Eating near Old Trafford

[Chloe]

Can anyone recommend anywhere to eat near Old Trafford pre-match on Tuesday? My husband will be there with his father for the Porto match. And in general what could they do for a few hours that afternoon not too far from the stadium?

Thanks

Chloe

north Portugal

[MobyP]

I found two links, http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showto...indpost&p=14352 and http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=11952&st=0&

Maybe Andy will know specifics.

[badger0412]

I wouldn't recommend eating anywhere too close to the ground to be honest. However, the ground is only a mile or so from central manchester and is easily reached by train, bus and taxi.

If they were to eat in central manchester there are a few reasonable options from which to choose from.

A safe bet [not knowing budget, preferences etc] would be something like the Living Room on Deansgate. Other options to consider would be East / Little Yang Sing / Yang Sing in China Town which is also in the centre of town.

Other than that let me just say that I hope Porto win!

[Mrs Woman]

How about Choice in Castlefields (www.choicemcr.co.uk)? It's not bang in the city centre, so may be easier to get on the road to the scum, sorry Man U's ground

[Carlovski]

Probably not really what you are looking for, but there used to be a little Cafe (With a hatch selling chips on matchdays!) right near the ground. Bizarre mix of standard fish and chip/cafe fare, but with a load of greek specials.

My dad used to go there all the time for Kleftiko. Just reminscing really, it's probably been knocked down now.

Is Lou Macari's fish and chip shop still there?

Again, Manchester might be a better bet, or you could hop on a Tram to Altrincham and go to Juniper?

[thom]

Hi Chloe,

I know this is late in the day, but I must echo the previous comments that as Old Trafford is effectively in the middle of an industrial estate good eating is thin on the ground.

The only exception is the Waters Reach, which used to be a Gary Rhodes diffusion place but has apparently improved since the connection was severed. It is in a hotel right near the ground, which used to be a 'Quality Hotel' but I think the brand may have changed?

Going into Manchester is by far your best option, and they are previous threads on here which give you ideas of places to eat. A good bet may be to focus on Castlefield (good call Mrs Woman) which is the Southernmost district of the City Centre and therefore a short ten minute walk from Old Trafford along the canal (or the equally non-picturesque dual carriageway).

Good options there would be afore-mentioned Choice; the Ox (decent-ish gastropub with some interesting dishes); Dukes 92 (Huge canalside pub which specialises in big ploughmans lunches - theres an under-rated British classic - with great hulking lumps of cheese or pate) and Dimitris (decent, cheap Greek stodge).

In terms of 'What else can we do?' you are actually spoilt for choice. Salford Quays (site of the Commonwealth games triathalon) is right nearby, and it houses the Imperial War Museum North (Libeskind designed museum which whilst a bit 'contemporary-interactive' for my liking is still impressive) and The Lowry (enormous multi-facted arts centre housing permanent Lowry displays, temporary installations, a couple of excellent theatres and a decent coffee shop).

Of course Old Trafford itself has a great United museum, and if your family fancy indulging themselves in peculiarly English pecadillios they could even take a look at the nearby Old Trafford cricket Ground. Slightly less cultural options involve the Lowry discount designer shopping mall (which has chains like Pizza Express) or the attached cinema. Further afield Castlefield houses the outstanding Museum of Science and Industry, which is well worth a visit if you have kids, and the partially excavated orginal Roman fort.

Enjoy, and of course I hope we stuff Porto 3:0.

Cheers

Thom

[Carlovski]

I'd second the Science museum/The Ox suggestion, they are right by each other, and the science museum is one of the best museums in the country - better than the one in London I think.

[Chloe]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions.

The gentlemen ended up having a whole afternoon in Manchester. The last I heard from them they were outside Yang Sing, so it sounds like they are on the right track!

And may the best team on the night win (that's not what I really think, is it ...?)

abraço

Chloe

north Portugal