'My favourite area of Greater Manchester? Cheadle Hulme, it's really friendly'

Projecting into Manchester’s skyline, Urbis is the oddly-shaped home to the National Football Museum.

Thousands of fans and families pass through its glass doors every year, catching a glimpse of the shirts, turnstiles, and scarves that make up our beautiful game. Naturally, they’re also in need of a bite to eat.

That’s where Lawrence Herbert comes in. Softly spoken, with a calm demeanour, the 43-year-old is behind the counter at the Museum’s cafe.

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He used to call town home but now is in Daresbury, Cheshire. He’s employed by the caterers for Urbis, Vanilla in Allseasons, and has a background in the food world.

“I used to run the Frankie and Benny’s in St Anne’s Square and for an events company at the beginning of Salford,” he tells the Manchester Evening News. So, what makes the man tick?

Where’s your favourite hidden gem?

I would probably say Dimitri’s, the Greek restaurant on Deansgate. I used to go for breakfast there, that’s my favourite, it’s a beautiful place to go.

What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?

From level six, up here. You can see for miles, absolutely miles

Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?

I’d say the Walkabout sports bar in the Printworks is a fairly lively place to meet some people, not necessarily for the food quality, but more for the company. You’re always bound to find a character there.

The view from floor six of Urbis, which is Lawrence's favourite (Manchester Evening News)

Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?

The real side of the city! I could say Moss Side, but that won’t go down well, will it?

What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?

I’ve got a lot of friends in Cheadle Hulme, it’s really friendly down there. That’s what comes immediately to mind.

What are the five words that best describe the city?

Eclectic, friendly, diverse, historic, and accessible.

City or United?

Ha! I’m not too bothered because I don’t follow football, but my mother-in-law supports United so I’ll go for them.

Liam or Noel?

Noel.

What’s the one change you'd make to Manchester if you could…

I’d get rid of all the cars for a day. I’d pedestrianise it, just for a day

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