altrinchammkt) and Twitter (@altrinchammkt)

• How to make a starter (all students leave with a complimentary jar of our sourdough starter) • How to prepare for baking bread • The recipe and method for sourdough and much, much more... a full day of laughing and learning! To secure your place, email Catherine@ lovinglyartisan.com or call into the Lovingly Artisan Bakery at New Market Square. Tickets: £75+vat AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 47

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Altrincham Market MARKET HOUSE TRADERS

RESERVE WINES

TENDER COW

GREAT NORTH PIE CO

Owner Kate Goodman knows a thing or two about wine: she used to co-host BBC2’s Food & Drink, and has spent the last 15 years sourcing, tasting and selecting quality driven wines from all over the world. With a team of dedicated wine lovers, Reserve’s only wish is to make quality wine more fun and accessible for everyone and they love tasting with their customers so make sure you ask when you go! Since 2017, Reserve have also introduced wine on tap which is an innovative way to offer better value and more sustainable wines. Grab a half or litre carafe of Barbera or try one of their regional gins. They also have a growing collection of natural wines. Night out in Manchester? Check out their bar in Mackie Mayor in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Tender Cow delivers an unforgettable experience for even the most seasoned of meat lovers. Its expertly cooked flat iron or hanger steak are mouth-wateringly good and their triple-cooked chips are strictly non-sharing. Great for breakfasts and brunches, too, and also available at Mackie Mayor. Talking of which, if you pop into town, don’t leave without trying Fin, their delicious foray into fish. The fishfinger sandwich is amazing!

If you like pies, you’ll love the Great North Pie’s Company’s award-winning creations. The Swaledale corned beef and potato and the ham and Stornoway black pudding are both great with piccalilli; the Saag Aloo is a good veggie option and we have it on good authority that the sausage rolls are pretty special, too. Happy days!

HONEST CRUST Honest Crust’s two-tonne wood-fired oven has been shipped over from Napoli and turns out the best sourdough pizzas you’ve ever tasted. Back for summer is their peppery rocket side salad - grown up the road in Sale; as local as you can get! - their Filetti pizza with juicy Isle of Wight tomatoes, and in September they’ll be putting on a sweetcorn special using seasonal (and locally grown!) Manc Veg. Also available at Mackie Mayor in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

LITTLE WINDOW WOLFHOUSE KITCHEN & BAKERY Home to some of the most delicious confections you’ll ever eat. Try the peanut butter caramel brownies or legendary cinnamon rolls. If you’re lucky, you might even get to grab a doughnut! And their sister venue, Wolfhouse Coffee at Mackie Mayor, is also worth a visit for coffee and cake. Looking for something savoury? The Kitchen’s new brunch menu is divine… don’t believe us? Try the apple pie French toast!

For a full guide to eating out in Altrincham, see pages 114-116

48 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Offspring of Honest Crust, Little Window was inspired by a trip to Puglia and its focus is on simple, seasonal plates that are a feast for the eyes – and the stomach. In for breakfast? Try the nduja eggs with spicy salami, pecorino and ricotta on focaccia, or the moreish mushrooms on toast with poached eggs. They always have a seasonal Soup of the Day, too.

SAM JOSEPH Owners Sam and Claire had previous lives as pastry chefs and that attention to detail shows in everything they do. Every single item at Sam Joseph Chocolates – including truffles, macaroons, pastries, ice cream and hot chocolate - is handmade by them in their Market House kitchen. Two of you? Try the chocolate fondue.

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MARKET HOUSE COFFEE Purveyor of loose leaf tea, Italian pastries, Lovingly Artisan’s awardwinning sourdough toast and homemade jams and fruit cordials – not to mention home to J Atkinson & Co. coffee. Fancy trying something new? Guaranteed to pep you up on the drabbest of autumn days. Also available at Mackie Mayor.

JACK IN THE BOX The original bar and bottle shop from Manchester brewery Blackjack, Jack In The Box showcases a revolving variety of handpicked British microbreweries as well as their own hoppy house pale ale and lager. They’ve got great cider from Dunham Massey, too. Their Mackie Mayor bar is worth a visit next time you’re in Manchester.

Bee kind with late flowering plants this autumn MARKET GARDEN By Gail Titchener While many plants have finished flowering by late summer, bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and hoverflies are still foraging for food. Nectar provides insects with energy to fly and builds them up for winter hibernation. By introducing just one source of nectar-rich food into your garden, you can improve these insects’ chances of surviving the cold months. Autumn is when late-flowering plants really come into their own as the super-food nectar they produce help insects build up energy needed for winter hibernation. And as some late bloomers also have seed heads that provide birds with a source of winter food, you’ll be helping more of our winged wonders.

50 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

MARKET

Not only that, many plants’ flowers turn into fruit, berries or seeds, which provide food for birds throughout winter. Here are a few late-blooming flowering plants that you can plant right now that’ll have pollinators all aflutter this autumn, whether you have a garden or simply a windowsill. You’ll find them in the Flowers & Plants Department in The Outdoor Department Store at Altrincham Market. Herb Hyssop This lesser-known aromatic herb displays beautiful blue flowers from late summer onwards and is a magnet for bumblebees, butterflies and other pollinators. And if you fancy a later summer salad, the young leaves are a nice accompaniment to oily fish like mackerel or sardines, especially with new potatoes and watercress and rocket. Buddleia Late-flowering buddleia is often known as the ‘Butterfly Bush’, and in addition to butterflies, also attracts bees, moths and hoverflies. Buddleia flowers are aromatic and while they will grow in almost any location, to get the best out of them, choose a sunny spot to encourage nectar-rich flowers and attract clouds of butterflies. If you have heavy clay soil, you might want to add a handful of grit to your planting hole for added drainage. Nasturtium

Asters

It’s not too late to plant a few nasturtium seeds. You can pick up a packet for just a few pence and they will flower into November if there are just light frosts. Their cheerful orange and yellow flowers will bring some last-minute cheer to the garden, and the whole of the plant leaves, flowers and fresh seeds - are edible, packing a wasabi-type punch to salads. The bees love them, they will quickly spread to hang, climb or cover a bare patch of garden.

Purple asters, with their dainty lilac petals and round yellow centres, are an abundant food source for a variety of native birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects and wildlife. Hydrangeas Lacecap Hydrangea has beautiful flowers - blue, white or pink - which may change as the bloom ages, while Oakleaf Hydrangea is a terrific source of pollen and nectar whose leaves turn a beautiful deep red in autumn.

Check out the flowering plants with the plant, flower and herb sellers at the market. If you have a space in your garden, fill it with a late summer flowering plant and keep the interest going for yourself and your wildlife. Like to learn other ways to help stop our stripy friends from buzzing off? Look out for the next series of Green Workshops coming soon to New Market Square. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 51

PROPERTY & HOME

The ABC+ Warranty

mark of quality and satisfaction The ABC+ Warranty, issued by awardwinning local company Architects Certificate, offers the most cost-effective 10-year Structural Warranty certification in the UK. It is mortgage lender approved and also suitable for those purchasing their homes under the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Help To Buy scheme.

52 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

PROPERTY & HOME

We can achieve this by offering high quality service and support but without requiring membership fees, renewal fees or holding bonds which many competitors insist upon. In recent years, the increasing demand for good quality accommodation close to city centres, educational facilities and transport hubs has seen a change in planning regulations policy, allowing change of use permissions for office to residential developments. Architects Certificate is involved in monitoring a large market share of these schemes around the country, and closer to home, a number within Manchester city centre and the surrounding districts. ‘Westpoint’ is typical of this type of scheme, a prime example of exceptional workmanship carried out by one of Manchesters’ premier developers, Beech

Holdings. Marketed and let by Manchester Apartments, the group’s lettings division, the apartments have been widely received by the rental market and have been massively oversubscribed. This was originally a 15-storey office building, but is now a new residential development containing 317 modern studio and 1-3 bedroom apartments available for rent. Our chartered surveyors from Architects Certificate carried out a number of inspections on the units at the development at different stages to monitor build quality and works before issuing the final certification approved by the Council of Mortgage Lenders. The development completed recently to an excellent standard and is now home to many young professionals and students studying and working in the popular Manchester district.

This trend has also been seen in Altrincham town centre and adjacent areas where apartments have been formed above many empty retail units recently. ABC+ Warranty is proud to be raising the construction standards required of developers and builders and has been recognised professionally in 2019, winning national and regional awards for ‘Best Structural Warranty’ provider. Purchasers and homeowners of properties monitored by Architects Certificate can rest assured that the ABC+ Warranty is a mark of quality and satisfaction. Looking forward, Architects Certificate is growing rapidly with the company recently moving our offices to new larger premises in Altrincham, enabling us to accommodate more projects and clients.

For further information, please contact: Architects Certificate, 1 Anchorage Court, Caspian Road, Altrincham. WA14 5HH t. 0161 928 8804 e. info@architectscertificate.co.uk www.architectscertificate.co.uk

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 53

PROPERTY & HOME

All Things Bright and Beautiful LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Award-winning franchise owner Faye Roddy runs Bright & Beautiful Altrincham, which keeps over 250 homes clean and tidy across Cheshire every week. We sat down with Faye as she celebrates her nine-year anniversary 54 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

ALTRINCHAM TODAY: So Faye, how did you first become involved with Bright & Beautiful? FAYE RODDY, BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL:

It was around 2008, when I was working at a local playgroup and primary school in Altrincham as a teaching assistant, and one of the mums came to me to ask why I always looked so busy running from one building to another at full speed. Photography: Karen Herman Wright

PROPERTY & HOME

She was just starting up a “housekeeping company” and wondered if I had any spare time (and energy) to help her with a few hours a week whilst she was starting up. I only had four hours free on a Wednesday so I gladly helped her out. Before I knew it, I was dropping days at my job to focus on my new passion - I knew it would lead to a better work life balance! I was a single mum then and trying to juggle work and my little ones wasn’t always easy but this way I could be at home more. AT: And now you are in charge of the Altrincham franchise? FR: The big dream was to franchise, our founder did this in 2010 and by that point I was the overall Operations Manager for Bright & Beautiful, managing the day-to-day running of the business, so when I was offered the flagship Bright & Beautiful in Altrincham I jumped at the chance. On the 1st June 2010 I was the proud director of a housekeeping and laundry company, BB Altrincham & Surrounds. I have never looked back, well I have not had time, it has been a fast-paced business from the start! AT: Bright & Beautiful is a big success story – tell us a bit more about what the company offers. FR: We stand out from the crowd as we want to get to the root of what our clients need. Some simply need a thorough weekly clean, for others it is fortnightly visits and for some it is five days per week with a full laundry, ironing, bedding service built in. We also have some clients who only opt in to our laundry and ironing service without the “cleaning” side. We come out and chat to the client without any pressure, we are not trying to get you to sign up to a contract, we simply want you to have and pay for what you need - fair and ethical all the way! We offer so much in the way of peace of mind and my team are always on hand 24/7 for any feedback, changes, extra services etc. Nothing is too much trouble for us.

AT: What size team do you have here in Altrincham? FR: We are working up to 30 employees quickly and by the time you are reading this, we should be there! That includes my great office team made up of Dawn, Jon and Karen. AT: How would you say Bright & Beautiful is different from other cleaning companies? FR: We do not have a minimum callout charge, we are local and based in Altrincham and our amazing teams are DBS checked, insured up to £1m, checked and vetted, and trained to the highest standard. Another thing our clients love is our wonderful products – we are eco-friendly, we use reusable plastic bottles and our natural products help us deliver the best standards. I genuinely believe that our clients love the fact we ALL care so much about our service and that is why we are always growing. Our reviews say it all. The team cannot be missed in their hot pink uniforms and our cars, they do not just look great, they are great! AT: Who’s your typical customer in the Altrincham area? FR: Our clients range massively from the famous to the crazy busy mum with her hands full. I would say we are mostly popular with busy

working families that simply need some help with the chores so they are not spending weekends cleaning and washing but with their friends and family. People realise more now, that for the cost of a take away for four you could have a weekly clean and have nothing to do but enjoy your home or go out. We have been told we have saved some relationships over the years by stopping the argument of who does what on a Saturday morning! It can be more affordable than you think and it is time to admit it is OK to have some help. AT: Where do you hope to take the company in the next few years? FR: We are always looking for ways in which we can employ more local people, we look after our team members and we would love to see that 30 turn in to 50. We are 10 years old in June 2020 so I would love to expand to 40 housekeepers by then. We also do our bit for charity along the way, the team and myself pay for a little girl’s education and two goats for her family in Ethiopia and we are looking forward to supporting CAFT more in the coming years. We are a company with values, it is really important to us to live R.I.C.H (Respectfully with Integrity, Customer Service and Having Fun in the Process!)

