Manchester with Lockdown Loretta
Manchester holds a special place in my heart. The land of Lockdown Loretta, my Quarantine Cottage and Casa de Coco 2020 roomie as we both were going through divorces. She moved back home and found her new love in November 2020. Oh how I missed her!
We have continued our relationship through regular WhatsApp calls and at least twice a year visits as I would come from either London or Edinburgh via my favorite trains. We’ll spend a whole day eating, drinking, laughing, talking. Oh, we can talk.
https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad/manchester (small commission received if booking hotels through me)
There is nothing like a special friend that becomes family, especially through the dark days of divorce and a pandemic. Everyone needs a Loretta in their life! I remember her Zoom calls to family back home when it seemed impossible to ever see them again. She and I shared many a “distanced” backyard meal with my parents, including Easter baskets passed from across the street. She saved my sanity.
I have been able to discover Manchester, the architecture, restaurants, bars, shops through these regular visits. I always stay steps away from the main train station, Manchester Piccadilly. Sometimes I just train in for a day – two hours each way from London. So easy.
National Football Museum
This last trip I stayed four nights as a mini-break after London, Edinburgh and before Dublin. I went to the National Football Museum which was fantastic, especially after I was able to attend the EuroCup Women’s final in 2022, the “Dear England” play in London, many an Arsenal game with the Rogue and more. https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdRSdAljTJbARUiIg8p71djZ9O_LxDgnk7HKfFzoGvJWdDHDOFNtp3xoCLaMQAvD_BwE
Portico Library
I also discovered Portico Library, a secret oasis, with a small restaurant/cafe. https://www.theportico.org.uk/
Loretta and Me Through the past year’s visits
We’ve met alone, with her man, her sister, and her friend. Always a joy.
Manchester city escapades
Winter, summer, spring, fall… I’ve seen it all! https://afflecks.com/ A famous spot worth getting lost in.
Check out Quarantine Chronicles for the 2020 adventures and lowdown.
MARCH 2025 VISIT
March 2025 update – Five years since Quarantine Chronicles and our lockdown adventures. I made another day trip visit to see Loretta. Always a joy! We tried a few new places. Again, such an easy journey by train from London Euston Station, two hours to Manchester Picadilly where you’re thrust into the heart of the city. Walkable.
This time we had lunch at Bab for gourmet kebabs. Drinks at colorful Hush! Vintage shopping at ReMarket.
Manchester October 2025
Here I go again! Manchester bound by train from London for another gorgeous day with dear Loretta. This time we kept it super simple with drinks and food at Las Iguanas, and finished off as we always do, right by the train station with final drinks in the lobby of the Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Picadilly. https://www.expedia.com/shop/second-chapter-nomad/manchester (small commission if booked through me)
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