Long live the Kings Arms Vintage Fair

In which G.M. Norton visits a local tavern, but rather unexpectedly, without the intention to get utterly blotto. 

As a fellow who enjoys a refreshing libation from time to time, when I was invited to sample the delights of a vintage fair held in a local drinking tavern, I didn't need much persuading.  

Organised by the lovely Paula Duffy off of Mint Vintage, the Kings Arms Vintage Fair is a monthly affair, which first sprung to life in May of this year. 

With stallholders offering a range of clothing, homeware and collectables, it is a super little way to spend a few hours. 

Blood, bandages and barber poles - the gruesome history of barbers

In which G.M. Norton frequents a new hair establishment and delves into the bloody history of the barber pole.

When I discovered that a new barbers was opening in Manchester specialising in rockabilly and traditional cuts and shaves, I must confess that it rather caught my attention.

Barber Barber as it is called is run by Johnny Shanahan, or Johnny The BaBa as he prefers to be known. Since becoming a patron this week, the ‘BaBa House’ is now my new favourite haunt.

Working alongside Johnny are three other splendid chaps, Steve, Ben and Mav.

Cup of champions

In which G.M. Norton takes ownership of a specially crafted drinking vessel.

If one was to describe your favourite protagonist in a single sentence, it would probably be as follows:

A moustache-wearing, tea drinking lefty.

Now I am not hinting at my political preferences with the term ‘lefty’, I am merely proudly stating that I am left-handed, or southpaw if you are a fan of American rounders.

With these three nuggets of information, it brings me on to the subject of this week’s periodical posting. That of a recently launched company, by the name of My Moustache Cup.

Eagle-eyed readers may have already spotted a little advert on this very periodical in support of this most splendid of drinking vessel manufacturers.

Style icon: Patrick Grant

In which G.M. Norton inducts a bearded chap into his Style Icon hall of fame.

From time to time, I like to shock you, my dear thing. Not only does this entry contain facial hair of the chin, but it also celebrates a stylish man of today that is still in the prime of his life.

Have I gone stark raving bonkers? No, not yet (although I think we are agreed that it is only a matter of time). Ladies and gentlemen, I give you my latest Style Icon inductee, Mr. Patrick Grant.

All Hallows' Eve Ghost Tour at Ordsall Hall

In which G.M. Norton shares a tale of derring-do.

Last week I nobly agreed to accompany a group of fair maidens on a little ghost tour around a haunted Tudor manor house.

Certain that mortal danger was involved, it was with some trepidation one Thursday evening that I steered my motorcar through the grand gates of Ordsall Hall in Salford.