Rosso restaurant, Manchester

It’s the most romantic night of the year and what better way to spend it than with someone special at Manchester’s Rosso Restaurant & Bar?

The Natter has teamed up with Rosso – part-owned by United star Rio Ferdinand – to offer one lucky reader a meal-for-two on Valentine’s night.

Situated in an opulent Grade II-listed former bank at the top of King Street, the restaurant has garnered a reputation as one of the best fine dining establishments in the city, as well as one of the best for star-spotting.

The delicious four-course Valentine’s menu, which includes a glass of champagne on arrival, is £50 per person. Mains include seared ostrich fillet, lobster, Chateaubriand and stuffed boneless guinea fowl.

The dishes are created using the finest quality ingredients to the highest standards by head chef Steve Hildebrandt.

To win this fabulous prize worth £100 and give the love of your life a night to remember, simply answer the following question:

What is the address of Rosso?

Send you answer to competitions@thenatter.co.uk clearly marked Rosso Competition, together with your name and a daytime contact number.

Your details will not be passed on to a third party or used for any other purpose.

The correct entry will be chosen at random on Friday, February 10, and the winner will be informed. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The meal can only be taken on Valentine’s night at either 5pm or 9.30pm.

www.rossorestaurants.com/

Saucy: Sophie Ellis Bextor dresses for a night at the chippy

By Dean Gate

A photographic journey which started at Salford’s Lowry Hotel and ended with Juliette Lewis wrapping her legs around a Gibson guitar dripping with chocolate in Los Angeles is captured in a sumptuous new book that’s a must for fans of rock music and food – which, let’s face it, is just about all of us.

Rock royalty from Kasabian to Noel Gallagher, Roger Daltrey to Paul Weller, all posed for the camera in often surreal situations with their favourite nibbles.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, resplendent in a sparkly cocktail dress, props herself up against a chip shop counter with a suggestive looking sausage while Noel Gallagher stands next to his guitar case overflowing with Yorkshire tea bags.

Country house: Kasabian's party was a bit of a Blur

Kasabian look like they’ve spent the night at a particularly decadent country house party, while Mani from The Stone Roses opts for sausage and mash.

The fabulous portraits are the work of award-winning photographer Patrice de Villiers in a new book, LoveMusicLoveFood: A Rock & Roll Feast in Pictures, which is raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The idea for the book came about during an after-show conversation in the Lowry bar with Muse frontman Matt Bellamy who divulged that he makes his own pasta.

Patrice hit upon the notion of combining the epicurean delights of food and music in a collection of gorgeous images portraying the great, the good and the rising stars of the music industry with the food they love, or in Noel Gallagher’s case, the teabags.

After attending a Kasabian show at one of the Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual gigs at the Royal Albert Hall she decided to enlist the help of the nation’s rockers to raise cash for the charity.

Keeping it real: Mani opts for sausage and mash

Superstar chef Heston Blumenthal has written the foreword for the book and created a recipe specially for the Teenage Cancer Trust’s most vocal patron, Roger Daltrey.

A galaxy of stars including Brandon Flowers, Brian May, Siouxsie Sioux & over 60 other musicians are shown smothered in Marmite, covered in Haggis and tatties and pelted with cupcakes.

Music journalist Andrew Harrison penned the interviews, and caterer to the stars Sarah Muir created the recipes.

You can see photographs from the book at the Lowry Hotel from Thursday, February 9 to Tuesday, March 20, in a free exhibition staged by Manchester-based Comme Ca Art.

The Lowry Hotel has a 24-hour gallery space where you can view works at any time of the day or night.

