themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--The foodbank that means people don't have to choose between beliefs and eating

Many families have been fighting to make ends meet during lockdown , as businesses have shut down , places of work have closed and services become overwhelmed with people suddenly in need .
And in some cases , those turning to food banks for help have been forced to make the heartbreaking choice between their dearly-held beliefs and survival .
A number of Muslim residents in Bury have had to make this difficult choice in order to put meals on the table for their families , without any hope of getting Halal food as they struggle for cash .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dietary requirements , including Halal food , and so food parcel recipients have had to abandon religious and cultural customs at a time when they are most vulnerable .
But one community activist is trying to change that .
Ayesha Asif is the creator of Bury 's very first Halal food bank , and in just two months , she has helped more than 50 families keep going .
Ayesha , 39 , has lived in Bury town centre for years and knows first-hand the struggles local families are dealing with .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre , Ayesha works with refugees and asylum seekers on a daily basis , helping them to learn English , get jobs and integrate into society .
Ayesha told the Manchester Evening News : `` Many of the people we work with at the women 's centre do not have English as their first language , they might not come from an educated background , they may not be able to read or write .
`` They might be from an asylum background or be a refugee , they may be fleeing from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial difficulty .
`` We try our best to get them jobs , but because of their low education they may only be paid £500 or £600 per month to work in a shop and they have large families to look after .
`` When COVID-19 hit , I thought how can I help them when they have lost their jobs and their dietary requirements are not what a normal food parcel would accommodate ?
`` There are around 20 food banks in Bury but none of them were able to deliver the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Many food banks provide tinned food but the meat in the tins is n't Halal so recipients ca n't eat it .
Some people told me they were getting the food and having to send it back , saying ' I ca n't use this . '
`` I have been working with families like this for a long time and I know their situations .
I wanted to support people with large families who can barely provide the basic necessities and are struggling on a daily basis . ''
Ayesha set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Food Bank , with the help of plucky volunteers , a £9,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund and a freezer and cooling delivery bags from Bury Council .
The food bank provides exclusively Halal food .
Halal literally translates as 'permissible ' in Arabic and adheres to Islamic law , though the food bank itself is serving all members of Bury 's community who need it , whether they follow Islam or not .
`` The food bank supports people of BAME backgrounds as well as any other communities that come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Bury Fusion Food Bank works with local butchers to include Halal meat in its food parcels .
The meat is ordered in the morning , frozen and delivered to those who need it on the same day .
`` A number of these families have a lot of children in their households and they need enough nutrition , '' added Ayesha .
`` We get the best deals from markets for fruit and vegetables .
We accept donations from other food banks when certain foods might not be as useful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not be used at a regular food bank , but we can always use it in the communities we work with .
African and Asian food is full of mango . ''
Since the foodbank was established in May , it has been getting more and more referrals each week .
Ayesha and her 15 volunteers have helped 55 families so far and plan to keep going .
As she speaks English , Urdu , Arabic and Punjabi , Ayesha can also help put the needy families in touch with other services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering parcels to the emergency services as a thank you for their work during the coronavirus crisis .
The response she has received from families often makes her emotional .
One recipient , Fatima , from Somalia , said : `` It helped a lot .
I never got to save any money for anything at all .
`` There is this incident that happened to me before start getting the food parcel - I had £10 in my pocket , I also had an appointment at my dentist so I needed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy chicken to eat because we had nothing in the house .
`` So I had to call the dentist to cancel my appointment and go for chicken .
`` Now I can save some money for emergency purposes . ''
Ayesha said : `` I go to these houses and the living conditions are awful most of the time .
It 's very hard not to cry when you see it .
`` The little children we help send me videos blowing me kisses because they are just so happy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspiring .
`` Helping people with their food means that these families can save some money for emergencies and they wo n't have to choose to sacrifice that in order to put dinner on the table .
`` Diversity and equality is so important .
I have volunteers who can speak Congolese , Persian , Kurdish , you name it .
We get the job done . ''
To get involved with the Bury Fusion Food Bank , email Ayesha using director @ bawc.org.uk .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the free MyBury newsletter to get the best stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the free MyBury newsletter to get the best stories direct to your inbox
Many families have been fighting to make ends meet during lockdown, as businesses have shut down, places of work have closed and services become overwhelmed with people suddenly in need.
And in some cases, those turning to food banks for help have been forced to make the heartbreaking choice between their dearly-held beliefs and survival.
A number of Muslim residents in Bury have had to make this difficult choice in order to put meals on the table for their families, without any hope of getting Halal food as they struggle for cash.
Many food banks do not cater for specific dietary requirements, including Halal food, and so food parcel recipients have had to abandon religious and cultural customs at a time when they are most vulnerable.
But one community activist is trying to change that.
Ayesha Arif is the creator of Bury's very first Halal food bank, and in just two months, she has helped more than 50 families keep going.
Ayesha has lived in Bury town centre for years and knows first-hand the struggles local families are dealing with. As the community director of Bury Asian Women's Centre, Ayesha works with refugees and asylum seekers on a daily basis, helping them to learn English, get jobs and integrate into society.
The mum-of-four told the Manchester Evening News : "Many of the people we work with at the women's centre do not have English as their first language, they might not come from an educated background, they may not be able to read or write.
(Image: Ayesha Arif)
"They might be from an asylum background or be a refugee, they may be fleeing from domestic violence, they may be in financial difficulty.
"We try our best to get them jobs, but because of their low education they may only be paid £500 or £600 per month to work in a shop and they have large families to look after.
"When COVID-19 hit, I thought how can I help them when they have lost their jobs and their dietary requirements are not what a normal food parcel would accommodate?
Sign up to the free MyBury email newsletter Get news updates from Bury direct to your email inbox with the free MyBury newsletter. Simply click on this link, enter your email address, and select 'MyBury News'
"There are around 20 food banks in Bury but none of them were able to deliver the special requirements that these families needed.
"Many food banks provide tinned food but the meat in the tins isn't Halal so recipients can't eat it. Some people told me they were getting the food and having to send it back, saying 'I can't use this.'
"I have been working with families like this for a long time and I know their situations. I wanted to support people with large families who can barely provide the basic necessities and are struggling on a daily basis."
Ayesha set to work on creating the Bury Fusion Food Bank, with the help of plucky volunteers, a £9,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund and a freezer and cooling delivery bags from Bury Council.
The food bank provides exclusively Halal food. Halal literally translates as 'permissible' in Arabic and adheres to Islamic law, though the food bank itself is serving all members of Bury's community who need it, whether they follow Islam or not.
"The food bank supports people of BAME backgrounds as well as any other communities that come forward to us," Ayesha said.
(Image: Ayesha Arif)
The Bury Fusion Food Bank works with local butchers to include Halal meat in its food parcels. The meat is ordered in the morning, frozen and delivered to those who need it on the same day.
"A number of these families have a lot of children in their households and they need enough nutrition," added Ayesha.
"We get the best deals from markets for fruit and vegetables. We accept donations from other food banks when certain foods might not be as useful to them. For example, mango chutney might not be used at a regular food bank, but we can always use it in the communities we work with. African and Asian food is full of mango."
(Image: Ayesha Arif)
Since the foodbank was established in May, it has been getting more and more referrals each week.
Ayesha and her 15 volunteers have helped 55 families so far and plan to keep going. As she speaks English, Urdu, Arabic and Punjabi, Ayesha can also help put the needy families in touch with other services.
The food bank has also been delivering parcels to the emergency services as a thank you for their work during the coronavirus crisis.
The response she has received from families often makes her emotional.
One recipient, Fatima, from Somalia, said: "It helped a lot. I never got to save any money for anything at all.
"There is this incident that happened to me before start getting the food parcel - I had £10 in my pocket, I also had an appointment at my dentist so I needed the bus ticket as much as I needed to buy chicken to eat because we had nothing in the house.
"So I had to call the dentist to cancel my appointment and go for chicken.
"Now I can save some money for emergency purposes."
Ayesha said: "I go to these houses and the living conditions are awful most of the time. It's very hard not to cry when you see it.
"The little children we help send me videos blowing me kisses because they are just so happy to have this food. It's really inspiring.
"Helping people with their food means that these families can save some money for emergencies and they won't have to choose to sacrifice that in order to put dinner on the table.
"Diversity and equality is so important. I have volunteers who can speak Congolese, Persian, Kurdish, you name it. We get the job done."
To get involved with the Bury Fusion Food Bank, email Ayesha using director@bawc.org.uk.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--The slavery story Bolton can be proud of - and the dark side of a famous son

Fixed to the wall above a Westhoughton restaurant is a carving believed to represent a man who fled the horrors of slavery .
