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 time, we catch up with award winning TV producer and comedy writer Henry Normal.
Henry’s TV output includes some of the nation’s best loved programmes. His co-writing credits include The Royle Family, Mrs Merton, Coogan’s Run and feature film The Parole Officer. As co-founder and MD of Baby Cow Productions which he set up with Steve Coogan, he produced (amongst others) Gavin and Stacey, Alan Partridge, Moone Boy, Uncle, The Mighty Boosh, Nighty Night and the Oscar-nominated film Philomena.
More recently, the BAFTA-award-winning writer and producer has returned to his first love of poetry with a new live tour starting in October 2021. He has also published two new poetry collections, and a new episode of his acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series ‘A Normal…’ will be out in November.
His new live show ‘The Escape Plan’ will be touring theatres around the country in 2021/22 and draws on over 40 years of work, featuring stories, jokes and poems from his ten poetry books, including the two latest collections; The Beauty Within Shadow and Distance Between Clouds which were both written during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what Henry Normal likes to eat when he’s in town
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My favourite place to eat out in Manchester is…
The Yang Sing - It has long been a tradition of mine to eat at the Yang Sing following a show. I was introduced to this iconic Manchester landmark by Ric Michael when we set up the first Manchester Poetry Festival 26 years ago. It's such a great place to relax and talk with guests from out of town after a performance. Full of energy but never rushed. I've enjoyed meals there with Steve Coogan, Caroline Aherne and many of the country’s leading poets. Authentically oriental in decor and cuisine it's a magical place like in the best Hollywood movies. It's ever busy and although I've never booked, they somehow always manage to find me a table. We'd inevitably order more food than we could eat but half the fun is tasting so many different dishes.
The best dish I’ve eaten in Manchester recently is…
A vegetarian platter at Night and Day Café. I can't remember exactly what it included. I tend to refer to those things affectionately as ‘Humous and shit’. It hit the spot though - light but filling. A green tea and the youthful ambience of the bar is the perfect way to while away a lunchtime.
My favourite dining room in Manchester is…
Well, it used to be The Cornerhouse. Such a great mix of creative people met there in the late 80's and 90's. It was a regular haunt to meet up with John Bramwell from 'I am Kloot' and Lemn Sissay. One time, Cantona was on the next table. Steve Coogan and I filmed a scene from the first Paul Calf Video Diary there. Art galleries, a bookshop and a cool cinema over the road, looking out the huge windows you could be forgiven for thinking you were downtown New York.
My favourite lunch spot in Manchester is…
The Atlas Bar. My most vivid image of the Atlas Bar is meeting up with Tony Wilson whilst I was head of Baby Cow Productions in London. We were to discuss a new film project for young Manchester Film makers. As usual Tony was inspiring and enthusiastic. After about an hour of listening I asked him 'Where are we going to get the money, Tony?'. 'Oh Henry', he said 'You're so London'
If I had to eat only one thing for the rest of my days it would be…
Eccles Cakes (or fly pies as I call them). Pastry, fat, fruit it's got all your main food groups and provides your five a day (if you eat five that is)
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Henry Normal’s National Tour of ‘The Escape Plan’ begins on Oct 1st and northern dates include:
The Library Theatre Darwen – 10th October
The Old Courts Wigan – 2nd November
The Met – Bury – 17th November
More info and tickets can be found here:
http://edgestreetlive.com/henry-normal