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Month: January 2019

Photo: Taber Andrew Bain @Flickr

Steps and stares: Manchester’s inclusion gap

Written by miaedwards on . Posted in Opinion.

Manchester’s status as a haven of equality is inscribed in its history. The suffragette movement and its ethnically diverse population make it one of the UK’s most accepting cities. It is what drew me to it.

Compared to the homogeneous city where I grew up, attending university here was an escape to experience somewhere very different.

However, since my arrival, I have questioned whether the Mancunian inclusive lifestyle is really as accessible as its reputation suggests. Having worked as a personal assistant for a girl with cerebral palsy since the age of 14, I am well acquainted with the challenges that she faces in being wheelchair-bound.

Steps and stares make the everyday a constant strain. Trivial activities are for her so exhausting that some days even pushing her wheelchair is overwhelming. When she visited me in Manchester, I was shocked by the response of the city’s usually friendly residents.

Taxi drivers stared, then muttered excuses and drove away. Her wheelchair is car boot friendly and can easily be folded to fit in the back of a vehicle, but this reassurance was apparently insufficient.

Chain store coffee shops confessed that their disabled entrances did not function and turned us away. Restaurant staff spoke over her head to her mother to ask what food she wanted (she is articulate and, well, 14 years old). The staff of her large hotel promised that her room was wheelchair accessible, but her mum had to carry her to the toilet because they had forgotten that the bathroom too needed to fit her needs.

It is true that I felt sad, but mostly, I felt ashamed. This city which prides itself on inclusion had not embraced her as it does other minorities. The social equality movements embedded in our city life does not extend to people like her as it might do to the the LGBTQ+ community or to those from ethnic backgrounds. Disabilities are not high up on our equality agenda and I am forced to wonder, why not?

Undoubtedly, attitudes towards all minorities are still in the process of being altered, protested and negotiated. The disabled, however, are given very few opportunities for real integration. Even university accommodation does not have disabled access for many of its buildings. If she had visited me last year, she could not have entered my Woolton Hall accommodation due to the large step at its entrance, and certainly could not have ascended the three flights of stairs to reach my room.

Despite some buildings being wheelchair-accessible, were she a student she could not hope to enjoy a fraction of the freedom of her peers. The spontaneity of the able-bodied is gifted to us by the practicality of all of our surroundings, unquestioningly tailored to our basic needs. For some, the world lacks accessibility to the point that student life – partying, outings, being heard – remains a distant dream.

All fights for equality are valuable. But some voices are yet to even be assimilated enough to reach a point when they have a sufficient platform to be heard. I hope that Manchester continues to shine its acceptance across all those who live here in future. But more than that, I hope that those who are still overlooked are also given a stage.

Preview: Ten Tonnes

Written by Issy Bolitho on . Posted in Music.

Upcoming singer-songwriter, Ten Tonnes (aka Ethan Barnett), prepares to take his scrappy, indie pop to the stage for four dates starting at the end of January. Hotly tipped as one to look out for in 2019, Barnett tours ahead of the release of his self-titled debut album.

2018 laid the foundations for a very promising year for the musician. Supporting the likes of Stereophonics, Rat Boy and his brother, George Ezra, the catchy indie artist found himself playing immense venues to crowds of 20,000 people. Barnett once described the experience as being like “a weird holiday”, and it seems the singer used this to his advantage, taking it as an opportunity to win over new fans and spread his infectious sound to a new audience.

This tour sees him return to more intimate gigs, including a sold-out show at iconic Manchester venue, The Deaf Institute. No stranger to a more personal show, the musician established himself in the Hertford gigging circuit, playing open mic nights and local pubs. The upcoming concert will be an exciting chance to see exactly what Barnett has learned from his year of arena touring, and how this translates to his return to smaller, local stages.

His debut album, released 5th March, is full of the promise of fun, guitar-laden pop. Teaming up with former Kaiser Chief, Nick Hodgson, and Longpigs lead vocalist Crispin Hunt for the production of the album, it has all the makings of a wildly successful, feel-good record.

Although the Manchester gig is now sold out, keep an eye out for the name Ten Tonnes over the coming year. Take the opportunity to see him at his roots while you can, as it would be surprising if his success does anything but rapidly multiply throughout 2019. It won’t be a shock to find him playing bigger and bigger headline shows in the years to come.

Photo: Authorised Press Shot

Album Review: Assume Form by James Blake

Written by lukemcgavin on . Posted in Music.

James Blake has always been an artist whose pool of artistic interests and influences is much larger than the niche circle of post-dubstep producers with whom he made a name for himself at the start of this decade.

Nowhere is this more evident than in his new release Assume Form, which contains more guest appearances than any of his other records (five in total) and shows Blake continually immersing himself in the rap world which he has dabbled in previously. This follows a string of collaborations on several more rap-oriented albums since his last LP The Colour in Anything, from two features on the TDE-spearheaded Black Panther soundtrack, working with Beyoncé on Lemonade, to appearing on Travis Scott’s latest mega-release Astroworld who returns the favour on this record. As is to be expected these new artistic ventures entail a stylistic and sonic shift, although they are tastefully integrated into Blake’s sound making, the result a captivating and delightful listen.

Assume Form is undoubtedly the most instrumentally diverse album in his discography, taking the keyboards, samples, and vocals that Blake is renowned for and incorporating a variety of synths and string arrangements into an incredibly structurally complex set of tracks. They form a collection of emotionally potent love songs which each capture and convey a distinct sentiment through the rousing vocal performances and melodic compositions. The album’s opener is a prime example of this, a dreamy yet uplifting track where murmuring pianos inject a gentle vivacity to the tune, lulling the listener into a gradual attentiveness.

The sonic change is most evident in the following two tracks which feature Travis Scott and Moses Sumney respectively, with Metro Boomin delivering his signature skittering hi-hats on both. ‘Mile High’ has the two vocalists trading verses over a nocturnal and hypnotic beat before they reach a dynamic harmonized finish, while ‘Tell Them’ starts with a sticky and immediately ear-grabbing keyboard line, developing into a brooding cut where Sumney’s eerie vocals flutter over percussion that you can’t help but bop your head to.

That is not to say that Blake’s style and songwriting have drastically changed, as the distinctive use of live and sampled vocals remains a key aspect of several songs such as ‘I Can’t Believe the Way We Flow’. The chopped soul vocal sample that weaves underneath his own voice provides a serene backdrop for this ode to a joyful coexistence with a significant other, marking one of the more blissful moments on the record. ‘Lullaby for My Insomniac’ closes the album with a soothing and minimal tune which also recalls the almost choral use of voice that has been present in Blake’s albums since his self-titled debut.

