On a midweek European matchday, Exchange Square is thriving.
Thousands of away fans congregate outside the city’s historic Sinclair Oyster Bar or Old Wellington pubs for a pre-match pint, or two, before being escorted by police officers to the home of City or United. That influx of European fans gives the city a buzz.
Naturally, that’s most keenly felt in Exchange Square itself, but the area is always buzzing. Shoppers are bobbing in and out of New Cathedral Street designers, office workers are marching into the Arndale Market for lunch, and day-trippers are selecting a place for a pint.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
The aforementioned boozers might be the first you think of in the area, but there’s another watering hole worth visiting. The Mitre Hotel takes its name from the statuette of the mitre on the building.
Mitres are headwear traditionally worn by bishops, and with Manchester Cathedral so close, it’s easy to see why that connection has been made. Even with centuries of history around, 24-year-old Remi Newton looks at home in the pub.
The Failsworth lad is at ease bantering with regulars, chatting to new customers, and taking in some sun. So what makes the man tick?
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
Honestly, I’d say The Liquor Store. It’s a little bar which is open until 3am, and we finish late so we go down there after. They are very kind bartenders.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
My friend has an apartment in Salford, and it has a rooftop terrace. You can see all over Manchester.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
It’s called Rollers, it’s in the Arndale, on the second floor. They do pizzas which they do in front of you, and they do subs that are better than Subway.
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
Northern Quarter.
Why’s that?
Pubs. There are a lot of them, so it’d be easier.
What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?
I’d say Spinningfields, it’s a nice place to go out. It is a bit spenny, but it’s what you’re paying for, aren’t you?
What are the five words that best describe the city?
That’s tough, because I like it and I don’t. It’s up-and-coming, it’s getting there, we have nice buildings going up.
It’s got history with the Cathedral, it’s easy to get about with Metrolink, and it’s home to Manchester United which is good, but City are here too so…
City or United?
United, of course.
Liam or Noel?
Don’t like either, I’m not an indie person.
Your favourite city pub is…?
The Mitre Hotel!
What’s the one change you'd make to Manchester if you could…
Homelessness, and drug use. In the city, it gives it a bad look.
READ NEXT:
- 'If it was up to me, I would lock him up and throw away the key'
- Porsche spotted racing BMW at more than 140 miles an hour
- Bank of England boss warns of more financial pain to come after yet another interest rate rise
- Body of pensioner found in his flat SIX YEARS after he died
- 'Atrocious' delays, cancellations and 'major issues': Manchester passengers bid farewell to TransPennine Express