For more information about Bright & Beautiful, visit brightandbeautifulaltrincham.com or call 0161 393 7625. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 55

PROPERTY & HOME

Top 50 Most Expensive House Sales in Altrincham PROPERTY TRENDS

1 / Chesham Place, Bowdon

14 / Hawley Drive,

27 / Chiltern Drive, Hale

Altrincham £3,180,000

15 / Harrop Road, Hale £1,200,000

28 / Chapel Lane, Hale Barns £760,000

3 / Hill Top, Hale

16 / Ollerbarrow Road, Hale

29 / Castleway, Hale Barns

4 / Hargate Drive, Hale

17 / Queens Road, Hale

30 / Broom Road, Hale

5 / Park Drive, Hale

18 / Lisson Grove, Hale

31 / Groby Road,

£3,250,000

2 / Devisdale Road,

£3,025,000

£2,157,800

Hale Barns £1,275,000

£1,200,000

£1,098,500

£1,870,000

£970,000

6 / Bucklow View, Bowdon £1,750,000

19 / Ollerbarrow Road, Hale

7 / Barry Rise, Bowdon

Altrincham £905,000

£1,750,000

£955,000

20 / Gorsey Lane,

8 / Leicester Road, Hale £1,700,000

21 / Hale Road, Hale

9 / Planetree Road, Hale £1,650,000

22 / Burnside, Hale Barns

10 / Bollinway, Hale

23 / Hill Top, Hale

£885,000 £792,500

£1,425,000

£785,000

11 / Broad Lane, Hale

24 / Arthog Road, Hale

£1,350,000

12 / Brooks Drive, Hale Barns £1,325,000

13 / Grey Road, Altrincham £1,275,000

£780,000

£765,000

£745,000

£740,000

41 / Green Walk, Timperley £600,000

42 / Green Drive, Timperley £595,000

32 / Hale Road, Hale £703,000

44 / Heyes Lane, Timperley

33 / Barrington Road,

Altrincham £700,000

34 / Dukes Walk, Hale £688,350 35 / Winchester Road, Hale £660,000 36 / The Paddock, Timperley £655,000 37 / Rydal Drive, Hale

26 / Mayfield Road,

38 / Stockport Road, Timperley £622,500

56 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

£610,000

43 / Briony Avenue, Hale £595,000

Barns £635,000

Timperley £775,000

40 / Westgate, Hale

Altrincham £725,000

25 / Hale Road, Hale £780,000

39 / St Johns Road, Altrincham £612,500

£575,000

45 / Hawthorn Close, Hale £565,000 46 / Denver Drive, Timperley £560,000 47 / Lichfield Avenue, Hale £555,000

48 / Appleton Road, Hale £555,000

49 / Brookfield Drive, Timperley £540,000 50 / Elm Road, Hale £530,000

Data sourced from Land Registry April/June 2019

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PROPERTY & HOME

Most Valuable Roads PROPERTY TRENDS TOP 20 MOST VALUABLE ROADS IN BOWDON 1 / Theobold Road

11 / Bowdon Road

2 / York Drive

12 / Kings Acre

3 / Catherine Road

13 / Holmwood

£2,287,000 £2,056,000

£1,302,000

£1,277,000

£1,774,000

£1,261,000

4 / Eyebrook Road

14 / Wolsey Drive

£1,504,000

£1,258,000

5 / Richmond Road

15 / Consort Place

6 / Bucklow View £1,441,000

16 / Enville Road

7 / Windsor Drive

17 / Beechfield

£1,481,000

£1,428,000

£1,253,000 £1,238,000

£1,199,000

8 / Devisdale Road

18 / Sandringham Close

9 / South Downs Road £1,380,000

19 / Stanhope Road

10/ Green Walk

20 / East Downs Road

£1,413,000

£1,354,000

£1,198,000

£1,191,000

£1,185,000

TOP 20 MOST VALUABLE ROADS IN ALTRINCHAM (TOWN) 1 / Allandale £1,691,000

11 / Longcroft Drive

2 / Gorsey Lane

12 / Pennine Drive

3 / Groby Place

13 / Hartley Drive

4 / Harrington Road £1,150,000

14 / Sylvan Grove

5 / Bonville Chase £1,142,000

15 / The Close

6 / Bonville Road £1,115,000

16 / The Narrows

7 / Wainwright Road

17/ Bradgate Road

8 / Lyme Grove £1,019,000

18 / Dorset Road

9 / Normanby Chase £1,007,000

19 / Bentinck Road

10 / Hill Rise

20 / Normans Place

£1,359,000

£1,157,000

£1,078,000

£952,000

£870,000 £865,000

£851,000

£851,000 £842,000

£823,000

£811,000

£789,000

£784,000

TOP 20 MOST VALUABLE ROADS IN BROADHEATH 1 / Aylesbury Close

11 / Jubilee Way

2 / Spey Close £386,000

12 / Somerset Road

3 / Medway Crescent

13 / Lansdowne Road

4 / Pennymoor Drive £366,000

14 / Maximus Drive

5 / Minerva Close £350,000

15 / Weldon Road

6 / Rutland Road £323,000

16 / Lawrence Road

7 / Tweed Close £322,000

17 / Princes Road

8 / Norman Road

18 / Applemint Close

£397,000

£370,000

£311,000

£304,000

£288,000

£282,000

£281,000 £276,000

£274,000

£315,000

£263,000

9 / Heathermount £314,000

19 / Pollen Road

10 / Waveney Drive

20 / Daisygate Drive

£313,000

58 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

£948,000

£262,000

PROPERTY & HOME

TOP 20 MOST VALUABLE ROADS IN HALE

TOP 20 MOST VALUABLE ROADS IN HALE BARNS

1 / Broadway £2,993,000

11 / Park Avenue

1 / Rossmill Lane £1,680,000

11 / Rivermead Avenue

2 / South Road £2,659,000

12 / Alan Drive £1,928,000

2 / Carrwood £1,606,000

12 / Elmsway

3 / North Road £2,544,000

13 / Park Drive £1,876,000

3 / Brooks Drive £1,553,000

13 / Amberley Drive

4 / The Avenue £2,478,000

14 / Planetree Road

4 / Hawley Drive £1,312,000

14 / Ashmeade

5 / Hill Top £2,422,000

15 / Broad Lane

5 / Warren Drive £1,269,000

15 / Chapel Lane

6 / South Downs Drive £2,244,000

16 / Bollinway

6 / Wicker Lane £1,255,000

16 / Haslemere Avenue

7 / Rappax Road

17 / Barrow Lane

7 / The Paddocks £1,224,000

17 / Burnside

8 / Park Lane £2,186,000

18 / Church Coppice

8 / Dobb Hedge Close £1,137,000

18 / Shay Lane £804,000

9 / Hargate Drive £2,156,000

19 / Ashley Mill Lane North £1,546,000

9 / Hawley Lane £1,113,000

19 / Gorse Bank Road

10 / Lynwood

20 / Prescot Road

10 / The Coppice

20 / Weygates Drive

£2,191,000

£2,115,000

£1,970,000

£1,807,000

£1,777,000 £1,764,000

£1,694,000

£1,681,000

£1,540,000

£1,103,000

£1,058,000

£1,014,000 £977,000

£890,000

£835,000 £815,000

£807,000

£786,000

£760,000

TOP 20 MOST VALUABLE ROADS IN TIMPERLEY 1 / Rogerson Close

11 / Vernon Park

2 / Hulme Drive £758,000

12 / Somerville Gardens

3 / Warburton Way £709,000

13 / Cranbourne Close

4 / Leys Road £703,000

14 / Lincoln Drive

5 / Jackson Close £666,000

15 / Granville Road

6 / The Paddock £638,000

16 / Moss Lane

7 / Henson Grove £629,000

17 / Kenmore Drive

8 / Oldbrook Fold

18 / Mayfield Road £524,000

9 / Streamside Close £595,000

19 / Meadow Bank

10 / South Meade

20 / Laburnum Close

£779,000

£622,000

£588,000

60 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

£586,000

£578,000

£557,000

£556,000

£549,000 £539,000

£530,000

£520,000

£519,000

*Based on Zoopla’s Zed-Index property valuation estimates

PROPERTY & HOME

‘Choosing wall and floor coverings should be an experience... we hope to make it that way’ TILE BY TILE

Husband-and-wife team Basil and Dasha McFarland are opening a three-storey tile shop in a former dairy in Altrincham town centre. We spoke to Dasha about their plans for Tile by Tile

ALTRINCHAM TODAY: So tell us a bit more about Tile by Tile? DASHA MCFARLAND: We are a family business - Tile by Tile is managed by my husband Basil and I. We started the company three years ago, with an online shop selling high end tiles to the professional and consumer market. The company has grown steadily, we’ve built up a good customer base and for some time now have been looking to open a bricks and mortar showroom. Wall and floor coverings are like works of art, they benefit from being seen in real life and we wanted to create space to do just that.

62 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

PROPERTY & HOME

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 63

PROPERTY & HOME

AT: You and husband Basil are behind it all – what are your backgrounds? DM: We have very different backgrounds! My qualifications are in art and graphic design. I’m the creative head in the business, I spend endless time looking at tiles, meeting with designers and researching new technologies to offer the most stunning floor and wall coverings. Basil’s background is in building design and technology, he is the business savvy side of the company – he loves meeting customers and getting to know their individual needs. We personally know the frustration and challenges that comes with renovation work. With our excessive building and creative knowledge we are here to help make this process as smooth as possible. 64 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

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PROPERTY & HOME

AT: And you’ve converted the beautiful former electric bike shop on Church Street into your premises? DM: Yes, we’ve spent the last six months almost living here, taking the building back to brick and rebuilding it as a retail outlet and showroom to show off all the products. It’s been a true labour of love! Luckily we live very locally so are able to get home now and then... it’s a truly beautiful space, with a great history and a fantastic location on the main road from Chester to Manchester city centre. We have some great neighbours and are delighted to bring something new to the area. AT: How are you going to differ from other interiors stores out there? DM: We are so bespoke. We offer a lot of exclusive ranges that are not available through anybody else in the UK, with ceramic and porcelain offerings that are completely unique. We will not only offer tiles, we will also have tailor made waterproof and acoustic wallpaper as well as other innovative materials. We’ll work with each individual customer to ensure they know all the options and choose 66 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

the right finish to make their space unique, be it personal or commercial. AT: And you’ll be focusing on higher-end brands? DM: Yes we are here to offer top quality products, although there will be some very competitively priced ranges. There are plenty of mainstream tile shops and they do a fantastic job, but as soon as people walk into our premises, they will see the difference. Choosing wall and floor coverings should be an experience, a relaxed and enjoyable one. We hope to make it that way. AT: Interestingly, you’ve converted part of the building into a design and architectural studio. What’s the thinking behind that? DM: This will come a little further down the line - the top floor is dedicated especially for architects, designers and developers. With access to our exclusive tile library as well as other carefully chosen wall and flooring materials, we can offer solutions for any design challenges. With wonderful natural light, original beams and whitewashed brick

walls our studio is full of character, which offers on inspiring environment to meet and bring ideas to life. This will be a fantastic space to bring a local creative community together. AT: What would you like to see Tile by Tile become in a few years? DM: The showroom is spread over three floors and is big enough for us to increase our ranges. To complement our wall and floor coverings we are planning to offer exclusive bathroomware as well as other functional, decorative innovative interior materials. The website is currently undergoing a revamp to bring it in line with our new store. We want to create an inspirational yet functional and informative e-commerce platform that allows customers to order tiles and any other supporting products online directly to their door. There is plenty of room to grow... it’s all very exciting! Tile by Tile, 28 Church Street, Altrincham, WA14 4DW. For more, visit tilebytile.shop or follow @ tilebytile.shop on Instagram.

PROPERTY & HOME

New developments PROPERTY

Hale is to finally get a new community centre and library Hale village is to get a new community centre and library after plans were approved by Trafford Council. The decision, confirmed at a meeting of the planning and development committee, represents the culmination of a five-year campaign spearheaded by the Hale Community Trust and guarantees the presence of library facilities in Hale. It means that a new 6,000 sq ft community centre and library will be built on the site of the current bowling green pavilion. The new development will be funded by the sale of the current library site on Leigh Road and Addison Road, for residential development by Hillcrest Homes. That development includes six semi-detached three-bedroom homes, with a mixed-use building in the same architectural style fronting onto Leigh Road and providing a ground floor retail space with two twobedroom apartments above.

Work progressing on new Timperley village hub Construction work on the new ÂŁ6.5m Timperley library, medical centre and apartment scheme is set to be completed by autumn 2020. Main contractor Whitfield & Brown has partnered with Laurus Homes and Assura on the mixed-use development, being built on the site of the former library at the junction of Baker Street and Stockport Road. 68 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

The development consists of two standalone buildings: one consists of the new medical centre on the ground floor, community library on the first floor and four luxury apartments on the second floor. The second building is a three-storey residential block with 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments. A replacement public car park will offer 116 car spaces, of which 25 will be allocated for the apartments and 14 for the GP surgery. Currently, the car park has 125 spaces.

PROPERTY & HOME

Plan revealed for nine townhouses on banks of Bridgewater Canal A developer has revealed plans for nine townhouses on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham after going back to the drawing board on the proposed development. Maya Property had originally proposed a 48-unit and then a revised, 38-unit mixed-level apartment scheme but both were knocked back by Trafford Council.

Work begins on controversial Hale car park scheme Work has begun on a £6million scheme to transform Brown Street car park in Hale into 22 homes and a multi-storey car park. Developer Novo, in partnership with Trafford Council, is building the 10 town houses and 12 apartments – along with the new car park – on Brown Street next to the village’s railway station. More than half the new homes are affordable. Construction firm CPUK is on site and the development is scheduled to be completed by December 2020. The plans had attracted criticism, with Hale Community Trust claiming the scheme was “contrary to the conservation area” and saying the loss of 22 parking spaces would help to “kill the whole village”. But Ben Fearns, CEO of Novo Property, said the scheme had to be balanced against the “significant investment” in “much-needed family and affordable homes”, and that various public consultation events had been held with local residents on the scheme.

It has now unveiled a completely new vision for the site, formerly the location of Rileys Snooker Club in Altrincham, which it says responds “to the direct need for family homes in the area”. Each property would have two parking spaces, plus on-site visitor parking and secure cycle storage. The development will be fully landscaped with new planting to create a community feel, while each house would have a private garden. Maya will be holding two public consultation events to engage local councillors and the community before submitting a formal planning application.

