Adam Ain't Cooking: art

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Farnells Coffee Lounge and Bar sits on the middle of Chorley New Road. It used to be Julie's International and fancy dress, You've probably seen it when you've been sat in traffic, but have you been in? You should!

It's well located for people to get to on foot, and although it does have a car park, I wouldn't say you could get more than 4 cars in it at any one time. The venue is split into three areas, the coffee lounge to the left, the sandwich shop to the right, and the fully licensed bar/function room upstairs.

As you walk in, you step into the coffee lounge section, which is bright, spacious, and modern, with purchasable art displayed on the walls. There are modern tables and chairs as well as couches if you just fancy a coffee and to read the paper. The owner, Stuart Farnell greets me warmly as I walk in, and asks "fancy a brew?". The main counter displays cakes and tasty goods available at that moment, as well as the selections of beers and wines available.

The food selection is mainly breakfast and lunch-based, with a specials board, and everything seems to be home-made and freshly made to order by Stuart, who also used to be a restaurant chef, and who as well as running the place as a friendly host, also tells me that he runs weekly community cookery classes at the venue, as well as other general events. He tells me how nothing quite beats home-made when it comes to his food offerings, to which I agree. Despite being fresh to order and home-made, the food is pretty reasonably priced too!

I firstly accepted the offer of a pot of tea, which hit the spot perfectly. I liked that the milk came in a teeny tiny traditional milk bottle too. For my lunch I chose to have a ham and cheese toastie, which clearly was freshly made. Not only was the quality very tasty, but it came with a little fresh salad, and the best fresh home-made coleslaw I've had in an extremely long time!

I definitely recommend popping into Farnells for a spot of brunch if you're passing, or if you want to meet up with some friends for a drink, then I think you'll find this place comfortable and pleasant. I certainly plan to return... if anything just for that coleslaw!

Farnells Coffee Lounge and Bar

602 Chorley New Road

Horwich

Bolton

BL6 6EX
(01204) 778174

Farnells

by Adam Crolla on 12:12

Farnells Coffee Lounge and Bar sits on the middle of Chorley New Road. It used to be Julie's International and fancy dress, You...

Nexus is a pleasant and quirky little sanctuary in the middle of Manchester City Centre. You wouldn't know you were in the city once you're in there, as it feels very bohemian, arty and friendly, without feeling "hipster", and above all, it's relaxing and cosy.

The furniture is made up of mismatched sofas and chairs, cushions and even the occasional beanbag, but the place feels like a little nest. You can cosy down with a hot drink and maybe a lunch of something from their delicious seasonal menu, and completely unwind. There is a little 'garden' outside area where you can sit on sunny days, and the main seating area in the café itself is split into two levels across three areas, as well as a smaller sepertatable area which can be hired for private use. There initially doesn't appear to have disabled access as to enter the café you have to descend two sets of steep stairs, and although I didn't see any disabled access toilets, I believe that there is a lift via an adjoining unit, but it'd be best to contact the venue themselves to check.

They have a good menu available, with everything from hearty pies, to sausage butties, little cakes, and big fresh salads. They offer both hot and cold drinks, from organic pop to hot Vimto, and from builders tea to Teapigs tea.

One of the things that makes me smile about Nexus is the sign near the till that says that if you can donate a chair for the venue, they'll give you a free coffee, and will be very grateful. There's something about that humble and down to earth feel which I like.

As you can imagine by the name, the venue has frequently changing art installations throughout the café and the entering corridor and staircase, and cute little arts and crafts for sale, as well as hosting frequent special events, spiritual meetings, live music, and group meetings. Given this, the interior décor of the venue is constantly changing. It's likely if you go every couple of months, it'll look different than when you were last there!

Nexus is a very casual and welcoming place where friends of all ages meet. The food and drinks are good, and although not "greasy spoon" prices, they're on a par with most of the rest of the city centre, except you know you're supporting an independent, and that it's good quality.

Nexus Art Café
2 Dale Street, Manchester City Centre
(0161) 236 0100
www.nexusartcafe.com