Alternative Meridian Manchester

Alternative Meridian Manchester 🏠 Aussie in Manchester
📍An Alternative view on MCR

This is your reminder to visit The Thirsty Korean in Chorlton – because nothing says happiness like spicy rice cakes, cr...
30/05/2025

This is your reminder to visit The Thirsty Korean in Chorlton – because nothing says happiness like spicy rice cakes, crispy pancakes, and fried chicken that dreams are made of.

After a brief (and frankly heartbreaking) closure earlier, The Thirsty Korean is back - and better than ever- in a brand new home on Wilbraham Road. The vibe is still laid-back and full of charm, but the bigger space means there’s even more room for the magic to happen. And by magic, we mean food.

Let’s talk about that fried chicken. It’s the kind of golden, crackly, juicy perfection that makes you go quiet mid-bite. Whether you like it glazed, spiced, or dipped in sauce, it’s honestly worth the trip alone.

But don’t stop there - the cheese tteokbokki is our full-blown obsession. Gooey, spicy, chewy, and comforting in a way that feels almost too indulgent (but you’ll order it again anyway). And the Korean pancakes? Crispy-edged, soft-centred, and just begging to be shared - though you probably won’t want to.

Owner Eunji Noh has created something special here. It’s not just a restaurant - it’s a place that feels like a warm, welcoming hug with a little chilli kick.

Add a cold beer or a chilled glass of soju, and you’ve got one of Chorlton’s most delicious nights out.

The Thirsty Korean is back, and honestly? It never should’ve left.

We went and checked out  in Chorlton! Oo how lovely it is! Tucked away in Beech Road, it’s got a really calm, welcoming ...
22/05/2025

We went and checked out in Chorlton! Oo how lovely it is!

Tucked away in Beech Road, it’s got a really calm, welcoming vibe. We grabbed a seat out on their sunny back terrace (highly recommend)—a great little hideaway whether you’re catching up with friends or getting a bit of work done.

We tried:
🥑 Smashed avo & egg on toast – simple, fresh, and really satisfying.
🍄 Mediterranean shrooms – packed with flavour, herby, earthy and a nice change from the usual brunch options.
🥭 Mango matcha – MUST TRY! Lightly sweet, super refreshing and perfect for summer.
☕ Cortado – smooth and strong, just how we like it.

It feels like a neighbourhood cafe, nothing over the top, just really good food, great coffee, and a peaceful atmosphere.

And once you’re done at Sipp, take a wander down Beech Road – it’s one of Chorlton’s best-loved streets, full of independent shops, bars, and a little park at the end if you fancy a stroll. It’s got that relaxed, creative feel that makes you want to hang around. Such a hidden gem and had to be one of my favourite roads to take a wonder.

Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

✨️Golden hour at the quays ✨️...A little story behind this one, took this photo while in a moving uber, adding to the gr...
20/05/2025

✨️Golden hour at the quays ✨️...

A little story behind this one, took this photo while in a moving uber, adding to the graininess of the photo. Thought it was still so beautiful had to share.

Northern Quarter looking Lush!
13/05/2025

Northern Quarter looking Lush!

We’d never been to Lina Stores in London, but we’d certainly heard the hype-classic Italian with a cult following, all r...
12/05/2025

We’d never been to Lina Stores in London, but we’d certainly heard the hype-classic Italian with a cult following, all rooted in an 80-year-old Soho deli. So when they opened their new restaurant and deli in Manchester, we were excited… and cautiously hopeful. After all, few things are more disappointing than an overhyped plate of pasta.

But let us put your doubts to rest: Lina Stores Manchester absolutely delivers. From the moment we walked in, the space felt effortlessly chic but still totally comfortable-think tiled floors, soft lighting, and that signature mint-green palette that’s somehow both retro and modern. The staff? So friendly, so warm, and clearly proud of what they’re serving.

Drinks First:

We started with a Strawberry Bellini and a beer. Simple, refreshing, and a great opener to the meal.

To Start:

Caroline Cappuccio
Grilled hispi cabbage dressed with agrodolce, chilli, pine nuts, and capers-sweet, smoky, tangy, and full of texture. A great veggie start that sets the tone for what’s to come.

Crudo di Tonno
This was the showstopper. Beautiful slices of tuna crudo with capers, pink peppercorns, salsa verde, and lemon. Even the table next to us leaned over to ask what it was. Fresh, bright, and bursting with flavour.

Mains:

Pappardelle con Ragu di Salsiccia di Agnello
Wide ribbons of homemade pasta coated in a rich lamb sausage ragu with just the right amount of chilli and pecorino Romano. It was hearty, warming, and felt like a proper Italian hug in a bowl.

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara
Made with spaghetti alla chitarra, guanciale, egg, grana padano, and pecorino. We loved it-creamy, indulgent, and beautifully balanced. The guanciale was flavourful, though a touch saltier than expected. Still, not a scrap was left.

Dessert:

Sorbetti e Gelati
We tried Pistachio and Frutti di Bosco-a perfect sweet finish. Creamy, fruity, and not overly heavy.