These songs not only display his knack for crafting songs which convey heaps of emotion with the deftest touch on ‘Are You in Love?’ or ‘I’ll Come Too’ for example, but also signals a new development in the career of one of electronic music most singular talents. Other artists are woven seamlessly into songs, introducing an added energy and vigour while Blake is still able to carry tracks on his own with engaging and lush songwriting, instrumentation and performances.

If you are in the middle of a minor exam depression, I would highly recommend taking a minute to try this rich and varied collection of stirring tunes to cleanse your spirit.

9/10

Photo: Insomnia Cured Here @Flickr

Review: Stan and Ollie

Written by Katy Taylor on . Posted in Film.

When immersed in an industry of modern comedians and their anecdotes of millennial angst, it is sometimes easy to forget how simplistically beautiful comedy can be, and once was. Jon S. Baird’s Stan and Ollie is a sweet reminder of the humanity behind humour, and the pleasure of those who make us laugh and love.

Stan and Ollie depicts the lives of the world-renowned comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy. Delving beyond their on-screen and stage personas, we see two men living for laughter and, even if they don’t admit it, each other. The faultless performances of Steve Coogan (Laurel) and John C. Reilly (Hardy) tell us of their not-so-faultless dynamic behind their on-screen chemistry.

This film seeps with nostalgia, and reminded me of an early memory of the true silver screen, before cinematic comedy became reduced to monstrosities featuring Megan McCarthy and Adam Sandler. Aged seven, when our teacher showed us The Music Box, most sighed when they saw the black and white palette. I did too, until I was charmed by the powerful innocence of two men and their slapstick gags that soothed and entertained the masses in the same way it did I. And I can safely say that, even though the lens was less focused on the genius comedic writings of Stan Laurel himself and more on their relationship beyond the peak of their career, this charm that I remember so fondly still found itself through the modern screen — I believe that this was solely down to the dramatic power of the two leading actors. Although their physical resemblance aids greatly, the ownership and legitimacy of both Coogan’s and Reilly’s portrayal of the duo defined the film’s magnetism.

I must address that there were times when Stan and Ollie had me not engaged entirely. I felt it was rather tedious at moments with its relatively slow-moving narrative. However, regardless of feeling slightly underwhelmed by the film as a whole, its true effect upon me exposed itself after I left the seat.

On reflection, I was reminded of the reason why I adore film, and it had the quality of any piece I come to love: a sense of humanity, and an enlightening, whole-hearted portrayal of it. In this case, that was definitely achieved, if not epitomised, as we in the modern day were provided with evidence of the story behind the artists and their contribution to the world. It is impossible not to understand the feeling of watching the magic like the mass audiences across many decades did and, like I at seven years old, will never forget. Stan and Ollie definitely communicated the immortality of Laurel and Hardy, not just due to their universally beloved contribution to comedy but for their pioneering of what a true partnership is. The harmonious performance, even in scenes of conflict, for Coogan and Reilly’s characters truly embodied this, made this re-telling of a great act and friendship raw and warming to the heart.

I came home and immediately felt compelled to re-watch The Music Box. It’s safe to say that, after watching Stan and Ollie, my smile from all those years ago felt a little wider.

 

Rating: 3.5/5

Photo: provided by DnA PR

Review: Blindspotting

Written by Tobias Soar on . Posted in Film.

A tale of racial profiling, gentrification, fear, and trauma told partly in verse, Blindspotting was one of 2018’s best films — it’s a shame it flew under the radar on this side of the pond. After a short and successful festival run, the film was released exclusively in the United States to critical acclaim and award success. I can say that this praise is deserved; my eyes were glued to the screen for its 95-minute runtime as I was immersed in the world of Oakland as seen through the eyes of a convicted felon on probation and his wild best friend.

Oakland-born rapper Daveed Diggs of hip hop group clipping. and Hamilton fame joined forces with poet-come-rapper Rafael Casal to write and star in Blindspotting. The clever tongue-in-cheek dialogue is brought to life with the help of music video director Carlos López Estrada whose previous directorial experience results in the film being visually captivating. Fast cuts, shots that seamlessly flow into one another, and a hefty sprinkling of visual comedy are the faces used to present issues of racial profiling and gentrification in Oakland, California.

In Collin’s (Diggs) three final days on probation, he witnesses a murder: a white cop guns down an unarmed black man in the middle of the street. This scene haunts him for the remainder of the film as he treads lightly on the line between the legality and criminality of his hood lifestyle. During this time we’re presented with a vivid image of current-day America, strangely feeling like a caricature and a portrait, all at once.

Hip hop plays a key role in the film in many ways. It’s a storytelling medium, with Collin and his best friend Miles (Casal) freestyling acapella as they go about their day or when they monologue in verse. These rhythmic recitals are refreshing and original despite being one of the oldest forms of storytelling used in anglophone culture (Shakespearean sonnets, anyone?). The rap-influenced soundtrack was custom-made by the two rapping screenwriters, featuring their vocals mixed over punchy beats. The soundtrack is available to purchase and stream as two EP’s — which will remain in my musical rotation for weeks to come.

Visually, Blindspotting is stunning. It’s colourful, it’s clean, and it’s hypnotising. Some visual motifs are accompanied by audio cues, particularly those of police cars and a car alarm from the aforementioned crime scene, to transmit the overwhelming feeling of panic felt by the traumatised Collin. Other visually pleasing elements range from symmetry to punchy close-ups and are a clear sign of López Estrada’s history as a music video director.

Blindspotting is a humorous portrayal of the current sinister state of racial tensions in America. The tactful yet brutal storytelling shows pure genius, and I cannot wait to see what Diggs and Casal write next. For now, however, I implore you to stream or pick up this film when it releases in the UK next month. It’s one of the best films of 2018 and it’s not just worth watching, it’s worth buying, keeping, and treasuring to revisit over and over and over.

 

Blindspotting will be available on DVD, Blu Ray and digital download on 4th February.

 

5/5.

Photo: Catrin Stewart

Review: Baity Didsbury

Written by Catrin Stewart on . Posted in News.

If you’re looking for a taste of the new, in a more peaceful location than Manchester’s city centre, then look no further than Baity. Didsbury’s newest addition to its growing food and drink scene is small but charming. A Palestinian restaurant with contemporary, minimalist vibes, and a relaxed atmosphere.