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AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 69

PROPERTY & HOME

Trafford to consult over redevelopment of Stamford Park schools Trafford Council has recommended that further consultation should take place on plans to amalgamate Stamford Park Infant and Junior schools in Hale and build a new multi-million pound primary school building on the existing site. The council’s Executive Committee has approved a new six-week period of consultation, beginning in September, to establish whether plans for the new threeform entry primary school – accommodating an extra 20 pupils per year group – should be taken forward. The consultation will include “additional precautionary measures” in order to improve the verification responses after a high number of unverified, unnamed responses were received during an initial public consultation held in June and July. During that consultation, 82% of parents who submitted a verified response were in favour of the plans to build a new school, out of a total of 182 parents who responded. The adjoining Stamford Park Infant and Junior schools, which have been on Cedar Road in Hale since 1905, are home to over 500 pupils aged between three and 11. The council is proposing to build a new 3,081 sq m building on existing school playing fields and then demolish the existing buildings to make way for a new playing field and car parking. The current school building is 2,355 sq m. It says the condition of the existing buildings is “deteriorating” and the new build would meet the “pressing need for additional school places in the area”. But while the Infant school is in favour of the plan, the Junior school is against it, and is instead wishing to convert to academy status. At the end of the new period of consultation, the council would consider the feedback and decide whether or not to proceed with the publication of statutory notices, giving all parties four weeks to submit representation to the proposal. At the end of this stage, the council would determine the outcome. School performance tables, see pages 94-96

70 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

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LIFE

What Altrincham’s reading BOOK CHARTS

TOP 10 BESTSELLERS IN ALTRINCHAM 1 CONFESSIONS OF FRANNIE LANGTON, SARA COLLINS 2 The Last, Hanna Jameson 3 How To Be Right, James O’Brien 4 Normal People, Sally Rooney 5 Nine Perfect Strangers, Liane Moriarty 6 Factfulness, Hans Rosling 7 Transcription, Kate Atkinson 8 The Reckoning, John Grisham 9 Clock Dance, Anne Tyler 10 An American Marriage, Tayari Jones

TOP 10 CHILDREN’S & YOUNG ADULT FICTION 1 THE WORLD’S WORST TEACHERS, DAVID WALLIAMS 2 Top Marks for Murder, Robin Stevens 3 Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid, Jeff Kinney 4 The Land of Roar, Jenny McLachlan 5 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, JK Rowling 6 Bad Dad, David Walliams 7 Fing, David Walliams 8 Head Kid, David Baddiel 9 The Getaway, Jeff Kinney 10 The Midnight Gang, David Walliams

TOP 10 NON-FICTION 1 T HIS IS GOING TO HURT, ADAM KAY 2 Battle Scars, Jason Fox 3 The Secret Barrister, The Secret Barrister 4 No-one is too small to make a difference, Greta Thunberg 5 How To Be A footballer, Peter Crouch 6 Pinch of Nom food planner, Kay Featherstone et al 7 The Fast 800 recipe book, Bailey & Pattison 8 The Salt Path, Raynor Winn 9 First Man In, Ant Middleton 10 How To Be Right, James O’Brien

TOP 10 CRIME / THRILLERS 1 T HE RECKONING, JOHN GRISHAM 2 The President is Missing, James Patterson/Bill Clinton 3 The Sleepwalker, Joseph Knox 4 Lethal White, Robert Galbraith 5 Dark Sacred Night, Michael Connelly 6 Survivors, Maggie Oliver 7 Scrublands, Chris Hammer 8 Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn 9 Whiskey When We’re Dry, John Larison 10 Past Tense, Lee Child

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 71

LIFE

The Price of Freedom BOOK REVIEW

By Angela Prior

Now We Shall Be Entirely Free Author: Andrew Miller Pages: 432 Publisher: Sceptre Publication date: August 23rd 2018

Here is a historical novel, set in the time of the Peninsular War. Captain John Lacroix, barely a survivor, has received orders to return to Spain. He is much altered by his experiences, the impact of war, and particularly an atrocity that he witnessed while in Spain. He decides to flee from his home in Somerset to the Hebrides. Meanwhile, ‘a man whose word cannot be gainsaid’, has given orders for Lacroix to be found and executed, and has instructed Corporal Calley and Medina to find him. The chase that follows reads very much like The 39 Steps. Andrew Miller’s book is beautifully written, thoughtful and insightful, with such eloquent descriptions as to make you feel you are there every step of the way on the journeys of both Lacroix, and Calley and Medina. There are moments of comedy, romance, tricky times and close shaves. The pace is excellent; we are taken through the changing world of Britain in the early 19th century; we are immersed in the sights and sounds of the time. I recommend this book without reservation. Andrew Miller is a gifted writer, and this book would make an excellent readers’ group choice.

Reservoir Blues Pi Bar in Altrincham provided the setting as local author David Nolan gave a fascinating insight into his debut novel, Black Moss. The event was one of the highlights of the Altrincham Word Fest, which took place in venues across the town in May. Nolan’s book draws on his real-life experience of covering the Strangeways riots back in 1990, when the world’s attention was focused on the dramatic events at the Manchester prison. He imagines the scenario of somebody taking the opportunity while eyes were elsewhere - to kill a child and dump their body on the edge of Black Moss reservoir, on the outskirts of Oldham.

Nolan’s book – which he described as ‘Manc noir’ – follows a former radio reporter’s attempts to pick up the pieces of the hunt for the killer 25 years later. Other highlights of the Altrincham Word Fest ‘included a ‘Rant Off!’ in the Town Hall; two spoken word open mic nights; an evening of experimental poetry and film; a chance to meet award-winning crime writer, Cath Staincliffe; a discussion of Alan Turing’s Manchester by local resident and writer, Jonathan Swinton, and an appearance by Dave Haslam, former DJ at the Hacienda, to talk about his memoir of a life in the music industry.

72 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Photo: Karen Herman Wright

Black Moss by David Nolan (published by Fahrenheit Press) is available on Kindle and in paperback

LIFE

It’s embarrassing – but also exciting A DAY IN MY LIFE

Chris Boardman MBE, Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner His gold at the Barcelona Olympics is credited with opening the floodgates for the British cycling success that has followed - but he has an even bigger challenge on his hands now AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 73

LIFE

How the Bee Network plans could change Northenden Road in Sale town centre

Whether it’s a jetty, a bike or a transport plan, I just love making things. We (wife Sally and six children aged between 14 and 30) have just moved from West Kirby to Heswall on the Wirral. We’re lucky to have some woodland and I’m halfway through a large-scale gardening project at the moment, so that’s how I’m spending most of my free time. I’m more likely to go for a run than a bike ride nowadays, but we spend a lot of time up in Scotland, especially in the Cairngorms which is probably my favourite place to go cycling anywhere in the world. There’s a good chance we’ll end up living there. It was a fascinating time to be involved in cycling back in 1992 (when Boardman became the first Brit to win an Olympic gold in cycling for over 70 years). To get a medal then was unheard of, so it was incredible to see it go from there to 72 medals at the 2008 Olympics, especially as I was involved with Team GB (as equipment and technical manager) at the time. That experience and my passion for performance also led me to start 74 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

my own bike brand, Boardman Bikes, which I’m glad to say is going very well. It’s great to be involved in a business you really believe in. But my main role these days is as Greater Manchester’s first Cycling and Walking Commissioner. I’ve lobbied on this agenda for years with British Cycling, but no-one was particularly interested. But this role is different: I have far more control and answer directly to Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor). It’s an exciting mission, and when Andy called up two years ago and asked me to consider doing it, I did not have the slightest hesitation in saying yes. In a nutshell, we’re trying to give people a viable and attractive option to driving. Our main plan is to create 1,800 miles of safe cycling and walking routes in Greater Manchester - including Altrincham - called The Bee Network. It includes 2,400 new and upgraded crossings aimed at keeping cyclists and walkers safe from traffic as well as 127 miles of new cycling and walking routes. Every year, we take 250 million car journeys of less than a kilometre, a big chunk of which are school runs.

It’s an embarrassing statistic, but to me it’s also an exciting one as it shows how much room there is to improve. We use the competent 12-yearold test - what would convince you, as a parent, to let your competent 12-year-old child walk to school? How can we guarantee safety at every junction? That’s the test. It’s going to take 10 years to deliver, but we don’t really have a choice. Whether you look at it from a climate or health perspective, we have to change. And it will make our towns better places to live. It’s not going to be easy. We’ve prioritised the motor car for so long that it’s really hard to unpick, and ultimately people will travel in the way that’s easiest for them. But the funding is in place and all the councils are on board: I wouldn’t be involved if I thought it wasn’t going to happen, and I don’t do things badly. The Tour of Britain will show how well we can link together huge areas of our infrastructure, with 10s of thousands of people able to enjoy calm, traffic-free roads. It’s a big sporting spectacle, and always a great event. The final stage of the 2019 Tour of Britain begins in Altrincham on Saturday 14th September. For more about the Bee Network plans, visit tfgm.com

LIFE

Mancunian massacre CAROLYN O’BRIEN

It’s exactly 200 years since a peaceful rally in Manchester city centre turned into one of the bloodiest and most notorious episodes in British history. For her first novel, Altrincham author Carolyn O’Brien follows one local mill-worker as she risks everything to join the great assembly that will forever now be known as the Peterloo Massacre

CAROLYN O’BRIEN: As a Mancunian, I’ve been interested in Peterloo for as long as I can remember. It’s a historical moment where a number of my interests coincide: politics, women’s activism, and the history of Manchester itself. It’s also significant on a personal level as one side of my family were Oldham cotton workers and it’s possible some of my ancestors attended the meeting. Perhaps because of this, I’d always been dismayed by how few people – even in the Manchester area - knew very much about it, and I felt very strongly I wanted to write something to address this.

Walter, it is nevertheless pieced together from a number of perspectives including Nancy’s mother, her best friend and the two men she meets during the momentous year of 1819. As the novel is essentially about the forces unleashed on society by sweeping change, it seemed necessary to hear multiple voices from across that social spectrum. As a mum to a child with special needs, I also wanted to imagine how life might have been for the neuro-diverse and their families through the character of Nancy’s son, Walter – a relatively high-functioning but deeply anxious and socially awkward boy who’s haunted by his memories of Peterloo.

AT: The book centres on millworker Nancy Kay - can you tell us a bit more about what readers can expect? CO: I think the novel will appeal broadly to historical fiction fans, but will especially interest those with a connection to the North West. Whilst the story follows Nancy, as she struggles to provide for her ailing mother and sensitive son,

AT: This is your debut novel - what’s your background? CO: From a young age, I loved reading and was always writing stories of my own, eventually going on to study English at Cambridge University. Whilst I subsequently qualified as a solicitor, practising for many years in

ALTRINCHAM TODAY: Tell

writing the book.

us about your reasons for

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 75

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Manchester - only a stone’s throw away from the site of Peterloo - I always hoped one day to return to my ‘first love’ of writing. Eventually, I took it up again after I’d had my children and was encouraged by success in short story competitions including a shortlisting for the prestigious Bridport Prize. The Song of Peterloo is my first fulllength novel. When did you first come up with the idea for the book and how have you gone about researching it? CO: I began writing the novel in 2016. Although I’d wanted to make people more aware of Peterloo, it wasn’t until that tumultuous year - amidst austerity cuts and the divisiveness of the referendum - and not least the tragic murder of Jo Cox, that I was finally spurred to set about it. Now, with society more divided than ever and our democracy in permanent crisis, it seems the parallels with 1819 are more glaring than ever. Even though there’s been a recent slew of fantastic new histories to mark the bicentenary, there was already a wealth of material to read, from history books to lots of contemporaneous accounts. I’ve also made the most of Manchester’s brilliant museums and libraries, including reading microfiche newspapers from 1819 in Central Library and researching early 19th-century membership of the fabulous Portico Library. AT:

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Probably the most inspiring, however, were my ‘fieldtrips’: to Styal where I watched the working spinning mules and to the tremendous red-brick bulk of the Murray Mills complex in Ancoats which looms above the towpath of the Rochdale Canal where I was straight away able to picture Nancy. AT: Mike Leigh’s film about Peterloo last year succeeded in bringing this event to the attention of many who were completely oblivious to it. How significant an event would you say it was both in Mancunian and British history? CO: Immediately after the massacre, there was inevitable bitterness and deep disappointment in Manchester and the surrounding mill towns as well as other workingclass communities across the country, not to mention the endurance of enhanced repression. Nevertheless, such a terrible event served as an initial spark, a fire in the belly lit for the long fight for reform. And in the centuries that have followed, it has endured for many in the workingclass movement as a potent symbol of brave protest for change for the better. AT: Some say that Peterloo should be part of the syllabus. What do you think? CO: Absolutely! I think it’s so important that we teach every generation about the long and oftentimes terrible struggle for the democratic freedoms we now enjoy, specifically to nurture an appreciation of those same freedoms as well as a desire to protect and enhance them. AT: You live in Altrincham now – what are your favourite places around the town? CO: Like most residents, I’m totally delighted by the renaissance of the Market House and love spending time there with friends and family. I think I have more appreciation of the attractive buildings around that part of town now too, in particular the town hall and the lovely Georgian and early Victorian buildings along Church Street where I work part-time at Land Law solicitors. AT: What plans do you have for the future – a theatre production? A film? Another book? CO: For the Manchester Histories commemorations programme I’ve worked on a musical collaboration with Claire O’Brien (of the local Little Belters choirs) combining readings from the novel with music of the time as well as newly-commissioned songs by Mancunian composer, Shane Cullinan. I’ve also started work – tentatively – on a new novel, which will once again feature, at least in part, 19th-century Manchester.

The Song of Peterloo by Carolyn O’Brien was published by Legend Press on August 1st 2019.

