Standing in a snack bar is a good way of getting to know a city.
The Sausage Shack, on John Dalton Street, is the perfect example of that. From its windows, you can see lanyard-clad office workers zip from meeting to meeting, construction workers glug energy drinks down in a rare break from the sun, and lines of buses crawling past stops.
Inside, you get all manner of customers after a quick bite to eat. At the moment, it’s quiet, in a lull period between lunch and dinner.
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Narsing Pariyada, behind the till, is glad of it. He’s on his break when he agrees to feature on I Work in Town.
Originally from India, Narsing moved to Manchester in 2021, and feels like he’s made a home here. What makes him tick?
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
Freedom. I love this place, it feels like home now. I came here from India in 2021, but I feel like this is a safe place, and I now have a lot of friends here. It’s my second home now.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
I think it’s the Arndale. It’s the centre of the city, there’s a lot of voices and trams come together.
I can see lots of people and I love when people come here from different countries.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
It’s not city centre, but I’d say Rusholme, because there’s lots of desi foods. I get to eat biryanis!
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
I’d do the city, but for the countryside I’d take them to Sale. I love this place, because it looks like a fairytale place — with the rivers, the ducks, and I see people fishing, which isn’t something you see in the city centre.
What are the five words that best describe the city?
Home, lovely place, friendly, it’s commutable, and it’s great to walk around. It’s safe.
City or United?
United.
Your favourite city pub is…?
I have loads of favourites! Fusion, Players, and Revolution… El Diablo as well!
What’s the one change you'd make to Manchester if you could…
There’s a lot of drugs. If I was in charge, I’d eradicate the drugs. It’s a mess, I love Manchester, but I want it to be drug-free.
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