THE SOLO EDIT: A MORNING IN (EAST) DIDSBURY

Despite living in Manchester for over 2 and a half years, it’s ridiculous how little I’ve ventured out of my local surrounding villages or the city centre it’s self. when I moved here I was determined to explore Manchester to it’s fullest, days off work, annual leave, free afternoons or evenings, I was going to really make the most of living here. Notice how I’m not talking like I’ve actually done that? Spoiler alert, I haven’t done that and I don’t quite know why.

After booking a week off work with the full intention of going to Prague or Milan or Paris or Budapest, even Edinburgh and Glasgow when I scaled the plans back a bit, I also ended up planning all the trips but not actually going through with it. Maybe I realised how much I actually needed a break to just relax and slow down, not that I haven’t mentally berated myself the whole week thinking I should be doing more with my time though. Clearly I don’t know how to relax without feeling guilty for it.

But one place I wanted to have a lazy morning in was Didsbury, so I got myself ready, shoved my iPad in my bag, my headphones planted on my head, my fully charged phone tucked into my pocket and set out to jump a couple of buses down there. In true me fashion, I kept thinking I’ll just walk to the next bus stop to kill time before the bus arrives and then an hour and twenty minutes later I found myself wandering into Didsbury village still on foot.

There were a few must-visit places on my list, although my travel lists always include lots of food places like I’m going to eat my way through the day and do nothing else (hilarious for someone who is so intent on calorie counting, make it make sense???). Please note, when I wrote this, I started checking Google Maps to see where some of the places on my list were as I hadn’t seen them on my visit, and then realised I’d only wandered around East Didsbury and not West Didsbury, but I’ll return there soon. Wow I’m really an idiot sometimes.

My first stop was a charity shop mooch, I’d read that the quality of the donations in these charities shops were top tier so I had to work my way through a bunch of them. I won’t lie, I was pretty disappointed, but maybe I’d just chosen the wrong day to browse, with that being said they’re still worth rummaging through to see if you can spot a good bargain. I came away with a Pinch of Nom recipe book that I’ve been meaning to buy for the longest time and for £3, what a winner!

Despite wanting so badly to try Picniq by La Chouquette for their highly acclaimed (and truly scrumptious looking if Instagram is to be believed) sandwiches, they don’t have a seating area and the day was turning overcast and a bit chilled making me feel less inclined to take a seat on an outside bench to enjoy it. I, however, could not pass up the chance to grab a coffee and see what all the mad fuss and hype was about their almond croissants at the La Chouquette bakery. 

It’s a delight from the outside, but it doesn’t even come close to how life changing that croissant was. I’m not saying I’m a connoisseur on them, far from it, but I’ve had more than my fair share of them and can say without a doubt it’s the best one I’ve had. Potentially the best thing I’ve ever eaten (aside from the granola bowl at Pot Kettle Black I’ve just eaten writing this, exquisite). I took the croissant to go to enjoy at home and grabbed a pistachio syrup coffee for the walk back (sadly the drink wasn’t much to rave about but the show stopper was always going to be the food anyway). I can’t recommend this place highly enough, I was worried it might be another aesthetic Instagram hype, but no, it truly is worth the raving.

Charity shop spots I visited

• Age UK
• Mind
• Oxfam
• Cancer Research

Other charity shops in Didsbury

• Sue Ryder
• Barnardos

Recommended food spots

• Picniq by La Chouquette (lunch spot)
• Hare & Kin (brunch/lunch)
• Domus Italia (lunch/dinner)
• Caramello (brunch/lunch/coffee)

Recommended coffee & sweet treat spots

• La Chouquette
• Levante
• GAIL’s (chain)

I guess now I need to scope out West Didsbury in the next few weeks!

Where are your fave Manchester spots to visit? Where should I be going next?

