ChorltonFringeFoodandDrink
South Manchester Reporter 30 September 2004

Morag Wright, 31, lives in Chorlton. Morag, who’s originally from Ayre moved to south Manchester to study at university. After falling in love with Chorlton she decided to make her home here and has not looked back since. She gave up a career in accountancy to set up her own business three years ago. She now runs the Bean Counter and Battery Park both on Wilbraham Road, Chorlton.

Why did you decide to live in South Manchester (SM)? I came to south Manchester for a year placement from university and worked in Sale. Then I met a man and I moved to Chorlton. I fell in love with the area and decided to stay.

What is the best thing about SM? The thing I like about Chorlton is that it has lots of independent businesses. Lots of restaurants and shops that are rot chains so it gives the area its own individual character.

What is missing from the area? There needs to be a few more restaurants on Wilbraham Road. There are loads on Beech Road but not a lot there. Also we need the Metrolink.

What is your favourite building and why? I think the GMB College in Whalley Range is the most visually stunning but I’d also say The Beech in Chorlton just for the amount of good times I’ve had in there.

What do you do in the area at the weekends? I work on the weekend, that’s it.

What is your favourite shop and why? I would have to say the Barbakan. It has a really good range of food and loads of different breads that are baked fresh at the shop. Also.Kiss My on Beech Road just because because they have really nice shoes.

What is your favourite restaurant and why? I’m going to say the Bean Counter and Battery Park The Bean Counter has the best choice of vegetarian food around and Battery Park makes the best smoothies.

What is your favourite SM pub and why? The Beech on Beech Road. The selection of beer is fantastic and it’s a traditional pub where the people in their range from 18 to 80 years old. Also The Bar on Wilbraham Road Feet on Beech Road just because because it sells organic beer and the Ginger Marble is by far the best.

If you could change anything about SM, what would it be? I would get the Metrolink built. We need it very much. I don’t think I would change anything else I like it just the way it is.

What has been your most memorable day in the area? My proudest day was the opening of the Bean Counter because it meant so much to me. It was my own business I’d set up by myself.

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