Keeley Watts

We've all done it: you think you have done all your shopping and then you remember that one person who is an absolute nightmare to buy the perfect gift for. But if you're stuck for gift ideas for the food lovers in your life, here's some goodies that you can pick up right here in Manchester. Lunya Lunya A newcomer to the ever developing Barton Arcade is Lunya who, not only have a pretty restaurant area, but also have a deli stocking the best in Catalan and Spanish food and drink. They have some impressive hampers available for Christmas or you could always pick your favourite items and present them yourself. Barton Arcade, Deansgate. Bills   Bills   At the front of Bills Restaurant you will find a fine selection of goodies that will suit every foodie possible. From cookies and teas, to festive pannetone and quirky truffles, there is something for everyone. An added bonus is it's so easy to run in and out again if you're pressed for time, with it being right at the front of the restaurant.8-12 John Dalton Street, Manchester. Hawksmoor   Hawksmoor If you are looking for something that a loved one can use after the hustle and bustle of Christmas you can find gift cards at Hawksmoor that can be spent on their incredible meaty goodness. You could also pick up their latest cookbook which is a must for meat lovers. Written by their owners and their head chef, you'll find their favourite recipes interspersed with beautiful food photography to drool over while you're trying to r

With Manchester Pride here it would be foolish of us not to introduce you to the delights of The Molly House. Nestled on Richmond Street, just a few streets away from the hustle and bustle of Canal Street, you will find this vintage-style gem of a place with food and drink to die for. Chill out in the tea room with an impressive platter, drink a pint of real ale in the upstairs bordello or sip a cocktail on the veranda, The Molly House welcomes everyone with open arms and a unique charm that will have you coming back for more and has recently launched an innovative new cocktail menu. The cocktail selection has been designed by the incredibly talented and award-winning bartender Susie Wong who has taken her love of delicate yet powerful flavours and unique decoration to a whole new level. The Ruby Slippers featuring home made magical syrup, Bacardi Superior, raspberries, egg white and lemon juice is light and fruity whilst the Coco Not Chanel is heavier with Stoli salted karamel vodka, Mozart white chocolate liqueur, Briottet creme de banane and Coco Pop rinsed milk. Yes it is sweet but the addition of milk rather than cream makes this a real hit. <img id="766024b8-37a1-f748-003d-0c3e36b50324" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="160031" loaded="160031" image_id="102838145" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102838145/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline">         <img id="40851803-350a-8ce7-c3d9-a401f44fc110" data-c

When it comes to a good pamper many think they have to head to the smoke of the city to get a good service. It turns out Stockport has some fabulous places to get a great manicure or hair do, so here's three to try. The Colour Room Specialising in cutting edge (pun intended) colour techniques and styles, the staff here have continued to win award after award, year on year for their exceptional service. The salon's exquisite photographic collections regularly feature in national hairdressing publications and their incredible customer service means you’ll sashay out of the salon with the perfect look for you. Using Inoa colours that leave your hair nourished and beautifully shiny, their success has not gone to their heads and the staff are warm, welcoming and friendly, ready to make you feel amazing.21-23 Great Underbank, Stockport. The Waxlogist <img id="e3b728ea-cf32-bebd-dc36-97adb6eb04b4" data-caption="" data-credit="The Waxologist" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="100546" loaded="100546" image_id="102816856" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102816856/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"> The Waxologist   If you are nervous about going to be waxed for the first time, try a visit to The Waxologist in Cheadle. Using different waxes for different areas -  including Homme for tough male hair and Intimate 4 for more intimate female areas - they will wax any hair, anywhere in a safe and hygienic environment and aim to put you completely at ease about the wh