S xo

THE SOLO EDIT: THEATRE TRIP

Social anxiety and fear of large crowds when riding solo should make going to the theatre alone one of the most horrific experiences I could encounter only second to going to a concert. Our perception of solo events is truly bonkers, even the most outgoing person would likely recoil in horror and be reduced to a ball of fear and sweat at the thought of sitting in a crowded room of stranger with no one to talk to. Trust me, I get it.

I know I’ve spoken about my social anxiety multiple times over the past 10+ years (oh my god I’m old???) but back in my uni days, I was only just starting to come out of my shell, still very fearful of social situations unless I had a friend by my side and someone to talk to. Even having a friend on hand made me nervous because what if the conversation dries up, what do we talk about next? It’s only in the past few years I haven’t felt a knot in my stomach and a tightness in my chest along with the burning urge to cancel any and all plans.

With all that being said, solo trips to the theatre were something I became used to throughout the duration of uni, largely because I didn’t have any friends interested in live musicals or plays, and even if I did, they definitely couldn’t afford to flit to London at the drop of a hat. So instead of missing out on seeing my favourite actors performing live, or watching the musicals I love so much on stage, I gave myself a week needed shove in the back. I bought a ticket to see Platinum at Hampstead Theatre, and well, I’ve never looked back. It took that one push out of my comfort zone, lots of panicking and stressing leading up to the performance, and it changed me for good.

 

The following 8 years I haven’t shied away from countless theatre visits (along with 8 hour round Megabus trips from Cardiff to London every few weeks), supporting (and meeting in some cases) some of my favourite actors and making memories I wouldn’t trade for the world. The following year I started a fan Twitter account to make theatre friends, one of which I’m still good friends with today.

If you want a real positive boost, the first solo theatre trip I took was in mid January, 2 weeks later I booked a last minute ticket and took myself to watch Waitress on Broadway. That night is one of my most treasured memories and that definitely would not have happened if I hadn’t taken that first leap. Life has a funny way of working out.

Pre-2025, the last show I’d been to see was Come From Away in the West End back in 2021, its outrageous how much time has passed when I used to be at the theatre every other week, but I decided this year I was going to rekindle my love for it and book some shows I’ve wanted to see for so long. It’s almost criminal that I work so close to the Palace Theatre on Oxford Road, and live on the bus route there, yet I hadn’t been since moving to Manchester. At the back end of last year I booked a ticket to see Kinky Boots (Johannes Radebe in it too, oh my god yes PLEASE!) and then swiftly booked Dear Evan Hansen too, making the most of touring shows is the way forward, I told myself to stop being a snob and not only see shows in the West End. And then tickets popped up for Bat Out of Hell for under £20 which felt rude to ignore.

As it turned out, these shows were all in February, I might as well have paid the Palace rent instead of my landlord for the month. I wont like, the experiences still felt a little daunting, especially for Kinky Boots as it was my first solo theatre trip in over 6 years and heading in felt a little bit awkward because I’m not familiar with the seating plan in the, but of course I was fine.

Tips

• Familiarise yourself with where you’re going if it’s your first time someone new, don’t panic your way there otherwise it’s ruin some of the fun and excitement from your experience.
  
  
• If you’re really nervous, I’d advise booking seats at the end of the row or as close as you can get. If you’re really panicky, you know you can swiftly leave your seat for a breather without bothering others and feels like a fast escape for your mind. Thankfully I’ve never needed to leave but it’s there for peace of mind.
  
  
• Not sitting in the Stalls? Take the stairs up to the level you’re seated in, lifts with strangers is not the way forward if you’re already nervous (unless you’re unable to walk the flights of stairs wait for the next available empty lift or arrive when doors open to afford you the time).
  
  
• Walking up to the theatre, I usually have my headphones on, keep them on until you’re inside or even until you reach your seat if you’re uncomfortable. Just please remove them when speaking to staff and when they’re scanning your ticket to avoid making the encounter more uncomfortable and appearing rude.
  
  
• Remember, you’re not supposed to talk during a performance anyway, so sitting in silence with strangers is not as uncomfortable as sitting there trying to make small talk.
  
