Travel: Manchester, England

Friday, 12:30pm Check into the ABode hotel, which is close to Piccadilly station. For a treat book a Fabulous suite where loft-style and original features mix.

4pm Head to Exchange Square, home to the 60ft Wheel of Manchester (0161-831 9918, www.great cityattractions.com).

7pm Relax in the hotel’s Champagne and Cocktail bar.

8pm Book ahead at the award-winning Michael Caines Restaurant with its choice of menus.

Saturday, 10am Spend the day in the Northern or ‘creative’ Quarter, with its independent fashion stores, record shops and numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. Begin at the Manchester Photographic Gallery, currently hosting an exhibition by Kevin Cummins. (Ends 26 February. 3B Tariff Street, M1 2FF, 0161-236 2446). Next, the Craft and Design centre is a creative hub and the cafe is great for lunch. (www.craftanddesign.com)

2pm Visit Afflecks, an emporium for indie kids with fashion stalls, vintage goods, a tattoo parlour and cafes.

5pm Return to Abode and eat in the relaxed MC Cafe Bar & Grill.

8pm Visit a Madchester institution, the Dry Bar on Thomas Street, from which Liam Gallagher and Shaun Ryder are barred, (28-30 Oldham Street, 0161- 236 9840) then Apotheca for a medicinal approach to cocktails. (17 Thomas Street, www.apothecabar.co.uk).

Sunday, 10am Enjoy a long lie and tasty full English breakfast.

PAMELA MOFFAT

THE FACTS

• Abode Manchester, 107 Piccadilly, Manchester (0161-247 7744, www.abodehotels.co.uk, email [email protected]). Until the end of February book dinner, B&B for two for £99, based on two sharing, with a two-course dinner from the Divine Dining menu in MC Cafe Bar & Grill and a full English breakfast.

• Transpennine Express run from trains Edinburgh to Manchester daily from £16 for a single ticket, www.tpexpress.co.uk