A huge bus station, a giant concrete wall, masses of pigeons, and grass that never quite manages to grow.
Despite all this, Piccadilly Gardens has just been named one of the UK's best picnic spots by London-based magazine Olive.
Described in the article as 'a bustling spot close to the creative Northern Quarter', the city centre destination was featured alongside the likes of the cliffs of South Devon, Dinefwr Castle in Wales, and the botanical gardens in Edinburgh.
"Don’t want to escape the city? Keep your picnic close to home," said Olive, while recommending the 'inner city gardens'.
The magazine suggested the excellent Pollen Bakery for a slice of cake to take to Piccadilly Gardens.
Why anyone would walk 15 minutes to get there when New Islington Marina is right outside Pollen's door is a mystery.
The picture used by the magazine, in a now-deleted Tweet, also shows New Islington Marina, complete with canal boat.
Needless to say, Mancunians have been quick to reject the picnic suggestion.
One user replied to Olive Magazine on Twitter to say: "Written by someone who has never ventured further north than Shoreditch."
Another said they've prefer to eat lunch 'on the fast lane of the M56'.
Another shared the article and said: "Piccadilly gardens one of the uks best picnic spots???? you’re taking the p*** aren’t you"
"The funniest thing I’ve heard in ages, picnics in Piccadilly gardens," someone else said.
If you'd like a more serious suggestion of where you can take your lunch outside, check out our list of city centre green spaces .
Got a preferred picnic spot? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @citylifemanc