It may not look like much from the outside. Or, indeed from the inside, with plain white walls and simple wooden furniture, but this is all part of the charm. Simplistic decor makes way for beautiful flavour.

Photo: Catrin Stewart

It is no secret that middle eastern food has become more popular in recent years, and Baity is capitalising on this, with a menu full of recognisable dishes like hummus and falafel. But they are also introducing us to the lesser-known classics like the vegetarian mujaddara. Mujaddara is a delicious mix of rice and soaked, spiced lentils topped with crispy fried onions. I’m confident it will soon become a new favourite.

Baity’s menu might seem small at first glance, but don’t let that fool you. It promises to change periodically “to give you a truly authentic experience of Palestinian cuisine without compromising on the quality of our dishes.” For reasonable prices, you also get large portions, making every penny spent worthwhile. If you can’t decide what to get, try a mix of small plates to share. Like middle eastern tapas, Baity can serve you a mix of dips, salads, starters, and flatbreads to give you a wide variety of tastes and textures. Plus — you only need four or five between two people as an evening meal: they are deceptively filling. 

With various vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, there is nothing stopping anyone from visiting Baity Didsbury. And if you have any other requirements, the staff seemed willing and ready to help with a smile.

Photo: Catrin Stewart
Photo: Catrin Stewart

Try out the sumac spiced vegetables or the mutabbal. It is an aubergine dip similar to baba ganoush, but with added tahini that gives it an extra creamy texture. Ahead of the curve, Baity offers you a chance to taste some new and exciting flavours that are sure to be making their way onto supermarket shelves and into more restaurants soon —especially in the multicultural hub of Manchester.

Photo: Lauren Evans

The Creative Space: short film producer Lauren Evans

Written by Liv Clarke on . Posted in Features.

Pursuing your passions at university might just pay off, and it definitely did for graduate Lauren Evans, who’s looking forward to the release of The Next Dimension on the 30th of January — a short film she’s been working on.

While I was in the midst of January exams, I took the time to speak with Lauren about her role at Team Awesome Productions and how she got involved with producing short films, something which is a world away from coursework deadlines and exam stress.

Lauren graduated in 2016, having studied German and Chinese here in Manchester. She now works in analytics and sales full time at Bloomberg. Yet throughout her degree she made time to work on film and acting projects after developing an interest at school. “I’ve been very interested in film since forever, and towards the end of 6th form I started making some short videos for YouTube for fun,” Lauren explains. “Since then, I’ve been trying to work on various different films and web-series to gradually improve my skills and experience and ensure that my project quality keeps getting better and better.”

She’s currently a producer for Team Awesome Official, a collaborative project between young people who want to make films, where she oversees entire projects from start to finish. “I handle the full film process, from idea generation, securing funding, managing pre-production, production, and post-production processes, as well as securing the correct people to come onboard for every project. It is a fairly mammoth task, but it is definitely worth it,” Lauren explains.

Despite the hard work involved, she certainly has a lot to show for it as she’s been involved in several successful short films including Elephant Juice and Girls On Tour. The films that Team Awesome Official create are incredibly professional and provide a platform for young people, from aspiring actors to wannabe writers, to get their work ‘out there’. The short films and web-series are released online for anyone to view, showcasing their work to a wide audience.

A lot of the films Lauren works on examine social topics which are often under-represented in the media: “Film and TV are a great way to explore some socially taboo topics, such as menstruation, the portrayal of women in media [and] mental health stigmas. I enjoy trying to make an impact with my work.”

Particularly in the age of social media, short online films are a way of communicating ideas and getting messages across, which is something Lauren really enjoys in the process. “If any of my content can help even a few people all start to understand and empathise with these topics a little more than before, then I consider the project to be an overall success,” she smiles.

However, being a producer is no walk in the park and there are a lot of challenging aspects involved, particularly when getting the film projects off the ground. “Our biggest challenge to date was getting funding for our projects,” Lauren reveals. “We prefer to go the traditional route of receiving funds from a company, rather than through crowdfunding.” Although this way of raising funds involves more effort, it is more rewarding for Lauren, “it definitely is a nice validation of your ideas.”

During her time at university, Lauren was involved with several creative projects, which all stemmed from her love of film and revolved around drama. “I had been involved in the German play since first year, firstly as an actor before taking up the role of producer in final year. I also founded and produced the Chinese play, as well as joined the newly formed Manchester Film Society to keep up with film practice,” she tells me. It was at the German play where I first met Lauren, and it was clear that she was passionate about her role as a producer. If this was not enough to be doing alongside her degree, she also acted at the Contact Theatre in second year; Lauren definitely made the most of every opportunity that came her way.

For Lauren, getting the balance between her degree and her passion was key to the success of both, although she warns against getting swamped in too many projects. “Once you’ve found your balance, I guess just try to take risks and practice your creative skills as much as possible,” she remarks. “If you have any possibility to integrate your creative interests into your degree as well, definitely take that opportunity. You’ll be surprised how well a lot of creative passions can work well alongside doing a degree.”

Lauren’s working on several projects right now, with The Next Dimension coming out soon. The short film explores the relationship between mental health and social media, you can find out more on the Team Awesome Official’s Facebook page.

Photo: DrPhoenix @Wikimedia Commons

National Companies Moving to Manchester

Written by Sponsored Content on . Posted in News.

Manchester’s reputation as a world class city has been growing rapidly and the UK’s second city has been attracting an increasing number of businesses. As companies recognise the growing opportunities available in the North West city, investors are also choosing mancunian property as a viable investment option.

Companies like Google, Amazon, Freshfields, LLP, and Microsoft have all opened offices in Manchester, bringing increased job opportunities to the city and establishing it as an economic powerhouse in its own right.

Online giant Amazon is set to open its first office in Manchester, in the Hanover Building in the Northern Quarter. The company plans to hire 1,000 more technology, research, and other skilled workers, recognising Manchester’s growing appeal as a centre for innovation.  It has also been reported that Amazon are exploring a much larger campus style development in the city centre, showing that interest in investing in Manchester is coming from some of the world’s leading companies.

The UK manager for Amazon, Doug Gurr, said: “These are Silicon Valley jobs in Britain, and further cement our long-term commitment to the UK.

“Manchester was at the heart of the industrial revolution and has a fantastic history of innovation. The city offers an incredibly talented workforce and a budding tech scene with some of the most exciting, fast-growing tech companies in the UK situated here.”

