It’s been a long three months in lockdown and you’ve lost all hope of that all-inclusive three week holiday in Benidorm with auntie Karen and the kids.
Getting leathered by the pool and spending two days sweating on the toilet because of a dodgy buffet prawn is now a thing of the past after the coronavirus pandemic has more or less squashed all hope of a classic ‘Brits abroad’ jolly – and the very few that will actually hop on a plane this summer and head to sunnier pastures will likely have a very underwhelming experience in a post-lockdown world.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
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Some of your best childhood moments are more than likely memories from the UK. Breaking your ankle on a Blackpool beach sand dune after kicking over your little sister’s crap sand castle; learning to tread water in the Caribbean-esque August-seas of Cornwall; or exploring rock pools in Porthdinllaen while punching holes in your feet.
The UK has so much to offer, and a staycation here can be just as much fun as spending 800 euros on tiny San Miguel bottles for 14 days straight – trust me, I know.
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That’s why you need to make 2020 the year of domestic tourism and plan a staycation of your own while you have the chance.
The British Isles has some of the world’s most stunning places to visit – whether that’s our huge coastline, friendly beaches, beautifully chaotic cities, or unmatched countryside – and once the coronavirus lockdown is loosened some more, British tourism is going to need your help. Seriously.
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The UK has some of the most highly rated getaway destinations in the world and our self-catering is unmatched. So for those a little worried about holidaying this year, you really do have everything you need on your doorstep for a peaceful, socially-distant, break from a reality that has taken its toll on all of us over the last few months.
In a recent survey, 70% of Mancunians said they would book a holiday despite the publicity surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak… It seems people’s propensity to travel and book holidays is still there if there is a great deal to be had.
Debbie Flynn, managing partner at Finn Partners Travel, said: “Whilst undoubtedly the situation is hitting the industry hard, our research tells us that Brits are unlikely to give up their holidays if the price is right.
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“We are encouraged by the results which clearly show the resilience of the British traveller who is motivated to continue to travel by great deals and discounts.”
And there really are plenty of great deals out there.
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According to Visit England, hotels across the UK are talking about opening with 30-per-cent occupancy so they can maintain social-distancing, and while pubs get rid of all the old, rotting beer and order in new stock, hotels will need to make changes to communal areas and food outlets will want to work out new procedures.
By then, most of the country’s famous parks and gardens will have swung open their gates and The National Trust is planning on having its tea rooms outside rather than inside historic buildings.
There is a lot to look forward to, all without having to think about sitting next to someone with a bad chest on a packed budget airline flight.
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You really can’t beat Britain, and this is the year to discover that for yourself.
So while destinations such as the Cotswolds, Bath, Devon and the Lake District are prepping tirelessly to put in place the measures for you to visit, why don’t you stick your thinking cap on and start planning your next UK staycation.
Magaluf can wait.
Feature
Review | PinkPantheress turns Victoria Warehouse into one huge party on first night in Manchester
Emily Johnson
There was a point during Pinkpantheress’ set at O2’s Victoria Warehouse where you almost forgot you were watching someone perform an album that barely stretches past the 20-minute mark.
Instead, night one of two Manchester shows felt like one huge club night curated by one of the most exciting British artists around right now.
From the second you walked into the venue, greeted by an army of plaid, the world of PinkPantheress (real name Victoria Beverley Walker, for those who didn’t know) completely took over.
The stage itself mirrored that energy too, with a two-tier setup that allowed her to constantly move around the space, appearing and disappearing throughout the night alongside outfit changes, dramatic lighting and eventually, a pair of angel wings.
Backed by her dancers and DJ Joe, the entire show felt slick, immersive and miles away from the early days of PinkPantheress nervously clutching onto her handbag on stage like a comfort blanket. Ironically, the handbag did make a brief appearance during the evening.
It’s a reminder of just how much her performances have evolved – and evolve they have.
What could have easily been a short and simple set instead became a fully realised live show, complete with extended dance sections, rave-inspired moments, drum solos and seamless transitions that made the whole thing feel bigger than the music alone.
There’s also something undeniably British about a PinkPantheress show: the UK garage influences, the fashion, the awkward humour, and the understated confidence all combined into something that felt distinctly hers.
At one point, she paused to laugh: “It’s hot in this venue, f*** me,” which summed up the sweaty chaos of the night perfectly.
At one point, she joked that the last time she was in Manchester, she made it all the way to the final stage of Pointless, before being told she was now “too famous” to go on the show – a perfectly PinkPantheress anecdote that had the crowd laughing immediately.
By the end of the set, Victoria Warehouse felt less like a gig venue and more like the best house party you’ve ever accidentally ended up at.
And with another Manchester show still to come, it’s safe to say the party isn’t over just yet.
Starting off life as a little coffee trike back in 2021, and now based inside a bright-yellow shipping container in Levenshulme‘s Cringle Park, Grounded MCR CIC is a social enterprise that does more than just make you a brew.
Set up with the idea of creating a welcoming space for the whole community to gather, with a key focus on sustainability, Grounded serves up specialty coffee, lots of other hot and cold drinks, and yummy homemade food – much of which is grown by hand, on and around the container.
This is Grounded MCR / Credit: The Manc Group
Coffee beans sourced from a local roaster that pays farmers properly, tasty bakes on offer from a handful of local makers – including bread from the incredible Stockport-based charity, Pure Innovations – and dozens of free community events organised throughout the year are just a few of the reasons why Grounded goes above and beyond your typical cafe.
Sustainability – and affordability, especially amid the ongoing cost of living crisis – are two huge driving factors for Grounded, especially through their partnership with FareShare Greater Manchester and utilising the ‘Too Good To Go’ scheme.
By delivering and using surplus food that would’ve otherwise gone to waste, Grounded is able to keep their prices low whilst still creating some delicious scran.
The Levenshulme community cafe crafting coffee for a great cause / Credit: The Manc Group
Their ‘FareShare Fridays’ are hosted each week, where that morning’s delivery is dedicated to one specific dish and served up for just £1.
To top it all off, Grounded also works with vulnerable adults in honing their barista and hospitality skills, and is also in partnership with ‘Women in Probation’ too to ensure their impact goes further than just what comes in a cup or on a plate.
”We’ve worked hard to create a space that feels safe and welcoming for all,” Grounded declares in a statement on it’s website – and we think they’ve succeeded.
Sam Ridgway -
30th June 2020 