You could be forgiven for failing to notice the sculpture , said to be of James Watkins , which peers down at shoppers on the high street below .
No one knows for certain whether the carving is of Watkins , but it is highly likely given his links to the area .
After fleeing his Maryland plantation , Watkins sailed the Atlantic Ocean in 1850 and ended up in Bolton , where he moved in with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known for his impassioned speeches on the realities of slavery , which he would deliver across the North West .
If the carving is indeed of Watkins then it is one of few monuments to victims of slavery in the UK .
A national conversation is currently taking place about Britain 's involvement in , and how it profited from , the slave trade .
It all started with the toppling of a statue to slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol last month .
After tearing it from its plinth , protesters tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the city 's harbour .
Since then , long overdue conversations have started over a host of other statues , as well as the UK 's wider relationship with racism .
It may be an unpalatable truth , but the North West 's Industrial Revolution was fueled by the profits of slavery , both directly and indirectly .
To find examples of just how the region benefited , all you have to do is take a look at the infrastructure of our towns and cities .
Profits from the slave trade were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as canals , railway , buildings and parks .
And , like many parts of the region , Bolton 's relationship with the slave trade is a complex one .
The town was shaped and moulded by the Industrial Revolution , with its economy booming during the 18th and 19th century .
As Bolton , along with several neighbouring towns , rapidly became the world centre of the cotton industry , mills began propping up all over town .
As industry thrived , Bolton 's population soared from just over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , the Manchester , Bolton and Bury Canal was built in the 1790s and the Bolton and Leigh Railway opened in 1830 , both of which would become vital for the transport of cotton and coal .
As a thriving manufacturing hub , Bolton and its mills were reliant on the plantations of the Southern states of America for the supply of raw cotton .
By the 1850s , more than 70pc of the total American cotton crop went to Lancashire , and , by 1860 , 88pc of British cotton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cotton .
Bolton did , however , have its fair share of philanthropists and supporters of the anti-slavery movement , both before and after the passing of the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act .
In 1820 , a group of the town 's citizens gathered a petition calling for the total abolition of slavery in the British colonies .
But as was the case in other cotton towns , Bolton was proud of its cotton industry and the origins of the raw material responsible for its prosperity were rarely discussed .
For those working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US and Caribbean were a world away .
One man who tried to raise awareness of the connection between the cotton industry and slavery was James Watkins .
His decision to move to the UK came following the passage of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act in the US , a law which declared all runaways should be returned to their owners .
As well as his regular lectures , Watkins also had a memoir published during his time in Bolton , titled 'The Narrative of the Life of James Watkins , formerly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
The book charted his many attempts at escaping the plantation , as well as how he was pursued by dogs over many miles when he eventually did so .
He would eventually settle in Manchester , where his second book , 'Struggles for Freedom ; or The Life of James Watkins , Formerly a Slave in Maryland US ' , was published .
By the 1880s , with slavery now abolished in the US , Watkins returned to America and settled in Baltimore .
But while slavery was now illegal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put an end to racism .
In recent weeks , one of Bolton 's most famous sons has come under scrutiny as he is accused of exploiting black people during the early 20th century .
A memorial to Lord Leverhulme , on the Wirral , was recently listed on a list of statues to be torn down or renamed on a 'Topple the Racists ' interactive map .
Born as William Hesketh Lever in Wood Street , Bolton , in 1851 , Lord Leverhulme 's influence is felt throughout his hometown .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leverhulme Park , as well as Lever Park , in Rivington , were both donated to the town by him , while he was also responsible for the foundation of Bolton School .
The son of a Victorian grocer , the young Lever underwent apprenticeships and a series of appointments in the family business - which he successfully expanded - before he began to manufacture 'Sunlight Soap ' .
Together with his brother , James , he established Lever Brothers - which is now the world-famous Unilever .
His entrepreneurial success and philanthropy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freeman of his hometown in 1902 , while he was also the town 's mayor in 1918 .
Yet questions have been raised about his links to atrocities in the Belgian Congo .
In 1911 , the soap king visited the country to take advantage of the country 's cheap labour and palm oil concessions .
In the years preceding that , millions of Congolese people died under King Leopold II of Belgium 's murderous exploitation of rubber plantations , while countless others had their hands cut off when quotas were n't net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use forced labour to further his palm oil interests too .
Although not technically classed as slavery , the semantic difference meant little to the workers who died in horrific conditions .
Beatings and squalor were a daily part of life .
Lever Brothers established its own plantations in the country and oil production increased from 2,500 tons per year in 1914 to 9,000 tons in 1921 .
Adam MacQueen is the author of The King of Sunlight , a biography of Lord Leverhulme .
He described the former Liberal MP as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose attitudes were 'undoubtedly racist ' .
Mr MacQueen added : `` His own empathetic attitudes didn ’ t necessarily always trickle down to the managers on the ground , but he did insist on fair wages and decent housing , as well as building hospitals and schools .
`` And I think it ’ s a thoroughly good thing that we ’ re talking about and discussing this stuff so much now , and the loss - or not - of a few old statues is an absolutely fair price to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about and learned from , not occasionally registered in the corner of your eye as you walk past it covered in pigeon droppings on the street . ''
While Labour councils across England and Wales have promised to examine statues for links to slavery , Bolton Council 's Conservative leader Coun David Greenhalgh has said there are no plans to review the town 's memorials or statues .
He added : “ We are an administration opposed to any form of racism or discrimination , but we will not be dictated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will not support the removal of any memorials or statues .
“ In my view , it is simply wrong to judge people who lived hundreds of years ago on 21st century values .
Society , it ’ s stances and morals evolve with time .
We learn from history , we educate and we should never be afraid to challenge and update , but eradicating it is not the answer .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Fixed to the wall above a Westhoughton restaurant is a carving believed to represent a man who fled the horrors of slavery.
You could be forgiven for failing to notice the sculpture, said to be of James Watkins, which peers down at shoppers on the high street below.
No one knows for certain whether the carving is of Watkins, but it is highly likely given his links to the area.
After fleeing his Maryland plantation, Watkins sailed the Atlantic Ocean in 1850 and ended up in Bolton, where he moved in with a local family.
He soon became known for his impassioned speeches on the realities of slavery, which he would deliver across the North West.
If the carving is indeed of Watkins then it is one of few monuments to victims of slavery in the UK.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A national conversation is currently taking place about Britain's involvement in, and how it profited from, the slave trade.
It all started with the toppling of a statue to slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol last month.
After tearing it from its plinth, protesters tied ropes around the monument and threw it into the city's harbour.
Since then, long overdue conversations have started over a host of other statues, as well as the UK's wider relationship with racism.
It may be an unpalatable truth, but the North West's Industrial Revolution was fueled by the profits of slavery, both directly and indirectly.
To find examples of just how the region benefited, all you have to do is take a look at the infrastructure of our towns and cities.
Profits from the slave trade were invested in the development of British industries, as well as canals, railway, buildings and parks.
And, like many parts of the region, Bolton's relationship with the slave trade is a complex one.
The town was shaped and moulded by the Industrial Revolution, with its economy booming during the 18th and 19th century.
As Bolton, along with several neighbouring towns, rapidly became the world centre of the cotton industry, mills began propping up all over town.
As industry thrived, Bolton's population soared from just over 5,000 in 1773 to 168,000 in 1851.
Meanwhile, the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal was built in the 1790s and the Bolton and Leigh Railway opened in 1830, both of which would become vital for the transport of cotton and coal.
As a thriving manufacturing hub, Bolton and its mills were reliant on the plantations of the Southern states of America for the supply of raw cotton.
By the 1850s, more than 70pc of the total American cotton crop went to Lancashire, and, by 1860, 88pc of British cotton textiles were made from Deep South slave cotton.
(Image: Chris Allen)
Bolton did, however, have its fair share of philanthropists and supporters of the anti-slavery movement, both before and after the passing of the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act.
In 1820, a group of the town's citizens gathered a petition calling for the total abolition of slavery in the British colonies.
But as was the case in other cotton towns, Bolton was proud of its cotton industry and the origins of the raw material responsible for its prosperity were rarely discussed.
For those working in the mills, the plantations of the US and Caribbean were a world away.
One man who tried to raise awareness of the connection between the cotton industry and slavery was James Watkins.
His decision to move to the UK came following the passage of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act in the US, a law which declared all runaways should be returned to their owners.
(Image: PA)
As well as his regular lectures, Watkins also had a memoir published during his time in Bolton, titled 'The Narrative of the Life of James Watkins, formerly a "chattel" in Maryland US'.
