Archive for March, 2008

Blackpool’s Tourist Information Centre on Clifton Street has closed. Visitors are now requested to use the centre on the Promenade, opposite Blackpool Tower.

Lancaster’s John O’Gaunt pub has reopened this week with a new manager. New boss Gary Wood has promised to keep the doors open and restore the pub to its former glory.

Over the last few months the famous jazz venue was repeatedly closed and reopened by its former landlord.

Bolton and District Civic Trust have unveiled a plaque to mark the birthplace of England footballer Alan Ball. The plaque, at a house on Brookhouse Avenue in Farnworth, has been funded by his former clubs.

At leaving school Ball had trials with Bolton Wanderers, but manager Bill Riding decided he was too small to be offered a professional deal. Despite this he went onto play for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal, and England, appearing for the national side in the 1966 World Cup Final.

Alan Ball died in April last year after suffering a heart attack while attempting to put out a garden fire.

Interested members of the public will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Chester’s Grosvenor Park next month at a lecture organised by Chester Civic Trust. Landscape consultant John Dyke will present ‘The people who made Grosvenor Park’ at the Grosvenor Museum on April 9 2008 at 7.30 pm. Entry is free of charge for Chester Civic Trust members, with a suggested £3 donation for non-members.

Last week Chester City Council submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant to restore Grosvenor Park.

Councillor Eric Plenderleath, Chester City Council Executive Member for Culture & Community said ‘Grosvenor Park has an interesting history and is valued by many people. John Dyke is a real expert in his field and has been heavily involved with our funding bid to make sure that the park’s heritage is preserved as part of our proposals to safeguard its future. This lecture offers a one-off opportunity to find out more about how the park was created to provide the people of Chester with somewhere to enjoy the outdoors.’

Rock legends Queen will be appearing in concert at the Liverpool Echo Arena on October 18 2008. The Rock the Cosmos 2008 tour kicks off its European leg in Moscow on September 16 and will promote their first studio album in more than a decade.

Venues for the other UK concerts are Nottingham Arena (October 10), Glasgow (October 11), O2 Arena London (October 13), Cardiff Arena (October 14), and Birmingham NIA (October 16).

Tickets for the UK dates go on sale April 5.

Barton Square at the Trafford Centre is now open. The £90 million extension is linked to the main shopping centre by a glazed bridge and features major furniture and domestic goods stores. Those already open include Habitat, Bhs, Next Home, and Dwell. There will be further stores opening in the next few months such as Marks & Spencer Home, Home Sense, and Natuzzi.

Britain’s last remaining temperance bar, Fitzpatrick’s in Rawtenstall, has reopened after closing for a 4 month refurbishment.

Moorfield Media have announced the nominations for the Northern Hospitality Awards 2008. The winners will be announced at the Lowry Hotel on April 7. The finalists include:

Best Restaurant

Brasserie Black Door, Newcastle Upon Tyne
El Gato Negro, West Yorkshire
Holbeck Ghyll, Cumbria
The London Carriage Works, Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool
The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire

Best Hotel

City Inn, Manchester
Hilton Manchester Deansgate
The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Malmaison, Liverpool
Radisson Edwardian, Manchester

Best Pub

The Bayley Arms, Lancashire
The Highway Man, Lancashire
The Q Bar, Cheshire
The Shoulder of Mutton, Harrogate
The Swettenham Arms, Cheshire

Best Chef

Lisa Allen, Head Chef, Northcote Manor, Lancashire
Paul Askew, Chef Patron, The London Carriage Works, Liverpool
David Kennedy, Executive Chef, Black Door Group, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Simon Shaw, Chef Patron, El Gato Negro, West Yorkshire
Eyck Zimmer, Executive Head Chef, The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

Best Wine Offering

The Devonshire Brasserie and Bar
Hillbark Hotel
Malmaison, Liverpool
Northcote Manor, Lancashire
Warehouse Brasserie, Southport

Hart’s Restaurant in Morecambe has reopened under new management as Ma Renooo’s. The famous restaurant closed in February last year after falling into financial difficulties. The new restaurant has a 50’s theme with staff wearing period uniforms.

Brit Award Winners The Fratellis have announce a UK tour that includes appearances at the Morecambe Dome on April 9 and Manchester Academy on April 16.