“It’s the best feeling in the world to play football – it’s just amazing.”
Speaking from the blue side of the city’s state-of-the-art training facilities in East Manchester, Man City Women’s Ellen White is reminiscing about her impressively successful professional career that’s spanned nearly two decades ahead of what is always one of the most important fixtures in the calendar for any footballer – derby day.
No matter the city, no matter the player, derby matches are always known for having that extra competitive edge, and even though the want to win games is what drives clubs all season long, there’s just something about a derby victory.
This derby looks set to be even more special than most, though.
After coronavirus restrictions forced stadiums across the world to fall silent from March 2020, there’s only a couple of weeks to go now before people will be taking to their seats at the Academy Stadium for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Manchester derby on Sunday 13 February, which is the first time fans will be allowed back inside City’s home ground for a derby day since 2019.
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The chance to feed off the energy of the crowd once again, and to walk out to the cheers of ‘the best fans’ during the derby, is something White says she really can’t wait for.
Born into a football-loving family, Ellen White grew up playing for her father’s football academy in her Buckinghamshire hometown of Aylesbury, before she was spotted at the age of eight by scouts for the academy setup at North London club Arsenal, where she spent her youth career until she signed her first professional senior contract with rivals Chelsea in 2005.
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The 32-year-old has played for several other big-name clubs during her career – including Leeds United, Notts County, Birmingham City, and a return to Arsenal – all before joining Manchester City on an initial two-year deal in July 2019.
The ‘super patriotic’ player has shone on the international stage with England too, earning over 100 caps, and being an integral part of the 2019 Women’s World Cup squad, and Team GB squad for the 2012 Olympics.
Ahead of the Manchester derby, The Manc got the chance to sit down with White to chat about all things City, her time at the club so far, the best advice she’s ever been given, life outside the world of football, and how she’s feeling about the biggest game of the season in just under three weeks’ time.
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Ellen White joined Manchester City back in 2019 / Credit: Manchester City
“Playing for Man City is a privilege”
The Premier League domination and numerous title-winning successes of Manchester City’s Men’s Team over the last decade or so has earned the club a sought-after reputation as being a destination where the world’s top players want to be.
The Women’s Team is certainly no different – and White recognises this privilege.
“The passion that the fans have for the club is one that’s really special. That one club mentality is something that not a lot of clubs around the world have, with the Women’s Team and the Men’s Team collectively, so I think that’s really important.
“Coming to City, a lot of people speak about the facilities – which are incredible – but for me, it was about being surrounded by talented players who have the same mindset, the same competitiveness, the same drive, and the want to win.
“I’m really lucky that the players we have here, have that. We’re all constantly trying to push each other, and drive to hopefully succeed,” she said.
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Joining Manchester City back in the summer of 2019, just before the 2019/2020 season, meant that White had experienced ‘a good chunk’ of time playing for the club and getting to know her teammates before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the football world, like the rest of the world, completely changed – which she says made her realise the club is ‘a real special place to be’ and one she feels ‘very lucky’ to play for.
“I signed just after the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and I was out for a little bit with injury, but I came back in just after that and had quite a big chunk before the pandemic,” she tells us.
“It was a real nice time to be in with the group and in the facilities before it hit.”
“Scoring against Man United is always nice”
Having experienced so much with the club over the past two-and-a-half seasons – from personal highs and lows, to injury set-backs, and group successes – it’s easy to see why White would find it difficult to pick just one stand-out moment from during her time with Manchester City.
She highlights trophy wins, temporary captaincy when Steph Houghton was sidelined with injury, teammate camaraderie, and scoring against the red rivals as definitely being up there, though.
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“Obviously winning the FA Cup was great,” she explains.
“It was just a shame that we didn’t have fans there, but it’s such a special occasion. I’m super patriotic as well, not just with playing for England, but in the sense that the FA Cup is such a major trophy and one that we do everything we can to be a part of, so it was a really amazing thing to win that as a Man City player.”