The book charted his many attempts at escaping the plantation, as well as how he was pursued by dogs over many miles when he eventually did so.
He would eventually settle in Manchester, where his second book, 'Struggles for Freedom; or The Life of James Watkins, Formerly a Slave in Maryland US', was published.
By the 1880s, with slavery now abolished in the US, Watkins returned to America and settled in Baltimore.
But while slavery was now illegal in Britain and America, it did not put an end to racism.
In recent weeks, one of Bolton's most famous sons has come under scrutiny as he is accused of exploiting black people during the early 20th century.
A memorial to Lord Leverhulme, on the Wirral, was recently listed on a list of statues to be torn down or renamed on a 'Topple the Racists' interactive map.
Born as William Hesketh Lever in Wood Street, Bolton, in 1851, Lord Leverhulme's influence is felt throughout his hometown.
The land for Bolton's largest park, Leverhulme Park, as well as Lever Park, in Rivington, were both donated to the town by him, while he was also responsible for the foundation of Bolton School.
The son of a Victorian grocer, the young Lever underwent apprenticeships and a series of appointments in the family business - which he successfully expanded - before he began to manufacture 'Sunlight Soap'.
Together with his brother, James, he established Lever Brothers - which is now the world-famous Unilever.
His entrepreneurial success and philanthropy were recognised when he was made a freeman of his hometown in 1902, while he was also the town's mayor in 1918.
Yet questions have been raised about his links to atrocities in the Belgian Congo.
In 1911, the soap king visited the country to take advantage of the country's cheap labour and palm oil concessions.
In the years preceding that, millions of Congolese people died under King Leopold II of Belgium's murderous exploitation of rubber plantations, while countless others had their hands cut off when quotas weren't net.
Historical evidence shows that Leverhulme tried to use forced labour to further his palm oil interests too.
Although not technically classed as slavery, the semantic difference meant little to the workers who died in horrific conditions. Beatings and squalor were a daily part of life.
Lever Brothers established its own plantations in the country and oil production increased from 2,500 tons per year in 1914 to 9,000 tons in 1921.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Adam MacQueen is the author of The King of Sunlight, a biography of Lord Leverhulme.
He described the former Liberal MP as 'a product of his times' whose attitudes were 'undoubtedly racist'.
Mr MacQueen added: "His own empathetic attitudes didn’t necessarily always trickle down to the managers on the ground, but he did insist on fair wages and decent housing, as well as building hospitals and schools.
"And I think it’s a thoroughly good thing that we’re talking about and discussing this stuff so much now, and the loss - or not - of a few old statues is an absolutely fair price to pay.
"History is there to be talked about and learned from, not occasionally registered in the corner of your eye as you walk past it covered in pigeon droppings on the street."
While Labour councils across England and Wales have promised to examine statues for links to slavery, Bolton Council's Conservative leader Coun David Greenhalgh has said there are no plans to review the town's memorials or statues.
He added: “We are an administration opposed to any form of racism or discrimination, but we will not be dictated to on whether we should eradicate history and we will not support the removal of any memorials or statues.
“In my view, it is simply wrong to judge people who lived hundreds of years ago on 21st century values. Society, it’s stances and morals evolve with time. We learn from history, we educate and we should never be afraid to challenge and update, but eradicating it is not the answer.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--'I just thought I was thick' - Real Housewives star on her dyslexia battle

The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley has opened up about being diagnosed with dyslexia after discovering her son Rocco also had the learning disorder .
Entrepreneur and life coach Tanya , the wife of Burnley footballer Phil Bardsley , says she was bullied at school after struggling with reading , but there was n't the same awareness of dyslexia at the time .
The mother-of-four used to dread going to school and felt 'humiliated ' when asked to read .
Her eldest son Rocco , 11 , was eight when he was tested by his teachers .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be dyslexic , so they did a little game with him in his classroom which I was present at and it came up that he indeed was and that it was hereditary .
`` I told them how I 'd been my entire life and they said I had it as well . ''
Speaking about her own childhood , the reality TV star says she did n't have a clue about dyslexia , a learning disorder that can cause problems with reading , writing and spelling due to problems identifying speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letters and words .
She was just seven when she realised she was struggling with reading , and she says this led to her being bullied at school .
`` I had such a terrible time , '' she said .
`` There were no little games then to diagnose it .
`` I just could n't do it and I just felt humiliated at school when I had to read .
It was just horrible .
`` I used to dread going in and would tell my mum I felt sick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of the class and I could feel myself getting hotter and hotter . ''
Rocco was diagnosed after it was found he was falling behind at school and thankfully he 's since come on in 'leaps and bounds . '
`` His teacher thankfully noticed some signs that they felt might mean he was dyslexic , '' said Tanya .
Reflecting on how the family has dealt with the diagnosis , she told us : `` It was actually a relief when Rocco was diagnosed as it explained things and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because his teachers have adapted his learning to help him .
`` I just wish I 'd been diagnosed earlier as it would have saved me lots of humiliation and not dreading going into school . ''
Asked what message and advice she 'd give to other families living with dyslexia , she said : `` Just go easy on yourselves and easy on the child .
`` Like everyone has always said to me since Rocco was diagnosed , so many intelligent people that have succeeded , even Richard Branson , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry about it and you 'll learn your own special way of dealing with it , it might take you a little bit longer but you will . ''
Boutique owner Tanya , 39 , also has younger sons Renz , seven , and Ralphi , three , with Phil , 34 , and a daughter Gabriella , 19 , from a previous relationship .
Tanya is one of the original stars of the hit show The Real Housewives of Cheshire , about the antics of a group of wealthy women living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it launched in 2015 .
Support for dyslexia is offered by the British Dyslexia Association .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley has opened up about being diagnosed with dyslexia after discovering her son Rocco also had the learning disorder.
Entrepreneur and life coach Tanya, the wife of Burnley footballer Phil Bardsley, says she was bullied at school after struggling with reading, but there wasn't the same awareness of dyslexia at the time.
The mother-of-four used to dread going to school and felt 'humiliated' when asked to read.
Her eldest son Rocco, 11, was eight when he was tested by his teachers.
(Image: Tanya Bardsley/ Instagram)
She explained: "His teachers suspected he might be dyslexic, so they did a little game with him in his classroom which I was present at and it came up that he indeed was and that it was hereditary.
"I told them how I'd been my entire life and they said I had it as well."
Speaking about her own childhood, the reality TV star says she didn't have a clue about dyslexia, a learning disorder that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words.
She was just seven when she realised she was struggling with reading, and she says this led to her being bullied at school.
"I had such a terrible time," she said.
"There were no little games then to diagnose it.
(Image: Tanya Bardsley/ Instagram)
"I just thought I was thick.
"I just couldn't do it and I just felt humiliated at school when I had to read. It was just horrible.
"I used to dread going in and would tell my mum I felt sick, having to do reading and standing up in front of the class and I could feel myself getting hotter and hotter."
Rocco was diagnosed after it was found he was falling behind at school and thankfully he's since come on in 'leaps and bounds.'
(Image: Tanya Bardsley/ Instagram)
"His teacher thankfully noticed some signs that they felt might mean he was dyslexic," said Tanya.
Reflecting on how the family has dealt with the diagnosis, she told us: "It was actually a relief when Rocco was diagnosed as it explained things and now he's come on leaps and bounds because his teachers have adapted his learning to help him.
"I just wish I'd been diagnosed earlier as it would have saved me lots of humiliation and not dreading going into school."
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Asked what message and advice she'd give to other families living with dyslexia, she said: "Just go easy on yourselves and easy on the child.
"Like everyone has always said to me since Rocco was diagnosed, so many intelligent people that have succeeded, even Richard Branson, have dyslexia.
"So try not to worry about it and you'll learn your own special way of dealing with it, it might take you a little bit longer but you will."
Boutique owner Tanya, 39, also has younger sons Renz, seven, and Ralphi, three, with Phil, 34, and a daughter Gabriella, 19, from a previous relationship.
Tanya is one of the original stars of the hit show The Real Housewives of Cheshire, about the antics of a group of wealthy women living in Cheshire, having been in it since it launched in 2015.
Support for dyslexia is offered by the British Dyslexia Association.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-05--Scholes explains how Man United's transfer needs have changed

Manchester United great Paul Scholes believes the club now only need two or three top-class signings to push for the Premier League , rather than four or five .
United are currently on a 16-match unbeaten run , having not lost in any competition since January .
The return from injuries of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side a massive boost , especially with the pair finally being able to link up with Bruno Fernandes .
Despite their good form , United have still been well off the pace set by champions Liverpool this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap to make up next season , but Scholes believes they are now only a few players away from being title challengers once again and wants the club to sign another centre-back and a top goal scorer .
