THREE DECADES OF EXCELLENCE: CARRINGTONS, THE ICONIC MANCHESTER WINE INSTITUTION

To those who know, Carringtons has become a Mancunian institution over the last 30 years. Quietly going about their business, they have consistently picked up industry awards to reflect their hard work and range of specialty products. 2000 saw Carringtons beating all challengers to walk away with Off-Licence News’ highest accolade, Off-Licence of the Year. That has been followed up with winning Decanter Magazine’s Rhône Specialist of the year three times, and most recently, the 2023 Decanter Magazine’s North-west region Wine Retailer of the Year.

Created from the idea that fine wine should not be the preserve of London, a concept largely unheard of in early-90s Manchester, brothers Ciaran and Michael Keaney set about building direct relationships with producers of some of the most famous wines in the world as well as distilleries and breweries. Those relationships lead to Carringtons supplying beer & wine to the Savoy Hotel to accompany one of the courses at the inaugural Master of Culinary Arts event. This marked the first time in 150 years a beer had been served to diners at the world famous Hotel.

But while being the brainchild of Ciaran and Michael, Carringtons ability to endure and outlast newcomers to the market is a testament to the loyalty and knowledge of their staff, all of whom have unrivalled knowledge of their products.

Carringtons now boast an enviable wine list of worldrenowned wines (Domaine Courbis, Domaine Louis Cheze, Domaine de la Janasse, Stephane Ogier, Le Clos du Caillou, Domaine Dubost, Champagne JP DeVille), and offerings from up-and-coming stars of the world of viticulture (Artomanatxakolina, Domaine Arnoux Pere et Fils, Chateau Fonsalade,Via Caritatis). And while wine is an obvious specialism, the impressive range of unique products stretches into beers, spirits, sparkling wine and cigars.

Carringtons has most latterly added wine tastings, Meet the Maker events and on-premise consumption of all their impressive products, as well as online sales (and a new outlet for their products, The Angel in Manchester – work in progress). So while some other wine merchants have come and gone, Carringtons continues to go from strength to strength and that’s all due to their dedicated and loyal Customers who appreciate the diversity and choice of the 2000 products available!

Didsbury lies seven kilometres south of Manchester City Centre and is divided into three distinct areas: East Didsbury, West Didsbury, and Didsbury Village.

West Didsbury is popular with those looking to commute to MediaCity as well as professionals and families who enjoy its lively atmosphere and community spirit. It has a proximity to the neighbouring towns of Withington and Cheadle, and the villages of Gatley and Heaton Moor.

Typical properties include converted Victorian houses, contemporary three storey apartment blocks and new-build properties which line West Didsbury’s famously leafy streets. The area is probably best known for its thriving nightlife and Burton Road especially has become a hot spot for South Manchester foodies.

The Metropolitan (or The Met as it’s known locally) marks the Lapwing Lane end in a building formerly occupied by a grand Victorian railway hotel. It has a lovely outdoor seating area and is well known for its Sunday roasts. Burton Road boasts excellent independent cafes and is a top brunch spot thanks to places such as Mary & Archies, Another Heart to Feed and ‘And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon.’

While away the evening in a medley of trendy bars and eateries offering Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Thai cuisine. Volta has won critical acclaim for its delicious cocktails and small plates, Sip wine bar offers over thirty different bottles, and Proove is the place for Neapolitan sourdough pizza. West Didsbury is also home to Green’s, the long-standing vegetarian restaurant co-owned by TV chef Simon Rimmer.

The area is well serviced with cute delicatessens including Fusion Deli and A Taste of Honey, but you can also stock up at the monthly Maker’s Market when it pops up on the last Sunday of the month on the corner of Burton Road and Nell Lane.

Sport and recreation are well covered with plenty of boutique gyms, yoga studios and classes in the area which also has its own local running club. The Northern is a racquets and fitness club on Palatine Road with a fitness suite, gym, workout studios and grass tennis court. Withington Baths is a community fitness centre in a recently restored Edwardian bath house further down Burton Road which also has a pool, gym, sauna and two studios.

Local activity groups include the Didsbury Arts Cafe, a book club and various musical clubs. There’s an annual Arts Festival, regular family festivals in nearby Wythenshawe Park, and many well organised community events throughout the year. The WDRA is the local residents’ association who work closely with local businesses and councillors to ensure that West Didsbury remains a desirable place to live. They also work to conserve local wildlife and protect the natural environment.

A Metrolink stop on Burton Road makes the area easy to get to via public transport and the 111 bus – which runs from Manchester City Centre to Chorlton – stops outside the Metropolitan pub.

West Didsbury’s excellent transport links, green spaces and blend of exciting independent venues and shops make it a popular destination for those looking to live in a vibrant trendy suburb with a real community spirit.