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LIFE

Fitness, salons & spas

Sean Salinger Fitness Park Road Estate, Park Road, Timperley, WA14 5QH seansalingerfitness.com sean@seansalingerfitness.com 07590 919881

FITNESS

The Female Personal Training 37 Hale Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2EY thefemalepersonaltraining.co.uk

LISTINGS

Bespoke Life BootCamp Fitness Navigation Primary School, Hawarden Rd, Altrincham WA14 1NG bespokelife.co.uk Box N Burn Fitness Boxing fitness training Contact: Boxnburn2018@ outlook.com Facebook: @bnbcheshire

Christine Kenny Nutrition and Fitness Ltd, 52 St Marks Ave, Altrincham, WA14 4JB facebook.com/pg/ckennynutrition

Chrysalis Lifestyle & Fitness The Square, Hale Barns, WA15 8ZN chrysalislifestyle.co.uk Twitter: @chrysalis_lifestyleandfitness Facebook: @chrysalislifestyleandfitness

CrossFit Trafford Unit 1 Blue Chip Business Park, Atlantic St, Altrincham WA14 5DD infinitifitnessgym.co.uk Denise Renshaw Fitness Altrincham, deniserenshawfitness.co.uk

Douglas Bennett Stronger Faster Fitter Contact: douglasbennett@ strongerfasterfitter.co.uk Facebook: @strongerfasterfitter42 Instagram: @Stronger.Faster.Fitter EN3Perform 6 Ash Grove, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 3EG en3perform.com

Hell Yeah Fitness 23A Stamford Park Rd, Altrincham WA15 9EL hellyeahfitness.co.uk

H K Lifestyle Pure Gym 8-10 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1EJ facebook.com/TheHKLifestyle Hale Fitness 17 Cecil Rd, Hale, WA15 9NZ halefitness.co.uk

Soma Fitness 37 Hale Rd, Hale, WA14 2EY somafitness.uk

Zumba Altrincham and Hale Moss Lane, Altrincham FC, Altrincham WA15 8AP

GYMS

TBT Fitness 395a Stockport Rd, Timperley, WA15 7UR facebook.com/ TBTwomensfitnessandnutrition

Tom Nash Personal Trainer Shop4Supplements, 1 Moss Ln, Altrincham, WA14 1BA tomnashpt.co.uk Zoe Hale Fitness zoehalefitness.com Contact: 07899 041 026 Instagram: @zoehalefitness

Zumba Altrincham Broadheath Community Hall Facebook: @jensouthzumba Instagram: @zumbaaltrincham

Altrincham Leisure Centre Oakfield Rd, Altrincham, WA15 8EW traffordleisure.co.uk Altrincham Weightlifting Club Unit 14, Atlantic Street Business Centre, Altrincham, WA14 5QN awlc.co.uk Atlas Physique 1 Market St, Altrincham, WA14 1QE atlasphysique.co.uk Bells Gym Denmark St, Altrincham, WA14 2SS bellsgym.co.uk

Hale Personal Training Bath Place, 8 Bath St, Hale, WA14 2XY hale-personaltraining.co.uk

Mama Bod Squad at Red House Farm Mum and baby class Instagram: @mamabodsquad Contact: 07899 041 026 Pro-Fit Altrincham Total Fitness, Denmark St, Altrincham, WA14 2DE pro-fitpersonaltraining.co.uk PT360 The Gym, Units 2&3, Atlantic St, Broadheath, WA14 5FA pt360.co.uk

Sarah Clayton Reflexologist 210a Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SN reflexologymanchester.co.uk

Si Edwards Personal Training and Nutrition 17 Cecil Rd, Hale, WA15 9NZ siedwardspt.com AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 77

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Bowdon Leisure Club Langham Rd, Bowdon, WA14 2HT 0161 941 1866

Crossfit Altrincham 12 Draybank Rd, Timperley, WA14 5ZL crossfitaltrincham.com

Hale Country Club and Spa Clay Ln, Hale, Timperley, WA15 7AF halecountryclub.co.uk Hale Fitness Gym 17 Cecil Rd, Hale, WA15 9NZ halefitness.co.uk

Pure Gym 8-10 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1EJ puregym.co.uk/gyms/Altrincham Runway Pilates 16 Goose Green, Altrincham, WA14 1DW runwaypilates.com

Spartan Strength and Conditioning Unit 1 Blue Chip Business Park, Atlantic St, Altrincham WA14 5DD spartanstrength.co.uk The Gym Units 2-3, Atlantic St, Altrincham, WA14 5FA thegymgroup.com

Total Fitness Denmark St, Altrincham, WA14 2DE totalfitness.co.uk/clubs/altrincham

SALONS Air Hairdressing 120 Moss Ln, Hale, Altrincham WA15 8AF airhairdressing.com

Dimensions 3 Navigation Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1LW facebook.com/ DimensionsHairsalonAltrincham District 28 Victoria Rd, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9AD districthairandbeauty.co.uk Elliot McClarance 118 George St, Altrincham, WA14 1RF elliotmcclarance.co.uk

Enhance Trafford College, Manchester Rd, Timperley, WA14 5PQ Trafford.ac.uk/enhance

Est.14 2 Ashfield Rd, Altrincham, WA15 9QJ est14.uk

Finishing Touch Hair & Beauty 409 Stockport Rd, Timperley, WA15 7XR finishingtouchhair andbeauty.co.uk

Frisor Salon 4 Broomfield Ln, Hale, Altrincham, WA15 9AQ frisor.co.uk Grants 12 Kingsway, Altrincham, WA14 1PJ 0161 928 0643

Hair & Beauty Galerie 2 Green Ln, Timperley, Altrincham, WA15 7PF hairandbeautygalerie.co.uk

Hair Icon 124 Moss Ln, Timperley, Altrincham, WA15 6JL hairicon.co.uk/salon/ hair-icon-timperley Hed Shed 26 Victoria Rd, Hale, Altrincham WA15 9AD Hedshedhale.co.uk

HOB Salon Hale 203 Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA15 9SQ Contact: Hayley2@hobsalons.com Instagram: @Hob_salons_hale House of Finesse 5-6 Goose Green, Altrincham, WA14 1DW Houseoffinesse.co.uk

Elements Health and Beauty 330 Manchester Rd, Timperley, Altrincham, WA14 5NH 0161 962 5522 La Maison Salon 13 Ashley Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2DT lamaisonsalon.co.uk Le Salon Cheshire 14 The Downs, Altrincham, WA14 5JW lesaloncheshire.co.uk 0161 926 9637

78 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Madison Hair 25 Sinderland Rd, Altrincham, WA14 5JW facebook.com/ MadisonHairdressers

Marco Pani Hairdressing 37 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1EB 0161 941 6167 Opium Hair and Beauty 307 Hale Rd, Hale Barns, WA15 8SS opiumhairandbeauty.co.uk PAINT 1 Beech House, 1 Cambridge Rd Hale, WA15 9SY thepaintbar.co.uk

Paul Michaels Hair Salon 21 Stamford St Altrincham WA14 1EX paulmichaelshair.com Red Angel Hair Co. 11 Oxford Rd, Altrincham WA14 2DY Redangelhair.co.uk Rem.uk Hair Stylist 6 Draybank Rd Timperley, WA14 5ZL rem.uk.com

Revive Hair and Beauty 190-192 Grove Ln, Hale, WA15 8PU revivehairbeauty.co.uk Salon 6 223 Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SZ salon6hale.com

Sand 52-54 Greenwood St, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ sandhairdressing.co.uk Stranz 2 Cecil Rd, Hale, WA15 9PA twitter.com/stranzhair Terrence Paul 210 Ashley Rd, Hale, WA14 2UW terencepaul.com

The Hair Company 210 Stockport Rd, Timperley, WA15 7UA haircompanytimperley.co.uk Toni & Guy 72 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1BS toniandguy.com/salon/ Altrincham

FIXX Salons 1b Lloyd Street, Altrincham, WA14 2DD fixxsalons.co.uk Facebook: @fixxsalonsaltrincham 0161 928 6366 Village Hair & Beauty 300 Park Rd, Timperley, WA15 6UA villagehairandbeauty.co.uk

BARBERS Aliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barber Shop 75 Manchester Rd, Altrincham, WA14 4RJ facebook.com/Alis-barbershop-184531524921862

Barber Shop of Altrincham 10 Regent Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1RP 0161 927 9449

Bert & Bert Albion House, 33 Oxford Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2ED Bertandbert.co.uk Boyz 2 Men 147 Manchester Rd, Altrincham, WA14 5NS 0161 929 7300

City Gent 119 George St, Altrincham, WA14 1RN citygentaltrincham.vpweb.co.uk Close Male Grooming 3 Moss Ln, Altrincham, WA14 1BA closemalegrooming.com Cuts Both Ways 236 Stockport Rd, Timperley, WA15 7UN cutsbothwayshair.co.uk

Est.14 Hairdressing 2 Ashfield Rd, Altrincham, WA15 9QJ est14.uk

Flanagans 51 Railway St, Altrincham, WA14 2RQ flanagansbarbers.com Hale Barber Shop 161 Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SD halebarbershop.co.uk

Hansons Barbershop 43 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1EB Facebook: @HansonsBarbershop

LIFE

Hedz 8 Shaftesbury Ave, Timperley, WA15 7LY hedzinternational.co.uk

Howard Yuill Hairdressing 40 Hale Rd, Hale, WA14 2EX howardyuill.co.uk

Izzy’s Turkish Barber Shop 34 Stamford new road, Altrincham, WA14 1EJ 07773 234567

MANE Male Groomers 203b Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SQ mane-male-groomers.business.site Paul Michaels Hair Salon 21 Stamford St, Altrincham, WA14 1EX paulmichaelshair.com Scissor’s Edge 24 Shaw’s Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1QU 07542 034102 SNIPZ Hale Village Millfield Ct, Hale, WA15 9BF snipz-hale.business.site

Stanlee’s Barber Shop 9- 11 Oxford Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2DY stanleesbarbers.com Toni & Guy 72 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1BS toniandguy.com

YOGA 1:1 Personal Yoga Sessions Bow Lane, Bowdon learn-121.co.uk Facebook: @helens.zumba Instagram: @Altrincham.Yoga Ashtanga The Rowans, 100 Navigation Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1LL ashtangamanchester.co.uk

Babistic Baby and You 37 Heath Rd, Timperley, WA15 6BH babistic.co.uk

Cheshire Cat Yoga Children’s yoga classes and family yoga sessions Hale and Altrincham cheshirecatyoga.com Facebook and Instagram: @cheshirecatyoga

Hale Yoga Studio 161D Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SD haleyoga.com

In Hale Yoga Progress House, 17 Cecil Rd, Hale, WA15 9NZ inhaleyoga.co.uk Jill Johnson Yoga 67 Hale Rd, Hale, WA15 9HP jjyoga.co.uk

Lucie Platt Yoga Hatha Yoga Flow lucieplattyoga.co.uk Contact: Lucieplattyoga@gmail.com Facebook and Instagram: @lucieplattyoga Tiaga Simran Academy 16 Princes Rd, Altrincham WA14 4EX kundalini-yoga-classes. business.site Treehouse 88 George St, Altrincham, WA14 1RF treehouseplay.co.uk

Yoga Life 61 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham, WA14 1DP yogalifeuk.com/altrincham

SPA Hale Country Club & Spa Clay Ln, Hale, Timperley, WA14 1DP halecountryclub.co.uk Ki Day Spa Kings Ct, Railway St, Altrincham, WA14 2RD kidayspa.co.uk

Oxford One Spa & Clinic 1 Oxford Rd, Altrincham, WA14 2DY oxfordonespa.com Rich Therapies Thornfield House, Delamer Rd, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 2NG richtherapies.com

Zero Gravity Float Spa 26 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1EJ zerogravityfloatspa.com

80 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

BEAUTY Aimée B Beauty Aesthetics aimeebbeauty.com Facebook: @aimeebaesthetics Instagram: @aimeeb_ beautyaesthetics

Beauty at Peaches & Cream 128 Moss Ln, Timperley, WA15 6JL beautyatpeachesandcream.com Beauty by Clare 07881 736023 Instagram: @beautybyclare01

BUFF Nail & Beauty Studio 97 Manchester Road, Altrincham, WA14 4RJ Facebook: Buff Nail & Beauty Studio Cheshire Retreat 2 Old Market Pl, Altrincham, WA14 4NP cheshire-retreat.co.uk

Emmaline Tsui 180-182 Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SF tsui.life

Eye and Brow Clinic 52-54 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ eyeandbrowclinic.com Facebook and Instagram: @ eyeandbrowclinic

Face Values 138 Moss Ln, Altrincham, WA15 9SF facevalues.co.uk Grace Beauty Therapy 30A Park Rd, Hale, WA15 9NN grace-hale.co.uk

Hale Acupuncture Clinic 2 Carr Rd, Hale, WA15 8DX hale-acupuncture.co.uk

Hudson Health & Beauty 8 Draybank Rd, Timperley, WA14 5ZL hudsonbeauty.co.uk InSkin Kings Ct, Railway St, Altrincham, WA14 2RD inskingroup.co.uk

Kokoa Eco Beauty Bar 13 The Downs, Altrincham, WA14 2QD kokoauk.com/pages/visit

LIFE

Anatomy beauty retreat on The Downs

OTHER Bowdon Dance Academy Jubilee Community Centre, The Firs, Bowdon, WA14 2TQ Contact: bowdondanceacademy@ gmail.com bowdondanceacademy. moomfruit.com Calm at Work / Calm at Home Mobile massage therapist and meditation teacher calmatworktherapy.com Facebook: @calmathome and @ calmatwork Love Beauty at Meraki Hair Salon 28 Park Road, Hale, WA15 9NN lovebeautyuk.com Facebook: @LoveBeautyHale Luxe Beauty & Wellness 52-52 Greenwood St, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ facebook.com/ luxebeautyandwellness Meraki Hair and Beauty 28 Park Rd, Hale, WA15 9NN merakihale.com

Nails etc 61 Stamford Park Road, Hale, WA15 9EZ Facebook: @nailsetchale Instagram: nailsetc_ stamfordpark Tel: 0161 926 9136 Nail Studio of Hale 191a Ashley Rd, Hale, WA15 9SQ nailstudiohale.co.uk

Natura Health Beauty Welman Way, Altrincham WA15 8WE louisenaturabeauty@gmail.com Nishaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tropics 3 Thorpe Close, Timperley, WA15 7WZ tropicskincare.com/nishasathi

Oasis Beauty Salon Cresta Court Hotel, Church St, Altrincham,WA14 4DP oasisaltrincham.co.uk

Revive Beauty House Of Fraser 2 George Street, Altrincham WA14 ISF 0161 929 8400 Revive Hair and Beauty (Hale) 190/192 Grove Lane Hale revivehairbeauty.co.uk 0161 980 8555 Sanctuary12 211 Woodhouse Ln E, Timperley, WA15 6AS sanctuary12.co.uk Scarlett & Belle 49 Stamford Rd, Bowdon, WA14 2JN facebook.com/ lashesandmakeupbycathill

The Treatment Room @Est.14 2 Ashfield Road, Altrincham, WA15 9QJ est14.uk Facebook: @bellisbeautytherapy

WELLNESS Anatomy 20 The Downs, Altrincham, WA14 2PU 0161 928 4713 anatomyretreat.co.uk Instagram: @anatomy_retreat Rich Therapies Thornfield House, Delamer Road, Bowdon, WA14 2NG richtherapies.com Twitter: @richtherapies Facebook: @RichTherapies

Ice Lipo Clinic at Finishing Touch Hair & Beauty 409 Stockport Road, Timperley, WA15 7XR icelipoclinic.co.uk Olga Simpson Mobile massage therapist @sfitpt on Instagram Email: sfitpt@hotmail.com Simplicity Massages at HOB Salon Hale 203 Ashley Road, Hale, WA15 9SQ Instagram and Twitter: @ massageWA14

Serene Skin & Beauty Pinewood House, 28 Victoria Rd, Hale, WA15 9AD sereneskinandbeauty.co.uk

The Beauty Spot 10 Heyes Ln, Timperley, WA15 6EA facebook.com/ TheBeautySpotAltrincham

The Fairy Housekeeper Mobile Beauty Service and Personal Training Contact: 07867 498519 Instagram: @the_fairy_ housekeeper

The Lash and Beauty Studio 13 Hillcroft Rd, Altrincham, WA14 4JE thelashandbeautystudio.co.uk

Buff Nail and Beauty Studio, which has recently moved into larger premises at 97 Manchester Road in Broadheath. Follow @buffnailandbeauty on Instagram

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How Mother Nature can lift the seasonal gloom KATE ROBERTS NUTRITION

Summer’s over, but you don’t need to slip back into old habits, says Altrinchambased nutritionist Kate Roberts

82 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Photo: joemmerson.co.uk

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As the seasons change and summer starts to fade, kids go back to school and the nights draw in, our lifestyles alter accordingly. In the autumn months it is easy to slip into old habits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as the days shorten there seems to be less time to exercise and cook healthy meals and darker nights call for more comforting food. Fortunately, Mother Nature has designed her larder to complement our seasonal needs and just as the summer berries disappear from the hedgerows the fruit trees burgeon with ripe apples and juicy plums and root vegetables erupt from the soil.