Manchester may have plenty of traditional pubs and a range of cocktail bars - but what if you're in the mood for wine? Here's some best spots for a decent glass of vino and some cracking little nibbles to boot in the city centre. BistroVin &lt;img id="9ea713ea-b632-faf6-4bd3-8bb59aa2e40b" data-caption="" data-credit="BistroVin" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="315363" loaded="315363" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102794962/image.jpg" align="middle" class="photo lazy inline"&gt; BistroVin Located in the beautiful Barton Arcade you will find BistroVin brought to you by the clever people behind Spirited Wines. You'll find 20 wines to choose from by the glass or you can pay £4 corkage on any bottle from Spirited Wines. Team that with some mighty fine cheese and charcuterie, and you are on to a winner.  Salut &lt;img id="fd224741-a992-dc56-5f9a-6cca151904ac" data-caption="" data-credit="Salut" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="2471041" loaded="2471041" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102794963/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"&gt; Salut   Hidden away opposite Beef and Pudding on Cooper Street, Salut is a little gem. The bar makes the most of modern technology with an enomatic machine - you top up a card, insert it into the machine and choose the wine you want, at the size you want it. Small 50ml measures are included in case you want to try a little before committing to a larger glass. They also have more than 300 wines avail

You're busy, I'm busy, everyone's busy. How many times have you got home after a hard day at work and literally wondered how on God's earth you are going to find time to do that mountain of ironing? Or cook that healthy meal? Fear not dear reader, here are some handy companies who are here to help.  Hassle.comHassle is an online market place designed to help you find the perfect cleaner. You can find, book and pay your cleaner online for £10 per hour. All the cleaners registered are vetted and local to you. No fuss, No hassle.  DeliverooWant a decent meal but don't have time to cook? Deliveroo are a premium food delivery service that is now operating in Manchester. They bring food from your favourite restaurant to your door in an average of 32 minutes. We're not talking the greasy pizza takeaway here, oh no, think Splendid Kitchen, Harvey Nichols Brasserie, El Capo and many more. They charge £2.50 for delivery and can also deliver to your office for those moments when there is just no chance of getting out for a sandwich.   UberWhen it comes to taxi companies Uber are one of the most well known at the moment. A global company you will find them in most major cities around the world and they have been in Manchester for a while now. They've started to branch out of the city centre with Bury and Rochdale now covered through their mobile app. You set your location, get a price estimate and request your driver. You can even watch the little cars on your mobile app moving around th

With Valentine's Day around the corner it can be a lonely time for the single people in Manchester. Hearts and flowers are adorning the bars and restaurants ready to welcome couples celebrating their love for each other. So where would you look if you were trying to find that perfect someone this February? We've found the following dating events to help you out. Singles Night with Sam OwenThis event was actually held last week but it was a resounding success so hopefully there will be more. A dating night with a difference run by Sam Owen, relationships coach. Sam was on hand throughout the night to offer advice, guidance and support for potential daters who needed help with how to approach someone they liked, what to say and how to exude confidence. Held in the luxurious Milton Club it was like a regular club night with a helping hand from an expert.  Fast Love Speed DatingFor a more traditional dating experience there is Fast Love Speed Dating who have regular events all over Manchester. They have some deals regularly on Living Social and if you book with a friend of the opposite sex you get a discount. This is speed dating the way you expect - up to 25 dates lasting 3 minutes a time. I hope you can talk fast... Match.com Social EventsPopular online dating site Match.com take things a step further with regular social nights for singles looking to find love the more traditional way. It is also a good way for you to meet someone you have already been speaking to in a friendly

Most people know that Manchester holds the Bupa Great Manchester Run event every year. It is one of the biggest 10km races in Europe and sees over a quarter of a million runners turn up to pound the streets. The course is a great one taking in the beautiful architecture our city has to offer as well as Old Trafford and our stunning canal system before ending near our tallest building, Beetham Tower. Runners can enjoy music at regular intervals around the course and the spectators are always there to cheer you on. But did you know there are lots of other running events in Manchester? Here's a guide to some of the other races you can take part in. Asics Greater Manchester Marathon Many do not know that Manchester also has a marathon. Not only a marathon but the UK's flattest making it a quick race. Voted Most Improved Race by Runners World magazine the route takes in the sights of Trafford keeping away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. If you fancy taking on the challenge of the full 26.2 miles this is a good choice for you. The Color Run &lt;img align="left" class="photo lazy inline" id="bf57ae16-9513-ae42-e5b6-69df2daa79e6" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/101984219/image.jpg" type="image/jpeg" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" total="316444" loaded="316444"&gt; Touted as the happiest 5km run ever The Color Run is back in Manchester with a special twist for 2015. Not only will you have the delight of being covered in powdered paint o