York is not well-known for its urban sprawl and buzzing nightlife. Whilst we are lucky to live in a beautiful historical city, we are also incredibly fortunate that York lies within easy distance of a number of other exciting cities and locations worthy of exploration. For this edition, we decided to check out what Manchester has to offer an hour and a half away by train.
CHINA TOWN – the second largest in Britain (after London) and the third largest in Europe. Sapporo Teppanyaki is our recommendation for performance-style cooking right in front of your eyes.
THE TRAFFORD CENTRE – a large leisure and shopping centre to while away the hours in if you have exhausted the delights of the York Designer Outlet. It boasts lavish architecture and a huge food hall known as ‘The Orient’. Allegedly, the Great Hall contains the largest chandelier in the world. Not to mention a plethora of high street AND designer stores, from Apple to All Saints. Check out the Sealife Centre, opt for a skydiving session or play a spot of miniature golf.
THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT – A club night with the infamous exclusivity of only occurring seasonally on a huge scale. If you’re looking for one of those crazy nights that York is distinctly lacking in, this is the ticket to get hold of. Since its launch it has taken place in locations such as an old air raid shelter and has hosted artists such as Aphex Twin, Dizzee Rascal, Disclosure and The Prodigy.
MATT & PHREDS – If the heavy Warehouse Project or the usual city centre haunts aren’t quite what you fancy, Matt & Phreds is a unique jazz club in the Northern Quarter, an established joint in a trendy area. Book a table to enjoy the pizza and cocktails, and check out the live folk, gypsy, swing, salsa and ska on offer as well as jazz from the likes of the Dagda Quartet and Manu Delago. For the more mainstream, try the Phones 4u Arena or listings at the 02.
THEATRE – You really have too much to choose from if entertainment is what you’re after. There is no need to trek to the West End when you can access productions such as Wicked, the hilarious Avenue Q, Swan Lake, the Johnny Cash musical and Shrek the Musical at the Palace Theatre. It’s also worth seeing what’s on at the Apollo, the Lowry and the Royal Exchange. If you want to feel cultured, the Royal Exchange will usually be able to offer you a hefty dose of Shakespeare.