There has also been a considerable rise in the number of businesses leaving London for Manchester, with the costs of doing business in the capital proving harder to meet than ever before. The BBC’s move to MediaCityUK was one of the biggest signals in confidence the northern city has received, with hundreds of media professionals relocating north.

The incredible transformation of MediaCityUK has turned it into an international hub for innovation, technology, and creativity. ITV, Ericcson, dock10, and Kellogg’s, along with over 250 other media and digital businesses have chosen the new state of the art site as a base, boosting Manchester’s reputation for new and innovative businesses.

Broadband provider TalkTalk has also recently confirmed a move to Salford. The company already has business and technology teams based there, and in 2018 it announced that hundreds of roles would be relocating to Salford. The company announced that transferring its headquarters outside of London was part of a plan to simplify operations, bring the whole team together, and create hundreds of high quality, technical, digital jobs, as well as new graduate and apprenticeship programmes.

The high volume of technology and digital firms based in Manchester shows a direct comparison with other UK cities and just how well it is performing. With huge population growth, and some of the highest jobs growth in the country, it is obvious why so many businesses are choosing to move to Manchester.

Property investment experts like RW Invest have seen an increased interest in property in Manchester, with the number of businesses moving there continuing to grow. International investors are far more aware of the lucrative opportunities Manchester can offer.

Photo: rmac8oppo @ Pixabay

The Gin-aissance: the UK re-discovers its love for Gin

Written by Victoria Evans on . Posted in News.

To understand the history of gin in the UK, it’s best to begin with ‘the gin craze’ – a phenomenon in eighteenth century Great Britain.  It was safer to drink gin than water, and with no imposed tax, it was cheaper to drink than beer.  The rate of gin-drinking soared. It spurred moral outrage at the widespread drunkenness and even earned it the name ‘the Mother’s ruin.’  The UK is experiencing another ‘gin craze’ – but this time for all the right reasons.

Gin sales in the UK have tripled in less than a decade.  The latest statistics show Britons spent £460m on the spirit in 2017, a three-fold increase in sales from 2009.  Furthermore, the UK is now home to 315 distilleries, more than double the number five years ago!

Why is gin so popular?  The ‘gin-aissance’ that we are living in has seen a renewed interest in the spirit.  Britons are increasingly splashing out on high-end alcohol.  Gin-lovers focus on quality, celebrate local produce and let’s not forget, the craft gin bars and emergence of Gin Copa glasses add to the insta-worthiness and popularity of the spirit.

Gin-drinking is all about new creations on a classic G&T.  A versatile spirit, made from a wide range of botanicals and flavourings, it can be styled to suit everyone tastes.

London holds the title as the British gin capital, but Manchester isn’t far behind it!

Manchester is home to several contemporary distillers.  ‘Manchester Gin’ has a touching background — it’s the product of a love story.  The company’s founders, Seb and Jen, crossed paths in a bar in 2013 and fell in love over a G&T.  As their relationship bloomed, so did their business.  From their dining room, they expanded to the Spirit of Manchester Distillery, where the gin is distilled in small batches of 500 bottles.

The brand is a celebration of the Mancunian legacy.  From the botanicals used to the expertly handcrafted bottles featuring a hexagon pattern and the bee logo — love and passion for the spirit and city go into every bottle distilled.  The company’s modern interpretation of Manchester’s traditional bee symbol reflects their contemporary style.

Four core gins make up the collection; Signature, Raspberry, Wild Spirit, and Overboard, as well as limited edition seasonal styles.  Signature, the original gin, takes inspiration from botanicals local to Manchester.  It contains flavours such as the Northern favourites of dandelion and Burdock root, with concoctions of liquorice, ground almond, hand-foraged orange, and lemon.  It is smooth yet sweet, perfect when served with a slice of pink grapefruit and Mediterranean tonic water.  Dry January? Break it.

The Raspberry edition is their twist on ‘pink gin’, a nationwide favourite.  Opt for the Raspberry if you’re feeling fruity and mix with either lemonade or tonic.  Add a pop of colour with raspberries and a sprig of mint.  Pretty in pink with rose gold details, even the bottle screams sophistication.

Luxurious, stylish and crafted to perfection, Manchester Gin is an ever-expanding brand.  Featured in bars and restaurants across Manchester, it’s quickly becoming a recognisable brand.   It’s also stocked in M&S and Harvey Nicholls.  As 2018’s most awarded gin, expect to see even bigger things in 2019!  The company will be opening a new distillery in the heart of Manchester, where you can see the distillers working as you pass the site.  Plans for a school, restaurant, and high-end cocktail bar will also go ahead this year.

Graphene photo:seagul @pixabay

A Smarter Manchester: How the City is Embracing Smart Technology

Written by Sponsored Content on . Posted in Science & Tech.

Smart technology has been one of the biggest catalysts for change in cities across the world and Manchester is leading the way as it embraces and develops it. In 2017, Manchester was chosen by the government out of 30 other cities for a £10 billion investment in smart technology. The CityVerve project is led by Manchester Council, Cisco, and Manchester Science Partnerships and is set to transform the way Mancunians interact with their city and environment. It has set out with the ambitious aim of building a smarter Manchester which uses technology to meet the complex needs of its people.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a buzzword in the smart technology world, and this catch all term refers to the network of vehicles, devices, appliances and other objects which can connect to the internet.

The Internet of Things brings huge potential for city leaders, who can use these devices to improve connections, gain information and design a city network that works for everyone. Simon Navin, an advocate of smart cities and programme manager of Smart Cities Practice at Ordnance Survey said: “SmartCities are very much in their infancy and we’re currently in an interesting and exciting time of experimentation.

“We now have the ability to process big data quickly for valuable insight and location data and intelligence has never been more comprehensive, enabling new wave of technology that has the potential to help us ‘be smarter’ in the way we live, work and play in our urban environments. Ultimately, a city that wants to be Smart must have a clear vision of what it wants to achieve and an appreciation of the challenges it faces now and will face in the future.”

There are a number of examples of ways that a city can become smarter, which are being demonstrated in Manchester as part of its Smart City programme. A constant stream of data about heating, ventilation, and cooling systems in the centre allow the project to monitor how the city uses energy and develop energy saving strategies.

