Hey, strike a pose Melly! Whatever you do girls, don’t crack on your mum and dad are Liverpool fans.
WHEN you judge a restaurant more on the quality of colouring materials provided rather than the food, the prospect of a city break sampling fine cuisine and sophisticated ‘sights’ can seem a little daunting.
Since having Emily and Melissa I don’t mind admitting that I have allowed myself to lapse into daydreaming of Venice and Paris while lapping up the delights of the British seaside
But I never thought such a city-based holiday with a family in tow would be possible – what would the girls do without their bucket and spades?
Now a visit to a wonderful hidden gem of a UK destination has changed all that. We have had our eyes opened to the world of opportunities available, bringing all the fun and laughter expected to our time
away – but without a beach in sight.
In early June, we visited Salford Quays, a wonderful, vibrant and fascinating revamped dock area in the heart of the North West’s rich historical heritage.We stayed at the Golden Tulip Hotel in the shadow of Old Trafford – more about that later – and enjoyed every minute of our action-packed weekend.
I was fearful that the ‘how dare kids mess up our view?’ brigade would be out in force – especially when we set foot in the hotel’s beautiful Waters Edge restaurant.
But we needn’t have worried. Staff were attentive and friendly and truly welcoming to our two five-year-olds. It was a real treat and one that I will not forget easily.
The food was magnificent and the memory of Emily and Melissa tucking into a three course meal consisting of tomato soup, chicken and pasta, and ice cream will stay with me forever – there’s no looking back now and suddenly chicken nuggets and chips does not seem so appealing.
Food was reasonably priced and the adult meals were sumptuous.
During our weekend, we visited some excellent attractions and this most cynical of mums would recommend Salford Quays to anyone with curious youngsters to entertain.
I personally was fascinated by the social history of the place – Salford Quays itself had such a ‘buzz’ about it – but also an atmosphere of respect for the past and the working men who helped bring in exotic cargos from across the globe that helped build this country.
A highlight of our time in Salford was a tour around Man Utd – and this from a died in the wool Liverpool fan.
The guide was brilliant, instantly taking a shine to Emily and Melissa and talking to them through their Barbie walkie talkies. He shared some tantalising behind the scenes details about the club and its players. Emily and Melissa never wavered once – they took it all in and have not shut up about it since.
At the nearby Lowry Centre we really enjoyed the chance to create our own art and leave it on the wall. As football fever gripped, it was brilliant to see Lowry’s famous work Going to the Match, among many others. We also tried our hand at making a short film with assorted cuddly sheep, pigs and dogs.
Also at the Lowry is a shopping mall with many designer outlets. There wasn’t much to choose from by way of food here – but there were some marvellous bargains to be had in the Marks & Spencer outlet.
Our evenings were spent strolling in the Quays area, taking in the history and admiring the view. We ate at a Mexican restaurant where children were very well catered for. There is also a state of the art cinema, which at the time of our visit was showing the latest and ‘darkest’ Harry Potter so we gave it a miss.
Our visit to Salford Quays was a real turning point for us as a family. It may not be Paris or Venice but it has certainly broadened our horizons and made us realise we can spend time in a city and not worry about our daughters not enjoying it….And the quality of the colouring material in the Waters Edge restaurant was excellent.
People who read this post also read: Click here for more stuff about twins on the move.
* This trip was at the expense of the hotel group and this review was previously published in Tamba’s TT&M magazine.
Golden Tulip location:
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