The Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston has been granted planning permission by South Lakeland District Council to move into larger premises. Owner Marion Grave expects the move from Upper Brook Street to a warehouse near Booths supermarket to take place at the end of the summer.
North West picnic lovers can vote for their favourite picnic spot in a competition being organised by Bolton-based bakers Warburtons. Ten sites in the region have been nominated:
Stanley Park – Blackpool
Lyme Park – Disley, Cheshire
Heaton Park – Manchester
Formby Beach – Merseyside
Beeston Castle – Tarporley, Cheshire
Barley Picnic Site – Pendle Hill, Ribble Valley
Jumbles Reservoir – Bradshaw Valley, Bolton
Beacon Fell – Goosnargh, near Preston
Fell Foot Park – Windermere, Lake District
Crook o’ Lune – Lune Valley, Lancaster
Votes can be registered at www.welovebread.co.uk until May 16 2008. All voters are entered into a draw to win a picnic in Central Park, New York.
The winner will be announced at the start of June and will go compete against the other regional winners for the title of ‘Warburtons Best Picnic Spot 2008’.
The UK’s first Islamic pub has opened in Oldham. Local businessmen Azizur Rahman and Muzahid Khan have transformed the old Westwood Inn into the Halal Inn.
It houses all the traditional elements of a British pub, such as snooker tables and a darts board, but offers only soft drinks at the bar. Other features include prayer, study, and steam rooms.
Warrington Bank Quay train station is about to receive a £650,000 facelift. The work, funded by Virgin Trains, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, and Network Rail, will see improved pedestrian access, a new passenger drop-off zone, dedicated cycle parking, and better facilities for the disabled.
Andy Farrall, Strategic Director for Environment and Regeneration at Warrington Borough Council, said ‘We welcome the transformation of Bank Quay station which will make significant improvements to one of the town’s major gateways. The new facilities are all customer-focussed and will be of great benefit not only to residents but will also enhance the whole visitor experience. Together with the new bus interchange and Golden Square shopping centre and with the Winwick Street redevelopment works on the horizon, the town centre is being transformed, boosting the local economy and vibrancy of the town.’
Manchester’s alternative shopping emporium Affleck’s Palace has been saved from closure. Many feared that the popular Northern Quarter haunt would close after founder Elaine Walsh’s 25-year lease expired last year.
Owners Bruntwood have taken over management and have vowed to keep it open without significantly changing its off-beat focus. It was re-launched on Saturday as ‘Afflecks’.
The Lowry Hotel hosted the Northern Hospitality Awards 2008 last week. The winners included:
Best Restaurant - The London Carriage Works, Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool
Best Hotel – The Lowry, Manchester
Best Bar – Barlounge, Chester
Best Chef – Lisa Allen, Northcote Manor, Ribble Valley
Best Wine Offering, Northcote Manor, Ribble Valley
Marketing Manchester held their annual tourism awards at Manchester Central last Thursday. The winners included:
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Manchester Art Gallery
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Smithills Hall in Bolton
Large Hotel of the Year: Marriott Worsley Park Hotel & Country Club,
Small Hotel / Bed & Breakfast of the Year: Moss Lodge in Rochdale
Self Catering / Serviced Accommodation Award: Staying Cool
Tourism Restaurant of the Year: Nutters Restaurant in Rochdale
Taste of Manchester Award: Isinglass Restaurant in Urmston
Tourism Bar of the Year: Cloud 23, Hilton Manchester Deansgate
Tourism Retailer of the Year: The Trafford Centre
Business Tourism Awards: Manchester United
Sustainable Tourism Award: The Palace Hotel
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has announced that the Riverdance ferry, currently lying on Blackpool beach after running aground at the end of January, is to be dismantled. It’s estimated the work will take approximately 3 months once the contract has been awarded.
Mitchell’s have announced that the Water Witch pub in Lancaster will reopen next month following an extensive refurbishment.
Chester City Council has closed a section of the city walls near the Grosvenor Hotel for safety reasons after a monument collapsed last Thursday. Access to the Eastgate Arch and Clock is not affected.