It’s the low-point of the cold-snap, when the Manchester Evening News heads out to complete another set of I work in town interviews.
With the sun fading and temperatures falling well below zero, the MEN team met on Deansgate — and darted to the first warm-looking shop they could see. That was Black Sheep Coffee.
Although heat was the primary attraction, there was another reason to head inside the coffee shop.
That is Zach McCullough. He’s affable, on his feet, and seemingly feeds off the energy of the hustle and bustle of running a busy coffee shop.
READ MORE: Local coffee shop's fury as Costa opens third chain in neighbourhood
Surrounded by business meetings, Christmas Markets pit-stops, and the hiss of his machine, he seems at home working in town. That’s why he is this week’s guest — so what makes him tick?
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
You see, I like The Sailsbury on Oxford Road, right in the corner. It’s my kind of music.
I love clubbing, I DJ a little bit, but I love punk. It’s proper rock music there. That’s the one.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
It’s not so much Manchester city centre, it’s more Salford. There’s a bridge next to Exchange Square — when you walk along that bridge, you see all the city right down the river, it’s beautiful. At sunset, it’s gorgeous.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
Ooooh. Pot Kettle Black. I actually went to a Japanese restaurant in Chinatown and it was gorgeous.
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
It’s one of those, it’s got to be the Northern Quarter. That’s where it’s all happening. That’s where it’s at . That’s where you’ll get the most people and action. D’you know what I mean?
Absolutely. What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?
There’s a little estate in the middle of Northern Quarter, it’s hidden. The Smithfield is the most authentic neighbourhood in Manchester, for me.
It’s right in the middle of town, but it’s stood the test of time.
What are the five words that best describe the city?
That’s a tricky one. Massive, is right, good people.
City or United?
Liverpool!
Liam or Noel?
Noel!
Your favourite city pub is…?
The Sailsbury.
Who is your favourite city ‘character’?
Oh! There’s a guy called the window knocker, he goes around. He comes here.
All he does is that he goes past, knocks on the window, and then holds one finger up.
It’d be him or Boombox Barry.
What’s the one thing you’d add to Manchester if you could…
A massive f*** off rave!
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