One symbol of the ‘new’ Salford is the gleaming high-rises on Chapel Street.
Perhaps the most obvious example of these towers is The Filaments, on the crossroads where Trinity Way and Chapel Street meet in sprawling mish-mash of traffic lights, horns, and congestion. But, sitting in Inner West coffee, a few metres from the junction, you wouldn’t know you were next to a major interchange.
The coffee shop is small, and at the base of one of the Filaments, but has a wide selection of drinks and food. Behind the counter is 23-year-old Amber Groenewoud.
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Amber’s Dutch, and moved over to the UK three-and-a-half years ago. She seems to have settled in well, despite growing up in Leiden — near the coast — and moving to the distinctly-inland, but familiarly-canal-heavy Manchester.
So what does she make of her new home?
Where’s your favourite hidden gem?
Castlefield, specifically the little bench where the little waterfall is by the canal [lock gate]. There’s a big tree and a pub above it. It’s well cute.
What’s your favourite view of the city or in the city?
From my balcony in Middlewood Locks, in Salford. It looks out over the neighbourhood, and the city. It’s nice, because every day — obviously, they are building a lot in Manchester — and you can see new buildings pop up. I’ve only been there for a few months, but it’s quite funny how the city changes.
Where’s best to go for your dinner in town?
It’s such a hard question… but I’d say Feel Good Club, or here!
Where would you take someone to show them the real Manchester?
I would take them for a walk through Castlefield, and Peel Park if the sun is out — which isn’t often — and then Northern Quarter for food. Lots of steps.
What are the five words that best describe the city?
Manchester’s full of hidden gems.
City or United?
Neither… no, no, no! United! My boyfriend is going to hate me.
Liam or Noel?
Liam.
Your favourite city pub is…?
The Freemount.
What’s the one change you'd make to Manchester if you could…
Piccadilly Gardens. Just make it nicer, somehow. Make it actually a garden.
