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When the bars close in West Didsbury where do you continue partying? Well it's either a taxi trip into town or head to M20. It's pretty much the only decent bar/club in the Didsbury area that'll keep you drink-fuelled til 2am. Beware though, it has limited capacity - the queues build up at the weekends from 11pm, so get there early if you want an easy entrance. Prices aren't cheap, but you're paying for the late licence.

Cocktail to go for if you like it short and strong - Parma Violet!

Great pub with a fantastic beer garden - and better still outdoor heaters! Has a good 'pub-food' selection, service can be a little ropey at times, but on the whole it's a reliable place to eat with bundles of character. The building itself is large and beautiful, with period fireplaces still intact, high ceilings, a wide central staircase and lots of other beam features. Popular with business professionals mid-week, and Didsbury's 20 and 30-somethings at the weekends.

Olde-worlde book shop on a side cobbled street. Has a long-standing presence in Didsbury Village, and is reknowed for super friendly and helpful staff. Good selection of books, with large selection devoted to children's reading material.

This is a popular cafe/restaurant - fairly quaint in its design and appearance - probably most talked of for its cracking all-day fry up (good veggie version also available). Also offers quality meals day or night - yummy receipes like greek salad or tuna melt - and is equally popular with people just relaxing with coffee and big wedge of chocolate cake. A chilled atmosphere makes it the sort of place where you don't have to dress to impress.

The Didsbury Pub is a prominent landmark on the sweeping bend of Wilmslow Road that approaches Didsbury Village. It’s renowned for its sturdy Sunday roasts, grassy beer garden and - speaking from my own and friends' experience - is also popular as a ‘first date’ pub - especially blind internet dates as there's generally plenty of people about as a safety net. Its woody interior, fireplaces and secluded candlelit corners create a soft, unthreatening atmosphere. The staff are also very good with children, so families can easily take their little ones along.

Best meal - Sunday roast!

Feeling hungry? Feeling virtuous? Then this healthy deli is up your street. It may be small but it's brimming with freshly-made foods from pastries and cakes, to breads and amazing smoothies.

The store is open until 7pm most nights - ideal for anyone on their way home looking to eat a healthy freshly-prepared meal. You can’t go wrong here if you need to break the habit of burgers and chips. There are also shelves lined with dried pastas, organic sauces, the likes of avocado oil, specialist chocolates and other tempting goodies. Simply mwah!

All quality produce - a little pricier than a supermarket ready meal, but you certainly get what you pay for. A real independent, local gem.

The Junk Shop is a quirky clothes shop on Burton Road. The designs are largely bright and upbeat, allowing you to unleash a more flamboyant side of your personality. Expect hot pinks, yellows, neon greens, flowering patterns and plenty of eye-catching colours to update this season’s wardrobe. A definite shock to the system for anyone whose wardrobe is based around classic black. Certainly a good find for one-off clothes buys.

Love cocktails? You'll love One Lounge. The place where everyone seems to spill out of after a few warm-up drinks in the Metropolitan Pub over the road. Fills up very quickly (expect queues on a weekend) as it's only a small bar, but it has a lively atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights. On top of all mannar of scrumptious cocktails (on average six quid plus a pop, so not a cheap round) it has all the standard spirits and beers. One to enjoy!

Recommended cocktail - the Strawberry One!

One of the remaining, long-standing independents of Didsbury, renowned for its top-quality cheeses, chutneys, preserves, pates and dedication to local produce. The standards are excellent and the service always helpful and friendly. Small store, - it's a bit of a squeeze when it's busy - but if you want real quality head here and give the supermarkets a miss.

Healthy Spirit is a haven for anyone interested in natural health. Situated on Barlow Moor Road, it’s classed as a health-food shop offering an ample range of products including vitamin supplements, homeopathic remedies, natural foodstuffs, organic chocolates and many more health-promoting goodies.

It also encourages spiritual wellbeing through reiki, nutritional therapy, allergy testing, crystal therapy, meditation and many other holistic therapies. Individual practitioners work through the store and public workshops are held from time to time. The staff are really friendly and will offer free advice and guidance to anyone looking for a more natural approach to health.

Books and relaxation cds are also available to buy.