The Nicest (and Nastiest) UK Towns You Have Lived In

MK and Vic,

Yup indeed, Momma Cherry's. From what I read they did gangbuster business at the old location so they moved to a bigger one, overextended themselves and into administration last March. Or thereabouts.

Momma Cherri's is indeed in administration, but they appear to still be operating (as many companies continue to do whilst in administration, at least for a while).  The press releases I read said that Momma Cherri is passing the business on to her daughter as an interim measure and they hope to sell it on to someone else from there. 

The restaurant is still taking bookings as of this week, so it may be worth popping round to see if they are indeed operational, if one is truly interested in dining there and happens to be in the area.

I've lived in Headingly close to Leeds - student area mostly. Not very nice.

Wot you mean!  I lived in Headingley for over 20 years and its lovely -- specially if you are into cricket!  Seriously, there are nice bits and not-so-nice, as with everywhere.

Wot you mean!  I lived in Headingley for over 20 years and its lovely -- specially if you are into cricket!  Seriously, there are nice bits and not-so-nice, as with everywhere.

Maybe I just didn't see enough of it, or was on a bad street. But from my experience it wasn't that great. Maybe I just don't like being around that many students (even though I am close to or the same age as most of them). When was the last time you wee ther Boston? I lived up the road from Somerfields, and there were people breaking in to houses quite often, etc.

When I was in Leeds I was in Hyde Park.  That made Headingley seem like a dream

I lived up the road from Somerfields, and there were people breaking in to houses quite often, etc.

When I lived there it was Safeway's!  And you are right, we must have been burgled about 5 times over the years.  Not so many students as profs. down our way but we did get the chucking-out-time (from the pubs) chorus quite often.  But it was leafy, close to Meanwood and Beckett Parks, shops were generally useful (lots of charity shops), not a bad commute to City Centre and the people were pretty interesting.  Where else would you get "The Cowboy" who used to step into Safeways most days to sing a tune or two?

Where else would you get "The Cowboy" who used to step into Safeways most days to sing a tune or two?

Haha. Wish I could have seen that!

When I was in Leeds I was in Hyde Park.  That made Headingley seem like a dream

Yeah, I've heard Hyde Park is pretty bad. DH has some friends that live there, one of which got a brick through her window for no reason. No thank you. I'd rather live somewhere that I'm not affraid to walk in the dark or be home alone.

Momma Cherri's is indeed in administration, but they appear to still be operating (as many companies continue to do whilst in administration, at least for a while).  The press releases I read said that Momma Cherri is passing the business on to her daughter as an interim measure and they hope to sell it on to someone else from there. 

The restaurant is still taking bookings as of this week, so it may be worth popping round to see if they are indeed operational, if one is truly interested in dining there and happens to be in the area.

 

Reading - yuck
Kendal - yuck
Carlisle - ok but little job opportunity
Newcastle - rocks!
Exmouth - yuck
Taunton - ok, same as Carlisle
Exeter - good
 
Ideally, if we move back to the UK, we'll live in the Durham/Newcastle area. Probably a village near enough to the city if we want it.

I lived in St Johns Wood (NW London) and really liked it except that it was too close to work & too many Americans (my students).  I've lived in Kilburn and really enjoyed it due to the multicultural aspect, ease to work & central London & some good pubs.  Right now I live in Cricklewood, which is okay - where I live in Cricklewood is lovely (small quiet neighborhood) & it's easy to get into work & the city, and there is at least one nice pub & restaurant (but it's not as 'cool' as Kilburn). 

If I had my way (and lots of money), I would move to the Jesmond area of Newcastle. Though I would have to deal with lots and lots of students.
I generally like where I live now---15 minute metro ride from city centre, 20 minute car ride from Northumberland---but it's not the greatest neighborhood. I wish people would stop graffiti our garage door!

Newcastle - rocks!
Ideally, if we move back to the UK, we'll live in the Durham/Newcastle area. Probably a village near enough to the city if we want it.

YAY!  My BIL lives in Prudhoe, which is near Newcastle, and seems like a nice place to raise a family.  They are in a lovely neighborhood there.

When I was in Leeds I was in Hyde Park.  That made Headingley seem like a dream

Yeah, I've heard Hyde Park is pretty bad. DH has some friends that live there, one of which got a brick through her window for no reason. No thank you. I'd rather live somewhere that I'm not affraid to walk in the dark or be home alone.

See, now I've got one friend that lives right by Hyde Park & LOVES it - because that's where everything is happening - lively studenty bohemian vibe to the neighbourhood, her rent is cheap, etc (and she's not a student!).

And then I've got one friend that lives near there, and hates it.

So again, it all depends on what you're looking for!

Jewlz, we love Northumberland.  Used to take the kids to Holy Island often.  Take the train to Berwick and get picked up by Clive (who ran the hotel) and get driven back over the causeway (when the tide is out)  Or take the wonderful local bus!  We often thought we'd love to live there. 

I agree with Balmerhon on Exeter.  I liked it there.

I also love Stroud Gloucestershire, but can see why it might not appeal to everyone.

As Mrs. R said, it all comes down to what you're looking for and that's going to be different for everyone.  I've also liked different places better and worse at different stages in my life.

Jewlz, we love Northumberland.  Used to take the kids to Holy Island often.  Take the train to Berwick and get picked up by Clive (who ran the hotel) and get driven back over the causeway (when the tide is out)  Or take the wonderful local bus!  We often thought we'd love to live there. 

It truly is a wonderful place to live.  I haven't been to many other places in the UK, but somehow I think I would be hard pressed to find a place I enjoy more than this place.  It's still hard to believe I live here, sometimes I just wake up and think "WOW!"