Keeping the city clean is another area that has been given a fresh approach through smart technology. Multiple sensor-driven data feeds, recording things like occupancy, customer feedback, bin levels, and proof of cleaner attendance, are being used to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of cleaning services in Manchester. CityVerve aim to reduce wasted time for cleaners by making them avoid cleaning areas that haven’t been dirtied and helping them to react in a timely manner to cleaning issues as they occur. They have also developed a Personal Wellness Platform to tackle social isolation felt by old people, by introducing them to getting out into their environment through things like connected parks. A social platform for people visiting the Oxford Road corridor will enable local content discovery, increasing peoples’ engagement with their city.

New developments are also embracing smart technology and property companies like RW Invest are finding innovative ways to incorporate it into their high-end, luxury developments. Newer developments like Hollywood Manchester have integrated smart features throughout the design process in order to create more energy efficient and sustainable homes for the future. Solar panels, underfloor heating and heat recovery ventilation systems are all key features of the development.

Manchester’s population is growing faster than ever before, totally transforming the city and the way it works. City planners and smart technology firms are working together to find new ways to keep Manchester connected for the future and demonstrate what smart technology can do for a city. From healthcare to transport to efficiency savings, smart technology can be integrated in almost every aspect of a city and how it functions.

The Fulford Arms’ 5th Birthday: An evening with The Howl & The Hum

Written by Olivia White on . Posted in Music.

“If you condense a novel, you get a short story, if you condense a short story, you get a lyric”.

Bursting out of York’s underrated yet immensely rich music scene are the peculiarly named The Howl & The Hum. Griffiths, Blackwell, Hirons, and Williams combine their adoration for stirring short stories and haunting notes to produce their own musical anthology that over 2018, has shaken the upcoming industry’s hottest new bands.

After a “confusing, exhilarating” and “humbling” year playing the likes of Citadel, Latitude and The Great Escape leading to the boys realising that “something could seriously happen”, this quirky quartet have earnt a 2019 that will undoubtedly propel them even further into the realm of sold-out headline dates, festival slots and impressive support. Over the past year, The Hum have risen to the brim of their hometown’s music scene which is proudly embellished with artists such as the Black Lagoons, Fawn and Bull.  Similar to the names of their artistic counterparts, The Hum are entrenched in a soundscape that embraces alternate universes, dystopian lands, and ominous undertones. Frontman Sam Griffiths preaches his obsession with short stories, particularly those of “Raymond Carver” and with his curious disposition, guides you through a distant yet oddly familiar land filled with desire, temptation, and heartbreak.

Playing an intimate, incredibly sweaty and cramped sold-out Fulford Arms on the venue’s 5thbirthday before The Hum embark on their largest headline UK tour yet is nothing short of magic. After an introduction of heart-warming folk artists such as Fawn and Amy May Ellis, the crowd were not only thirsty for a pint in what felt like 30-degree heat but also for their headlining act to strike.

From the moment the modest stage space was drenched in a serene, yet eerie light blue wash and the rising musicians took their places, The Hum instilled an electrically charged energy that exploded as the first pounding bass drum beat resonated from Williams’ kit. Throughout their performance, The Hum effortlessly captured cinematic and vivid imagination which would certainly be fitting for both a blockbuster Bond movie or a more indie cult classic similar to the work of “David Lynch”, one of Griffith’s “favourite directors”.

The Hum teased us with a new single as they performed their upcoming release ‘Hostages’ which narrates the emotional attachment to possessions of your ex-significant other as you are forced to return them and come to terms with the void that will be left after. The song begins with a similar tone to their hit-single ‘Godmanchester Chinese Bridge’ as Griffith’s introduces it as illustrating the awkwardness behind returning “the kettle that you stole and the toothbrush that you left at their house” before handing both over on a bridge “like ‘Hostages’ ” .

With the release of four new singles in 2018, premiered by ‘Portrait I’ on Spotify alongside a music video for ‘Portrait II’, Griffiths alludes to a third that will perhaps be drawn from a short story that he is currently writing. Both ‘I’ and ‘II’ have so far taken inspiration from fictional paintings with a theme focusing on “how you see people” and the “frame” in which people are presented. However, not all The Hum’s songs are derived from fiction, although they may all be fringed with whacky personification and twisted romanticism. As Griffiths steered me through The Hum’s current discography, what becomes apparent is that all of their songs, although seeming abstract and unnatural, are invested with emotions that are very real indeed. ‘I Wish I was a Shark’ for incidence, perhaps the band’s most bizarre song is a dark, crooning and wistful invasion that is illuminated by lead guitarist, Conor Hirons’ subterranean riffs. Although the myth that “when sharks stop swimming they die” certainly influenced the track, Griffith’s elaborates that the shark itself is invested with real human emotions and it would certainly have had “hands and legs” had it been a real creature. But, if Griffith’s was a shark himself, he’d be a “great white”.

Perhaps still being a long way off, Griffith’s analysis of the band’s current releases had me ask the long-awaited question… “When are you releasing your debut?”.  After an outward sigh from the bespeckled frontman who, quite frankly looks as if he’d fit perfectly in the peculiar worlds he conjures, replied “soon”.  Although remaining vague, Griffith’s assures me that the band are well on their way determining the theme and track-listing of their evolving landmark debut album. Due to streaming platforms, I interjected whether they felt the pressure to release an album to which he expressed just how “important” having a “solid collection” of their work is for them. Griffiths wants to create “something people can hold onto”. Their debut will focus around “human contact and encounters” but will “use fewer gender pronouns to make it a little more relatable and universal”. The band hope to focus on its recording in the latter half of this year with a possible release date on the horizon of 2020.

Although perhaps not yet achieving their goal of “Betty’s and Yorkshire Tea endorsement”, The Hum have not only announced their largest headline tour to date spanning all the way from the highlands of Orkney down to the cobbles of Brighton but will also set out to perform overseas at SXSW in Austin, Texas.

Be sure to catch The Howl & The Hum as they depict alternate world’s and conjure deeply embedded emotions near you.

(26thJan, Soup Kitchen, Manchester), (27thJan, The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge), (30thJan, The Leadmill, Sheffield) …

Photo: Aljona Kolmogorova.

Manchester PhD student dances her thesis

Written by Ethan Davies on . Posted in Science & Tech.

A PhD student at the University of Manchester has made a dance video explaining her PhD thesis.

Aljona Kolmogorova, who is in her final year of completing of a biology and neuroscience PhD, has entered the international ‘Dance Your PhD’ competition, with the top prize being $1,000.