“Scoring against Man United is always nice too,” she quips with a grin on her face.
“And I enjoy collectively having that team banter in the changing room that you probably don’t see that often.”
White says “playing for Man City is a privilege” / Credit: Manchester City
“There’s some pretty crazy music going on in the changing room”
White admits that a typical match day for her is “pretty chilled”.
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Depending on what time kick-off is, and whether they are playing at home or away, she prefers to grab a bit of a lie-in if she can, tuck into some breakfast – “I always have porridge with honey and fruit, that’s one thing I try and keep the same,” – and of course, grab a coffee, which she says ‘a key one’ for pretty much all the players.
“We head to the stadium about an hour and a half before kick-off to have a bit of a team meeting, and then we’re straight to the changing rooms,” she explains.
She also revealed that there’s some ‘pretty crazy’ music coming out of the speakers in the changing rooms that “everyone seems to like but me”, but she says she’s happy to let everyone else enjoy it if it gets them into the right headspace before stepping out onto the pitch.
“I think it’s great that we feel comfortable to be ourselves”
Personal superstitions and little pre-match rituals seem to be commonplace in professional sport, although White admits that she’s had to get rid of some of those with experience as the years have gone on, otherwise “it would’ve been taking me four hours to get ready for a game”.
But she does make sure to praise the culture of the club and the players for allowing everyone to be themselves in the changing room.
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“What makes our changing room really cool is that everyone’s different and everyone’s themselves,” she tells us enthusiastically.
“Everyone has their own superstitions and rituals, and I think that’s great.”
“I’m probably the most boring person in this squad”
A self-confessed homebody who prefers to stay within the comfort of her own four walls with her husband and two cats, or make the most of the “lovely walks” near her home when she’s not in training or giving it her all on the football pitch, White hilariously confesses that she’s “probably the most boring person” in the City squad – but did point to the pandemic for throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to social lives.
“Obviously we’re living in a bit of a strange time at the moment, so we can’t really go out too much. But for me, it’s being able to go for a coffee or being able to go for brunch with my husband or friends if I’ve got a day off.”
“Seeing family is another one,” she stresses.
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“It’s been hard to see them throughout the pandemic, but it’s always really special to get those moments together.”
The 32-year-old admits that her typical match day is “pretty chilled” / Credit: Manchester City
“There’s so many people who’d love to do what we’re doing”
When the conversation turns to the best piece of advice she’s ever been given and what she’d share with the players of the future, White’s message is clear and concise – “just enjoy it”.
“Always have a smile on your face, and enjoy what you’re doing,” she tells us.
“Being a professional footballer is a real privilege, and there’s so many people who’d love to do what we’re doing, so for youngsters, I’d say work hard and definitely listen to your coaches, but just enjoy it – you’re making friends, you’re having fun, and it’s the best feeling in the world.”
“I always try to enjoy every single second.”
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“We are not underestimating this derby”
White has played in many derby matches before in her career.
She understands the intense rivalries, and she understands how important it is for the club and the dedicated fans that they clinch the win, but this time around, when the Barclays FA WSL Manchester derby comes to the Academy Stadium, she is most looking forward to seeing people back in the stands.
“I think one of the most exciting things for us is to be playing at home and having our fans there to support us back in the stadium,” she explains.
“As much as we want everyone to stay safe and we understand why we couldn’t have fans in the stadium, for us, they really give us an extra edge and they give us energy, so it’s really special to have them back and to feel closer to them.”
“We just want them to enjoy it.”
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While White does admit that she’d love the chance to show the fans her iconic goal celebration during next month’s match, and that it’s “lovely to see people recreating it with smiles on their faces”, she said that her main priority is to help the team get the win in any way she can ‘first and foremost’ – scoring a goal would just be an ‘amazing’ bonus.
“It’s the best feeling in the world to play football – it’s just amazing” / Credit: Manchester City
She also conceded that the red side of the city have ‘good fans’ too.
