Fan Boy Three has been on Stevenson Square for nearly 20 years now, and it’s easy to see why.
The niche game store is packed full of the latest board games, features a cafe where you can casually play a friend, and a huge play space downstairs where role-play activities take place — for everyone from first-time players to the most experienced aficionado.
When the MEN visits, the first signs of spring are coming out. Northern Quarter has the familiar quiet buzz, and it extends into the shop.
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Amid all this is the 26-year-old Liam Kelly. With a dazzling Hawaiian shirt, and a Wigan twang — owing to his upbringing in Hindley — he’s smiley, and seems to genuinely care about every aspect of Fan Boy Three.
Here’s what makes him tick.
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
It’s a curry place up towards the Arndale called This & That. It’s down an alleyway, so that obviously means it’s the best curry place in the world. They do rice and three, authentic curries, the kind where they just let them boil all day. That’s my favourite.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
Weirdly, it’s when I can see all the cranes. When I see them pointing up, among the skyline, there’s something so heartwarming about seeing the city. It makes me feel at home.
Do you like the fact it’s growing?
I think so, that’s part of it. I feel like I’m part of a living city.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
It’s a different answer to This & That. I really like to go to Pancho’s in the Arndale Food Market. I love burritos, and it’s one of the best ones in Manchester, plus it’s fairly cheap.
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
The Northern Quarter. It’s had its own history, it’s been various things over various times, but it feels like it’s the centre of the bohemian culture of Manchester and that’s where it’s at for me.
Fun Boy Three must be a part of that culture because it’s one of the only places to cater for this sort of an interest?
There’s Travelling Man and Forbidden Planet in a triangle that are close by. We all recommend one another, we all have a good relationship with each other.
What are the five words that best describe the city?
That’s a good question. That’s why you’re good at your job.
I didn’t write this one.
Haha! I think it’d be heart-warming, northern, and soul, that’s it.
City or United?
Neither.
Liam or Noel?
Neither!
Your favourite city pub is…?
I like From Dusk Til Pawn across the way, I really like the atmosphere.
What’s the one change you'd make to Manchester if you could…
I’d clean up the canal. It’s just too dirty, isn’t it?
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