“Now I’ve become a little bit obsessed following this fine art painter on Instagram. Helen’s a girl about town in Manchester, drawing snapshots of the things she loves, and documenting the city in her signature oils. Recent knockout paintings have included the new Cut & Craft and Winsome. Though if there is a particular image of something you’d like her to paint, you can send her an image and she’ll work her aesthetic magic on a canvas board. She also conjures insanely intricate figurative drawings too. Here she reveals her fave locals spots but scroll down to the bottom to glimpse just some of her compelling paintings.

Manchester Art Fair

I love perusing all of the art at the Manchester Art Fair (21-23 Nov) each year, and spotting pieces that would suit each of my besties. Each year my wish list gets longer, but there’s lots of really affordable pieces and it’s so great to be able to purchase directly from artists all under one roof. I talk about it a lot, to anybody both in Manchester and from afar. Art is connection, not decoration, so I truly think it’s the best gift to give and receive.

Erst

Yes all of their food is incredible, but those flatbreads… I’ll have one every day, please! Friendly service, in a good corner of the city. It’s one of those restaurants where I’ve tried food that I didn’t think I liked, and every time they’ve changed my mind. Just incredible cooking.

Winsome

When it comes to a good restaurant, I’m very much as interested in the space as I am the food and the service. Winsome (from chef Shaun Moffat) hits top marks on all three. The fit out is so cosy but somehow minimal that it really feels special. With a great bar under the glass atrium (Toast), it’s really a perfect all afternoon/evening place.

Haunt

Haunt is my go-to haunt (pun intended). It’s really close to my art studio which is ideal, but the staff are always friendly and it’s such a lovely spot to be. You’ll usually find me there with a caramel latte and a delicious blondie, or a glass of Franciacorta if I’ve finished work for the day. It’s really great for people watching with it being right on the corner opposite central library. You’ll probably see Sam, who’s responsible for the space working so brilliantly, darting between Haunt and their sister site (Exhibition) next door, and I encourage you to do the same.”

Continued… (Helen Davies for Muddy Stilettos)