Manchester is one of the greatest cities in the world – and that’s not just our local bias talking.
Our hometown is consistently named as one of the coolest cities on the planet, as well as a must-see destination for global tourism.
But crucially, it’s also constantly receiving nods as being one of the most liveable cities in the world, ranking above cities like Barcelona and London.
Whether you were born here or drawn here, there are plenty of reasons that Manchester has become home to so many thousands of people.
Many now-locals have chosen to make Manchester their home, moving from across the globe to put down roots in our fair city.
ADVERTISEMENT
And attracting swathes of people is Capital & Centric’s community-focused developments in the city centre, notably the historic Crusader and new build neighbour Phoenix.
The social impact property developers have restored the 180-year-old building into a block of one and two-bed apartments with exposed brickwork, original cast iron columns and wooden beams, and huge windows.
ADVERTISEMENT
Those who live here include Yasu Jordan Sato, 34, along with his wife Mai and young son – Yasu was born in Japan and has since lived in LA and Paris working as an exterior designer in the motor industry, but it was Manchester that beat out those other international cities for the young family.
Yasu says that the comparisons often made between Brooklyn and Manchester are completely correct.
He said: “My brother lives in Brooklyn in New York and I always make the comparison between Manchester and Brooklyn. Certain parts look exactly like Brooklyn, it’s cool and the people are so warm and friendly.
ADVERTISEMENT
“People complain about the weather, but honestly I found Paris more gloomy in comparison!”
Inside Crusader. Credit: Supplied
On their decision to move to Manchester, and Crusader, Yasu said: “It was a bit crazy. We’d never been to Manchester and knew very little about the UK. We’d been to London once. So we really didn’t know what to expect at all.
“We were really surprised with just how liveable the city is… it deserves the focus. I really feel people don’t know how great Manchester is, that includes some people who live here who probably take it for granted.
“We only really spoke basic French, so it’s been a dream to get here and meet new people. We love the food too! We love Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, we’re spoilt for choice in Manchester and it’s all so accessible. All the good bits of a massive city without having to get the subway everywhere.
“We knew Crusader was for us. My wife loved the bricks and the history of the building. We’re settling into life as a family here too.
ADVERTISEMENT
“People often find it strange we’re raising a child in the city, but that’s a very UK view. People do it all the time in America. With canals, green spaces nearby and the city on our doorsteps, it’s perfect for us.”
Dino, who lives in Phoenix. Credit: Supplied
Another international resident is Dino, who lives in the industrial-style Phoenix. He moved to Plymouth from Athens aged 17 to study – and then headed to Manchester ‘at random’, choosing it over Birmingham or London.
It’s all worked out for him, with Dino saying that the salary ceiling in the north no longer seems to apply to Manchester.
Dino said: “I moved to Manchester from Greece as a student around 15 years ago and since then have lived all over the world but, when it came to buying a home and settling down, it was always going to be here.
“It really is a home away from home. I love the people, the positive vibe and the amazing social scene.
ADVERTISEMENT
“A lot of big companies moved up from London after Covid so it’s got the job opportunities too. If they’d have been around I would never have left all those years ago for work. There’s no salary ceiling anymore in Manchester so you’re keeping talented people in the city.
“Living in Piccadilly East I’ve got everything on my doorstep and it’s a really friendly and safe community. I’ve got to know loads of my neighbours and it’s a nice feeling to know they’re around if I need anything or just want to hang out. Athens is where I was born, but Manchester is my home. It truly is a piece of heaven.”
Donavan Hervig. Credit: Supplied
Donovan Hervig, 50, has lived in some pretty big cities in his life, including Tennessee, Northern Virginia, New York City, and in South America, but when his young son settled in North Wales with his mother he turned to Manchester.
Then he found himself spoilt by cultural and artistic diversity, friendly people and mild summers.
Donovan set up the US-based online travel agency Ideal South America, which he is able to manage from Manchester despite concerns around time zones.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said: “I’ve been in the UK over seven years now and finally have dual citizenship. It’s been a long road, but well worth it! Manchester is not far by car or train from my son in North Wales and it’s got the best of everything you want from a city but it’s compact, walkable and the people are easy to talk to. It’s diverse too; with people from all over Europe, and the world.
“It’s easy to meet family, friends or even potential customers, without having to travel far. I’ve lived in New York City – which is amazing – so much to see and do. But like London, it’s much more expensive and takes an hour to get anywhere!
Inside Phoenix. Credit: Supplied
“These days I prefer somewhere smaller, a bit more laid back, less expensive and easier to get around … to me that’s Manchester. And the entertainment scene is still brilliant too! Football, arts, music – you name it. And the airport is well connected for international travel as well – second only to London.”
Donovan moved into his two-bedroom apartment in Crusader in May 2022, where he’s perfectly-placed to make the most of the surrounding food, drink and live music scene.
