Last Thursday I headed down to the opening of the Playstation Vita Rooms in Manchester – along with geeks, media luvies, footballers and the beautiful people of this fair city… yeah I’m even included Bez in that!

Contrary to rumours Mario Balotelli wasn’t just there to to use the loos or hand out Greggs Steak Bakes to hungry gamers queuing outside in the cold. Rather he and the crowds were out in force to get their mitts on the all new PlayStation Vita prior to its official launch on the 22nd of February 2012.

The Vita is Sony’s latest handheld games console which even to a casual gamer like myself, with it’s PlayStation 3 level graphics, looked extremely swish. Whilst as a fan of the Uncharted series I was pleased to see a new title Uncharted Golden Abyss, meaning more adventures for Nathan Drake, I’d also say Escape Plan is another game to look out for with it’s Tim Burton style visuals.

However don’t just take my word for it as the PS Vita Rooms are open now to the public until 8pm on Wednesday the 18th of January at 63 Deansgate (which is by the Barton Arcade), Manchester city centre –  if you fancy getting your geek on head down before it’s too late.

Image c/o PlayStation Vita Rooms Manchester

Yes I confess I’ve been neglecting rainycitytales in recent weeks – my bad! However in the meantime I’ve been keeping myself busy collating my Manchesterford Instagram snaps into a new Tumblelog… meet InstaMCR.

Lomography is coming to Oldham Street (the former No Angel store by Magma) in Manchester’s Northern Quarter… hooray I hear you photography loving types cry. Although an opening date has not been confirmed the company has been recruiting for staff in recent weeks so *fingers crossed* the doors will be flung open soon. If you’re itching to get shopping and snapping then are some Lomo photos taken in Manchester for some inspiration.

The Lomography store isn’t the only new opening in the Northern Quarter to look forward to with two additions to Tib Street coming very soon. The first of them is the Superstore an independent convenience store, which gives the finger to the proliferation of Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local outlets in the city centre. Whilst next door FYG (@fygnq) offers patrons the opportunity to love, eat, drink and chill – which all sounds grand to me – at their deli/cafe venue… something the NQ has been lacking since the closure of Love Saves The Day and more recently An Outlet (RIP).

All in all exciting times for the neighbourhood…

c/o Mercedes Morales licensed under Creative Commons.

Image c/o Strawbleu licensed under Creative Commons.

On hearing about this I must admit I was one very excited rainycitytales.

Pin Up a 1950s inspired portable pop-up bowling alley (that means four full sized lanes), cocktail bar and diner are launching here in Manchester next month. The fun will be happening in Hardman Square in Spinningfields every day from the 15th of September to the 6th of November 2011. The concept has evolved out of a bi-monthly event held at London’s boutique Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes and is now ready to go on tour around the land.

Even if you’re thinking balls to bowling? Then you’ll be able to throw some shapes rather than some rocks DJs including Mr Hudson, Norman Jay and The Unabombers will be on hand during the 8 week run to get you grooving in the 400 capacity temporary space. Whilst Pin-up residents will also be on site to strike the right notes for the rest of the time.

Then if all that leaves you needing to be fed and watered authentic food and beverages will be being served. Anyone for a Mint Choc milkshake with the cheeky addition of rum or vodka?

Image c/o bbaltimore licensed under Creative Commons.

This morning it was heartwarming to see it was business as usual for most of the city centre, thanks to the efforts of Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council and the good people of Manchester. Showing that you might be able to take trainers, plasma TVs and mobile phones but you can never take away our city. The city that inspires us to feel like this about coming home…

For parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles the start of the summer holidays can often raise one important question… how to keep the little ones entertained. Well do not fear Manchester Museum are here to help.

They will be running a series of film events from the 4th to the 7th of August 2011. The programme includes a special after hours screening of the animated film Ponyo, the tale of a goldfish-girl who befriends a five year only human boy, written and directed by Japanese manga artist Hayao Miyazaki.

The screenings are part of the Family Friendly Film Club Weekender which is taking place at venues across the Northwest including Manchester Art Gallery, MOSI and The Continental in Preston.

Image p_chanpie licensed under Creative Commons.

Chugging off along the East Lancashire Railway this week is the start of a season of events that form part of the Real Ale Trail - the perfect mix of beer and local history.

Organised guided tours take place from this Friday the 8th of July 2011 until November. Each event lasts 3-4 hours and offers an introductory tour of Bury along with a swift pint at The Trackside. Then step aboard the train for your journey, which includes a commentary of sites of interest by your guide as well as pub stops along the way. A particulary highlight, later in the year, looks to be the Halloween Pale Ale Special – an afternoon of ghostly tales and creepy costumes.

Alternatively explore the boozy of the East Lancashire Railway route at your own pace at a time to suit you by downloading the Real Ale Trail guide.

Keep up-to-date by following on Twitter: @rail_ale

c/o hey mr glen licensed under Creative Commons.

Kudos to a colleague for making last Friday one to remember by introducing me to the taste sensation that is Ginger’s Comfort Emporium.

Ginger provides meals on wheels in the form of ice cream for adults, all served up in a retro fashion. In fact any of you South Manchester types might have already caught a glimpse (or better still a taste) of the Comfort Emporium as she (I think she is a she!) cruises through the streets of Chorlton.

Flavours on the menu at the moment include Marmalade & Toast, Chocolate Malt and the award winning Monkey’s Gone To Heaven - roasted banana, salted caramel and peanut if you were wondering. Whilst if that wasn’t enough on it’s own put some dairy goodness inside a sponge and you get a little slice of ice cream cake paradise.

Yet the best bit is if you live in Manchester you can have some of Ginger’s treats delivered direct to your door. Simply choose 8 desserts from the menu and for £15 they’ll be delivered straight to you in a box that will squeeze perfectly into your freezer – yum!

Magazines… remember them? Shiny paper, ink on your fingers, oh and the smell of a new issue.

Well magazine lovers rejoice as Stack and magCulture are hosting a event just for you – stuffed with talking, reading and drinking. Printout! takes place on Thursday the 9th of June 2011 (6.30pm until late) at the The Deaf Institute and is Manchester’s first independent magazine night. The event includes a discussion of independent mags with publishers:

• Alasdair Hiscock, Article
• Bec Brown, Blanket
• James Griffin, Bonafide

c/o mattack licensed under Creative Commons.