  
• Have fun! Try to keep your mind quiet, relax and enjoy yourself, after all you’ve paid for the experience so take what you want from it.
  
  

Where would you like to see me go next?

Please follow along for more solo experiences and tips to make the most of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone!

S xo

THE SOLO EDIT: A DAY IN YORK

The list of places I want to visit is as long as my arm, so why oh why do I insist on spending my days off popping into town (Manchester City centre), food shopping, staying in to clean and then suddenly feel unfulfilled?

Don’t get me wrong, I love this city more than words can say, there’s a reason I moved here and proudly call is home, and of course I need to clean the flat, but getting out and seeing the world is something I always want to do but always back out of at the last minute (like the one million and one ideas I had for my annual leave next week that is now leading to me staying home for the week - go figure).

At the back end of January, when Trainline had a big rail sale on, I had a little look into train tickets for York and found them for £14 return which is the steal of the century. I booked a day off work so I could spend a nice, cosy Friday there, booked my tickets and set off on my little day trip adventure.

The moment I arrived there I thought ‘Why on earth do I not do this more often?’.

The first time I visited York was for a concert that got cancelled at the last minute, we spent a couple of hours there that I barely remember and came home. I’ve wanted to re-visit it for years, the history and architecture being the real selling points for me, it’s so old England. This time I had a plan, albeit loose, but I had a tick list for what I wanted to do. I cannot stress this enough, but wherever you’re visiting, please do a little bit of research and make a list. You don’t have to stick to it, but if you’re an aimless wanderer like me, you’ll find yourself walking in circles with no idea what you’re doing.

I set off for brunch, the big treat I wanted that day after being all health conscious since the start of the year, but unfortunately the 2 places I’d intended to eat at were both rammed so I had to quickly find an alternative. Across the road from Rise (my most eagerly anticipated food spot that I sadly didn’t get to visit) is a Cosy Club which fit my solo brunch idea enough, popping in I was asked if I wanted to sit in the cosy sofa area as you walk in, or take a seat in the restaurant. Being on my own, and being very conscious that I’d not actually had a sit down meal on my own before in public, I panicked a tad and said restaurant. The moment I sat down I thought ‘I guess I f***ed up here’. After a bit of dithering, I grabbed my coat and bag and asked if I could instead be seated by the sofa. Sometimes my own nerves and anxiety embarrass the heck out of me.

The 3 American pancake stack with syrup, bacon and blueberries really hit the spot to start my day and showed me it wasn’t that awkward sitting on your own eating. I even took my headphones off and only used my phone briefly. Am  I an….adult?

For my first trip I wasn’t too interested in museums, or paid activities, I just wanted to wander the streets, nosey in shop windows and stop for coffee. I’m lucky to have York only 1.5 hours away so I know I can return for tours and visits to the big attractions whenever I fancy.

I headed out to explore, my first stop being The Shambles (which I think I walked down about 5/6 times in the end without even meaning to) which is sort of magical to wander down but as the day progresses, it became heaving (see contrast below - one photo shot at 1:30pm and the other at 2pm) with lots of guided tours making their way down there. Any Harry Potter lover would be in their element down there with the themed shops (The Shop That Must Not Be Named had so much HP merchandise in it that I genuinely don’t know how I left without buying a thing - I was trying to stay extra disciplined) and quirky Potter-esque vibe, I can certainly see why it’s so popular for fans.

The more you wander, the more charming spots you find that are perfect for both feasting your eyes on and for taking exciting photos, my camera reel is full from that day alone. Every street you glance down has you opting to walk down it just to see what you can find. 

Leading out of The Shambles you can take a turn in Shambles Market, it’s a lot smaller than I expected and I’d navigated around it in 2 minutes and back onto the high street. I did really love the little walk down Coffee Yard though, it’s a cute little back street with restaurants, little arcades and comes to a stop at Low Petergate where the most picture-squeeze restaurant greets you looking like a cover of a Pretty City book.