Smoked Salmon Fillets With Chilli Kale Noodles & Miso (serves four)

4 smoked salmon fillets

2 tsp brown miso paste

200g dried rice noodles

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

3 cloves garlic finely chopped

2 tsp soy sauce

25g ginger finely grated 8 spring onions 2 red chillis 100g beansprouts 100g young kale

1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika 3 tbsp cooking oil (sunflower, olive or rapeseed oil) Coriander to garnish

Method Boil the noodles according to instructions, rinse in cold water, and set aside. Mix miso paste, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and paprika to make the glaze, then spread over salmon fillets with a pastry brush. Grill or pan fry fish fillets skin side down until cooked through. Heat the oil in a pan. Fry garlic, ginger, spring onions and chillies until soft, then add drained cooked noodles, beansprouts and kale. Stir to combine and add fish sauce. Arrange finished noodles in the centre of a plate and top with the salmon. Garnish with coriander and serve. Could use buckwheat soba noodles if you prefer a bit more bite, recipe works just as well with regular salmon or any firm white fish fillet ie, cod, seabass. My kids love this dish, just remove the chillis if feeding little ones.

Orange and yellow-fleshed autumn veggies such as carrots, parsnips and squash are rich sources of antioxidant beta-carotene, a derivative of vitamin A, best known for its role in the formation of pigments necessary to maintain normal vision, whilst incorporating leafy greens like cabbage and kale will help to top up iron and vitamin K, both essential for healthy blood. These seasonal vegetables can all be grown easily at home and are delicious in comforting soups, stir-fries and stews. Darker, shorter days mean less exposure to sunlight which from the end of September to early March is insufficient for our bodies to produce enough vitamin D. Essential for the absorption and utilisation of calcium, a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to muscle weakness and bone pain. In fact, most people would benefit from supplementing this vitamin during the autumn and winter months, especially those who are elderly and housebound. A 10-microgram supplement is recommended, available over the counter at your local chemist. One group who may get enough daylight through their chosen pursuit is the cyclists. Unless you live in a cave you will know that Altrincham has been chosen to host the final stage of the prestigious Tour of Britain cycle race. Cycling has really captured the British psyche: from schools to local triathlon groups, the nation is embracing cycling as a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors whilst ticking the exercise box. Having travelled to Yorkshire for the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014, I know the event will be a huge draw to our town and a great opportunity for a family day out! If cycling isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your thing (running is mine) try to find a form of exercise that you enjoy and incorporate it into your daily routine. The government guidelines currently recommend that adults aged 19 to 64 undertake 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or brisk walking each week plus strength exercises on two or more days that work the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms). Before we know it, Christmas will be looming and thoughts will turn to the inevitable little black dress! But more about that next time... For more details about Kate Roberts Nutrition, visit katerobertsnutrition.com or follow @katerobertsnutrition on Facebook and Instagram. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 83

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Why singing in a choir is so good for you ALTERNATIVE THERAPY By Dr Lizzie Croton I think most people must have seen Gareth Malone’s series “The Choir” on BBC. I particularly liked it because it helps to debunk the myth that you either have it or you don’t when it comes to singing. Actually most people can learn to sing to a reasonable standard and have fun in the process. Joining a choir is a really positive thing to do and has a number of health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why joining a choir may seriously improve your life: 1. Choir singing helps to form social bonds and helps break the ice between large groups. This is really important in a society where we are increasingly relating to others online. The social benefits of singing have been researched by the University of Oxford. A good social network helps combat loneliness and improves mental health problems. 2. Another benefit comes from the mental stretch required to learn new song lyrics and music scores. This helps to keep the brain active and supple and open to new things and may help to prevent dementia. Singing can also help those diagnosed with dementia and the Alzheimer’s Society run a number of singing workshops nationwide. 3. Importantly, singing helps people to breathe and practice opening their lungs, strengthening the diaphragm and improving the circulation into and out of the heart. It’s a real workout without going to the gym. Good posture is also important, standing up straight to sing helps with mood and overall body muscle tone. 84 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

4. It’s not really rocket science but breathing well helps brain oxygenation which helps people to think clearer and more effectively. Singing a rousing song clears out the stress of the day and helps wake the body up again. I joined a community choir three years ago for something different to do after work and I was amazed by how much better I felt following a good sing. It gets the endorphins running around the body creating a natural high. 5. Finally, singing boosts confidence. It’s great to be part of something bigger than yourself and provide pleasure to others that come to watch you perform. You can find a local choir via word of mouth, social media or search engines. Speak to existing members to get a taste of what to expect. Some choirs offer taster sessions to prospective members. All in all, it’s tremendous fun and a real natural health kick! Dr Lizzie Croton www.boundlessflow.co.uk

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LIFE

Coast With The Most HOTEL REVIEW By David Prior One of the frequently unsung benefits of living in Altrincham is that we are within around an hour’s drive of the finest stretch of golfing turf in the country. England’s Golf Coast, as it is entirely justifiably monikered, stretches from Royal Lytham down to Caldy on the Wirral, and encapsulates seven of the UK’s Top 100 golf courses and a number of others which must surely just fall outside it. It is a 60-mile strip of golfing heaven. Located in wonderfully handy fashion towards the northern end of this strip is the Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa. Until the Wirral decides whether it wants Jack Nicklaus to build a £200m golf resort in Hoylake, this remains the only hotel in the North West to boast its own 18-hole championship course. And the golfing facilities don’t stop there - in May this year, it opened the first ever Tommy Fleetwood golf academy, which has a mission to make the game more accessible to kids. Fleetwood learned the game himself here - the board listing ‘T. Fleetwood’ as winner of the 2003 Junior Championship Gross prize is inspirational testament to that. 86 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

Hotel: Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa Address: Southport Old Rd, Formby, Liverpool L37 0AB Miles from Altrincham: 44 Cost: £149 per night, based on two sharing on a bed and breakfast basis More info: formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk

LIFE

Alongside the academy, there’s enough to keep seasoned golfers and humble beginners happy; those not fancying the 18-hole championship course can tackle the nine-hole Woodhey Dunes Course, while the hotel’s in-house golf concierge makes trips to nearby Open Championship courses - Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St Annes – effortless. But while this is a golfer’s paradise, Formby Hall is by no means golfers-only. Indeed, I visited with my wife and two children, and none of us swung a club in anger all weekend. Our Saturday was split between a fantastic trip 20 minutes down the road to Knowsley Safari Park (be prepared to lose your windscreen wipers in the baboon zone), and a trip to the spa in the afternoon. The pool was pleasingly bigger than some you can find in spa hotels (plus an array of sideshows including sauna, steam room and Laconium Cabin), while the two treatments we tested - the Maternity treatment and Hot Stone Massage - were utterly delightful. There’s a timetable of 40 fitness classes to choose from each week, too.

Evidence of a recent £2.4m refurb is all around at Formby Hall. The 76 bedrooms include 14 newly added designer loft rooms, one 4 of which we stayed in. Ours featured a main room for the grownups - with view over the golf course - and an adjoining room for the kids. Memorably for them, they had their own flat-screen TV - and even the bath came with a TV embedded above it in the marble wall. Luxury for all, and a rare example of a family ‘room’ that was evidently designed by someone who had met a child before. Dining-wise, the plush Fairway Grill restaurant and bar offered an all-day menu and a large terrace area that means you can eat al fresco while golfers slog past just yards away. With glass doors running all the way down the inside of the restaurant, you have a view in all directions over fairways, trees and lakes, a relaxing backdrop to a menu that offers a pretty classic range of British fare. Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa works on both levels, then. It feels like something of a base to explore that famed Golf Coast, but as we found, there’s more than enough to keep golf widows and indeed non-golfing families occupied. And I haven’t even mentioned the beach down the road... AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 87

LIFE

Electric dream MOTORING

By Andrew Walker

Model: Kia e-Niro First Edition 64kWh Price: £32,995 (after grant) Engine: Single electric motor Power/torque: 201bhp/395Nm Transmission: Single-speed auto, FWD 0-60mph: 7.5 seconds Top speed: 104mph Range: 282 miles (WLTP) CO2: 0g/km

88 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

If you’re seriously considering buying an electric car, but don’t want to pay a fortune for a Tesla or Jaguar I-Pace, there are currently only three reasonably priced family sized full EV cars to consider. The latest to arrive at the party is the KIA e-Niro. Where Nissan’s Leaf has steadily improved its range to 170 miles on a single charge, the Niro EV offers a claimed range of 282 miles. It’s also a proper five-door family car that doesn’t look out of the ordinary and isn’t expensive, so what’s not to like?

LIFE

The e-Niro looks similar to the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid, so to make it stand out, KIA have added 17” alloys, a flat front grille, a sleeker front bumper and a smoother, more aerodynamic rear end. The interior features the regular KIA infotainment system, switchgear and dashboard. Only the gear lever or lack of is different, replaced by a rotary dial which also frees up some centre cubby space. From launch, there’s only one trim level to choose from, which is the First Edition. This is well specced and features a reversing camera, heated front leather seats, an 8-way drivers power adjustable seat and a JBL stereo. There’s also DAB radio, front USB and AUX in ports, Bluetooth, a wireless phone charger and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Some of the trim in the cabin is very nice, especially the gloss black finish on the doors and around the gear area. But, lower down, it’s a little cheaper looking. From a practical perspective, there’s plenty of room for odds and ends with the front door pockets especially useful. The boot offers a useful 451 litres, with space underneath for the two charging cables. Power comes from a 201bhp motor that drives the front wheels and like the 64kWh battery pack, both shared with the Hyundai Kona EV. The e-Niro is actually good fun to drive, offering a sprightly 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds in Sport Mode, with a maximum torque of 395Nms helping pull the car along. To aid economy, it features a pair of paddles behind the steering wheel to control the strength of brake regeneration. The three levels available allow you to make the most of the car’s charge. What we all really want to know is how far you can go in a e-Niro before recharging? On the tougher WLTP combined test procedure, the KIA say that it will be able to cover 282 miles on a single charge. For our real world test, the e-Niro was delivered to us 80% charged, so we plugged it into our Rolec home charger for 2.5 hours 90 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

to charge it to full. Ours is not a 100kW fast charger, which where available, will offer 55 minutes of charging and top up the batteries from zero to 80%. That’s enough for 175 to 200 miles. We found that with a full charge, driving in ECO Mode and utilising the highest brake regeneration, 250 miles is infinitely possible, which is what we achieved before having to charge it up again. Negatives? It’s not an exciting car to drive and the battery weight, as in the hybrid Niro, makes the car feel heavy, especially around bends. On the motorway or in town though, it’s a quiet, comfortable companion, with room for five and the cabin is a pleasurable place to be. What’s really great about the e-Niro though is the price: £32,995, after the £3,500 government grant has been taken into account. This puts it, price-wise, right up against top-of-the-range SUV models such as KIA’s own Sportage, Nissan’s Qashqai and the Peugeot 5008, models popular with customers in the Altrincham area. If you’re still not convinced, we’ve saved the best to last. It costs around 75% less to charge the e-Niro to drive 250 miles, than it would cost to fuel a petrol or diesel car to drive the same distance. If you can charge overnight at home and get a decent tariff from your home electricity supplier, it could cost even less! Andrew Walker is a member of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers and has been reviewing cars and vans since 1991. His website is companycarandvan.co.uk.

LIFE

Taking the hassle out of holiday letting MENAI HOLIDAYS

Owning a second home is a popular option for an increasing number of people - and North Wales is an enduringly popular location. We asked Luke Edwards, from Menai Holidays, how owners can run it as a holiday letting with the minimum of fuss

ALTRINCHAM TODAY: So tell us more

about Menai Holidays - you manage holiday lets on behalf of owners? LUKE EDWARDS: We are a holiday letting agency based in North Wales looking after over 450 cottages across Anglesey, Snowdonia, Llyn Peninsula and Conwy/Llandudno. The company was set up over 30 years ago, and was always run as a family business until earlier this year. At the start of 2019, we merged with Sykes Cottages, the synergy between us has been brilliant,

we have been able to concentrate on taking care of the houses and owners, and Sykes have helped take the weight off our shoulders with marketing, allowing us to offer the service of a local company with the marketing power and reach of a national one. Jack Matthews (MD) and the team are all still based in our three offices on Anglesey, Pwllheli and Barmouth making sure that the pillars the company was created on are stronger than ever.