All the prints in the exhibition are for sale through Comme Ca Art and the book is available to buy at £30 online at: www.teenagecancertrustshop.org/love-music-love-food/

www.commecaart.com

Messy eater: Juliette Lewis on the book cover

Louise Perry, second from left, with Louise Redknapp and other competition entrants

After ‘the worst year of her life’, mother-of-two Louise Jane Elaine Perry was in need of a massive boost.
So Louise, 30, entered a competition on Facebook to win a celebrity-style makeover with TV star Louise Redknapp – not thinking for a second that she would win it.
Louise said: “This year, and particularly the last five months, have been the worst of my life.
“I broke up from my husband after 14 years and lost my job due to bouts of sickness. I really felt like nothing would ever go right for me again.
“So I couldn’t believe it when I was chosen over hundreds of other women from around the UK to meet Louise Redknapp.
“I just wanted to feel good in myself, hold my head up high and come out the other end of a rubbish period of my life. I’ve also recently lost three stone, which I’m really proud of, and so needed some tips on how to dress for my new shape.”

Louise after her makeover

The competition was organised by home hair colour brand Schwarzkopf LIVE Salon Style to find inspirational women in need of a fresh look for 2012.
The prize included a VIP makeover day in London with the former Eternal singer and her team of celebrity stylists.

In need of a boost: Louise before

Louise added: “I couldn’t believe it when I arrived at the studio in London and Louise Redknapp and the LIVE Salon Style team were there – it was just beyond belief!
“I was pampered and perfected before taking to the stage and having a celebrity-style photoshoot with Louise. It is a day I will never forget.”
Louise Redknapp said: “It’s incredibly important for women to take time out for themselves.
“With all the pressures of work, family and friends, it’s easy to forget about yourself. Looking good isn’t just about vanity; it makes you feel good, gives you confidence and allows you to hold your head high.We wanted to show women how easy it is to look great and feel great.”

How they got Louise’s new look:

Hair
Schwarzkopf’s Anita Cox-McMillan said: “We used LIVE Salon Style Mahogany Brown on Louise’s hair. This shade has a deeper red tone, which is a lot more complimentary on Louise than the washed-out red she had before.”
Make-up
The colour palettes used on Louise give her a fresher faced look. Jewel tones were used on both the cheeks and lips for an up-to-date, on trend look. A highlighter was also used across her cheekbones to add definition.
Styling
Understated neutrals and muted shades were used to make her hair colour really stand out. The wrap jacket and jeans ensemble gives Louise a fresh, modern look.
Louise’s reaction:
“I absolutely love it, especially the red tone in my hair. I didn’t even recognise myself. I now feel ready to face the world again.”
Louise Redknapp’s reaction:
“Louise looks stunning, the whole look just looks so much younger and fresher!”

For more information on LIVE Salon Style, visit www.livesalonstyle.co.uk or facebook.com/livesalonstyle

Ideal location: The Holiday Inn Express Manchester

The Natter has teamed up with Holiday Inn Express to bring you another fabulous competition.
One lucky reader will win an overnight stay for two at the Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road, Manchester.
Situated right in the heart of the city, it is the ideal base for a shopping trip, theatre visit, night on the town – or all three!
Opened in September 2010, the hotel has won an award for its unique design and received praise for making a positive contribution to the city.
Built on a triangular site, the exterior of the contemporary building has been designed to complement the industrial aesthetic of nearby structures, particularly the railway arches of Oxford Road train station.
Jonathan Smith, general manager at Holiday Inn Express Oxford Road, said: “Staff and partners have worked hard to create a contemporary setting for our guests, offering not only a perfect location, but also a comfortable, relaxed setting for both business and leisure.”
Since opening, the Holiday Inn Express Oxford Road, which is operated by Zinnia Manchester Hotels, has had over 89,000 guests take advantage of the stylish bedrooms, hot breakfast, contemporary bar, function space, meeting facilities and impressive entrance lobby.
For further information or to make a booking, please call 0843 208 3005 or visit www.hiemanchester.co.uk

A typical double room

Holiday Inn Express competition details

The entrance lobby

To win an overnight stay for two, including breakfast, simply email your name, address and  daytime contact number together with any two headlines from stories on The Natter website. You must click on the website to take part.
Send your email, clearly marked Holiday Inn Express Competition, to competitions@thenatter.co.uk

Entries must be received by Friday, February 24. The winning entry will be chosen at random and the winner will be informed. The editor’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

23-year-old Rainy Boy Sleep, aka Stevie Martin, has been hailed as one of Northern Ireland’s bright new acts. Catch him on tour with James Morrison.