The whole of York is pretty picturesque, you can take photos of pretty much anything and it’ll make a perfect coffee table book cover, but my favourite has to be College Street, a small road with cafe’s and cupcakeries bookended by a National Trust store and a side view of York Minster which, is stunning and mesmerising. Crumbs Cupcakery is 100% on my list for my next trip (I was still too full to stop by there before I left).

After stopping to take way too many photos of this street, I headed round to walk some of the city walls. I fully intended to walk far more than I did but firstly I think I joined it too far around and proceeded to walk the wrong way, so I totalled about 5 minutes, but the opposite way looked like the gate was closed so I’m thinking they were largely closed the day I was there (I believe it depends on weather/seasons etc when they close them and what time).

 Coming back off the wall, my wandering became a lot more aimless and I was half ticking things off my list, half not. 

I naturally found my way back onto Low Petergate (although for someone with truly stellar navigation and sense of direction, York is a place that really defied that for me) and took a right at Shared Earth (Minster Gates) which brought me faced with York Minster, and let me tell you, she’s a beaut. Architecture is like catnip to me, but the feeling I get from historic buildings is like no other, this is absolutely no exception. You can walk the whole perimeters (without paying to go in) and truly marvel as how incredible it looks. And like a true tourist, I popped into the York Minster Gifts shop across the road (okay, the Jellycats in the window drew me in) and treated myself to an adorable fridge magnet with an illustrated map of York on it.

To finish the day off, I took multiple turns and pivots down side streets to see what I could find until my feet hurt and the urge for coffee hit me (and I was too nervous to tackle another solo meal). Popping into Caffè Nero for my be lowered pistachio latte massively worked in my favour when the lovely lady behind the counter gave me the last two almond croissants for free as I was leaving because the store was closing. Winner!

All in all, I had the loveliest day exploring and I can’t wait for another day trip, to tackle my awkwardness a bit more and to keeping pushing the barriers of my comfort zone.

Some of these are based on recommendations I’ve found through my own research that I didn’t get to try but absolutely must on my next visits!

Where to eat

• Crumbs Cupcakery
  
  
• Rise
  
  
• Brew & Brownie
  
  
• Cosy Club

Where to visit

• The Shambles
  
  
• College Street
  
  
• York Minster (if not doing tour)
  
  
• Coffee Yard

What to do

• York Minster tour
  
  
• Walk the city walls
  
  
• Clifford’s Tower (panoramic views)

Where should I visit on my next day trip?

S xo

THE SOLO EDIT: MANCHESTER CITY STADIUM TOUR

When I first bought tickets for the Manchester City stadium tour, I hadn’t even moved to Manchester yet. It’s bizarre because I remember the day so vividly, not because I bought a Red Letter Days deal, but because I attribute that day to the beginnings of my move to my favourite city. You can see the full story in one of my previous blog posts (link post).

After many failed attempts to go with my friend, Elle, in the end i extended the voucher for a second time and finally booked in for the tour on my own for my 31st birthday. One work perk is getting a day off for your birthday, so I really wanted to make the most of it.
After a chill morning, I jumped the bus into the city centre and jumped another bus bound for the Etihad Stadium (for my 2nd visit there in less than 24 hours). For those who know me, you know what a true rarity me bussing it to the stadium is, but that’s the perks of heading there on a non-match day. Upon arrival, i felt nervous, it’s truly bonkers and I still don’t understand why. Once upon a time that would have made sense, one place that used to terrify me visiting alone, is now my comfort place, I spend so much time there on match days that it really does feel like my home away from home. So the anxiety and the knots in my stomach didn’t make much sense. This may have been the first time I’d done this tour, but it wasn’t my first stadium tour, if I can handle the Wembley Stadium tour alone, I can definitely handle this one.