North Wales remains a hugely popular location for people across Greater Manchester and Cheshire - do you have many owners from Altrincham? LE: We have owners from all over the country and world, who all love to get back to North Wales as much as possible. However, with Altrincham and the surrounding areas being so close by a large proportion of our owners are from the Greater Manchester and Cheshire area. AT:

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 91

LIFE

AT: What are the most popular parts of North Wales for people to look to buy a holiday property? LE: The million dollar question...The most important factor to always remember is, the house must be one you like, and suits your needs for a holiday home. There are too many ‘hot spots’ to name them all but on Anglesey - Rhosneigr, Red Wharf Bay and Beaumaris are all very popular. Criccieth, Abersoch and Nefyn are very popular on The Llyn and Harlech, Porthmadog and Beddgelert are all very popular in Snowdonia. AT: What services do you actually provide for owners? LE: Our aim is to take the hassle out of holiday letting! Whether you’re new to holiday letting and want our advice on purchasing the correct property, renovations and the like, we can help. Also if you’re a new or an existing owner of a holiday let, we can help you maximise the potential of your holiday let. Our main job is getting a property as much exposure as possible through our website, partner sites such as Airbnb and booking. com and much more. We deal with all guest enquiries - as soon as they book we keep in regular contact through email, all the way up to the date of their holiday and beyond to ensure they enjoyed every aspect of their stay. We will handle all transactions, and we then pay our owners their income on a monthly basis. Once the guests are in the house, we take as much of the weight off the owner’s shoulders as possible, running a 24/7 out of hours phone, always being the first point of contact. We also offer a “fully managed service” option which in basic terms means, give us the keys and we will do the rest! We will deal with the housekeeper, tradesmen, bins, invoicing and so much more, you can just sit back and relax! 5 Menai Holidays properties in 1 Moelfre 2 and 3 Red Wharf Bay 4 Menai Bridge 5 Borth y Gest 6 Rhosneigr 7 Beaumaris 8 Trearddur Bay 9 Borth y Gest

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2 3

LIFE

AT: What

would you say are the advantages of going with Menai Holidays over other companies? LE:

• We will achieve the best level of bookings for your house compared to any other company or platform. • The Team. We all live and breathe North Wales, our knowledge of the area is second to none, from tradesmen, to interior advice, we do a lot more than just get bookings. • We understand the wants and needs of every owner differs, so we do our very best to cater for all of your needs - be it only filling up the summer months, or getting back to back bookings, we are here to help. • We are a local company with national reach, allowing you the best of both worlds. AT: For anyone looking to buy a holiday property in North Wales, what are the features that make it an attractive property to let out in future? LE:

How can I find out more? Get in touch with Menai Holidays for a FREE no obligation chat, whether you’re an existing holiday let owner, new to holiday letting or thinking of buying a property.

• A nice garden - it’s our most desired feature, everyone loves a garden for family get togethers, for their kids to play out in or simply somewhere for their little pooch to roam safely. • Pets - we’d always advise you accept pets. It has a massive effect on booking levels. • Hot tub / Wood Burners - although they take some investment, they’ll pay for themselves and more over time. Call us on 01248665155, email info@menaiholdiays.co.uk or visit www.menaiholidays.co.uk/letyourcottage and order a FREE copy of our Owners Guide. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 93

EDUCATION

Altrincham school performance tables An at-a-glance guide to the performance of Altrincham schools at Primary, Secondary and A Level stages PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN ALTRINCHAM School name

Type of school

Ofsted rating (with date of inspection in brackets)

% of pupils reaching required standard

% of pupils achieving at a higher standard

Average score in reading

Average score in maths

Altrincham CofE (Aided) Primary School

Maintained School

3 (Requires improvement) 26/03/2019

106

109

Bollin Primary School

Maintained School

4 (Inadequate) 09/03/2017

109

Bowdon CofE Primary School

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 08/11/2006

112

110

Broadheath Primary School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 12/11/2014

109

110

Broomwood Primary School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 11/06/2015

104

103

Cloverlea Primary School

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 14/06/2007

107

108

Elmridge Primary School

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 10/12/2007

107

109

Heyes Lane Primary School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 28/03/2017

107

Little Bollington CofE Primary School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 15/02/2017

103

104

Navigation Primary School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 19/04/2016

109

108

Oldfield Brow Primary School

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 18/10/2006

106

105

Park Road Academy Primary School

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 27/11/2008

110

111

St Hugh's Catholic Primary School

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 15/05/2013

106

104

St Vincent's Catholic Primary School

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 14/10/11

110

108

Stamford Park Infant School

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 10/05/2007

Stamford Park Junior School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 08/03/2016

109

110

Well Green Primary School

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 15/03/2007

108

109

Willows Primary School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 02/10/2014

107

108

Willows Primary School

Maintained School

2 (Good) 02/10/2014

108

94 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

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EDUCATION

SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ALTRINCHAM School name

Type of school

Ofsted rating (with date of inspection in brackets)

Number of pupils at end of key stage 4

Progress 8 score

Attainment 8 score

% Grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSEs

Altrincham College

Academy

2 (Good) 08/03/2017

163

-0.12 (average)

46.5

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 22/11/2007

181

0.9 (well above average)

78.8

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 18/09/2008

206

1.12 (well above average)

78.4

Blessed Thomas Holforld Catholic College

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 20/06/2013

193

0.27 (above average)

48.6

Loreto Grammar School

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 16/10/2008

147

0.81 (well above average)

73.3

North Cestrian School

Academy

N/A

-0.12 (average)

St Ambrose College

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 09/07/2009

161

0.51 (well above average)

69.7

Wellington School

Academy

2 (Good) 02/03/2017

227

0.26 (above average)

52.7

A LEVEL RESULTS IN ALTRINCHAM School or college

Type of school

Ofsted rating (with date of inspection in brackets)

Number of students with an A level exam entry

Progress score

Average point score

Achieving AAB or higher in at least 2 facilitating subjects

Altrincham College

Academy

2 (Good) 15/03/2007

-0.01 (average

26.54

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 22/11/2007

171

0.31 (above average)

44.23

168

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 18/09/2008

172

0.17 (above average)

47.32

153

Blessed Thomas Holforld Catholic College

Maintained School

1 (Outstanding) 20/06/2013

0.72 (above average)

34.94

Loreto Grammar School

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 16/10/2008

143

-0.04 (average)

39.54

135

North Cestrian School

Academy

St Ambrose College

Academy

1 (Outstanding) 09/07/2009

120

0.14 (above average)

37.68

106

Wellington School

Academy

2 (Good) 02/03/2017

107

0.13 (above average)

32.04

Data source: compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk Figures accurate as of August 2019 96 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

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EDUCATION

School News Round-up

Timperley school wins Trafford Music Service award Willows Primary in Timperley has been named Trafford Music Service’s musical school of the term. More than 100 pupils from Willows receive 130 hours worth of music lessons from the Service each week, with lessons taught by experienced teachers in a range of instruments including the violin, ukulele, guitar, flute and recorder.

All the children in Year 5 have also been learning the trumpet as part of the service’s Wider Opportunities project. Headteacher Kirsten Warren said: “At Willows, we value music education, and it’s an essential part of our learning and school life.”

Loreto’s athletes in regional success Loreto Grammar School’s athletes are celebrating a stunning double second in the North-West English Schools Athletics championships. Both the junior and the intermediate girls at the top Altrincham faith school were placed second in the region after a series of stunning individual performances. Star performers for the Junior team, Years 7 and 8, were Ella Gillespie in the hurdles and Javelin and Georgia Wall in the Long Jump. In the Intermediate event for years 9 and 10, Ellina Connor in the 200m; Melissa Booth in the 100m and Chiamaka Obineke in the 300m and High jump were the flag bearers. 98 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

EDUCATION

Local sponsors help school relaunch House system Altrincham Grammar School for Boys has re-established its House system. The House system was an integral part of life at the Marlborough Road school until the late 1980s, when it was rescinded due to a lack of funding. But from September, four of the original AGSB Houses (Tatton, Massey, Bradbury and Stamford) will once again be at the heart of school life. Each House has been sponsored by a local business, with Hale estate agents Watersons sponsoring Massey House, structural warranty company ABC Warranty sponsoring Stamford House, law firm Myerson sponsoring Bradbury House and food services company Sodexo sponsoring Tatton House. Graeme Wright, Head Master at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, said: “A House system fits perfectly with the ethos of the school and will allow more students to get involved in our co-curricular programme and also provide new student leadership positions throughout the school.” The school was last year ranked as number one in Greater Manchester for Attainment 8 scores, and earlier this year was declared the 2019 North West Secondary School of the Year by The Sunday Times.

Schoolgirl, 7, raises £400 after climbing England’s highest mountain England’s highest mountain was little more than a hop, skip and a jump for Loreto Prep pupil Seren Short. The super-fit seven-year-old climbed Scafell Pike to raise £400 for Loreto Rumbek, a sister school to the Altrincham school in South Sudan. Starting with mum and dad from Wasdale car park, Seren climbed the six-and-half-mile, 3,210-feet peak in three hours and almost skipped down in an hour and a half, much quicker than the guide books suggest is the norm. Mum Sonia said: “She and her dad left me behind. She was almost running up the hill and they simply went off into distance going down.” Seren is pictured with Loreto Prep Chair of Governors Sister Jacinta, who said: “I couldn’t have done it when I was seven and I certainly couldn’t do it now.”

North Cestrian’s £7.3m revamp Altrincham-based North Cestrian School has been officially reopened after a £7.3million redevelopment. The school received the capital investment for new buildings and the modernisation of existing features after being granted free school status from the Department for Education in 2016, following a rigorous application process. Then Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds, was given a tour of the school before formally opening the redevelopment along with MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Sir Graham Brady.

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 99

FOOD & DRINK

Peaky Blinder RESTAURANT REVIEW By Laura Hudspeth

KATHMANDU KITCHEN, ALTRINCHAM I may as well just say it now. I’ve very loosely gone down the Mount Everest analogy route during my review of this (spoiler alert) fine Nepalese restaurant. Please do forgive me for what is perhaps a lack of originality. Why did I choose Everest as my narrative device? Because it was there (and so it begins...) Altrincham (and surrounding areas) recently welcomed Kathmandu Kitchen to the culinary stretch that is the bottom of Ashley Road. Its name taken from the capital, the restaurant boasts a menu of contemporary Nepalese fare and prides itself on healthy, freshly cooked cuisine. Diners can choose from a range 100 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

of dishes which while seemingly following a familiar southern Asian theme, are steeped in Nepalese gastronomic tradition, favouring lighter ingredients such as pulses, pickled ingredients and salads alongside staples such as chilli, coriander and tandoor spices. To start, we chose the MO:MO and the Chhwela Wochha; both dishes, we’re told by our charming host (he himself from Kathmandu), which are very popular in Nepal and can be found in most restaurants in the country. We soon see why. MO:MO are delicious little steamed dumplings, stuffed with minced chicken and served with a salad and sesame and tomato chutney. Sometimes credited as being a purely Nepalese dish, our host tells us that the dish actually originated in Tibet. As Nepalese business men travelled to Tibet to trade spices, so impressed

were they by their discovery of this tasty dish, they brought a bit of Tibetan influence back home to Nepal with them. If they were all like the ones served to us, this makes perfect sense. The Chhwela Wochha (I’m so pleased that Altrincham Today is in print rather than a podcast – my writing of this is much better than my pronunciation) brings the barbeque to the table. Spiced lamb pieces are served on a pulse lentil pancake – this is the ‘wochha’ - with all credit going solely to Nepal for this dish. The pancake was fluffy and light, the lamb (the dish can alternatively be cooked with chicken) highly flavoursome, infused by Nepalese spices. To continue the Mount Everest analogy (yes, it’s back), having left base camp, we had already made excellent progress on our culinary journey as we headed with vigour to our next stage, the mains.

FOOD & DRINK

My plus 1 ordered the Dal-Bhat - which came highly recommended and, to plagiarise the menu heavily, is arguably the most famous food in Nepal, and such a staple there that locals eat it twice a day. The dish is made up of Dal (lentils), Bhat (rice), Tarkari (seasonal vegetables), Achar (home-made pickle) curry, roti and salad. Served with a choice of fish, lamb or chicken, we chose the latter. All separate components provided a happy variation but complemented each other perfectly. Each was well spiced but not hot enough to detract from the flavours, and the chicken was tender and cooked to perfection.

For myself, the Kathmandu noodles with prawns. On the menu, ‘chow mein’ is offered up as a description but based on my experience of chow mein in a Chinese sense, I found this dish to be altogether more flavoursome, complex and plentiful. The noodles thick, the ‘sauce’ rich (but not overwhelmingly so), and the added ingredients including red onion, peas and chilli a nice mix of bedfellows to the generous serving of prawns. To pluck an example out of thin air (allusion to high altitude not actually intended), whilst some may harbour goals such as, say, scaling the highest mountain above sea level, my life’s mission is somewhat more simple. Never let a wonderful plate of food go unfinished. However, as we reached the peak of our dining experience, the bountiful portions were proving something of a Himalayan task, and there were moments when I faltered, self-doubt creeping in. On the 102 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

one hand my appetite was happily satisfied yet how would I live with myself letting the remainder of the dish be taken away. Eat me or lose me forever, it cried. Luckily our metaphorical Sherpa, the takeaway bag, came to my rescue, and assisted me in taking the rest of the dish away to enjoy at home. A pun-obsessed writer might finish this review by highly recommending this wonderfully fine restaurant as the place to go when you want ‘summit to eat’. But that writer (yes, I mean me) wouldn’t want a barely acceptable play on words to minimise or in any

way detract from what is a strong recommendation for a restaurant which serves deliciously authentic dishes in a stylish setting, with a service that is attentive, knowledgeable and passionate to boot. To accomplish enjoyment from dining at Kathmandu Kitchen will certainly prove no challenge, but it will leave one with a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. Kathmandu Kitchen, 24-26 Ashley Rd, Altrincham WA14 2DW. Call 0161 928 7193 for reservations and takeaway orders, or visit kathmandukitchen-restaurant.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

If you don’t want your harvest bounty, we’ll have it! BLANCHFLOWER By Phil Howells

We can do our bit for the environment by simply eating our local harvest, says Blanchflower owner Phil Howells. Here he reveals a special offer for local residents – and has three delicious recipes for using up the autumnal bounty

Anyone paying attention to the United Nations climate report last month would have been shocked by the percentage of climate changing emissions made up by wasted food. It is an amazing 8%, more than all air travel, and 30% of food grown is wasted. You may think it’s a bit of a reach to start a piece on picking blackberries from hedgerows and fruit from your gardens with such alarming stats, but what better way of reminding ourselves to eat local, seasonal products more often than by using the delicious harvest at arm’s length. Every year we are surprised by how much better homecooked is than the shop-bought alternative and with no plastic wrap or air miles, this is a win-win. Here are three recipes for this time of year. The crumble is the instant treat you deserve for gathering and cooking this annual bounty. The chutney and jam are the gifts that keep on giving through the winter and into next year. At Blanchflower, we walk the walk as well as talk the talk and we have an offer for you. If you have any surplus harvest-time veg and fruit (within reason) and you get it to us, we will make something from it and share it with you. Email phil@blanchflower.co if you want us to collect locally, and please put harvest in the subject line. Every year here are three recipes for you to make at home. Have a very happy harvest! AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 103

FOOD & DRINK

Spiced Plum Jam Ingredients Plums (Any) 1500g Caster Sugar 1000g 1 Orange Zest and juice

Cinnamon Â˝ tsp Ground Ginger Âź tsp Mixed Spice Â˝ tsp

1 Half (or quarter if large) and stone the plums and mix in a pan with all the other ingredients. Leave to infuse for a few hours or overnight. 2 Heat gently, in a large shallow jam pan stirring frequently until simmering, being careful not to let the sugar stick. 3 Once simmering, turn the heat up and boil until setting point is reached *

4 Once set, pour in sterilised jars and seal immediately.* *This is 104c if you have a sugar thermometer. Otherwise place a saucer in the freezer before you start and then test the jam by placing a tsp on the saucer and returning it to the freezer for a few minutes. If the jam wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it is set. If not, boil for another few minutes and then test again.