“To be fair, Manchester United have good fans that are normally pretty loud too, but we’ve got the best fans, so that’s a winner,” she tells us.
“A derby day’s always feisty, it’s always competitive, and I think both sets of fans and staff understand what’s at stake because of the rivalry – but for us, we want Manchester to be blue, so that’s our priority.”
“We’re not underestimating this derby, so it’ll be a really exciting one for us.”
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The Barclays FA Women’s Super League Manchester Derby is kicking-off at 12:30pm on Sunday 13 February 2022, and tickets are available from £8 for adults and from £3 for Under 16’s.
Manchester City are expecting a packed crowd for the game, with tickets selling fast.
You can grab yours from the Manchester City website here.
Featured Image – Manchester City
Feature
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Roukaya B | February 2026
Thomas Melia
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – get ready for Roukaya B to bring the ‘Heat’.
Salford soulstress Roukaya B needs no introduction, but we’re giving her one anyway, as you might not be aware of her sheer musical power.
Self-proclaimed “soul enlightener” and ‘Manchester’s Queen of Soul’, this artist has been uploading music to streaming platforms since 2022.
Rou doesn’t conform to one genre; instead, she deliberately fuses them, blending R’n’B, soul, rap, afrobeats and even jazz to create some of the freshest sounds.
Now, Roukaya B sits down with Audio North after discovering her ‘Artist of the Month’ title to discuss exciting projects, personal stories and her artistry.
An interview with Roukaya – Audio North’s Artist of the Month
What has your journey in music looked like so far? My journey has been quite hectic, but in the best way. I’m a singer-songwriter and all-around creative, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and what my voice can do. I’ve developed my writing and ability to perform on stage, throwing myself into collaborations too.
I’m constantly evolving just like the music I’m putting out.
“Singer, writer, rapper, dancer, actress, drama queen, you can’t compete here” – We couldn’t put it any better ourselves.
Where did you grow up, and what music were you listening to? I was raised in Salford, and music for me was very different as I come from a multicultural background. My Dad is Algerian, my Mum is Jamaican-English; they met in the South and settled up North [great choice] to have a family.
I grew up on a lot of ‘raï’ music – a North African genre with really cool drum patterns, reggae and 90s hip hop. My Mum loved that soul tune, ‘I Believe in Miracles’ by Hot Chocolate, and my Dad absolutely loved M People, especially Heather Small; they made some iconic classic anthems.
I was raised on lots of different genres, and I think that’s showcased in my music today.
When did you realise singing was something you wanted to pursue? I’ve always known that I wanted to be a singer from a really young age. It’s what I said I’d do in primary school, it’s what I wanted to do in high school, and I did it in college.
Salford singer-songwriter Roukaya B claims our inaugural ‘Artist of the Month’ title (Credit: Audio North)
When I was growing up, it wasn’t accessible to the younger generation to see it as a viable career, so I was sort of teased and laughed at for it, so I never really dived into it. I could sing, and I studied music in high school, but I missed my opportunity on YouTube when it was fresh.
It was only after college that I decided to post covers to my Instagram, where people engaged, and it was cool for people to find and discover me. So I did college again as a music student, and the rest is history. All of this has become a part of my musical journey, and everything happens for a reason.
How did you come to this realisation? In short, the realisation was that I wasn’t focusing on my inner drive and trust me, it wasn’t just calling me, it was essentially shouting at me: ‘Hi, babes. Use your voice, whether it’s spoken, whether it’s singing, just use it. This is a healing tool and healing force.’
What is your ultimate dream as an artist?
I want to do a ‘Tiny Desk Concert’ or ‘COLORS’ show, and I’d love to make music with Sasha Keable – if you’re reading this, Rouyaka B wants to collab, haha!
Being true to myself and remaining authentic as I progress in my career is part of that dream. I don’t want to bang out a tune every single month; I want to make sure my work is always consistent. Being a genuine artist is my ultimate dream.