Upon arrival (ridiculously early because hello anxiety, yes you’ve made your presence known, no I wish you weren’t here actually) I headed over to the tour entrance, had my bag checked and followed the cardboard cut out players trail up the stairs to the waiting area and cafe where I had a terrible photo with the Champions League photo (as seen in the stadium store later that day, top tip, if standing in front of a green screen background, take off your multicoloured screen before taking the photo, because you will have weird count out blank spots on your photo where the green check should be. At least that saved me wasting £15 on a souvenir photo for the fun of it). It’s funny frivolous you can be when you’re early and nervous. Cup of tea? Yes please. Souvenir coins? Oh why not.


The staff were all super lovely, so I refuse to be even mildly offended by them thinking I’d stumbled across this tour and found myself somewhere I shouldn’t be. I suppose the full face of makeup, curled hair, patent boots and oversized Coach bag did make me stick out like a sore thumb on a football tour, it was definitely a far cry from my 2 coats, skinny jeans (and tights) and football shirt I’d worn to the match the night before. But it was my birthday and I wasn’t letting that stop me. The funniest thing was the majority of visitors around me weren’t really even fans of City, I was one of the biggest ones there.

A lovely little touch from the staff though was handing out programmes from the previous nights match. Sheer coincidence, but I hadn’t had chance to grab one from one of the many kiosks that night (and I collect them from every game I attend) and as I was waiting for the tour to start, a lady stopped by my table to ask if I wanted one (for free) as I was scrolling through eBay looking for one! I can’t tell you how chuffed I was.

Regardless of whether you’re a City fan of not, if you’re a fan of football then this tour is a must visit. It was around 1.5 hours in length and took you everywhere you could possibly want to go. This definitely varies on what day you attend, I believe the odd room was closed off when I went simply because of UEFA protocols as this was the day after a Champions League game, other days (such as match days) some of the more key areas are closed off too, so it’s definitely worth checking that out first before you book.

Areas covered on the tour;

• Starting area with a video of the history of the club from 1894 to present day, Maine Road to Etihad Stadium
  
  
• Sitting in the stands of the stadium (finding out which player has a box where, present day info on the club etc)
  
  
• Changing rooms
  
  
• Players tunnel (leading to the pitch)
  
  
• Dug out (edge of the pitch, subs bench, Pep’s chair!)
  
  
• Press room

Sitting in the dressing room was actually the bit I was most excited about beforehand, seeing it so many times in photos, documentaries, on TV, I couldn’t wait for it. And I was so right to want to be in there, imagining Pep’s passionate half time talks, standing where the players get themselves ready for matches, sitting in John Stones’ seat (yes of course I made a beeline for his - I’m nothing if not predictable), it was so exciting. As myself and a gentleman on the tour shared the same birthday, we were deemed the club captains and lead the rest of the visitors down the stairs of the tunnel and out to the pitch which was such a surreal and bonkers moment, something I’ve seen countless time on TV and then did it myself!

The whole trip was the most perfect way to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit (but not terribly because of how I feel about the stadium) and to spend my birthday. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and I felt so at peace. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough and would encourage anyone wanting to go to do so, even if you’re going alone.

Solo tips and thoughts

• Take everything in your stride.
  
  
• Get there early, take a seat and have a drink in the cafe, this can calm you down and stop you stressing about being late.
  
  
• No one is focusing on you, they’re too busy with their own experience to even notice you.
  
  
• You won’t be singled out or picked on by the tour guides to answer questions in front of everyone unless you want to be and make your presence known. As I was stood on my own, both tour guides did come over and talk to me in quiet moments but if I didn’t react in a chatty and friendly way, I know they would have left me alone. It was nice that they didn’t want to make me feel like I needed to be alone though and asked questions about my birthday.
  
  
• Stick to the back of the group if you're nervous and want to blend in, but you'll be fine wherever you stand.
  
  
• You’re all there for the same reason, so don’t overthink it and just enjoy yourself.
  
  

Have you done a stadium tour yet, if so what did you think?

I really hope this guide was helpful for you, where would you like to see me go next?

S xo