5 Sterilise your jars by putting them through a hot cycle of the dishwasher or placing in the oven at 100c for a few minutes. Make sure they are completely dry. Place lids in boiling water for a few minutes and dry thoroughly. Make sure there is no air gap when filling the jars.

Blackberry, Apple and Chilli Chutney Ingredients 600g hedgerow blackberries 600g windfall apples (any variety) cored, peeled and finely chopped 1 tbsp vegetable oil 6 cloves 2 tbsp mustard seeds 3 red chillies, finely chopped 2 onions peeled and finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 40g root ginger finely chopped 300ml cider vinegar 300g sugar 1 Put the blackberries in a pan and mush over a gentle heat. Add the apples. Gently cook until the fruit is very soft. Pass the pulp through a coarse sieve.

2 Add the oil to a separate pan and gently heat the mustard seeds and cloves for a minute moving them around the pan, then add the onions, garlic, chillies and ginger and soften on the lowest heat possible for about 15 mins. 104 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

3 Add the vinegar and turn up the heat gently, then add the sugar and stir until dissolved. 4 Add back the fruit pulp and bring back gently to a simmer. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the chutney thickens slightly. 5 Spoon into hot sterilised jars and put the lids on straight away.

The chutney will be at its best after two months but perfectly edible and enjoyable after a week or two.

FOOD & DRINK

Blackberry and Apple Streusel Crumble Tart Pastry 225 plain flour 125 cold butter cut into cubes 30g caster sugar 1 beaten egg Fruit compote filling 4 large Bramley apples 275 blackberries Approx. 125g caster sugar Streusel topping 260 plain flour 260 butter 260 ground almonds 50 flaked almonds 260 caster sugar 1 First of all make the pastry. This is really easy using a food processor. Mix the flour and sugar briefly in the processor and then pulse in the cubed butter until it looks like coarse bread crumbs. Be careful not to overmix. Gradually pour in the beaten egg whilst continuing to mix and stop as soon and the mixture comes together. Wrap in cling film, flatten to a disc and place in fridge for about half an hour to rest. This stops the pastry shrinking.

2 Meanwhile make the streusel topping. Preheat the oven to 180c fan. Briefly mix all the ingredients in a food processor until just combined. Tip onto a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for approximately eight minutes, mixing it halfway through, until lightly coloured.

3 Remove the pastry from fridge and roll out to approximately 3mm. Use to line a large 28cm tart tin. Put back in fridge for another 15 minutes or so. Line the case with baking parchment and baking beans and blind bake for 10 minutes. Then remove the paper and bake for another two to three minutes until the pastry is just cooked and set on top.

4 Make the fruit filling by peeling and chopping the apple and mixing with the sugar in a saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of water. Heat gently, whilst stirring for a few minutes. Add the blackberries and cook for another few minutes until the fruit is just soft but holding its shape. Check for sweetness. Allow to cool.

5 Fill the pastry case with the fruit until level and then top with the streusel mixture. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve warm with cream or custard.

Blanchflower, 12-14 Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rd, Altrincham WA14 1QU. Visit blanchflower.co for more. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 105

FOOD & DRINK

Food On The Tracks CHEZ NOUS, SALE

Kicking off a new regular feature about restaurants that can be accessed easily by tram from Altrincham, we take a trip to classic bistro Chez Nous Restaurant: Chez Nous Address: 179 Marsland Rd, Sale M33 3ND Nearest tram stop: Brooklands Website and bookings: cheznousbistro.co.uk

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ALTRINCHAM TODAY: How long have you been open in Sale? PAUL

LEHMANN,

GENERAL

In its format now, three and a half years. It used to be an ironmongers in the 1970s, then a gift shop called Chez Nous Gift Shop, and then in 1984 a gentleman took it over and changed it to Chez Nous Bistro. MANAGER:

FOOD & DRINK

How would you describe Chez Nous to someone coming for the first time? PL: We aim to be a friendly, local place where nothing is too much trouble and you can rely on a good food and wine offer. We’re a bit more upmarket than your usual around here, and we try to source our stuff from the best possible places. For instance, we get our beef from a supplier called Udale, who use a special salt ageing process that ensures a fantastic flavour.

1 Bang bang chicken

AT:

2 Crisp soft shell crab 3 Pan fried tandoori cod 4 Fruit of the forest cheesecake

1 2

What can people expect foodwise? PL: Our food is cooked by people who know what they’re doing and who care. We have a modern British approach, with some classic French and some classic bistro dishes in there. We have some good offers too - all day Monday and Tuesday, and before 6.30 for the rest of the week, we have a three-course deal for £19.95. We also have a wine evening which attracts 30 or 40 people to enjoy wine from a specific region with food paired with it. AT:

AT: What would you recommend off your menu? PL: For starter I’d suggest our rope-grown Scottish mussels with spaghetti, chilli, garlic and parsley. It’s difficult to choose just one main but our pan-fried hake, tandoori cod and chargrilled Cumbrian lamb chops are always very popular - the chops are some of the most tender you’ll ever have. For dessert, go for the sticky toffee pudding, hot toffee sauce and honeycomb ice cream.

AT: Chez Nous has got a real wordof-mouth following in Sale – so why should people in Altrincham come and check you out? PL: We’re an independent, so there’s no cutting corners, and we like to do everything properly. Everything is cooked from scratch in the kitchen. We also really pride ourselves on the welcome we give our guests, and we’re happy to adapt our menu - if it’s in the kitchen, we’ll cook it for you. We will try our best to give you a very nice experience. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 107

FOOD & DRINK

Best craft beers BATCH BOTTLESTORE

Batch Bottlestore, described as a halfway house between an off licence and a tap room, has opened in Altrincham. We asked co-owner Chris Bardsley for six of his favourite craft beers

Max I. Joseph 5.2% Tegernsee When it comes to lager, the Germans know what’s what. They are just great at it. There’s a few people we know who really know their stuff when it comes to German beer and every one of them rates this as one of the best Bavarian brews. The brewery/beer hall in Tegernsee is next to the most beautiful lake in Bavaria – definitely a spot for the bucket list. We’re pretty pleased with our extensive selection of German beers but Max I. Joseph is the one. We’ll be hosting Oktoberfest 26th September – all the German beer.

19 Gose Mango, Guava & Passionfruit 4.3%, Brew By Numbers TFG – Triple Fruited Gose - is an absolute winner this summer. The rise of the sour beer and particularly fruity sours is just great. It’s crazy how many different flavours people are making, and this London made TFG with mango, guava and passionfruit is just delightful. A gose is an old, traditional German beer style that is slightly sour and slightly salted that’s undergone something of a rebrand and renaissance over the past couple of years, especially with the introduction of massive quantities of fruit. Top beer. 108 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

FOOD & DRINK

Aosta 5.0% Track Brewing Co. Wild and sour ales have exploded in popularity in the last couple of years in the UK with the likes of Wild Beer Co. and Burning Sky brewery really laying down the gauntlet in making some incredible spontaneously fermented beers. We’ve chosen this gem from our local Manchester favourites Track Brewing Co., however, as its tart, funky, apricot flavours totally blew us away when we tried it and it’s taken more self-restraint than we care to admit not to polish the rest of the case off.

Garage x Verdant 9.0% Passata Stix Two of the real cool kids in beer have collaborated to make a DIPA (double IPA) which frankly tastes like utter pineapple juice full of lovely hops. While it is a massive 9%, it hides it extremely well. If I was told it was between 6% and 7% I’d absolutely believe it. Brewed at Garage in Barcelona, they teamed up with the Falmouth legends Verdant to make this mega beer.

Turtles All The Way Down 5.5% Duration Duration are what you call nomadic brewers, which in short means they brew their beer in other people’s breweries. Will and I declared this beer - when it was first released last year - as a candidate for beer of the year. The first batch was done at Amundsen, in Oslo, and it was sensational. The second batch, just released, was done over in Manchester’s finest, Cloudwater. Turtles All The Way Down is a lovely American Pale Ale. Hoppy, fruity and just very crushable.

AON 11.0%, Omnipollo It’s big, it’s stupid, it’s mad and we love it. A perfect example of what beer-nerds might call a ‘pastry stout’, which is in essence a beer full of adjunct. This monster from Omnipollo in Sweden is every bit as outrageous as an 11% Pecan Mud Cake beer should be. It’s thick, it’s sweet, it’s heavy - why eat dessert when you can drink it? Batch Bottlestore is open now in Kings Court, off Railway Street in Altrincham town centre. Follow @batchbottlestor on Twitter 110 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

FOOD & DRINK

AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 111

FOOD & DRINK

A month with the winemakers and I’d found my passion EVUNA

Sixteen years ago, Jane Dowler left a career in marketing to set up the first Evuna. Now, with her fourth restaurant open in Altrincham, she talks steep learning curves, the unique way she sources wine – and why she thinks Evuna is so special ALTRINCHAM TODAY: Evuna is something of a family business - how did you get into the restaurant trade originally? JANE DOWLER: Evuna is my first experience of the restaurant trade! Mum (Frances) invested in her then partner Manuel Evuna in 2003 to open a small vinoteca (wine merchant/tapas bar) on Deansgate. I was working for digital marketing agency Amaze and she asked me if I wanted to leave my career to assist Manuel, a wine importer, in running the first Evuna. The truth is none of us had any experience… it was a steep and rapid learning curve. AT: You essentially followed your dream - how have you gone about becoming so knowledgeable about wine? JD: In August 2003 I packed my suitcase and moved to a vineyard in La Mancha, in central Spain, for a month to learn how it all worked. It was harvest time when I arrived at Portillejo, the Bodega 100 miles south of Madrid. I spent days living and breathing wine, crushing the grapes, tasting the must (juice) before it was fermented and then touring other vineyards and vinotecas (wine bars) in my spare time. A month with the winemaker tasting and learning and I knew I’d found my passion. Since then I take regular trips to Spain honing my pallet with some of the most knowledgeable wine makers in the industry, masterclasses at trade exhibitions, lots of reading and of course tasting! AT: Altrincham is your fourth restaurant - so what’s different about Evuna from other Spanish restaurants? JD: I’ve talked a lot about wine and how we are unique in that we import direct from small family-run vineyards that hand-pick their grapes. No other Spanish restaurant does this. This means we can offer great value as we buy direct and do not use a third party. 112 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

But what I think really makes us special is that we are a family. In Spain the dining occasion is not just about the food and wine, it’s about sharing time with family and friends. The staff call us ‘The Evuna Family’ (their words, not mine) and we want to embrace this and make our customers feel like they are as comfortable as if they were dining at home. I want our staff to be friendly, welcoming and make customers feel that nothing is too much trouble. I think the combination of our food and wine offering with this philosophy makes us special.

FOOD & DRINK

AT: How does a wine make the cut for Evuna - what makes a wine great? JD: All of our wines come from family-run vineyards, with generation after generation of wine-making expertise. To make good wines, it’s necessary of course to have good soil, good climate and the latest technology, but we also need the human touch, the tradition and knowledge. My producers have seen from childhood how their grandfathers, uncles and fathers have a deep relationship with the vines that belonged to the family for generations, and this shows in the quality of the wine, the elegance and the drinkability of them. This is what makes them so great.

Jane’s favourite red wines Santalba Maceration Carbonica A fruit-driven Rioja unlike any Rioja I’ve ever tried as it’s made using the maceration carbonica method, which means the grapes are fermented on the pulp and not crushed. This method is used in Beaujolais, for example, but this is better than any Beaujolais I have every tried as it also has good structure and is perfect for serving colder, at say 14 degrees, in the summer. Habla de Silencio Meaning ‘to speak of nothing’, from Bodegas Habla in Extremadura, a very hot region, and is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, so uses non-indigenous grapes. It has an intense nose, with aromas of chocolate and liquorice mixed with an intense note of cherry liquor. But on drinking, whilst it’s a serious red, it’s very fresh in the mouth, and with an elegant finish. Perfect for today’s tastes and colder weather. Vega Sicilia Valbuena Probably the most famous Spanish wine there is, from Ribera Del Duero. A classic wine for the serious wine connoisseur! The King of Spain gave Charles and Diana a case as a wedding gift in 1981, so I suppose you can say it’s a wine fit for royalty!

All wines are available from Evuna

AT: Which wineries are you particularly excited about at the moment? JD: Difficult question! I’m of course excited about ALL of our wineries but the one I am constantly impressed with is Bodegas Santalba Rioja. I have been working with Roberto Santalba since 2003 when he first supplied us his classic Vina Hermosa Rioja range, and it’s still our house Rioja. Since then he continues to overwhelm me with his innovation in bringing out new wines to meet market demands, such as his Santalba Natural (a complete biodynamic organic wine with no Suphites) and Santalba Costas Altas (a wine you would swear was pinot noir but made completely from Tempranillo). Roberto Santalba has seen from childhood how his grandfather, uncle, and father have a deep relationship with the vines that have belonged to his family for generations and this radiates in everything he produces. Santalaba is simply quality, elegant and very drinkable. AT: You opened on Stamford New Road in February how have the first few months been and what are your impressions of Altrincham? JD: We LOVE Altrincham - customers have been very positive and we’ve had great feedback. Initially, as expected, we were extremely busy every night and trading was similar to Manchester. It’s leveled out now and is steady and we are looking forward to building long term relationships with local businesses and customers in order to grow our customer base by offering a series of wine tastings, starting with ‘Focus on Ribera Del Duero’ on 10th September. AT: You are of course also renowned for your tapas - can you tell us a bit more about what people can expect on the menu? JD: Whilst we are a growing chain we are keen to remain strongly independent, encouraging creativity within each branch from our chefs. The team is lead by group executive chef Gustavo Serrano, from Malaga, who is based between Alty and Knutsford. He trained at the High Gastronomy school of Sevilla, and has achieved two bachelor degrees as a Master chef at Lebrija University and Barcelona university for Contemporary High Cuisine. He sets the direction for our staple tapas such as Albondigas, Calamares, and of course Bravas, and the branch head chefs adopt a monthly focus of regional specials that showcase more elegant tapas using modern fusion techniques. These include dishes like: sauté chicken and chorizo with honey glaze and migas, grilled octopus with pipirrana salad and lemon vinaigrette, traditional Spanish woodland rice with pork and mille feuille of wonton pasta, coated king prawn skewer in pepper marmalade on a bed of shredded potatoes, grilled wild mushrooms and roasted garlic aioli.

