BEFORE settling on the west coast of Wales, Manchester was my home, so it was both interesting and exciting to return as a tourist.

We stayed at Novotel Manchester Centre, a big, bright, modern hotel right in the heart of the city.

I was concerned about parking but I needn’t have worried as there is a reasonably large underground car park situated behind the hotel.

Spaces are narrow but with a bit of patience and some manoeuvring forwards and backwards and not a cross word exchanged between husband and wife (honestly!) we were good to go, and a stay at the Novotel secures a 30 per cent reduction in the cost of the car park, making it good value for city centre parking.

Eager to unwind after our journey, we quickly checked in to our room - which was also big, bright and modern - we then made our way down to the bar.

During our stay, mixologists at The Gin Club, had created a range of delicious cocktails, and we were delighted to try them all!

I was hesitant about some of the flavours, but they all went down a treat, and it’s hard to choose my favourite from the trio on offer.

The Gingerbread Gin cocktail was wonderful, Cranberry and Pine Nut exquisite and the Mince Pie infused cocktail was genius.

With all of that alcohol inside us it was time to eat.

A search of the internet for top restaurants in Manchester prompted us to Rump N Ribs Steakhouse on Liverpool Road.

Off we walked through the snowy streets, following the map on my mobile phone and only going the wrong way once - not bad for me, as those who know me will testify.

Situated opposite the Museum of Science and Industry where I seem to recall we went to for every school trip, this place was a real find. The food - I had pan-fried emperor prawns in a spicy peri sauce to start and a 10oz rib-eye with a creamy mushroom sauce for main - was amazing, and the service couldn’t have been better.

After all that food and alcohol and a long drive from Aberystwyth, we decided to retire for the night.

I always love sleeping in hotel rooms with their huge, comfy beds and crisp clean sheets and this hotel bed did not disappoint.

Breakfast didn’t either. I think it’s the widest choice I’ve ever seen, which meant I, of course, couldn’t decide what to have so ended up with a bit of everything.

That’s the best thing about a breakfast buffet isn’t it? And I don’t think anyone was judging me for getting yet another delicious pancake...

A walk around the wonderful city of Manchester followed, and was much-needed after filling up at breakfast. I did toy with the idea of trying out the hotel sauna and steam room but wanted to make the most of being back in the big city so out in to cold streets we ventured. And it was worth it. Manchester has so much to offer and I appreciate that more now than I did growing up there.

With plenty of bars, restaurants, museums, art galleries, sports and music venues and theatres, you could spend weeks there and not see it all.

And I haven’t even mentioned the shops, which is where we hit next!

Manchester is much more fun as a tourist and I can’t wait to go back to my old home.

It’s all in the detail: Novotel Manchester Centre, 21 Dickinson St, Manchester M1 4LX. Prices from £119 per night. Check in is at 2pm, check out at 12pm.

You can book online on the Novotel website. For more information, call 01612 352200 or email [email protected]