Abba is playing on Canal Street. There are queues at the bar. It’s packed.
This might sound like a typical night in one of The Village’s best clubs and bars on a given Saturday, but this is the scene in Nell’s — a pizzeria — on a weekday lunchtime.
The pizza place is in Kampus, a new development by the Rochdale Canal. It specialises in huge pies — as Americans nickname them — to share. It’s modelled on a New York joint, and feels lively — even when the rain is falling outside.
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Ashley Child, 29, is in the middle of all this. Originally from Wythenshawe, he’s self-assured, knowing what he needs to do and when.
As he answers questions for I work in town, he darts off to tend to a customer and come back. It looks like he’s spinning 30 plates at once, but he seems to enjoy it.
What does he make of Manchester? Let's find out.
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
It’s so hard now, because everything’s so well known. Siop Shop I like, because it’s not mega-busy at the weekends.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
Probably Alderley Edge, from The Edge. You can see all the towers, it’s a good day out, too.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
Nell’s Pizza, of course!
What if a disaster happened and it didn’t exist?
Cane and Grain, I get the lunch deal.
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
Briton’s Protection.
What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?
I’m from Wythenshawe, so I’ll have to say that. I move around a bit, I used to live in West Didsbury and I love that too.
What are the five words that best describe the city?
Passionate, inspiring, artistic, musical, and football.
City or United?
Neither. If I had to pick one, United, even if City are the better team.
Liam or Noel?
Noel.
Your favourite city pub is…?
It’s Common, or Port Street Beer House.
What’s the one thing you’d add to Manchester if you could…
Stone Roses has to be played in every store after 12 noon - I’d start with Elephant Stone.
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