Donovan has made the most of the surrounding communities – live music and drinks in the Northern Quarter, the square at Ancoats, food at Mackie Mayor and even Oxford Rd.
ADVERTISEMENT
He continued: “After viewing houses in south Manchester where I was living, my teenage son and I started warming to the idea of living in the city centre instead. More convenient and modern – a different experience.
“If we found the right place – we thought it’d be brilliant for me and us both – a good change. But we didn’t want to sacrifice too much space either. We viewed some small, cramped apartments in the Northern Quarter… no thanks!
“Then we saw the flats in Crusader and… wow! So much more spacious, and in an interesting historical building, with a sense of community (owner occupied) and cool vibe.
“We’re really enjoying it here. I can pick up my son at Piccadilly just around the corner and we can walk to restaurants, the cinema and Man City matches – no public transport! I can easily walk to the office, meet friends for nights out and receive out of town visitors.”
Residents from both Phoenix and Crusader can relax in the mill’s stunning hidden courtyard, once a dirty, concrete car park and now a green oasis kitted out with BBQs and fire pits.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was a major attraction for residents, Donovan said: “I just thought I could get all the things you struggle for in places like London and NYC, where it’s crazy expensive to live. And you don’t get outside space and can at times be a bit unfriendly. Not Manchester!”
You can find out more about life at Capital & Centric’s Crusader here.
Featured image: Supplied
Sponsored
Three major events announced for finale of Salford’s 100th birthday celebrations
Daisy Jackson
Salford’s 100th birthday celebrations are heading towards a spectacular finale, with three major events set to bring the city’s communities, creativity and history into the spotlight this autumn.
Following a packed programme of celebrations, performances and art commissions since the city’s official birthday in April, Salford City Council has revealed what’s still to come – including a huge outdoor projection featuring more than 1,500 local people, the biggest-ever Wagon Train finale, and a special live performance celebrating the sounds of Salford.
The free events have been co-produced by Salford creative organisations Walk the Plank and From The Other, with public funding from The National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The Salford 100 autumn events follow a year of activity designed to explore Salford’s past, celebrate its present and imagine its future.
The celebrations officially began on 21 April, Salford’s centenary birthday, with Birthday City — a day of surprises for residents who shared their birthday with the city.
Seven Salfordians were selected for special birthday treats, including a teaching assistant who had worked at the same school for more than 20 years, a nine-year-old boy, and the founder of local suicide prevention charity Jak’s World.
Performances from Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Manchester Dhol Players and the BBC Philharmonic, alongside dancers and a giant birthday cake, appeared in unexpected locations around the city – including on a commuter train, at workplaces, a school and even a supermarket.
With the final major events now approaching, Salford’s centenary celebrations are set to end the year on a high.
And best of all, all three autumn events are free to attend.
For more information about Salford’s centenary programme Salford 100, and individual commissions, head HERE.
Salford Everywhere: A City Gathering
Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, from 6pm – Peel Park
Salford 100
Salford is set to become the canvas for a spectacular celebration of its people when Salford Everywhere premieres this October.
Created by award-winning visual artist and filmmaker Matthew Rosier, the monumental artwork features more than 1,500 Salfordians, from NHS workers and builders to schoolchildren, supermarket teams, athletes, Royal Mail staff, dementia support groups and food bank volunteers.
On 9 and 10 October, video artworks featuring the local contributors will be projected onto buildings across the city.
The main free gathering will take place at Peel Park from 6pm to 10pm, where a 45-minute film will be projected at huge scale onto the University of Salford’s Maxwell Building, with two screenings each evening.
The film will be accompanied by a live musical score celebrating Salford’s rich musical heritage, featuring local choirs and brass bands. The score has been arranged by Michael Betteridge, with music direction from Salford-based composer and DJ AFRODEUTSCHE.
Meanwhile, Salford Shopping Centre in Pendleton will be illuminated from 7pm to 10pm, with the 1,553 local participants projected at monumental scale.
Rosier said the project captures the ‘humour, togetherness and toughness’ of Salford, after spending a month editing footage of the people who took part.
It promises to be a powerful celebration of the people who make Salford what it is today.
The Wagon Train Centenary Finale
Sunday 25 October, 6pm – Seedley Park, part of Buile Hill Park
After travelling around Salford throughout the summer, the Wagon Train is heading to Seedley Park for its biggest celebration yet.
Created by outdoor arts curators Walk the Plank, the spectacular family event will welcome an audience of around 3,000 people, bringing together performance, music, fire and plenty of Salford spirit.
Expect aerial performances, a glittering glowing Time Capsule and the Wagon Train of Inventions, celebrating Salford innovations from electricity to space exploration.
And yes – the giant birthday cake is making a return.