Critics' choice: Emeli Sande

IT was ravaged by fire after a drunken bridegroom set light to a pair of curtains in one of the rooms after a row over a bar bill.
But despite damage estimated at £6m, Peckforton Castle near Tarporley in Cheshire is set to hold a star-studded relaunch party.
Around a quarter of the building – commissioned in 1840 in the style of a medieval castle – was wrecked in the blaze started by Liverpool property developer Max Kay. Around 200 people had to be evacuated as 100 firemen tackled the blaze.
Since the fire last June the building has been sympathetically restored with the help of experts from English Heritage.

Peckforton Castle during the blaze and, below, in its full glory

Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé and soul star Lemar headline a host of performers at the launch event on Thursday, February 16.
Sandé’s performance at Peckforton Castle comes just days before she is due to be presented with a coveted Critics’ Choice BRIT Award, along with finding out if she has won British Breakthrough Act.
“To win a BRIT Award so early in my career is beyond a dream come true,” said Emeli, who decided to drop her first name Adele and use her middle name instead after Adele’s rise to fame.
Emeli celebrated her first Number 1 last year, collaborating with Professor Green on the track Read all About It, and is releasing her latest single, Next to Me, on February 13.

DJ set: Tim Burgess. Photograph: Al De Perez

Manchester’s Factory251 indie and rock club is two this month and is celebrating with not one, but two parties.

DJ sets from Tim Burgess, Hooky, Zane Lowe, Doorly, Norman Jay, Dave Haslam and Tribes all feature in the line-up for ‘Factory251, The Second Birthday In Two Parts’.

Co-owned by Joy Division legend Peter Hook and club operator Tokyo Industries Ltd, the club on Princess Street is housed in the former offices of Factory Records.

Hooky said: “We’re in our terrible twos, we’ll be screaming and shouting until we get our own way and holding our breath till we go blue in the face. Happy birthday to The Factory and here’s to many more.”

Peter Hook. Photograph: William Ellis

Part 1 of the celebrations kicks off at 7pm on Saturday, February 4, with a free screening of Michael Winterbottom’s ’24 Hour Party People’. The film about Factory Records will be screened in the Factory boardroom, with Hooky, Clint Boon and John Robb hosting a Q&A session after the screening.

A free gig by hot new Manchester/Leeds indie four-piece The Covelles follows the screening at 9pm with the club night commencing at 10.30pm through til 3am – Tim Burgess, Hooky and Norman Jay will play on separate floors of the three-storey club.

Part 2 takes place on Saturday, February 11, with a free full gig at 7.30pm by Reverend and the Makers.

From 10:30pm until 3am there’s an all-star club night featuring Radio1’s Zane Lowe, Ibiza Rocks favourite DJ Doorly and Haçienda legend Dave Haslam.

The club will also host the NME Awards Tour after party – expect to see DJ sets from Tribe plus special guests.

It’s been an exciting two years for the club, which has been lauded across the globe. In 2011 The New York Times said Factory was a ‘must see’ and it was named third best club in the world by TNT Magazine.

The club has played host to a plethora of unforgettable nights, from Peter Hook and The Light’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ tribute to Joy Division to the Shaun Ryder Presents solo gig and The Drums’ secret guerrilla gig.

For more information visit www.factorymanchester.com

February should be a good time to visit Manchester and bag yourself a bargain.

Throughout the month there will be a huge range of offers in shops and restaurants, as well as special deals on public transport and parking.

More than 60 traders have already confirmed they will be joining the ‘Manchester Loves February’ campaign.