Are there any fellow up-and-coming artists you’re listening to?
Remée, or ‘That Remée Girl’, as she goes by on socials. She’s a Liverpool-based alt-grunge act and let me tell you… She. Is. COOL. There are some festival dates lined up, so if you get the chance, go see her.
This Manc creative champions the city wherever she can. (Credit: Liam Heeley)
What’s next for you in terms of your music career?
There’s a handful of live shows coming up, and they’re going to be very experimental. I also have a collection of work coming out in the future, which I can’t say too much about just yet.
There’s even a youth music project which I’m really, really, really excited about. So much is coming!
It was a pleasure chatting with Rou, and we have every faith that big things are coming for her in 2026 and beyond.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Press Shots (supplied via Liam Heeley)
Feature
The best pancakes in Manchester and where to find them
Danny Jones
Pancakes might traditionally be a relatively simple staple, but here in Manchester our restaurants and cafes go large, with dozens of different styles, flavours and toppings to choose from– and we have some of the best places going in the North West.
There’s a pancake to suit everyone if you know where to look, from sweet to savoury, miniature to fat and thin to fluffy.
We’ve broken down some of our favourites below to help you get your pancake fix all year round. Yes, it may be Shrove Tuesday is looming, but one day is hardly enough to sample them all.
There are some relative newcomers to check out, too. Keep reading to discover the best places for pancakes in and around Manchester.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, La Vie Cafe, just at the end of Deansgate on the corner of St Mary’s Gate and Blackfriars Street, is one of the most sleek and stylish little corners you’ll find flipping perfect pancakes anywhere in Manchester.
While they’re well known for everything from the hot and cold brews, to luxurious topped waffles, French toast and more, their berry and Kinder combo stack might be one of the best desserts in town, full stop.
Us lot here in The Manc office would happily eat and drink here for hours – and many people do – but our wasitlines woudn’t thank us for it.
Now, if you’re more of a crepe person than a fluffy stack fan, then this increasingly viral and trending spot on Brazennose Street, just between two of the city’s most resurgent squares, might be a good alternative for you.
Putting a somewhat lighter and more delicate Japanese twist on the classic French-style dessert, these thin but flavourful little pancakes feel like a happy medium between treating yourself and pure decadence and potential overindulgence.
Their creme brûlée matcha flavoured crepe is absolutely to die for and an absolute must-try.
3. Hampton and Vouis – Central and Northern Quarter
Credit: The Manc Group
This cute little cafe next to Albert Square used to be very easy to miss, but with a second venue in the Northern Quarter now too, they’re more worth seeking out than ever. Venture inside, and you’ll find great coffee, a counter full of bakes from local suppliers and an excellent year-round pancake menu.
Here, fluffy American-style pancakes are loaded with sauce and sweet treats like Jammy Dodger biscuits, raspberries, caramel sauce and strawberry jam.
There’s also a Lotus Biscoff stack, a special apple crumble and custard stack, Biscoff and Bueno stacks, as well as plenty more – all come with vanilla ice cream on the side.
4. Cafe North – Shudehill
Heading over to Shudehill now, and just on the edge of the Northern Quarter, you’ll find Cafe North, which manages to be one of the cosiest and somehow still rather quiet city centre spots for good pancakes, even despite sitting on a busy main road.
It’s a no bookings kind of place, and it does fill up pretty quickly around breakfast time on weekends, and they do savoury just as well as they do sweet, but when it comes to the pancake game, the level of variety is unreal.
Summer fruits with mascarpone and honey, streaky bacon and maple syrup, fruit and Nutella, pistachio cream, Biscoff and more – the list is massive.
Next up is another NQ spot that often gets forgotten about, perhaps because it’s down the ‘quieter’ stretch of Tib Street that is so typically busy with deliveries and cut-through traffic that people just want it pedestrianised.