The event will also celebrate Salford’s entertainment heritage, with dancers taking audiences on a journey through the city’s nightlife, from ballroom to northern soul. Drummers and DJs will provide the soundtrack.
There will be plenty for younger visitors too. Children will work with artists to create Fuel of the Future — willow and tissue-paper lanterns that they can carry as part of the performance.
The evening will culminate with Pride of Salford torch bearers igniting a huge fire drawing designed by young people, followed by a short fireworks finale.
More than 350 Salfordians are expected to take part in the show.
Walk the Plank co-founder Liz Pugh said the finale will bring families and communities together ‘with a bang’, while celebrating homegrown talent and looking towards Salford’s future.
Songs of Salford: Live Preview
Saturday 14 November, 7.30pm – Swinton Grand Palais. Free tickets, limited spaces, details to be released soon
Artists involved in Songs of Salford. Credit: Daniel Johnson
Salford’s centenary celebrations will also get a musical send-off with the first live performance of Songs of Salford.
From The Other and award-winning producer Charlie Deakin-Davies have brought together five Salford artists to create a new record reflecting the city, its people and its communities.
The project features classically trained vocalist and pianist Salo, spoken-word artist The Thirsty Poet (Matt Concannon), battle rapper and youth worker Che3kz, Zimbabwean-born songwriter and poet Meduulla, and singer-songwriter Sam Seth.
The record also brings together communities from Age Friendly Salford, Salford Youth Zone, Monton Community Choir and music engineering students from the University of Salford.
On 14 November, audiences will get the first chance to hear the complete record performed live at the iconic Swinton Grand Palais.
The performance will feature all five artists alongside a 10-piece ensemble from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Songs of Salford record itself will be released in 2027.
The family-run gem doing tapas, craft beer, cocktails and live music just outside Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A good neighbourhood restaurant should be somewhere you can pop in to at any time of day, for just about any occasion.
Whether it’s coffee and a bake after the school run, a tapas night with your mates, a cosy cocktail with your partner, or even somewhere to end the night listening to live music, Gin & Brews is one such neighbourhood gem.
This brilliant family-run venue opened in an old bank in Garstang in 2023 and quickly spilled over into the unit next door, expanding its offering as it went.
It’s gone from a cosy bottle shop and microbar to a true neighbourhood haunt, with fantastic deals (like two pizzas and a bottle of wine for £25 on Thursdays) and cocktails made with their own distilled spirits.
The food is a big part of the appeal, particularly the tapas.
There’s bread and oils, chorizo and prawns, goat’s cheese and loaded potatoes, with plenty designed for sharing – you might want to order more than you think you need, but at £12 for three dishes, that’s no hardship.
You can get three tapas dishes for £12Lemon curd French toast
Then there’s the homemade honey and sea salt butter. It’s the sort of butter you try once and immediately want to tell everyone about.
For daytime visits, the brunch menu brings out perfectly poppable eggs and seriously good French toast, with the lemon curd a particular must-try.
And if you have dietary requirements, Gin & Brews is unusually well set up for gluten-free diners, with almost everything on the menu gluten free – even the beer – plus a generous selection of gluten-free bakes.
The drinks offering is where things get particularly interesting.
The team make their own spirits under the Garstang Gin name, with the distillery growing from just three spirits to an impressive 46.
It’s a natural progression for the owner, who previously worked in the drinks industry before leaving to set up her own gin distillery.
They distill their own Garstang Gin spirits for cocktailsInside Gin & Brews
Those spirits now make their way into the cocktails at Gin & Brews, giving the bar plenty of its own character and making it a particularly good shout if cocktails are your thing.
There’s also a constantly changing selection of craft beer, with the range switching up regularly, alongside the bottle shop, so there’s always something new to discover.
For somewhere that has grown so quickly, Gin & Brews still feels firmly rooted in its community.
Much of what goes onto your plate is sourced from businesses on the high street, including local butchers and egg suppliers. Even some of the cakes and cookies are made by one of the members of staff.
It feels fitting for a venue in Garstang, which is recognised as the world’s first Fair Trade Town.
Bakes at Gin & Brews are made by a member of staff
And while Wednesday and Thursday evenings are already busy, the team are keen to bring more people through the doors during the day. They certainly have the offering for it.
There are coffee-and-cake afternoons, brunch dates, tapas lunches, craft beer, cocktails and plenty of gluten-free treats to take away.
Then, when the sun goes down, the music comes on, with live performances at weekends and regular events bringing the place to life.
If you’re looking for a reason to venture out of Manchester for something a little different, this might just be it.
Gin & Brews has only been around for a few years, but it already feels like one of those places that has been part of the local scene forever.
And if the homemade butter doesn’t convince you, the cocktails probably will.
Daisy Jackson -
1st December 2022 
