We’ve been asking well known people with a strong connection to Manchester to tell us about their favourite places to eat and drink in and around the city. This week, it’s the turn of local presenter Anna Jameson.
Anna is a Presenter and Reporter on BBC Radio Manchester and she’s also working at BBC North West Tonight. Based in Bury, she’s often at the forefront of breaking news in the region.
During the first lockdown, Anna could be heard lifting people’s spirits every evening. She now presents the station’s Friday and Saturday Breakfast show. She’s covered huge stories in the region including the local response to the pandemic, the near collapse of the Whaley Bridge dam and reported throughout the night during Storm Christoph. Anna is dedicated to the ordinary and extraordinary folk of Greater Manchester, telling stories of people who often go unheard.
Proudly born in Blackburn, Anna’s voice is nearly as distinctive as her laugh, which she describes as more a ‘cackle’. Her humour and down to earth attitude has made her a favourite on local airwaves.
She’s also a keen fitness enthusiast, recently running for a charity close to her heart, the East Lancashire Hospice. More than anything though, Anna loves catching up with her family and friends over some drinks, which inevitably ends in ridiculous dancing and a sore head.
Here’s what Anna Jameson likes to eat when she’s in town.
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My favourite place to eat out in Manchester is…
Bundobust. It’s a place my two sisters and I inevitably begin a Saturday night at to line our stomachs. The first time I ate there I was blown away at how incredible vegetarian food could taste. I’m also gluten free so there’s always a great choice of both food and beer. The staff are dead friendly, but I guess what I love most about it – and always like about anywhere – is the relaxed atmosphere and how unpretentious it is. Every time I go I tell myself I need to buy some artwork displayed on the walls. Nine times out of 10 it’s the start of the night though, so I’d inevitably lose it and be annoyed at myself the next day.
The best dish I’ve eaten in Manchester recently is…
Chicken Roast at the Refuge by Volta. I ate in the dining room but also love going for cocktails in the bar. The Winter Garden is an incredible space too – the tiling, the trees and the glass ceiling is magical. I was over the moon when I tasted the epic Sunday roasts there. I had Vimto braised red cabbage on the side, and to be honest it was a life highlight. Take from that what you will.
My favourite dining room in Manchester is…
I’d say Cottonopolis. I bloody love sushi at the best of times – but they do an incredible platter there. The cocktails are delicious and there are always great DJs performing at the weekend. The architecture of the building and interior design is stunning too. It makes me want to make an effort and put on some slap and dress up! It always feels like a special treat whenever I go.
My favourite lunch spot in Manchester is…
Ezra and Gill. To be fair I usually go for brunch if I’m in town as they do an all dayer. I’d usually go for the vegetarian breakfast with a side of halloumi for good measure. It’s a great place to meet up with mates.. or I like to sit on a window seat with a brew and watch the world go by.
If I had to eat only one thing for the rest of my days it would be…
Chocolate, although I’d be the size of a truck because I literally can’t stop eating it when I start. I’ve banned myself from buying it in bulk. In my late teens I used to go to Poundland and buy kinder happy hippos en masse. No wonder I resembled the treat I was eating, although that could have been the snakebite.
Join Anna Jameson on BBC Radio Manchester and follow her on Twitter @anna_jameson_