`` There is a big gap to close , there ’ s no doubt about that , '' Scholes told BBC Radio 5 live before United 's win over Bournemouth on Saturday .
`` The points difference is ridiculous and the quality of Man City obviously is there for everyone to see .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a million miles away .
I know we spoke about four or five players but I think it ’ s two or three now .
`` I think you are looking at a centre forward , a really classy goal scorer and possibly a centre-half to play next to [ Harry ] Maguire .
`` Look , I think [ Victor ] Lindelof has done alright but I just think Maguire with his lack of pace at times ( can get caught ) .
`` If he ’ s got a really dominant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferdinand or Jaap Stam who bullies centre forwards I think that would be a big help to the team . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United great Paul Scholes believes the club now only need two or three top-class signings to push for the Premier League, rather than four or five.
United are currently on a 16-match unbeaten run, having not lost in any competition since January.
The return from injuries of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side a massive boost, especially with the pair finally being able to link up with Bruno Fernandes.
Despite their good form, United have still been well off the pace set by champions Liverpool this season. It's is a huge gap to make up next season, but Scholes believes they are now only a few players away from being title challengers once again and wants the club to sign another centre-back and a top goal scorer.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"There is a big gap to close, there’s no doubt about that," Scholes told BBC Radio 5 live before United's win over Bournemouth on Saturday. "The points difference is ridiculous and the quality of Man City obviously is there for everyone to see.
"I really don’t think they are a million miles away. I know we spoke about four or five players but I think it’s two or three now.
"I think you are looking at a centre forward, a really classy goal scorer and possibly a centre-half to play next to [Harry] Maguire.
"Look, I think [Victor] Lindelof has done alright but I just think Maguire with his lack of pace at times (can get caught).
"If he’s got a really dominant centre-half next to him like a Rio Ferdinand or Jaap Stam who bullies centre forwards I think that would be a big help to the team."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Guardiola defends 'unique' Gabriel Jesus with Sergio Aguero injured

Pep Guardiola praised the unique ability of Gabriel Jesus to improve Manchester City as the spotlight focuses on the attack without Sergio Aguero .
An injury to Aguero leaves the Blues without their club record scorer for at least the rest of their domestic campaign and potentially the whole season including the Champions League .
With the manager in the dark over whether the player intends to extend his stay at the Etihad beyond 2021 .
Gabriel Jesus was bought in 2016 to be the long-term future of the club and continues to be a valuable member of the squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to score any of the 15 goals the team have managed in the five games since the restart to add fuel to the suggestion that City will need more firepower to cope without Aguero .
Guardiola believes his two strikers make an excellent pairing , but also praised the individual qualities of Jesus that create goals for the team even if he himself does not make it onto the scoresheet .
`` No-one can compare to Sergio and what he has done in his career .
He is older than Gabriel .
Gabriel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me and for us , '' the manager said .
`` They are complementary .
What one guy has the other one maybe struggles [ with ] and the other has something that the other struggles [ with ] .
Gabriel has something that is unique in the world , he helps us to be more aggressive , he is a fighter and helps us and I remember how many goals we have scored the last four or five games thanks to him .
`` Gabriel has something special for us but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager with others , or compare players .
We have to adapt his qualities to benefit him and the team . ''

Pep Guardiola praised the unique ability of Gabriel Jesus to improve Manchester City as the spotlight focuses on the attack without Sergio Aguero.
An injury to Aguero leaves the Blues without their club record scorer for at least the rest of their domestic campaign and potentially the whole season including the Champions League. With the manager in the dark over whether the player intends to extend his stay at the Etihad beyond 2021.
Gabriel Jesus was bought in 2016 to be the long-term future of the club and continues to be a valuable member of the squad. However, the Brazilian has failed to score any of the 15 goals the team have managed in the five games since the restart to add fuel to the suggestion that City will need more firepower to cope without Aguero.
Guardiola believes his two strikers make an excellent pairing, but also praised the individual qualities of Jesus that create goals for the team even if he himself does not make it onto the scoresheet.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"No-one can compare to Sergio and what he has done in his career. He is older than Gabriel. Gabriel gives us something that is perfect for me and for us," the manager said.
"They are complementary. What one guy has the other one maybe struggles [with] and the other has something that the other struggles [with]. Gabriel has something that is unique in the world, he helps us to be more aggressive, he is a fighter and helps us and I remember how many goals we have scored the last four or five games thanks to him.
"Gabriel has something special for us but it is unfair to compare me as a manager with others, or compare players. We have to adapt his qualities to benefit him and the team."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Guardiola knows how Liverpool win can help Man City against Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola urged his Manchester City players to show what they were made of against Liverpool - and is now more confident they can do the same against Real Madrid .
Under Guardiola , City have been a trophy-winning machine and have scooped up eight of the last 10 domestic trophies with the chance to make it nine from 11 in the FA Cup this season .
However , they have struggled in the Champions League knockout rounds and their record against the top six teams in the league this year was a significant factor in them welcoming Liverpool to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being in a race for glory .
Thursday 's match lived up to its billing as a clash between the two best teams in the country and two sides with distinct yet different styles , and it was the Blues that left happy after clinical finishing gave them a thumping 4-0 win .
As Guardiola looks to increase the chances of success in the knockout competitions they still have to fight for this season , he felt it important to remind his players before the Liverpool game that they needed to show on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is important for us when you beat these kind of opponents like Liverpool - the best team in England - to give us a message for ourselves to say we can do it , we can come back like we were , '' said Guardiola .
`` Even when we lost in Anfield we played in quite similar way to today in terms of personality .
I admire the way we play with incredible courage knowing the quality of the opponent but not being scared and that 's why on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
They are an incredible team , fantastic team , maybe the best team in the world right now but we have to show for ourselves to play what we think the best way to play is and we did it .
That is why we are incredibly satisfied . ''
City 's learning curve in the Champions League has continued under Guardiola .
The team threw away a two-goal lead in Monaco in his first season in charge , were blown away at Anfield the following year before going out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reserved , disciplined performance at the Bernabeu back in February that allowed them to take a lead and two away goals into their second leg .
Guardiola will be focussed on getting his tactics spot on , but also wants his players to know the game will be about the character they showed against Liverpool .
`` Every game is different but I can not deny that beating Liverpool the way we did ... football is feelings , moments , '' he said .
`` Sometimes your mood is up or down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best team in the world right now and we can do it but every game will be different because Arsenal and Madrid play in a different way so we have to adjust to their qualities .
`` What I want is to arrive in the best conditions possible in these games and after put mentality on the pitch .
These games are n't won with tactics and ideas , it is desire , passion , it is wanting to do it .
When one team wants to do it , they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy for the opponents .
That is how we have to try to arrive in that period . ''

Pep Guardiola urged his Manchester City players to show what they were made of against Liverpool - and is now more confident they can do the same against Real Madrid.
Under Guardiola, City have been a trophy-winning machine and have scooped up eight of the last 10 domestic trophies with the chance to make it nine from 11 in the FA Cup this season. However, they have struggled in the Champions League knockout rounds and their record against the top six teams in the league this year was a significant factor in them welcoming Liverpool to the Etihad as champions rather than still being in a race for glory.
Thursday's match lived up to its billing as a clash between the two best teams in the country and two sides with distinct yet different styles, and it was the Blues that left happy after clinical finishing gave them a thumping 4-0 win. As Guardiola looks to increase the chances of success in the knockout competitions they still have to fight for this season, he felt it important to remind his players before the Liverpool game that they needed to show on the pitch what they are about.
"It is important for us when you beat these kind of opponents like Liverpool - the best team in England - to give us a message for ourselves to say we can do it, we can come back like we were," said Guardiola.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"Even when we lost in Anfield we played in quite similar way to today in terms of personality. I admire the way we play with incredible courage knowing the quality of the opponent but not being scared and that's why on Thursday I said to them we have to play. They are an incredible team, fantastic team, maybe the best team in the world right now but we have to show for ourselves to play what we think the best way to play is and we did it. That is why we are incredibly satisfied."
City's learning curve in the Champions League has continued under Guardiola. The team threw away a two-goal lead in Monaco in his first season in charge, were blown away at Anfield the following year before going out in heartbreaking circumstances against Tottenham.
It was a reserved, disciplined performance at the Bernabeu back in February that allowed them to take a lead and two away goals into their second leg. Guardiola will be focussed on getting his tactics spot on, but also wants his players to know the game will be about the character they showed against Liverpool.
