As a relative newcomer to Manchester in recent months, I was extremely happy to find out about the City Card scheme from a work mate. We were meeting clients for lunch in the city centre, and he passed me the City Card membership guide and asked me to book a restaurant of my choice from the list.
When I asked him what it was all about he revealed that you use the City Card to get discounts at restaurants around the city. Upon further investigation on the website I noticed that there were many other benefits included in the membership including the following@Bar offers (normally 25-50% range, or two for one on drinks / food etc)
@Cinema, comedy and theatre tickets at 2 for price of 1
@Upto £10 per month off gym membership at several good health clubs around town
@25-50% off at some really good salons and health spas around Manchester
aswell as many other offers for shops and various services.
I had heard of most of these places on the website which is www.citycardmanchester.co.uk, and there are some really good chain restaurants which I recognise from my native Leeds, such as La Tasca - where you get 25% off the full bill, and Livebait + others. There are also lots of good indepdant bars, restaurants and stores etc.
The card is great value at £38.50 for the full year, which gives you unlimited use of these offers.
I bought mine in the early summer time, and was suprised how quickly I did actually save my money back. The best offer is probably the cinema offer, 2 4 1 at AMC Deansgate which we use at least once a week.
We also booked tickets for a show at the Palace Theatre, which I think we saved about £8 per ticket on, a total saving of £32 just off those tickets.
We've not used the restaurants as much as I thought we might, but with Christmas fast approaching we have several meals booked at City Card restaurants so this I'm sure will make us some more good savings. So far I reckon we have used it about 4 different restaurants and through these saved around £55-60. So far in around 4 months the card has saved us around £200.
In terms of it's function, the card seems very simple to use. Each of the places we have used the card seem to recognise it straight away. Some do require you to pre-book and mention that you are using the city card, but this is always clearly stated.
The card itself is simple but stylish, and being black it is quite discreet - unlike pulling out your coupons!
I would definately advise that you get yourself a city card if you live in Manchester and enjoy going out and enjoying the city.
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Wow I'd never heard of this, will have to have a further look into it. Great review x
TheWizardsSleeve 24.11.2007 17:09
I have not heard of this card despite working in Manchester City Centre for 21 years!! Good review although I don't think I need it as I am usually on expenses!!
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