It’s hard work running a pub. Long hours, lively customers, and plenty of cleaning to keep it ship-shape.
Must be quite the challenge when the pub you’re in charge of is one the city’s most popular and well-priced. The Lost Dene, on Deansgate, is a magnet for revellers at the weekend — and on big sporting nights, too.
Cam Watson is marshalling the operation, on a more timid winter’s afternoon when the MEN visits. It’s still busy with people enjoying lunch, but the Londoner is pleased to be able to take a minute away from serving folk.
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In the next six minutes, Cam gives an insight into the city. This is what it’s like knowing Manchester’s hospitality sector inside and out…
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
It’s a very good question. Can it be exclusive, or open to anyone?
We’d be really keen to hear both, actually…
So there’s a secret bar called Sherlock’s for hospitality workers — and they look after hospitality workers, so it’s only £5 for a double spirit and mixer. That’s pretty cool.
Where is it? Are you allowed to tell anyone?
It’s in the Northern Quarter, and I could be more specific but you wouldn’t get let in anyway! It’s located at the Black Dog Ballroom.
What about a hidden gem that’s open to the public?
Arcane. It’s quite a nice speakeasy.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
So, it sounds really bizarre — but there’s either Langworthy Road going towards MediaCity in the evening, with all the tall buildings which have colourful lights on — that’s quite nice.
Or, at MediaCity going on the bridge over the water, that’s really nice.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
There’s a Greek restaurant painted blue and white next door but one to The Waterhouse Wetherspoons — Rozafa — it’s so good there! It’d be there or Bem Brasil.
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
42’s! It'd probably would have to be there…
What’s your favourite Mancunian neighbourhood?
Northern Quarter, probably.
City or United?
Neither.
Liam or Noel?
Oooh, I don’t know. Liam, I’d guess. I think he’s more out in the public.
Your favourite city pub is…?
The Lost Dene! It’s got to be.
Who is your favourite city ‘character’?
Boombox Barry, he comes past every morning.
What’s the one thing you’d add to Manchester if you could…
So, I am from London so it’s very London-ish — but an underground train system. With Manchester growing at the rate it’s growing, the tram system is fair enough. It works, but there are always issues with it. If you had the tube, it would smash it.
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The Manchester street with stories and secrets hiding behind every corner
