NORTHERN QUARTERS: OKLAHOMA

Northern Quarters is an amazing place in Manchester. It spans around a large area and hosts lots of pubs, cultural centres, shops and other little artistics places which I have not found out about yet. I have personally been to the Northern Quarters many times, but have not really explored the place a lot. However, on my first few visits to the place, on High Street , a certain shop has caught my attention. This shop is called the Oklahoma. The cute penguin welcoming its guest inside the shop is what intrigued me the most. after having crossed the shop on many occassions, I finally made up my mind one day to enter and check it out.

At first glance, the dimly lit light of the shop, which provided an impetus for the displayed lampshades to glow more brightly struck me. The shop has lots of gift items at reasonable prices that you can buy as souveniers. From lampshades to lights; cards to post cards; soft toys; trinkets and stoles; and many more items that would attract someone with an artistic taste.

I am personally neither attracted towards interior designing nor an I a great fan of art; but I could not stop myself from appreciating the shop. Right from its decor and ambience , to the quality of the stuff that it sells and customer service all appeased me to quite an extent. I even bought some really funky postcards to add to my ever expanding post card collections. I intend to go there again preferably before I leave so that I can get some cool stuffs for friends back home.

Oklahoma also has a cafe which I have never been to, but it is on my bucket list. I would definately post on the Cafe when I go there. If any of you want to visit Oklahoma, The details are below.

Where? : High Street, City Centre M4 1ES
When?: For Christmas the times have changed to incorporate longer hours. But mostly it is open on all day from around 9-10 AM to 6-8 PM.
Queries?: You can also get further information on Oklahoma by visiting their website at  http://www.oklahomacafe.co.uk/contact/

Signing off with a photograph of some of the items I purchased from there.

 

POSTCARDS THAT I BOUGHT

TRAFFORD CENTRE: A SHOPPER’S PARADISE AND A CULINARY ROLLERCOASTER

Sundays are city exploring days for me. So, every Sunday (mostly every Sunday) I go out with my best friend (Canon 1100D) and try to explore a new corner of the city. One such adventure led me to the Trafford Centre, one of the famous shopping arenas of this city. Trafford Centre is well connected via bus to all parts of the city and most places have direct buses plying to this beautiful shopping arena.

ON MY WAY TO TRAFFORD CENTRE

VIEW OF THE CAR PARK FROM THE BALCONY

 Once you enter the Trafford centre, if you do not have a map to navigate your whereabouts, you would surely get lost. With most of the big brands having a shop there, you are bound to find ‘River Island’, ‘Debenhams’ , ‘Primark’ , ‘Calvin Klein’, ‘Fraser Hart’,’ Hotel chocolat.’ and many more,  all under one roof.  Children can have some fun in the opportunities available in LegoLand and SeaLand.

But the main attraction is the food court. The concept of constructing such a beautiful food court is very different from what I have ever seen in my life before. Though there are many places where Street food, Indian food, Italian food American food, Chinese and Thai specialities are found in the same place, it is indeed unique that the Trafford Centre food court has gone a step further and even managed to create an ambience which transports you right back to the type of food you are eating. Dragons and warrior men greet you on the way to the mini China Town and Thai food corner. American street food is mostly lined with rows of pub like buildings with the New Orleans Jazz band greeting you at the entrance. Apart from the food here, people are attracted to the ambience of the place and leave no opportunities to be clicked in their favourite ambience. The New Orleans Jazz band particularly attracts a lot of audience who prefer clicking selfies or groupfies with them.

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND

ENTRANCE TO THE FOOD COURT 

CHINATOWN

 If you happen to look for low budget eateries like Subway, McDonalds and KFC do not be disheartened. Amidst this wide array of sophisticated restaurants and bars, our very own favourite food hubs are also present and guess where – on a ship. With so many different and unique options to choose from, your taste buds are bound to enjoy this culinary experience.

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE FOOD COURT

 If you are looking for some exciting ice-creams, snacks, juices or simply a cup of coffee to help yourselves to, then ‘360 Champagne and cocktails’, ‘Ambar’ ,’Boost Juice Bars’ , ‘Barburrito’, ‘Bradwell Ice Cream Carts’  and ‘Costa Coffee’ are ideal for you.

It would definitely take you a lot of time to see the Trafford Centre. Thus it is better to keep one entire day free to roam around the arena and indulge into the secret wishes of the shopaholic within you; and of course it would be a sin to not eat in the food courts here.

Signing off with some sights of Trafford Centre. . . . . 

 GATEWAY TO THE STAIRS

 STATUES 

FOUNTAINS

EGYPTIAN DECOR