There’s a buzz in Manchester on a Friday afternoon. An influx of weekend warriors, ready to enjoy everything the city has for 24, 36, or 48 hours.
They’re easiest to spot around Piccadilly Station, with their suitcases, fancy dress, and hopeful glint in their eyes. Many of them will roll off a delayed train, and straight to the first pub they spot.
Often, that means a beverage in Piccadilly Tap, on the station’s approach. But it’s not your typical mainline boozer.
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There’s mid-century-style paneling on the walls, a selection of local ales as opposed to mass-market lager, and incense perforates the air. It’s still really busy, and in this chaos is Ceri Davies.
The 22-year-old has worked at the pub for 18 months, and is now bar supervisor. She’s enthusiastic, evidently thriving off the hubbub, and will see more of Manchester in an hour than most of us will in a week.
So what makes her tick?
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
At the moment, personally, it would be North Brewing Co. That’s only because I only know beer places, so that is my hidden gem!
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
I really like the view as you go into Salford and you’re walking across the bridge, and you can see the river with the apartment buildings at the back end of Spinningfields.
I know someone who lives that way, so if I’m walking that way, it’s then. Otherwise I wouldn’t really end up there, but it’s the first thing that popped into my head.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
Mowgli’s in the Corn Exchange. I absolutely love it.
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
Moss Side! No I wouldn’t take them there, so it’d probably be the Northern Quarter. I like going into Affleck’s.
What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?
I’d say round here and the Village. I go there quite a lot and I used to live two minutes away from it, it feels safe to me.
What are the five words that best describe the city?
Vibrant, diverse, interesting people, creative, and educational.
City or United?
United, because their fans aren’t as bad.
Liam or Noel?
Liam.
Your favourite city pub is…?
This one. I’m not even just saying that, I spend most of my life here.
Who is your favourite city ‘character’?
There’s a homeless guy on crutches, he always pops his head in the door and we have a chat.
What’s the one thing you’d add to Manchester if you could…
I’d get rid of traffic.
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