'Best place to go for dinner in China Town? That's…

'Best place to go for dinner in China Town? That's like choosing a favourite child'

It seems like Chinatown - the 12-acre grid nestled behind Piccadilly Gardens - delights in following each narrow alley up with another nook and cranny.

It’s why brilliant shops like the Arts and Craft Shop feel nestled away, even if they open out onto the main square of the area, by the famous arch. Inside is a treasure trove of gifts.

David Law has owned the store since the late 1980s.

He was there, with the shop, when the arch opened as the 80s became the 90s. He was ‘heartbroken’ when the iconic pagoda was vandalised.

Perhaps Chinatown’s number one fan, here’s what he thinks of the city’s ‘hidden gem’ — and town more generally.

Where’s your favourite hidden gem?

I rarely go out in the city centre much anymore. I guess it would be Chinatown, it’s got authentic Chinese businesses.

Do you think people don’t quite understand the variety in Chinatown?

I think so, yeah. I think there are a lot of people that are still quite new to Chinatown. We are still getting people coming in saying ‘I’ve never come here before’ or ‘this is a gem’.

David can't pick his favourite Chinatown eatery (Vincent Cole - Manchester Evening News)

What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?

Chinatown’s Arch! It’s one of the best in Europe. It’s been here since the late 80s, and I watched it being built — our shop has been here longer than the arch.

Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?

I don’t! I bring my own. If I did go out, it would be one of the smaller ones around the corner. They’re all pretty good.

It’s hard to say [one in particular], it’s like choosing a favourite child. They’re all of a very good standard. Most of the restaurants have been here since the 80s and 90s, and the ‘younger’ ones since the 00s. They’re long-established, so they must be doing something good to stay.

Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?

Chinatown, obviously, and then something different like the Northern Quarter for independent businesses, as opposed to the chain stores you see in every city.

What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?

Chinatown, I am biased. I don’t live here though, it’d be too noisy for me.

What are the five words that best describe the city?

Vibrant, lively, variety, culture, and proud.

City or United?

Neither. I’m not a big football fan, I watch it if nothing else is on.

Liam or Noel?

None of them.

Your favourite city pub is…?

I don’t drink much, really.

What’s the one thing you’d add to Manchester if you could…

I’d like to add an absence of crime. Especially in Piccadilly Gardens and the city centre, there’s so much petty crime.