Evuna, 84-86 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1BS. To book, call 0161 928 9898 or visit evuna.com. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 113

FOOD & DRINK

Dining guide LISTINGS

By Laura Hudspeth

ALTRINCHAM British

A Bar Called Pi: Take an extensive range of bottled beers plus a wide range of real ales and add a mouthwatering pie menu – it’s the perfect equation for a good night out. Aurous: Bringing a touch of the exotic to Altrincham, this Shisha bar and restaurant delivers European/ Eastern fusion cuisine and an impressive cocktail menu. Blanchflower: Purveyor of unusually high quality breakfasts and lunches, with many items coming direct from the in-house bakery. Live their philosophy, ‘Everything in Moderation, including Moderation,’ and dine with them today. Common Ground: Under new management having been sold on by the trio of Olympians who originally launched it, Common Ground has recently expanded into the former barber’s shop upstairs – doubling the space and making way for a new kitchen. Now also open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. House: Home is where the heart is and House is where the French and Italian food is. And the tapas. And the wine. And the pretty outdoor patio...

Rustic: If you like your beers crafted, your burgers sliding, your fries loaded and your phones charged (never underestimate the joy of seating with this feature), bag a booth. Swan with Two Nicks: Its Cold Feet cameo may have been fleeting, but this inn’s popularity is long-standing.On Dunham Massey’s doorstep, log fires, real ales and home-cooked food are all on the menu. Tavern on the Green: Its New York namesake may have Central Park, but this tavern on Goose Green brings the live music, sport and pies to the table. Tender Cow: These Market House merchants take a fresh approach to beef, offering lesser known cuts from top producers. Favouring flat iron from the featherblade, the quality of their steaks are high. The Con Club: There’s nothing conservative about this stylish, open plan eatery and bar, often packed with the great and good of Alty. From sushi to Yorkshire puds, fine wine to its microbrewery ales, you won’t leave feeling blue. The George and Dragon: Serving hungry and thirsty travellers since its days as a horse and coach staging post, this 18th Century inn has serving good pub grub down to a tee.

The Old Packet House: Whether you’re in front of the fire or basking in the beer garden, throughout the year you’ll find the ale cold, the welcome warm and the food home cooked. The Unicorn: The place for a good old Wetherspoons breakfast, a pre-match pint or drinks with friends, you won’t even need to walk to the bar; order from your table with their new app. Toast: Launched by Justin Orange – twin brother of Take That’s Jason – Toast has proved a hit since opening on Stamford New Road and appears to be busy most of the time. Wolfhouse: From a small corner of the Market House comes big flavours and a host of dishes – from a glorious Full English at breakfast to Asian rice bowls in the evening.

Cambodian

Angkor Soul: This is the second restaurant from Chef Y Sok (and only the third Cambodian restaurant overall in the country). Delicious cuisine influenced by Thai, Vietnamese and French flavours, but with very much an identity of its own.

Chinese

Gonbay: Whether eating in or taking away, Gonbay delivers classic Chinese food. From crispy dim sum to chicken chow mein, take a trip to the Orient or let it come to you.

French

Bistrot Pierre: Fine french fare is served all day, from oeufs le matin right through to poulet le soir (here, the eggs come first). Red sign at night, this diner’s delight.

Indian

Double Tree: Classic curries are the order of the day as a taste of Bengal is brought to Altrincham. Relax in a stylish setting or take away to enjoy at home. Essence: Serving authentic traditional Indian food, but with a modern twist, in Essence, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Eat in or takeaway.

European

A sharing plate at Common Ground

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Icon Bar & Terrace: Completely transformed after a five-month renovation, the former Old Mill Hotel is the latest project for serial restaurant entrepreneur Barry Hogan. The menu is a delight – and if the sun’s out, you can nab one of the best people-watching spots in Alty on the terrace.

FOOD & DRINK

Indian

Mhariam: Lovers of this former Timperley based Indian restaurant will be thrilled that it has reopened on Goose Green. For a mix of the classic and contemporary, and with influences from Nepal and Malaysia, BYOB and head to GG! Rasassi: Derived from the 15th century word Rassasy – meaning ‘to satisfy a hunger with a great meal’ – the former New Dilli on The Downs certainly delivers on its promise. Fantastic food and a masterclass in service.

Italian

Coco’s: This bustling eatery is classically Italian in both food and service. All dishes cooked to order, with both locally and Italian sourced produce, relax with a red in this cosy cafe-ristorante. Da Noi: This lovely Italian restaurant on Old Market Place takes its name from the Italian for ‘from us’. They say it’s better to give than to receive but lucky diners may beg to differ in this case. Honest Crust: Boasting dough which is naturally fermented and hand stretched, and top quality Italian toppings, their wood-fired pizzas are a Market House favourite. Honest! Masso Italiano: Whether it is a business lunch or romantic dinner, or even just an informal meeting of friends and family, Masso covers all things italian – great for large groups and parties.

Sugo: Want a restaurant which brings authentic southern Italian pasta dishes, passion and ambience to its sharing tables? Quite simply – you go Sugo. Tre Ciccio: With a delightful translation of ‘three chubby friends’, the restaurant’s namesakes have brought Southern Italian influences to Altrincham, with a focus on roast chicken. Winner, winner pollo dinner!

Korean

Sushi Kimchi: Oxford Road Cafe by day, but super stylish sushi and sashimi by night. Head here after dark for Japanese and Korean cuisine.

Lebanese

Yara: Neighbours of this suburban lebanese and syrian eatery, will be no strangers to the tantalising aromas emanating through its doors. Follow your nose and BYOB.

Portuguese

Nando’s: If you like your chicken fiery, flame-grilled and cheeky, this new Alty addition to the family friendly Portugese chain, has its peri-peri at the ready.

Sardinian

Sardus Cucina: This brand new restaurant is already winning rave reviews. Italian fayre with a focus on food from the island of Sardinia, the cuisine is famous for its wide selection of tasty preserved meats and cheese.

Spanish

Porta: Inspired by authentic wine and tapas bars, Porta’s ethos is as relaxed and informal as its bookings policy (none taken). So drop in and try their tasty fare for yourself. Evuna: The family-run Evuna has just opened its fourth restaurant, on Stamford New Road, having built up a great reputation for its other venues in Manchester city centre and Knutsford. A hugely anticipated new arrival on the Alty scene.

Thai

One of the dishes at Icon

Nahm Prik: Deriving from the Thai word for ‘condiments’, this eatery believes in finding the perfect balance of such, to create dishes which are authentic and tasty. Phanthong: Authentic, Thai food in a spacious setting. Their Sunday special ‘all you can eat’ is a cut above, with a selection of freshly made dishes served directly to your table.

BOWDON British

The Griffin: As legendary amongst locals as its namesake, this stylish inn is the perfect backdrop to any social occasion. Perfect for lunch with the family, dinner for two or a just a drink with friends. The Stamford: One of Altrincham’s old favouries, The Stamford has enjoyed an impressive revival since reopening in July 2017 after a complete revamp. A warm and welcoming pub space sits adjacent to a modern dining space, with a mouth-watering menu faithful to its British roots.

European

Borage: With diners invited to take a ‘culinary trip around Europe’, take a seat and choose from a select menu of contemporary meat, fish and vegetable dishes – all without leaving Bowdon.

DUNHAM British

Axe & Cleaver: Contrary to its name, there is nothing threatening about this cosy and picturesque 19th century inn. A pebble’s throw from Dunham Massey, walk up an appetite and pop in for lunch. Rope & Anchor: A family favourite, this modern pub and restaurant is also the perfect port to dock for walkers and cyclists, looking to take a break from the Trans Pennine trail.

HALE American

Deadwood Smokehouse: The American-style diner has taken over the former Morley’s, Stockyard and Amba unit on Ashley Road, and promises authentic American BBQ food including steaks, sharing plates and burgers, plus desserts, craft ales and cocktails.

British

Hale Wine Bar: The perfect destination for dinner or drinks, take a window seat, order your wine and watch the world go by from this stylish, glass-fronted, neighbourhood bar. King George: This friendly community pub is popular with those who want to enjoy a relaxed meal with family or watch football on screens both outdoors or in. AUTUMN 2019 | ALTRINCHAM TODAY 115

FOOD & DRINK

Victor’s: A favoured celeb haunt, this chic restaurant is invariably packed and a perfect place to be seen in the heart of Hale village. Expect modern international cuisine and fine wines.

Indian

Cinnamon: Get off the train in Hale and the first landmark you’ll see is the clock tower, the second is Cinnamon. Contemporary Indian cuisine is served up in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Italian

Dante Italian Kitchen: A traditionally warm Italian welcome awaits at Dante, which opened in the former home of Danilo’s in early 2018. With the familiar face of Luigi Lanzotti at the helm, Dante has quickly established a reputation for great food and magnificent service. La Famiglia: Before you’ve finished your anti-pasti, you’ll feel like one of ‘the family‘ in this bustling Italian. Dine by candlelight and watch the chefs work their magic, in this relaxed ristorante. Piccolino: There may be others, but this Hale branch brings individuality to this popular brand of Italian fare. With its distinctive green decor and attractive terrace, rain or shine, dine in style. Pizza Express: Hop off at Hale train station and you’ll be at this popular pizza chain before you can say Sloppy Giuseppe! Dine in or enjoy your dough balls in the comfort of your own home.

Lebanese

Karam: Serving authentic Lebanese fare in the unit once occupied by Hale Grill and Cote, Karam – which means “generosity” in Arabic – combines spices sourced in the Middle East with fresh Cheshire produce.

Japanese

Zumu: Serving modern Japanese food, the headline acts are sushi, sashimi and robatayaki at this stylish addition to Hale village. Go for lunch, dinner or take away a little piece of Japanese heaven into your home.

Sri Lankan

Sigiriya: This stylish Sri Lankan restaurant invites diners to enjoy not only a blend of Indian and Buddhist traditions in its spice-infused dishes, but in its hospitality too. 116 ALTRINCHAM TODAY | AUTUMN 2019

A Pad Thai from Angkor Soul

Thai

Dee Thai: With a facade as grand as its menu, enjoy classic Thai dishes served in stylish surroundings. Share a banquet, or choose from traditional curries, salads. and much more.

Italian

Cibo: A classic Italian restaurant with a big city feel, the third in the Cibo stable serves hand-made pasta, pizzas, seafood and meat dishes in the space formerly occupied by Carluccio’s.

HALE BARNS British

Bulls Head: In the heart of Hale Barns, this epitome of the village pub serves up classic British food alongside real ales, fine wines and cocktails. Can’t bear to leave? Check in and stay the night!

Italian

San Carlo – Fiorentina: This chic mainstay of the Manchester dining scene brings its brand of Italian to Hale Barns. Named after a region in Florence famed for its steak, enjoy theirs over a Chianti or two.

French

Brasserie Blanc: With a mix of classic French dishes and highlighted specials taking in influences experienced by Raymond Blanc on his travels, this stylish restaurant – slap bang in the middle of the Marriott – is a delight. A carefully designed menu executed to Blanc’s high standards with aplomb.

Syrian

Syriana: Formerly the Laughing Elephant cafe, Syriana offers a classic selection of Middle Eastern dishes and as proved a popular addition to the village.

TIMPERLEY British

Hare and Hounds: On the hunt for a friendly local where you can take the whole family, or enjoy a freshly cooked carvery any day of the week? Take a trip to this Timperley tavern. Moss Trooper: Award-winning cask ales are on the menu at this Moss Lane local – recently refurbished – along with traditional Great British pub food. Stop the cavalry and head on in to try for yourself.

Old Hall: As its grand name suggests, this 19th century building offers a traditional setting which is perfectly balanced with its modern, fun-looking menu of crowdpleaser dishes, for all the family. Pelican Inn: This family friendly pub boasts an amazing range of beef steaks served on a hot iron skillet, and much more! With food challenges to boot, will you make it onto the Wall of Flame? Quarry Bank Inn: At the heart of the community, this pub caters for all the family, from over 60s specials on the menu, to mums and tots coffee and cake mornings. The Gardeners Arms: Currently closed while it undergoes a £380,000 revamp, it’s planning to open as a “modern family-friendly neighbourhood local” in September. The Stonemasons Arms: After its initial botched revamp, the latest incarnation of The Stonies is a roaring success: the pub is back, but this time it’s a family-friendly version that manages to keep the adults happy, the food delicious and the booze well-priced.

Indian

The Hilal: Serving classic Indian cuisine since 1969, the Hilal in Timperley has years of experience in bringing authentic flavours and dishes to its customers. Dine in the spacious restaurant or enjoy at home.

Italian

Little Italy: Let the team take you on a trip from Timperley to Little Italy. Navigate your tastebuds round the classic menu, with its wide range of dishes from pasta, to pizza to pollo porcini!

Indian

Darjeeling: This small but perfectly formed Indian has proved a hit with the locals since opening earlier this year. Friendly service and a good feed guaranteed, and the takeaway menu is recommended, too.

n this

inatio g a im ir e h t l Fue

at TATTON PARK Creep through atmospheric woodland and the Medieval Old Hall on a theatrical journey before you get the chance to work your magic in a ghoulish workshop. (No woodland Wizards or Medieval witches will be harmed in the process of this two hour family- friendly, immersive adventure!)

Do you dare to join us? tattonpark.org.uk/halloween

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