However, if you haven’t tried Sugar Junction before, you’re seriously missing out. It also happens to be ‘r Amy’s favourite, and trust us, this girl knows what she’s talking about.
The rest of their menu is also jam-packed with all the sugary goodies you’d expect from a gaff with this name, but it’s well worth a visit if you want your pancakes just about as sweet as they come.
7. Moose Coffee – Piccadilly Approach and Central
Credit: The Manc
Canadians are famous for their pancakes, and the selection at Moose in Manchester is up there with the best. Made fresh to order, think a stack of three dusted with icing sugar and served with Canadian butter.
Whether you opt for savoury or sweet toppings, maple syrup on the side is pretty much a given (yes, even with your eggs and bacon), and we’re absolutely here for it.
The only thing that could make it more authentic is if the staff often split the bill for you unrequested. A nice little touch.
8. Ezra and Gil
In at number eight is arguably one of the original contemporary brunch spots during Greater Manchester’s biggest foodie boom over the past decade, Ezra and Gil, who smash both day and night when given the chance.
They’re another one of those where you’ll always find a queue coming out the door and for good reason, as they’ve been reinventing the pancake game here in the city centre for a long time.
We’ve been Ezra and Gil die-hards since day one. Exhibit A:
Still as good now as it was back then.
9. 19 Cafe Bar
This blink-and-you ‘ll-miss-it spot has become an absolute go-to for naughty pancakes, thanks to its chocolate bar-laden menu.
The Biscoff and Kinder Bueno pancakes are the big draws here at 19 Cafe Bar. Loaded with the likes of Biscoff crumb and spread, banana, ice cream and salted caramel sauce, or homemade Kinder sauce, Bueno, chocolate sauce, roasted hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream.
There are healthier pancake options, too, and a strong list of brunch cocktails available from the bar. Familiar Brett from our ‘On The Street’ series is a big fan:
A greasy spoon cafe, but make it Northern Quarter.
The Koffee Pot has long been a go-to breakfast spot, way before it moved up from Stevenson Square to its newer premises on Oldham Street.
It’s been known for fry-ups and breakfast tacos for nearly half a century now, but you can get a solid pancake stack here, too. Think all-American buttermilk pancake stacks with added sausage patty, smoked streaky bacon, hash brown, fried egg and maple syrup.
It’s basically a full English in a pancake stack, and who doesn’t want that?
Credit: The Manc
11. Bruncho – Deansgate
Our penultimate pick of top-tier present-day pancake houses in central Manchester is the ever-filing out the door, Bruncho, who work magic with their Middle Eastern twists on brunch staples.
This spot also serves as just one stop among Deansgate’s growing brunch triangle. In fact, make that quadrangle – quitangle? Not sure, all we know is there’s a lot to choose from along here, and plenty serving pancakes.
Honestly, does this place even need an introduction at this point? The Northern Quarter staple brunch does some of the best breakfast plates and more in Greater Manchester, let alone just here in the city centre, so it’s no surprise they have some super pancakes, too.
We’re personally partial to their milkshakes, to be completely honest, but know people who still refuse to suggest anywhere else for some naughty stacks that Fress on Oldham Street, even after all these years.
You can see the full menu HERE, but we’d recommend going for the duo delight offer and getting your pick of whatever two flavours you think pair best.
Credit: The Manc
13. Leo and Roobs – Salford
Just over on the edge of Salford, as you leave the glitzy reaches of Spinningfields behind, this beloved breakfast spot has become increasingly popular since it opened back in June 2024.
They’re not for solid coffee, great deals on various brunchy bits, and in case you didn’t know, some very tasty pancakes. Specifically, that tiramisu one you might have heard about, which is nothing short of unreal…
For context, when we asked our resident taste-tester EmJ on the day what she made of it, all she could repeat was “BANGIN'”. Says it all really, doesn’t it?
Emily Sergeant -
27th January 2022 