"Every game is different but I cannot deny that beating Liverpool the way we did...football is feelings, moments," he said. "Sometimes your mood is up or down, you can say we beat maybe the best team in the world right now and we can do it but every game will be different because Arsenal and Madrid play in a different way so we have to adjust to their qualities.
"What I want is to arrive in the best conditions possible in these games and after put mentality on the pitch. These games aren't won with tactics and ideas, it is desire, passion, it is wanting to do it. When one team wants to do it, they can be beaten but it will not be easy for the opponents. That is how we have to try to arrive in that period."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Phil Foden sends message to Angel Gomes following Man United exit

Manchester City star Phil Foden has wished Angel Gomes the best of luck for the rest of his career after he decided to leave Manchester United .
Gomes left Old Trafford along with nine other academy graduates at the end of June when his contract expired after deciding to turn down a new deal .
The 19-year-old became United 's youngest-ever player when he made his debut at 16 under Jose Mourinho in 2017 but never nailed down a regular spot in the starting XI , like his fellow youngsters Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams .
While United were keen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the club he 'd been at since he was six years old to pursue his career elsewhere , with a move overseas on the cards .
He has been wished good luck by his England youth teammate Foden , who also posted a video of the pair playing together when they were only children on Twitter .
The Blues midfielder wrote : `` I still run the same .
Back in the day with Angel Gomes !
!
Good luck with the next chapter in your career bro . ''
To which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you my mate appreciate it , you still play exactly like that , '' accompanied with a crying laughing emoji .
United believe they tabled a 'good offer ' for Gomes , who was highly rated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
Gomes ' representatives , his brother Rico and father Gil , actively explored better deals and opportunities elsewhere during negotiations .
Though sources close to the midfielder have told the MEN he is yet to settle on his next club .
Whilst United are understood to empathise with Gomes ' reservations over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-team , they feel as though he became distracted over his future and that accounted for Gomes ' complete absence from matchday squads from late January onwards .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester City star Phil Foden has wished Angel Gomes the best of luck for the rest of his career after he decided to leave Manchester United.
Gomes left Old Trafford along with nine other academy graduates at the end of June when his contract expired after deciding to turn down a new deal.
The 19-year-old became United's youngest-ever player when he made his debut at 16 under Jose Mourinho in 2017 but never nailed down a regular spot in the starting XI, like his fellow youngsters Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams.
While United were keen on keeping Gomes, he opted to leave the club he'd been at since he was six years old to pursue his career elsewhere, with a move overseas on the cards.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
He has been wished good luck by his England youth teammate Foden, who also posted a video of the pair playing together when they were only children on Twitter.
The Blues midfielder wrote: "I still run the same. Back in the day with Angel Gomes!! Good luck with the next chapter in your career bro."
To which Gomes replied by saying: "Thank you my mate appreciate it, you still play exactly like that," accompanied with a crying laughing emoji.
United believe they tabled a 'good offer' for Gomes, who was highly rated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Gomes' representatives, his brother Rico and father Gil, actively explored better deals and opportunities elsewhere during negotiations. Though sources close to the midfielder have told the MEN he is yet to settle on his next club.
Whilst United are understood to empathise with Gomes' reservations over a lack of a pathway to the first-team, they feel as though he became distracted over his future and that accounted for Gomes' complete absence from matchday squads from late January onwards.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Pints, pop-up beer gardens and plastic visors - the new night out in Manchester

Pints flowed , beer gardens popped up on newly-pedestrianised streets , and kitchens were finally fired back up as restaurants , pubs and bars reopened across Greater Manchester .
It was a milestone day for the hospitality industry , which has been closed since late March , and for the punters who ventured out after months in lockdown .
At Hatch on Oxford Road , home to dozens of independent retailers , street food operators and bars , patrons were eager to make their return .
Within minutes of the gates opening at midday , people began to file into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups of friends , couples with toddlers , and people with puppies quickly filled the wooden benches ready to enjoy some food and drink in the open air .
It 's a location largely unaffected by the day 's wet weather , thanks to its position beneath the Mancunian Way - other parts of the city have n't been so lucky .
Across the Northern Quarter , new pedestrianised zones mean bars and pubs can spill out into the streets .
It 's an important move for many of the area 's establishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacities to maintain social distancing between customers .
But with the drizzle persisting well into the afternoon , many of these welcomed outdoor spaces remained largely empty .
There was a buzz in the air still , despite the rain , with women tottering around in stilettos , groups of young men striding between pints , and couples having their first dates in months .
In Ancoats , the sound of people chattering could be heard through open windows from the streets outside .
Cutting Room Square also has new outdoor seating areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Seven Brothers Brewhouse , while restaurants including Rudy 's welcomed diners back inside for the first time in months .
Across the city , businesses have taken very different approaches to reopening safely .
Venues including Common and Hatch have launched dedicated apps for ordering food to your table , while thermal imaging cameras check customers ' temperatures at the likes of Albert 's Schloss and The Ivy .
Chinatown was a corner of Manchester that was impacted much harder , and much earlier , by the pandemic .
Businesses in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in trade as early as February this year , when there were only three confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK .
Tonight , the streets look quiet on the surface of things , with just a few people walking purposefully down the colourful thoroughfares .
But the restaurants are filling up fast and trading well , even with their reduced capacities .
Bonnie Yeung from Yang Sing has had to turn walk-in customers away , with the restaurant fully booked until late tonight , while newcomer Pho Cue has a steady flow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
It ’ s hopefully a sign of things to come for this much-loved and integral part of Manchester ’ s restaurant scene .
Elsewhere , you can always count on the Gay Village to make the most of a situation .
While the city is tentatively withdrawing lockdown measures and most pubs and bars are seeing a slow return to the new ‘ normal ’ , Canal Street is buzzing with activity .
Designated seating on the ample pedestrianised street means that revellers can sit outside under a parasol and enjoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DJs and live shows , of course .
It is on the chilled side of what this part of town is used to , but the street is flying the flag for those who want a good time after almost four months of lockdown .
Drag Queen Xenia West , who works at The Rembrandt , is usually spinning the decks upstairs - but due to government restrictions on DJs and live music , she is instead serving and holding front of house .
Her bright yellow homemade fluffy outfit ( `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and long , mermaid blue hair offers a sense of normality on a street that has been in the shadow of lockdown for so long .
She said : “ Normally I am upstairs DJing playing all the bops and getting everyone dancing but because of the distance rule and no dancing on the dance floors I am outside waiting on .
“ There ’ s quite a few people here tonight , keeping their distance and being safe , using masks and wearing hand sanitisers .
“ Hopefully it will get busier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drunk .
And fall into each other , we can ’ t be having that.
” Speaking of lockdown she added : “ It ’ s been nice to have a bit of time on your own - you appreciate stuff once it ’ s gone .
But thankfully we are back now.
” At The New Oxford in Salford 's Bexley Square , a one-way system has been put in place , and punters will have to get used to giving their contact details on the door to aid NHS Test and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was ' a bit apprehensive ' , but added : `` At least we are on the right side of the lockdown .
`` It 's been a long time coming .
It 's been difficult - but such is life I suppose . ''
In the south Manchester suburbs , post-lockdown trading got off to a subdued start in the mid-afternoon drizzle .
A number of bars were open in Chorlton , but not everyone was feeling the urge to grab a pint just yet .
Those who did venture out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at pubs such as The Beech Inn .
It 's implemented a strict one-way policy , as well as hand sanitiser at the door , contactless payment , screens on the bar and an efficient booking system .
Employee Luke , who was manning the door , said : “ It ’ s going off without too many car crashes as of yet .
I have not seen anyone kick up a fuss , everyone has been nice and respectful .
“ That ’ s the way it ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long they don ’ t want to ruin their pub experience from the get-go.
” Luke , who has been on furlough since lockdown , was delighted to be back at work - so much so he hugged the bar when he arrived to help set it up .
“ It ’ s great being back at work , I have missed it , ” he said .
“ When we were setting up the pub the other day the first thing I did was come to the bar , walked around with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s nice to be back ' - then hugged the bar.
” One customer , Jack Reed , who works in recruitment , nipped in for a pint or two with his mates .
He said he was n't sure the timing was right but wanted to support local businesses .
He said : “ I have been sitting in my house for three months now and I got bored so I want to come out , have a beer and see what happens .
“ As soon as I heard that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought , you have got to come out , haven ’ t you ?
Even though it ’ s a ridiculous thing to do.
” Elsewhere a worker for North West Ambulance Service , who asked not to be named , was enjoying a drink with a friend and explained how well planned today has been .
He said : “ We have known for weeks that this was going to happen .
