There’s nothing a Mancunian loves more than Manchester. Except, possibly, having a proper good moan about Manchester. It’s pretty much our love language, am I right? Whether it’s the rain (again), the price of a pint in the Northern Quarter, or the tram being delayed, we’re experts at a good grumble.
But some things go beyond a simple moan. Some things are just unforgivable. We’ve put together the definitive Manchester Betrayal List, a collection of crimes, dodgy decisions, and baffling opinions that’ll make any local’s blood boil.
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The Official Manchester Betrayal List
“People that don’t call town, town.”
First up, a simple one, but it is a dead giveaway you’re not from ’round here. You’re heading out? You’re “going into town”. It doesn’t matter if you live in Whitefield, Stockport, or Didsbury; it’s always “town”. Hearing someone say “I’m just popping into the city centre” feels clinical, and “Manny” is even worse. It’s like calling a barm cake a “roll” or a “cob”. Just no.
“Whoever decided to remove the actual Gardens from Piccadilly Gardens.”
This one still hurts. Anyone who’s been around long enough remembers when it was, well, actual gardens. After the old Manchester Royal Infirmary was demolished, the site was turned into lovely sunken, ornamental gardens. It was a proper green space. Then came the 2002 redesign, which levelled it and gave us the concrete pavilion and a patch of grass that’s seen better days. It’s a crying shame, and we’re all still waiting for it to be made right. Luckily, plans to make Piccadilly Gardens actual gardens once more are on the cards.
“Anyone who says Leeds is better than Manchester.”
Next, we’re getting serious. This is fighting talk. This rivalry is ancient, going all the way back to the Wars of the Roses (Lancashire versus Yorkshire. It’s a proper derby in football – the “Roses rivalry”- and it’s a rivalry in culture, music, and industry that’s been bubbling since the Industrial Revolution. Look, Leeds is… fine. It’s got some nice bits. But better than the home of Oasis, The Smiths and Joy Division? Sort it out.
“The one who got rid of the pool in the Trafford Centre food court.”
Finally, a hit of pure 90s nostalgia, and it is a betrayal of our collective childhood. The part of the Trafford Centre food court was (and still is) designed to look like a massive 1930s cruise liner. And what did it have for years? A big, ankle-deep ornamental pool, and it was pure magic. Sure, the odd pranksters tried to swim in it, but when it was finally removed in 2022 by the new owners, a little piece of our youth went with it.
So, that’s our list of top betrayals, and we’re sticking to it! We’re sure you’ve got a few of your own to add. What did we miss? What’s your number one Manchester betrayal? Let us know!