City centre spokesman Councillor Pat Karney said: “We recognise that retailers and families alike are struggling in these difficult economic times.  That’s why we’re joining forces with shops and restaurants to ensure that the city has some great offers that will appeal to families who are feeling the pinch.

“It’s a great opportunity for Mancunians to continue to support our city centre. And at the same time we can prove that Manchester is not only the UK’s top  city for shopping and socialising, it’s also the best place in the country to get a bargain.”

For full details of these offers and more go to the Manchester Loves February website – www.visitmanchester.com/feb

Some of the deals include:

Metrolink - Two passengers to travel at the same time with one ticket and a free voucher – Offer is valid for the four Tuesdays in February. The free voucher will be available to download on the website www.metrolink.co.uk

The Bridgewater Hall - Two tickets for £40 - Camerata Salzburg, Tuesday 14 Feb.

Manchester United Museum and Tour - 20% off tickets – 1 Feb – 29 Feb (offer doesn’t apply to tickets already discounted, i.e. family tickets etc.).

The Northern Quarter Restaurant and Bar - Three-course meal for only £39.50/head - Valentine’s Day – 14 Feb

Radisson Edwardian Manchester Hotel - 25% 0ff food in Opus One and Alto Monday to Friday only – 1 Feb – 29 Feb

Malmaison - Valentine’s sharing menu at £49 per person including a cocktail – 11th Feb until 18th Feb

Harvey Nichols - Three-course dinner accompanied by a Harvey Nichols cocktail, for  £20 per person - 20 Feb

Matt and Phreds - Free live music and Happy Hour deals

The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club - Shows for just £1 – 6 Feb

Chill Factore - Kids go free – 11 Feb until 24 Feb – one junior goes free with every fully paid for adult

Best Western Willow Bank - Stay one night and get the second night free

Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium – Restaurant: 20% off standard prices (can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer)

Hey Little Cupcake - 10% off cupcakes – 1 Feb until 29 Feb

Royal Exchange Theatre - Two-for-one tickets – 6 Feb until 21 Feb

Marks and Spencer - Valentine’s Gourmet Dine-in for £20 – 9 Feb until 14 Feb

Black Dog Ballroom - 1 hour’s free pool – 1 Feb until 29 Feb (12pm-6pm Mon-Fri), two-for-one main course – 1 Feb until 29 Feb (12pm-6pm Mon-Fri)

The Liars Club - Two for one cocktails – 1 Feb until 29 Feb (Sunday – Thursday 5pm-9pm)

Giraffe (Spinningfields) - Two courses for £15.95 or three courses for £18.95 – 14 Feb

The Left Bank cafe bar at People’s History Museum - Two for one drinks – 1 Feb until 29 Feb

Jaeger - 20% off new collection – until 28 Feb

Manchester Airport is to start charging passengers to use its luggage trolleys.

From April, passengers will have to insert a £1 or 2 euro coin to use the trolleys, and they won’t get it back.

The airport is investing over £1m to replace its ageing luggage trolleys which have been in use since the 1990s and were due to be scrapped this year.

Airport management say the new trolleys are lighter, easier to manoeuvre and GPS-enabled allowing busy areas to be adequately stocked so there is a trolley available when passengers need one.

Customer Services Director Julie Armstrong said: “Since 2007, we’ve invested over £100 million in creating a modern airport by refurbishing our terminals and upgrading our airfield which is why we are consistently voted as the best in the UK by our passengers.  It’s also important to get the basics right which is why we are also investing over £1 million in new luggage trolleys.

“But we have to acknowledge that to continue making multi-million pound investments in the airport when the cost of air fares are reducing, means that airports can’t continue to provide services like trolleys for free.

“We know that charging for trolleys will not be a popular decision, which is why we are following the advice of consumer groups and informing passengers before they get to the airport.  With around 5% of passengers using trolleys at the moment, this method ensures that only the user pays, rather than spreading the cost across everyone.”

The new trolleys will be introduced on April 10.