One of my jobs was to make sure that there was enough resources available for the weekend .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July and August , Friday and Saturday nights , extra ambulances for the night time economy .
“ There has been a big shift from Covid response to PEE and now it has shifted to the night time economy.
” He explained that licensees have an important role to play in the safety of the city , alongside the emergency services .
“ There ’ s a fine balancing act between being at home locked away from the virus - because the virus is still prevalent - to us being able to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ There has got to be a point in time where it gradually opens .
“ As long as the licensees are responsible - the risk is that some venues could just get everybody in - but at the moment there is enough space to be socially distancing and stay safe.
” Speaking about how he thinks tonight will go , he said that it is down to people to take responsibility for their own behaviour and actions .
“ The problem is , it would take just 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now and what happens ?
Who tells people it ’ s enough ?
The only thing you can do yourself is walk away .
“ That beach in Bournemouth , they didn ’ t walk away .
Put that scene with alcohol and there could be problems .
It is up to us to take responsibility and walk away if it is too busy .
“ At the moment it feels good and there are really responsible measures in place ordering drinks via an app .
It ’ s nice to be out.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says he is yet to appear on Ambulance , but praised his colleagues , many of whom will be working tonight .
“ Dispatch is different to where I work - they are giving jobs out based on priority whereas I organise the ambulances for them to use .
“ All my guys have been on the show .
I do n't think the general public realises what my colleagues have to do .
`` They might have to do four or five 12 hour shifts in a week dealing with drunk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mental health issues .
`` It can be challenging and they do it with a smile .
I am proud to be on the team .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Katie Fitzpatrick, Emily Heward, Daisy Jackson, Vickie Scullard, Thomas George)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Pints flowed, beer gardens popped up on newly-pedestrianised streets, and kitchens were finally fired back up as restaurants, pubs and bars reopened across Greater Manchester.
It was a milestone day for the hospitality industry, which has been closed since late March, and for the punters who ventured out after months in lockdown.
At Hatch on Oxford Road, home to dozens of independent retailers, street food operators and bars, patrons were eager to make their return.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Within minutes of the gates opening at midday, people began to file into the colourful shipping container village.
Small groups of friends, couples with toddlers, and people with puppies quickly filled the wooden benches ready to enjoy some food and drink in the open air.
It's a location largely unaffected by the day's wet weather, thanks to its position beneath the Mancunian Way - other parts of the city haven't been so lucky.
Across the Northern Quarter, new pedestrianised zones mean bars and pubs can spill out into the streets.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It's an important move for many of the area's establishments, which have had to cut indoor capacities to maintain social distancing between customers.
But with the drizzle persisting well into the afternoon, many of these welcomed outdoor spaces remained largely empty.
There was a buzz in the air still, despite the rain, with women tottering around in stilettos, groups of young men striding between pints, and couples having their first dates in months.
In Ancoats, the sound of people chattering could be heard through open windows from the streets outside.
Cutting Room Square also has new outdoor seating areas for the likes of the Edinburgh Castle and Seven Brothers Brewhouse, while restaurants including Rudy's welcomed diners back inside for the first time in months.
Across the city, businesses have taken very different approaches to reopening safely.
Venues including Common and Hatch have launched dedicated apps for ordering food to your table, while thermal imaging cameras check customers' temperatures at the likes of Albert's Schloss and The Ivy.
Chinatown was a corner of Manchester that was impacted much harder, and much earlier, by the pandemic.
Businesses in the area were reporting a 50% drop in trade as early as February this year, when there were only three confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK.
Tonight, the streets look quiet on the surface of things, with just a few people walking purposefully down the colourful thoroughfares.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
But the restaurants are filling up fast and trading well, even with their reduced capacities.
Bonnie Yeung from Yang Sing has had to turn walk-in customers away, with the restaurant fully booked until late tonight, while newcomer Pho Cue has a steady flow of diners despite tonight being their opening night.
It’s hopefully a sign of things to come for this much-loved and integral part of Manchester’s restaurant scene.
Elsewhere, you can always count on the Gay Village to make the most of a situation.
While the city is tentatively withdrawing lockdown measures and most pubs and bars are seeing a slow return to the new ‘normal’, Canal Street is buzzing with activity.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Designated seating on the ample pedestrianised street means that revellers can sit outside under a parasol and enjoy a more energised atmosphere - minus the DJs and live shows, of course.
It is on the chilled side of what this part of town is used to, but the street is flying the flag for those who want a good time after almost four months of lockdown.
Drag Queen Xenia West, who works at The Rembrandt, is usually spinning the decks upstairs - but due to government restrictions on DJs and live music, she is instead serving and holding front of house.
Her bright yellow homemade fluffy outfit ("I am Big Bird's cousin") and long, mermaid blue hair offers a sense of normality on a street that has been in the shadow of lockdown for so long.
She said: “Normally I am upstairs DJing playing all the bops and getting everyone dancing but because of the distance rule and no dancing on the dance floors I am outside waiting on.
(Image: Vickie Scullard)
“There’s quite a few people here tonight, keeping their distance and being safe, using masks and wearing hand sanitisers.
“Hopefully it will get busier and people won’t get too drunk. And fall into each other, we can’t be having that.”
Speaking of lockdown she added: “It’s been nice to have a bit of time on your own - you appreciate stuff once it’s gone. But thankfully we are back now.”
At The New Oxford in Salford's Bexley Square, a one-way system has been put in place, and punters will have to get used to giving their contact details on the door to aid NHS Test and Trace efforts.
Landlord Tim Flynn admitted he was 'a bit apprehensive', but added: "At least we are on the right side of the lockdown.
"It's been a long time coming. It's been difficult - but such is life I suppose."
In the south Manchester suburbs, post-lockdown trading got off to a subdued start in the mid-afternoon drizzle.
A number of bars were open in Chorlton, but not everyone was feeling the urge to grab a pint just yet.
Those who did venture out were welcomed wholeheartedly - and safely - at pubs such as The Beech Inn.
It's implemented a strict one-way policy, as well as hand sanitiser at the door, contactless payment, screens on the bar and an efficient booking system.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Employee Luke, who was manning the door, said: “It’s going off without too many car crashes as of yet. I have not seen anyone kick up a fuss, everyone has been nice and respectful.
“That’s the way it’s going to be I think - they have waited so long they don’t want to ruin their pub experience from the get-go.”
Luke, who has been on furlough since lockdown, was delighted to be back at work - so much so he hugged the bar when he arrived to help set it up.
“It’s great being back at work, I have missed it,” he said.
“When we were setting up the pub the other day the first thing I did was come to the bar, walked around with my hands out and said 'it’s nice to be back' - then hugged the bar.”
One customer, Jack Reed, who works in recruitment, nipped in for a pint or two with his mates. He said he wasn't sure the timing was right but wanted to support local businesses.
He said: “I have been sitting in my house for three months now and I got bored so I want to come out, have a beer and see what happens.
“As soon as I heard that the pubs were going to be open, I thought, you have got to come out, haven’t you? Even though it’s a ridiculous thing to do.”
Elsewhere a worker for North West Ambulance Service, who asked not to be named, was enjoying a drink with a friend and explained how well planned today has been.
He said: “We have known for weeks that this was going to happen. One of my jobs was to make sure that there was enough resources available for the weekend. We have anticipated this for the whole of July and August, Friday and Saturday nights, extra ambulances for the night time economy.
(Image: Vickie Scullard)
“There has been a big shift from Covid response to PEE and now it has shifted to the night time economy.”
He explained that licensees have an important role to play in the safety of the city, alongside the emergency services.
“There’s a fine balancing act between being at home locked away from the virus - because the virus is still prevalent - to us being able to pay for people to sit at home,” he said.
“There has got to be a point in time where it gradually opens.
“As long as the licensees are responsible - the risk is that some venues could just get everybody in - but at the moment there is enough space to be socially distancing and stay safe.”
Speaking about how he thinks tonight will go, he said that it is down to people to take responsibility for their own behaviour and actions.
“The problem is, it would take just 200 to 300 people more on this street now and what happens? Who tells people it’s enough? The only thing you can do yourself is walk away.
“That beach in Bournemouth, they didn’t walk away. Put that scene with alcohol and there could be problems. It is up to us to take responsibility and walk away if it is too busy.
“At the moment it feels good and there are really responsible measures in place ordering drinks via an app. It’s nice to be out.”
While he works for NWAS, he says he is yet to appear on Ambulance, but praised his colleagues, many of whom will be working tonight.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Dispatch is different to where I work - they are giving jobs out based on priority whereas I organise the ambulances for them to use.
“All my guys have been on the show. I don't think the general public realises what my colleagues have to do.