Her research focuses on the peripheral nervous system (a highly connected network of nerve cells, which allows humans to move sense and feel). Peripheral nerve injury can result in a nerve gap, preventing the individual to move or feel part of their body. In order to heal, nerve cells need to bridge this nerve gap and reconnect to each other as fast as possible.

Aljona’s overall PhD research aim is to find out how different biochemical factors can make nerve cells grow faster, and guide them back to reconnect to each other. This knowledge is especially crucial for the improvement of healing strategies for nerves after injury.

Speaking exclusively to The Mancunion, Aljona said: “I have always wanted to combine my passion for dance with my research in some ways, and when I heard about this competition, I though this is just perfect!

“It is also a great way to communicate your research to a wider audience and get more interest from the general public.”

Aljona also sees the power of the competition to extend beyond the university sphere: “I think it is firstly important for children to see how diverse scientists and science can be. We are not just people in white lab coats!

“The combination of any art with science is a great way to illustrate research. There is definitely more room for collaborations between the two disciplines.

Especially to get kids more interested in any science, just like the motto; ‘show it, don’t tell it’.”

Finally, when asked if she thought she could win the competition, Aljona said: “I mean, I would be of course super thrilled, if I could get through to the finals first and actual attend the science conference, where the winners will be announced in Washington next month.”

You can view Aljona’s video here and can find out more information about how to vote here.

The Metrolink. Photo: raver_mikey @Flickr

Manchester’s Green Future

Written by Sponsored Content on . Posted in Science & Tech.

As environmental issues become more prominent on the national radar, city leaders are under increasing pressure to go green. Manchester has been one of the most forward-thinking cities in the UK when it comes to becoming environmentally friendly. It is widely recognised that technology is one of the best tools available to tackle issues like climate change and carbon emissions, and Manchester has been utilising this to design a green future.

One of the biggest contributors to global warming is harmful emissions from transport. City centres are often congested, with toxic fumes affecting air quality, causing smog and harming the environment. In order to address these issues, Manchester has enacted major transport improvements across the city. The Clean Air Greater Manchester initiative has been set up to tackle air pollution, which has become the biggest environmental risk to public health in the UK. Walking and cycling are the most eco-friendly ways to get around a city and Manchester has encouraged this through traffic-free cycle routes, free bike riding classes and major investment in cycling infrastructure. Manchester is investing £500 million into delivering a walking and cycling network which will cover 1,000 miles around the city.

Public transport is much better for the environment than an individual driving a car, so Manchester has heavily invested in improving its public transport services. Manchester’s award-winning tram network, the Metrolink, is one of the city’s main public transport networks. Trams themselves are better for the environment, and Manchester has been taking further measures to make sure their trams are green for the future.

Around 70% of a tram’s power comes from wind or solar sources, and the rest is from other environmentally friendly sources like recycling waste, water power, and wind. With no exhaust fumes, efficient steel wheels which are recycled after use and the ability to carry a large number of passengers, Manchester’s trams will be vital in turning the city green. Improvements to bus services have also been implemented, as well as a Congestion Deal which should upgrade junctions, tackle bottlenecks, and reduce air pollution hotspots.

Another important aspect of Manchester’s green plan for the future is new residential developments. In order to reduce transport emissions, many new developments have been planned with good access to public transport services to reduce car travel. New build and off plan developments where sustainability is at the heart of the project are becoming far more common in Manchester.

One example of these eco-friendly development projects is West Point Manchester, sold by RW Invest. This high-end apartment building features low carbon technology, solar panels, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, a heat recovery ventilation system, and 100% energy efficient LED lighting. City centre eco-friendly apartments are in high demand from young professionals who take environmental issues seriously. To make sure their lifestyle is as sustainable as possible, choosing eco-friendly rental property is becoming a higher priority than ever before.

Smart technology is also a major way that Manchester is addressing environmental concerns, which are being demonstrated as part of its Smart City programme. A constant stream of data about heating, ventilation and cooling systems in the centre allow the project to monitor how the city uses energy and develop energy saving strategies. By cutting down energy waste, and using data to create smart solutions, the city’s energy consumption should be significantly reduced.

Photo: Gage Skidmore @ Wikimedia Commons

Review: Aquaman

Written by anishgulati on . Posted in Film.

A treat for the senses, Aquaman has more than made up for the string of mediocre releases in the DC Universe in recent years.

From a director who has proven his mettle in sending chills down the spine of the audience with the movies such as Insidious and The Conjuring, James Wan has left a similar impact with Aquaman, the only difference being that this time the audience is left mesmerised and not petrified. He managed to strike a balance close to perfection between the elements of adventure, humour, and mystery.

I have been an ardent follower of the sci-fi genre. I have had some of the best CGI and VFX experiences of the generation and I believe that this film ranks amongst the best. The visuals of this film are so impressive that they can give you an immersive experience even if you are not watching it in an IMAX. The CGI seems to fiddle with the reality at times. Cinematographer, Don Burgess, deserves a lot of credit for making the film what it is. To top it all off, the sound effects are amazing right till the end-credits music score by Skylar Grey.

Jason Momoa continues his portrayal of the superhero Aquaman (a.k.a. Arthur) and picks it up right where he left it off in the movie Justice League. Amber Heard plays the female lead, Mera, and gives a very convincing performance as a diplomatic yet innocent royalty. It was nice to see the kind of impact she had on the story throughout the film, unlike the other similar solo films titled as the character of the male protagonist. Patrick Wilson’s performance as the anti-hero King Orm, reminded me of Tom Hiddleston’s Loki but without the quick-wit. Nicole Kidman and Willem Defoe also justified their supporting roles persuasively.

James Wan does a brilliant job in executing his plans with a film that was completely different from his existing folio while managing to retain his identity of a mystery worker. Many people would admit that Aquaman is not the most impressive or powerful character of DC comics. Also, his story does not have too many avenues to explore. Despite this, Wan has managed to come up with something that might have exceeded the expectations of the DC followers with what he had at his disposal. That being said, the story of the film had its pitfalls and there were not so infrequent periods of disconnect. The harrowingly long run-time of 143 minutes added to the distress.

So, all things considered, the film, on the whole, is an enthralling sensory experience, but the story line would seem more appealing to the ardent fans of the genre rather than to someone who is just accompanying a friend to a sci-fi movie for the first time.

4/5.

Photo: The CHIME collaboration @ Wikimedia Commons

Radio bursts from deep space puzzle astronomers

Written by Jacklin Kwan on . Posted in Science & Tech, News.

