Manchester is buzzing this summer. Football's journey home began with England winning their opening Euros game at Old Trafford. We've hosted more than 100,000 music-lovers in just one weekend, and basked in long, sunny days, too.
To celebrate the people who make Manchester the tour-de-force it now is, the Manchester Evening News is going out to chat to them. We're speaking to people who work in the city centre - from shop assistants, to florists, and record shop junkies.
Where's better to start than one of the city's most popular clothing stores? Thrift Shop Manchester, next to Piccadilly Gardens bus station, is a haunt of the hyper-trendy searching for the next look before the rest of us know whatever the new 'black' is.
Alex Sotirios, who works in the shop, is perhaps the epitome of cool. Her tattoos, blue nail varnish, and hair are hallmarks of Manchester's never-say-die DIY spirit. Here's what makes her tick...
- Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
This shop, to be honest. Maybe the pubs in the alleyways of Piccadilly, apart from this shop.
- What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
There’s a Q Car Park just off Oxford Road, where you can see all of the city. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’d recommend it.
- Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
Pen and Pencil is pretty good, Home Sweet Home before it closed — RIP, God bless — and Alvarium is pretty good for vegan food.
- Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
Afflecks pretty much summarises the Northern Quarter in one little trip, then you have to go out of town. Maybe go to Chorlton, Didsbury, Withington to compare all the little areas. They’re all so different with different characters everywhere.
- What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?
Probably NQ, yeah, Unfortunately, yeah.
- City or United?
I am so wildly indifferent. I can’t begin to tell you.
- Your favourite city pub is…?
Peveril in the Peak.
- Liam or Noel?
Noel.
- Who is your favourite city ‘character’?
The guy who lives in Ancoats with the boombox on his bike — Boombox Barry.
- What’s the one thing you’d add to Manchester if you could…
More green spaces, places to swim, places I can walk my dog. Just wholesome things.
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