"They might have to do four or five 12 hour shifts in a week dealing with drunk people, dealing with aggressive people. Mental health issues.
"It can be challenging and they do it with a smile. I am proud to be on the team.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Man City evening headlines as Klopp denies bad blood with Guardiola

Here are the Manchester City evening headlines on Saturday , July 4 .
Klopp insists he has no issues with Guardiola Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he has no personal issues with Pep Guardiola .
Both managers have been at the pinnacle of European football for a number of years , yet the emergence of both City and Liverpool as powerhouses in the Premier League has seen their relationship come into question .
When asked about Guardiola , Klopp outlined there is no bad blood between the two despite years of close rivalry .
He told the : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a personal level so why should I have rivalry with a person I don ’ t know ?
“ I don ’ t have to hate the manager of the other team to want to beat him .
That ’ s just not me .
`` When I started playing football , I only played with my best friends .
There were only ten or so .
We played five-a-side and they were absolutely my best friends until they were on the other team .
“ Then , I wanted to beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And when the game was over , it was over and we went and did something completely different.
” Rodri believes City can still record their best season to date if they manage to win the FA Cup and Champions League .
Guardiola ’ s side have already won the Community Shield and Carabao Cup this season and could add two more major honours to their ever-expanding trophy cabinet despite losing their Premier League crown to Liverpool .
Speaking after a 4-0 victory over the Reds , the Spanish midfielder said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next season with an aim of dethroning Liverpool as Premier League champions .
“ I think the mentality of the boys was that we started next season [ on Thursday ] , '' he said .
`` We need to start right now if we want to fight for the next one .
“ For sure it is going to be the future .
We showed that we are the two strongest teams in England .
We have been successful in the last few years and they won the Premier League , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also many other good teams in the Premier League that are doing good things and you never know . ''
Koulibaly transfer worth the risk to catch Liverpool next season Signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the next transfer window could be worth the risk if City want to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title next season .
City will be looking to close a 20-point gap from this season which has seen the Reds cruise to their first Premier League title , with defensive issues preventing any real threat from Guardiola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writer Joe Bray believes the possible benefits of signing Koulibaly could outweigh the risks if they want to catch Klopp ’ s side next season .
While youngster Eric Garcia has featured at times this season , the introduction of the Napoli defender would provide world class quality at the back alongside Aymeric Laporte and address a recurring issue .
Nevertheless , the 29-year-old is heading towards the end of his physical peak and an asking price of £90million would be a significant investment in the current climate .
As a result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of positives and negatives for City to weigh up , but signing the defender might be the best way of challenging Liverpool again next season .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Here are the Manchester City evening headlines on Saturday, July 4.
Klopp insists he has no issues with Guardiola
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he has no personal issues with Pep Guardiola.
Both managers have been at the pinnacle of European football for a number of years, yet the emergence of both City and Liverpool as powerhouses in the Premier League has seen their relationship come into question.
When asked about Guardiola, Klopp outlined there is no bad blood between the two despite years of close rivalry.
He told the Mirror : “I don’t know most of them on a personal level so why should I have rivalry with a person I don’t know?
“I don’t have to hate the manager of the other team to want to beat him. That’s just not me.
"When I started playing football, I only played with my best friends. There were only ten or so. We played five-a-side and they were absolutely my best friends until they were on the other team.
“Then, I wanted to beat him desperately just to win the game. And when the game was over, it was over and we went and did something completely different.”
Rodri sets City challenging end of season target
Rodri believes City can still record their best season to date if they manage to win the FA Cup and Champions League.
Guardiola’s side have already won the Community Shield and Carabao Cup this season and could add two more major honours to their ever-expanding trophy cabinet despite losing their Premier League crown to Liverpool.
Speaking after a 4-0 victory over the Reds, the Spanish midfielder said the win will be good preparation going into next season with an aim of dethroning Liverpool as Premier League champions.
“I think the mentality of the boys was that we started next season [on Thursday]," he said. "We need to start right now if we want to fight for the next one.
“For sure it is going to be the future. We showed that we are the two strongest teams in England. We have been successful in the last few years and they won the Premier League, but you never know.
"There are also many other good teams in the Premier League that are doing good things and you never know."
Koulibaly transfer worth the risk to catch Liverpool next season
Signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the next transfer window could be worth the risk if City want to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title next season.
City will be looking to close a 20-point gap from this season which has seen the Reds cruise to their first Premier League title, with defensive issues preventing any real threat from Guardiola’s men.
However, City writer Joe Bray believes the possible benefits of signing Koulibaly could outweigh the risks if they want to catch Klopp’s side next season.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
While youngster Eric Garcia has featured at times this season, the introduction of the Napoli defender would provide world class quality at the back alongside Aymeric Laporte and address a recurring issue.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old is heading towards the end of his physical peak and an asking price of £90million would be a significant investment in the current climate. As a result, a potential move for Koulibaly raises a number of positives and negatives for City to weigh up, but signing the defender might be the best way of challenging Liverpool again next season.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Hundreds descend on Bolton town centre as pubs and bars reopen

Hundreds of pub-goers descended on Bolton town centre on Saturday afternoon as businesses reopened for the first time in months .
Pubs and bars around Bradshawgate , Churchgate and Nelson Square welcomed customers for the first time since lockdown began .
And the miserable weather did little to deter those keen to mark the event with a drink or two at their favourite boozer during the easing of lockdown rules .
At Ye Olde Man & Scythe , one of Britain ’ s oldest pubs , it was all change .
A one-way system has been introduced at the Churchgate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 700 years old , and customers seemed to be adapting to it comfortably .
Tables have been been spaced out and floor markers installed to encourage social distancing .
By 3pm , the pub 's tiny rooms were already filled with friends catching up with one another .
John Reeves and Rory McCann were seeing each other for the first time in months .
`` I have really missed my friends , '' said Mr Reeves .
`` We always come here on a Saturday . ''
`` I 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back . ''
Mark Deluce , from Horwich , said he had decided to venture out so he could support his favourite pubs .
He said he was worried Ye Olde Man & Scythe might be forced to shut down if it was closed for much longer .
`` We need social spaces like this , '' he said .
`` It is an important part of who we are .
`` The last few months have been detrimental to people 's mental health . ''
Meanwhile , over on Nelson Square , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment it opened at midday .
The popular bar has been taking bookings from customers , while its interior has been kitted out with floor markings , hand sanitiser stations and Perspex screens at the bar .
Andreea Oros , the manager at Northern Monkey , said she was excited about reopening but that it had been stressful putting everything in place .
She added : “ It ’ s taken two weeks but it feels like life is getting back to normal .
`` Everyone is cooperating so far.
” Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off on reopening , for many people , the reopening of Bolton 's bars and pubs marks a first step back towards normality .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Hundreds of pub-goers descended on Bolton town centre on Saturday afternoon as businesses reopened for the first time in months.
Pubs and bars around Bradshawgate, Churchgate and Nelson Square welcomed customers for the first time since lockdown began.
And the miserable weather did little to deter those keen to mark the event with a drink or two at their favourite boozer during the easing of lockdown rules.
At Ye Olde Man & Scythe, one of Britain’s oldest pubs, it was all change.
A one-way system has been introduced at the Churchgate establishment, which is believed to be more than 700 years old, and customers seemed to be adapting to it comfortably.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Tables have been been spaced out and floor markers installed to encourage social distancing.
By 3pm, the pub's tiny rooms were already filled with friends catching up with one another.
John Reeves and Rory McCann were seeing each other for the first time in months.
"I have really missed my friends," said Mr Reeves. "We always come here on a Saturday."
"I've been bored so I'm glad to be back."
Mark Deluce, from Horwich, said he had decided to venture out so he could support his favourite pubs.
He said he was worried Ye Olde Man & Scythe might be forced to shut down if it was closed for much longer.
"We need social spaces like this," he said. "It is an important part of who we are.
"The last few months have been detrimental to people's mental health."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Meanwhile, over on Nelson Square, Northern Monkey was full to capacity from the moment it opened at midday.
The popular bar has been taking bookings from customers, while its interior has been kitted out with floor markings, hand sanitiser stations and Perspex screens at the bar.
Andreea Oros, the manager at Northern Monkey, said she was excited about reopening but that it had been stressful putting everything in place.
She added: “It’s taken two weeks but it feels like life is getting back to normal.
"Everyone is cooperating so far.”
Although some have pubs have decided to hold off on reopening, for many people, the reopening of Bolton's bars and pubs marks a first step back towards normality.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Excitement and apprehension as Bury pubs reopen to customers

There was a sense of excitement and apprehension in the air as pubs and bars in Bury reopened their doors today .
