This weekend was my first time in Manchester. A friend and I were here to see Muse, along with a couple of his friends who handily live in Sale and we're therefore able to accommodate us. A smooth drive up saw us arrive just past midday, so we hopped onto a tram and made our way into the city centre as my companion offered a guided tour. Like most cities, Manchester has some lovely architecture and squares, so it was a very enjoyable wander with the sun shining!...

Five years ago my friend, who's a big A-ha fan, sadly had to miss their farewell tour due to a family illness. Therefore, when I told her of their comeback tour, she jumped at the chance to join me for tonight's trip to Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena (NIA). I also took the opportunity to introduce her to the Handmade Burger Co. and I'm glad to report she was another satisfied customer. A-ha's support was provided by the very talented Anneli Drecker. A Norwegian ...

A group of us braved Cheltenham during Gold Cup Week to head for the Town Hall to Irish comedian Ed Byrne....on St. Patrick's Day. Ed's 2 hour set was full of hilarious observations and all 4 of us thoroughly enjoye ourselves. A fantastic evening - and we managed to avoid the race going crowds, who would still have been propping up the bars when we left.

Before heading to the NIA for the final day of tennis, I filled up with a Morrison's big breakfast, to ensure I wouldn't be tempted into buying any of the extortionately priced fodder in the arena. The first three rubbers having gone as expected, the fourth was always likely to be the crucial one, and a potential Davis Cup classic. This proved to be the case - and in an epic style. Andy Murray, World Number 2, took on Kei Nishikori, the World Number 6. Murray...

GB fielded two Number Twos on court, creating a stink for the Japanese team that they simply couldn't stomach! However, before the tennis I popped into Birmingham's city centre for a look around and a bit of shopping. I also tried out Ed's Easy Diner's All American Breakfast, consisting of pancakes, bacon and sausage, plus a butterscotch shake, all of which was a delicious combination. Then it was back to the NIA, where World singles Number Two Andy Murray t...