Early results from the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) have recorded bursts of radio waves from outside our Milky Way. This finding constitutes the second ever recording of these repeating ‘fast radio bursts’ (FRBs) in history. These intense bursts of low-frequency radiation have only been detected once before in 2015 at the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico.

The repeating FRB from a single source was one of 13 bursts detected during CHIME’s pre-commissioning phase in July to August 2018.  The CHIME telescope was only running at a fraction of its full sensitivity and field-of-view, but has already published two papers in Nature concerning its findings.

The CHIME observatory is located in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Made up of four 100-metre semi-cylindrical antennas, CHIME is sensitive to radio waves emitted by the most abundant matter in space: neutral hydrogen. It will be able to map over 3% of the total observable volume of the Universe, more than many other current surveys.

Researchers from CHIME’s participating institutions found that the majority of the 13 bursts were within the lowest frequencies in the telescopes range. This suggests that other FRBs are likely to be found below CHIME’s minimum of 400 MHz.

What exactly causes these FRBs remains a mystery. The fact that the signals are repeating rules out one-off events like supernovae or mergers. With their data showing signs of “scattering,” scientists from the CHIME team have concluded that the FRB sources are likely to be intense astrophysical objects in unique locations in their galaxies. An online list has compiled a list of theories that include collapsing neutron stars, interstellar collisions, and yes, alien spacecraft.

There is still a lack of observed data. FRB events show great diversity, revealing that there is still much to uncover before researchers can truly begin giving more conclusive statements about their characteristics, origin, and specific locations.

Many astronomers are excited at the possibility that FRBs can reveal valuable information about the environments that surround them and that they travel through. As the radio waves make their way to Earth, they may travel through clouds of gas, causing the different wavelengths that make up the radio burst to slow down by different amounts. By studying the spread of wavelengths that reach Earth, and their respective times of arrival, researchers can better understand how much material the radiation had to travel through on its journey.

Photo: @David Freeman

Review: The Rocky Horror Show

Written by Jay Darcy on . Posted in Theatre.

Right from the get-go, The Rocky Horror Show was an absolute blast. The show opened with a young woman in a crazy blonde wig and silly pink dress; it was clear from the beginning that we were going to be treated to two hours of crazy ‘science fiction’ campness.

Most people have seen the classic film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, which is hard to live up to. The Laverne Cox remake received negative reviews; some things are better left alone.

But this production was brilliant; I’m glad the stage version continues to tour. Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton and A1’s Ben Adams played the annoyingly sweet and naïve protagonists, Janet and Brad, a sexually inexperienced young couple who get lost on their way to meet an old tutor. Their chemistry was delicious. Clifton and Adams previously starred together in Flashdance, so I had no doubt they would make a convincing couple. They were both triple threats: superb singing, acting, and dancing.

Callum Evans played the titular character, Rocky, a reanimated corpse, à la Frankenstein, but physically perfect. His voice, dance moves and acrobatics (and his body, of course) were all top-notch. Beverley Callard (from Coronation Street) was the narrator and her interactions with the audience were a highlight, as she responded to Rocky Horror-regulars’ classic shoutouts (many of them in full costume).

The star of the show, however, was Stephen Webb as the “sweet transvestite,” Dr.Frank-N-Furter. He had brilliant campness, sex appeal, and confidence. Webb was nothing short of freakishly fabulous.

The set was fantastic, made up of an oversized metal film reel running above the stage, which was a perfect nod to old cinema. The way the wonderfully cartoonish set pieces flipped and turned so rapidly, like in a 20th Century sci-fi horror, was both amusing and impressive. The Time Warp was just the beginning of the entertainment and it had everyone on their feet showing off the infamous choreography. A strange design choice, though, was locating the orchestra on a gantry above the stage rather than the orchestra pit, meaning we could hardly see them and we were only reminded of their presence during the curtain call.

I loved the sexual fluidity championed in the show. The characters are proud and unashamed of being “different”, (in this case from outer space). The ending was out-of-this-world (literally), and too cheesy and funny to feel any sadness over the, well, sad ending. The audience member in front of us kept asking his friend questions. The problem was not that he had no idea that you are supposed to have no idea what is going on. It’s The Rocky Horror Show: it’s camp, confusing, and crazy!

I left the show with so much joy. This was my first time encountering the Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania, but, next time the show tours, I will certainly do the Time Warp again!

Photo: Socialist Appeal @Flickr

Manchester Uni staff could strike with fresh UCU ballot

Written by Ethan Davies on . Posted in News.

The Universities and Colleges Union (UCU), which represents university staff in the UK, have announced they are to ballot 143 universities over potential strike action.

The ballot, which opens on 15th January and closes on 22nd February, concerns a dispute “on universities’ failure to improve on the 2% pay offer made at pay talks last May” according to the UCU. Currently, university staff pay is set by Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA).

The ballot includes the University of Manchester branch, who voted in favour of strike action last October, but fell short of the 50% turnout threshold required to hold the industrial action. In the 2017-18 academic year, UCU staff went on strike over a pension deal for several weeks.

The UCU Head of Policy, Matt Waddup, said: “Staff have concerns about spiralling workloads, pay inequality ,and the continued casualisation of the workforce. Yet universities have failed to engage with us in these negotiations which has undermined the credibility of national bargaining and left us in a situation where we have no alternative but to ballot our members.

“Staff want these important issues to be taken seriously, and that includes the 21% loss in the value of their pay since 2009, which the recently imposed 2% pay offer does nothing to address.”

Speaking to The Mancunion, the University of Manchester Students’ Union Exec team said: “We will support staff to get what they need to facilitate education for students with as little disruption and impact on students as possible.”

A UCEA spokesperson said: “We believe employees will be genuinely confounded by UCU’s decision to ballot again over last year’s pay outcome, following a process last autumn which failed to secure their members’ support.

“Individuals will have seen pay increases last August of between 2 and 5%, the average sector increase of 3.5% (Approximately half of the staff covered by these negotiations were also eligible for additional progression pay increases of around 3% bringing their total pay uplift to 5%; the average 3.5% increase this brings the sector’s non-senior staff is a very good outcome) sitting well ahead of last year’s inflation measures.”

Becca Windsor de Taboda, a second-year Law with Politics student, said: “It’s quite frustrating to see that another strike could be in order. Having experienced the strike last year, I can definitely say it affected my education — not knowing which teachers were striking and the continuous need for clarification made if difficult for me to actually know what I needed to study and where I needed to go every week.