Businesses across the town had to close when lockdown came into force back in mid-March .
But from today , they were able to cautiously welcome customers back inside to dine or drink .
And the grey skies and drizzle did little to deter those desperate to mark the event with a tipple or two .
At The Trackside , a real ale bar next to the East Lancashire Railway ( ELR ) , dozens of people enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the bar ’ s new social distancing measures .
Friends Nigel Blandford and Nigel Hood were on something of a mini pub crawl , having cycled between a number of pubs .
Mr Hood was joined by his daughter Yasmin as they rode a tandem bicycle .
“ We had to mark the day somehow , ” he said .
“ It ’ s just a shame the weather has let us down.
” The ELR has been fighting for its long-term survival ever since lockdown deprived it of vital visitor income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main sources of income , bosses were keen to reopen it as soon as it was safe to do so .
In order to protect staff and customers , visitors are only be able to enjoy drinks on outside tables .
A one-way system and a two-metre social distancing rule are also in force .
Nicola Halliday , assistant manager at The Trackside , said : `` We did n't know what to expect , but it is a really nice atmosphere .
`` We want people to feel comfortable .
A lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is just nice to see our regulars again . ''
Along Bolton Street , at The Old White Lion , customers are greeted by hand sanitiser stations at the doors .
Tables have been been spaced out and markers placed on seating to encourage social distancing .
Meanwhile , staff are kitted out in personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and Perspex screens have been installed along the bar .
Husband and wife Peter and Marian Fielding have paid a visit to see how the pub looks .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is okay now that we are here , '' Mrs Fielding said .
`` It is a little bit different but we have got to do it . ''
But for some customers , the experience of going to their favourite pub has been completely transformed - and not for the better .
Christine Beattie is a regular at The Old White Lion .
She said : `` It 's good to get together again , but it 's not the same .
`` We normally come in here Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and entertainment on .
`` It 's going to take a long time to get back to normal . ''
While some venues were opening their doors for the first time months , others opted to hold off for the time being .
Popular pubs such as The Clarence and Rayners were among those not in a position to reopen at this stage .
But with only a small number of Bury town centre 's pubs back in business , it 's a different kind of normal .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the free MyBury newsletter to get the best stories direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the free MyBury newsletter to get the best stories direct to your inbox
There was a sense of excitement and apprehension in the air as pubs and bars in Bury reopened their doors today.
Businesses across the town had to close when lockdown came into force back in mid-March.
But from today, they were able to cautiously welcome customers back inside to dine or drink.
And the grey skies and drizzle did little to deter those desperate to mark the event with a tipple or two.
At The Trackside, a real ale bar next to the East Lancashire Railway (ELR), dozens of people enjoyed a drink on the platform while adhering to the bar’s new social distancing measures.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Friends Nigel Blandford and Nigel Hood were on something of a mini pub crawl, having cycled between a number of pubs.
Mr Hood was joined by his daughter Yasmin as they rode a tandem bicycle.
“We had to mark the day somehow,” he said.
“It’s just a shame the weather has let us down.”
The ELR has been fighting for its long-term survival ever since lockdown deprived it of vital visitor income.
With The Trackside one of its main sources of income, bosses were keen to reopen it as soon as it was safe to do so.
In order to protect staff and customers, visitors are only be able to enjoy drinks on outside tables.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A one-way system and a two-metre social distancing rule are also in force.
Nicola Halliday, assistant manager at The Trackside, said: "We didn't know what to expect, but it is a really nice atmosphere.
"We want people to feel comfortable. A lot of customers are of an older generation.
"It is just nice to see our regulars again."
Along Bolton Street, at The Old White Lion, customers are greeted by hand sanitiser stations at the doors.
Tables have been been spaced out and markers placed on seating to encourage social distancing.
Meanwhile, staff are kitted out in personal protective equipment (PPE) and Perspex screens have been installed along the bar.
Husband and wife Peter and Marian Fielding have paid a visit to see how the pub looks.
"We were a bit anxious about coming, but it is okay now that we are here," Mrs Fielding said.
"It is a little bit different but we have got to do it."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
But for some customers, the experience of going to their favourite pub has been completely transformed - and not for the better.
Christine Beattie is a regular at The Old White Lion.
She said: "It's good to get together again, but it's not the same.
"We normally come in here Friday, Saturday and Sunday and they have music and entertainment on.
"It's going to take a long time to get back to normal."
Sign up to the free MyBury email newsletter Get news updates from Bury direct to your email inbox with the free MyBury newsletter. Simply click on this link, enter your email address, and select 'MyBury News'
While some venues were opening their doors for the first time months, others opted to hold off for the time being.
Popular pubs such as The Clarence and Rayners were among those not in a position to reopen at this stage.
But with only a small number of Bury town centre's pubs back in business, it's a different kind of normal.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-04--Drinkers and diners return to Salford establishments for first time in months

Drinkers have returned to Salford 's pubs , bars and restaurants for the first time in more than three months .
The city 's hospitality businesses were forced to close when the UK was plunged into lockdown back in mid-March .
But from today , they were able to cautiously welcome customers back inside to dine or drink .
Despite the poor weather , customers turned out to support their favourite establishments .
At The New Oxford pub , in Bexley Square , a steady stream of customers filtered through the doors shortly after it opened this morning .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed that he was feeling ' a bit apprehensive ' about reopening .
`` It has been a long time coming , '' he said .
`` I am just glad we are on the right side of the lockdown .
`` I 'm expecting it to be busy today , but once we reach our capacity that 's it . ''
A one-way system has been introduced at the pub , while hand sanitiser stations have been set up at the entrance and exit .
Tables have been been spaced out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
Meanwhile , staff were kitted out in personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and Perspex screens had been installed along the bar .
For some customers , it was the first time in months they had met up with old friends .
Tom Nolan is a regular at the pub , which is known for its great beer .
The 72-year-old lives alone in a nearby flat and has been self-isolating for the last few months .
He said the city 's pubs reopening was ‘ a big event ’ for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up of TV and DIY , '' he said .
`` It ’ s nice to have a chinwag and feel human again .
`` The landlord here has done a great job .
`` I am impressed with the precautions they are taking to protect us . ''
In Worsley , The Woodside pub was also gearing up to welcome back drinkers and those also wanted a bite to eat .
It was bookings only at the popular country pub , where floor markings and a one-way system have also been installed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues rolled up their shutters for the first time months , others opted to hold off .
The Kings Arms and the Old Pint Pot were among those not in a position to reopen at this stage .
But even with only a handful of Salford 's pubs and restaurants back in business , a sense of normality appears to have returned to the city .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
Drinkers have returned to Salford's pubs, bars and restaurants for the first time in more than three months.
The city's hospitality businesses were forced to close when the UK was plunged into lockdown back in mid-March.
But from today, they were able to cautiously welcome customers back inside to dine or drink.
Despite the poor weather, customers turned out to support their favourite establishments.
At The New Oxford pub, in Bexley Square, a steady stream of customers filtered through the doors shortly after it opened this morning.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The pub's landlord, Tim Flynn, revealed that he was feeling 'a bit apprehensive' about reopening.
"It has been a long time coming," he said.
"I am just glad we are on the right side of the lockdown.
"I'm expecting it to be busy today, but once we reach our capacity that's it."
A one-way system has been introduced at the pub, while hand sanitiser stations have been set up at the entrance and exit.
Tables have been been spaced out and markers placed on seating to encourage social distancing.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Meanwhile, staff were kitted out in personal protective equipment (PPE) and Perspex screens had been installed along the bar.
For some customers, it was the first time in months they had met up with old friends.
Tom Nolan is a regular at the pub, which is known for its great beer.
The 72-year-old lives alone in a nearby flat and has been self-isolating for the last few months.
He said the city's pubs reopening was ‘a big event’ for him.
“I’m fed up of TV and DIY," he said. "It’s nice to have a chinwag and feel human again.
"The landlord here has done a great job.
"I am impressed with the precautions they are taking to protect us."
Sign up to the free MySalford email newsletter Get regular updates from Salford direct to your email inbox with the free MySalford newsletter. Click on this link, enter your email address, and select 'MySalford News'. That's all there is to it.
In Worsley, The Woodside pub was also gearing up to welcome back drinkers and those also wanted a bite to eat.
It was bookings only at the popular country pub, where floor markings and a one-way system have also been installed.
As some of the city's venues rolled up their shutters for the first time months, others opted to hold off.
The Kings Arms and the Old Pint Pot were among those not in a position to reopen at this stage.
But even with only a handful of Salford's pubs and restaurants back in business, a sense of normality appears to have returned to the city.