Final Thoughts:

We went in with hesitation, unsure if it could live up to the London buzz. But it did-and then some. The food is thoughtful, seasonal, and clearly made with love. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, the service was spot-on, and the pricing felt more than fair for the quality and care

Let's call this one Manchester Traffic.
06/05/2025

Let's call this one Manchester Traffic.

Sunshine + Sangria = Porta in SalfordIf you know, you know — and if you forgot, here’s your reminder: Porta isn’t new, b...
01/05/2025

Sunshine + Sangria = Porta in Salford
If you know, you know — and if you forgot, here’s your reminder: Porta isn’t new, but it’s still one of the best low-key spots in Salford to soak up the sun, sip on sangria, and dive into some seriously good tapas.

Their garlic prawns? perfection. Patatas bravas? Crispy, spicy, comforting. The croquettes? Honestly, you’ll want your own portion. And don’t even get us started on the sangria — fruity, cold, and just the right amount of dangerous.

With a menu full of tapas bar classics and specials made fresh from top-quality Spanish ingredients, Porta hits every time.

So whether you're clocking off work or easing into your weekend, grab a seat outside, order a round (or two), and bask in that Manchester sunshine like you’re on a plaza in Seville.

Here’s your sign to bring Porta back into your sunny day rotation and if you haven’t tried porta yet its definitely worth it!

When the light hits New York St Manchester ✨️
28/04/2025

When the light hits New York St Manchester ✨️

Let’s take a closer look-because Nichi’s food deserves your full attention.The Trafford Centre isn’t exactly the first p...
25/04/2025

Let’s take a closer look-because Nichi’s food deserves your full attention.
The Trafford Centre isn’t exactly the first place you think of for a gourmet dining experience. But hidden among the high-street hustle is Nichi-a fiery, flavour-packed surprise blending the soul of Peru with the precision of Japan. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and honestly? It might just be one of the best meals we’ve had in a shopping centre.

Nichi’s menu draws inspiration from the Creole, Nikkei, and Chifa culinary traditions of Peru, all brought to life with classic Japanese techniques. The result? Not just sushi-but sushi with a twist, layered with smoky, citrusy, spicy surprises that turn every bite into something memorable.

What We Had:

Sushi Tacos
Yes, really-tacos. Tiny, crunchy shells filled with diced mixed fish, crisp vegetables, zesty aji panca sauce, and a bright hit of lime. Street food vibes with fine-dining finesse.

Scallops and Squid
Probably the dish of the day. Buttery robata-cooked scallops served in-shell and topped with tempura squid-delicate, smoky, and a total textural treat. The sauce is insane!

Vegetable Gyoza
Golden pan-fried dumplings that deliver on both crunch and comfort. Paired with a sesame ponzu and chilli oil dip, these were simple but seriously satisfying.

Sake Sashimi (Salmon)
Clean, fresh, and melt-in-the-mouth. No bells or whistles needed-just really, really good salmon.

Firecracker Roll
Soft-shell crab, creamy avocado, and a punchy scotch bonnet sauce that brings the heat. It’s fiery, crunchy, and lives up to its name in the best way.

To drink:

A bottle of sparkling sake, because why not? Crisp, light, and the perfect companion to the layers of flavour flying across our plates.

Vibe & Service:

The atmosphere at Nichi is refined but not stiff. The staff were fantastic: genuinely warm, attentive, and passionate about the menu. It's the kind of place that makes you forget you're in a mall.

Final Thoughts:

At around ÂŁ50+ per head, the experience felt like a steal considering the quality, creativity, and service.
Visit again ? 100% we loved it !

Peekaboo  Manchester.  Happy Monday, hope you're have a relaxing and  recovering well from a wonderful Easter break!
21/04/2025

Peekaboo Manchester. Happy Monday, hope you're have a relaxing and recovering well from a wonderful Easter break!

Spent the day solo in the Northern Quarter with my  cup in hand - slow starts, great shops, strong coffee, and even a ma...
15/04/2025

Spent the day solo in the Northern Quarter with my cup in hand - slow starts, great shops, strong coffee, and even a massage squeezed in.

Instead of using disposable cups all day, I used a Borro Cup. How does it all work:
- Grab your drink in a reusable cup at any Borro location
- Pay a £2 refundable deposit
- Use your cup at any Borro cafÊ for discounted drinks as many times as you like
- Return it to any Borro venue to get your £2 deposit back or £2 off any goods
- The cups are cleaned and reused - simple, sustainable, and stylish.

Here’s what I got up to:
- Morning start at Companio NQ
- Browsed Afflecks, Blue Rinse, Piccadilly Records, Nice Things, Deadstock, Manchester Craft & Design Centre + more
- Took a self-care break at Sarasin Spa
- Popped into Form & Suzy Loves Milo
- Gooey grilled cheese lunch from Northern Soul
- Coffee refill at Foundation
- Ended the day at Nibble NQ and returned my cup

One of those days that fills you up in the best way - and with way less waste.

Would you do a solo NQ day like this with a Borro cup?

Northen Quarter.... where even car parks look amazing in spring.
14/04/2025

Northen Quarter.... where even car parks look amazing in spring.

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