“If the strike didn’t achieve enough last year there are other ways of holding senior staff to account, as opposed to holding our education hostage. This is a multi-faceted issue but it’s hard not to think that way when you can see your £9,250 a year being flushed down the toilet.”

Another student who did not wish to be named, also added: “If they want a 2% pay rise, they will just continue to use the democratic polling system of a ballot until they get it.”

The University of Manchester declined to comment.

Photo: @Ivy Rose Studio

Review: The Frou Frou Club

Written by Patience Kanjira on . Posted in Theatre.

I entered a world of stunning costumes and flamboyant audience members when I went to see the amazing Burlesque talent in The Frou Frou Club. The night started off with the comedic styling of Cece Sinclair and her witty, cheeky co-host Drag queen Donna Trump.

Cece and Donna took no time to throw me into the deep with passionately sung live music with banging classics from Beyonce and jazz renditions from Britney spears. Their comedic timing kept me laughing and entertained and Cece made me feel proud to be losing my burlesque virginity.

The performers also did not disappoint. Lady Wildflower was true to her reputation, kicking off the night with a sultry and intricate dance that involved masterful dancing with huge feathers and left me thoroughly impressed. Her second performance was just as amazing as she highlighted her skills in the art of manoeuvring nipple tassles, leaving the already excited crowd in a roar of awe.

Lolita Va Voom stood up to her namesake, entering the stage with the seduction and prowess of a confident lioness. She devoured us with her slow tease removing her leather costume. Snookie Mono left me breathless. As the only man in the group, arguably the pressure was on to stand up to the artistry of the beautiful woman before him. However, he delivered dangerous, erotic, and dazzling performances. Snookie used the sexy licks of the swords not only to arouse imagination but suspense as he we watched him swallow long swords.

Felicity Felicis was a stunning blonde bombshell that blew up the stage with her first dark performance. Then she gave us the gift of her version of a naughty cowgirl that left the crowd hollering for more. Kitty Velour may be small but there is nothing small about her talent. Her physical flexibility was mind-boggling, so much so that my voice was left hoarse from screaming her praises. She shocked me again and again with her acrobatic skills, particular the ones she demonstrated on the pole

Bonnie Boux’s progression within the show was thrilling, from being a grandma who could twerk and whine to fast paced music to a megastar who danced her heart out in the most passionate and heartfelt performance I’ve seen in a while. The live band kept the crowd dancing and played amazingly, especially as we finished the night singing as one to ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman, which is no surprise as this was most assuredly one of the greatest shows I have ever seen!

Skream. Photo: Drown @Flickr.

Live Review: WHP & Kaluki Presents ‘All Night Long’

Written by kitdelamain on . Posted in Music.

Kaluki, the Manchester based record label we all know and love, took over one of the final instalments at Store Street for The Warehouse Project — in a clear bid to make the job of reviewing the night easier, there were only three of their finest DJs playing. In other words, three men with the combined age of a centenarian, and the stamina of toddlers on tangfastics rocking the heck out.

Needless to say, it was quite fun.

With so much experience between Skream, Eats Everything, and Joseph Capriati, it is hard to see how they decided who got to play in which room; however, it was that lucky son-of-a-gun Joe that took pride of place in the biggest. Location did not matter though, as the energy levels (and crowd) were incredibly high throughout.

I had never seen Store Street so packed, I’m sure in some part down to the move from Store Street, but mainly for the talent on offer. Personally only having these three behind the decks was a huge attraction, with ample time to sample each, and the guarantee of class-A music from three of my favourite deejays.

Techno, of course, was the name of the game for the night. JC brought the thumping bass, Eats Everything playing the well-known wordy bangers, and Skream playing it all with a healthy dose of who knows what. The Main room, as always, was a Godless sweat-pit, and Mr Capriati did his best not to calm it down. The build-ups were long, and the drops heavy, as is his style. The lighting and visual effects also deserve a special mention, blinding the audience to near painful levels, as was needed for the early hours of the morning.

The Bristol-based Eats Everything was based in Room 2, and boy did we feast. Every few songs, wry smiles would spread around the floor at the recognition of a familiar tune being cued in. His huge stage presence reeked of confidence. Leaving the room was always difficult, certainly for some so difficult, they never left, glued obediently to the front of the stage. He has truly performed everywhere so to hear so much of him in one night in Manchester was a treat, to say the least.

And of course that leaves Mr Skream: during his career, many of his performances have been dosed with drama, and all of them have been lively. Tonight was no different. While he is a talented DJ, it is his eclectic mix of techno, disco, and voodoo-bass that puts him on par with his two colleagues. His location in Room 3 was perfect, as it was always heaving, good for short sweaty intervals, and every trip back, hearing a different genre. His stamina was incredible, and going back to see him at 3:30 am was like a shot of adrenaline. He is no doubt made (or filled) with sterner stuff.

I am in no doubt that I will not be able to go to such a setup, hosting such a line-up, at such an outstanding venue for a good while; and so it is with tears in my eyes, joy in my heart, and a moderate case of tinnitus in my ears, I wave goodbye to Store Street for the last time.

9/10.

Photo: Pixnio

The politics of complaining about food

Written by Catrin Stewart on . Posted in News.

Last week, for the first time ever, I complained about food in a restaurant. I had been looking forward to my mango and tofu salad all day. Yes, I’m one of those people who studies the menu online in advance. But when it came, it was swimming in soy sauce. It was as if they had mistaken the bottle for salad dressing.

I couldn’t eat my meal besides a few leaves and a couple of cashew nuts. I was ready to perform the classic sigh and wave to signal ‘yes, it was fine but I’m much too full to finish it’ to the waitress, but my fellow diners convinced me to do otherwise. So, when the time came and the waitress asked ‘Was everything okay with your meal?’ I replied that I couldn’t finish mine as it was far too salty. In due course, the receipt was brought with my main taken off.

I have to admit, my palms were sweaty, my heart was racing and I regretted my complaint the moment after it came out of my mouth. However, in hindsight I am glad I complained. As customers, we have the right when paying for food to be able to finish our meal. But as my past experience as a server has shown me, there are ways to execute this complicated social dance.

It never (and I mean never) pays off to be rude. You will get your own way, most likely, but you’ll probably get it faster and with a smile if you are kind and patient. Apologise, but stand your ground. I know it can be very difficult for many of us to do something like this, but your feedback will only help the kitchen improve. Keeping this in mind can help you gain the confidence to speak up. Just don’t shoot the messenger — the server did not cook your food, but they do have the power to spit in it.