What's Lancaster like?

[cyberfairy]

'do you know which agent/landlord rents the places in long Marsh Lane'

No, they're all sorts really. There are a couple at the top of Market Street that rent out stuff (opposite Waterstones) but to get a place through them you generally have to put down a month in advance, an enormous deposit and a kidney, just in case you're tempted to steal a piece of rancid carpet when you leave.

Personally I'd stick to Single Step's noticeboards and, an often surprising gem, the boards in the entrance hall to the Gregson. I was looking at them a few days ago and they've got a few ads for accomodation up there. If you can get a place in LML, Primrose or Moorlands, they're all nice places to live (though the hills will kill you).

Regarding music - Yorkshire House (Indie), Gregson (World, Ska, all kinds), John O'Gaunt (jazz), the Farmer's Arms (Odds 'n Sods) and, er, that's about it really. The Ring O'Bells has turned into a really drecky pub over the last couple of years.

If you like reviewing music, Virtual Lancaster and the Gregson newsletter will love you. Biggest band here recently was, I think, Chumba, down at the Station in Morecambe a few weeks back. The nightclubs are all shite for chavs as far as I can see. Preston's good for music (allegedly).

There's a fair bit of activism going on here - animal rights, anti-fascism etc. PM me for more details if you want.

And, of course, welcome to Lancaster...

Cheers mate-am somewhat dubious about letting agents for the reasons you've mentioned-sodding inventory costs and key deposits Shame I missed Chumbawumba. Good to know some underground stuff going on too.. I think with all the butter pies I will be eating, could do with a few hills to walk up to my new house. My list of places to go to on Saturday is getting longer and longer...You are on my 'buy a pint' for list too now (they do cost a quid up there, don't they? )

 

[killer b]

(they do cost a quid up there, don't they? )

usually between £1.60 - £2.20 (bitter anyway), although some breweries and pubs do keep their prices down...

recently they've started doing occasional gigs at lancaster library with reasonably well known bands - the long blondes played there a month or two ago... sounds like fun gigs - aparently the bands just set up amongst the books and start playing.

preston is ok(ish) for music - there's a large music venue at the uni where you get big-ish bands playing (gomez, the futureheads and the stranglers have all been this way recently), and the imaginitively named 'venue' which is quite a bit smaller - they get lots of small local bands, and the occasional touring group (new model army played a month or two ago).

tbh though, lancaster has always struck me as much better culturally than preston...

 

[JohnC]

'recently they've started doing occasional gigs at lancaster library with reasonably well known bands'

Really? I need to get out more.

'You are on my 'buy a pint' for list too now'

Goody.

'they do cost a quid up there, don't they?'

I wish... After half a dozen I tend to stop caring how much they cost.

 

[cyberfairy]

The library thing sounds most cool-John-have contacted Gregson r.e music reviews. Cheers for that. They don't pay but free entry and beer money so cuts out the middle man and no accounts to do
Prefer watching smaller more obscure bands to big ones nowadays anyway.
One thing I think I am going to miss is proper cider as not really a beer person and only at the Fox and Grapes in Preston have I found decent scrumpy but hey, vodka is ubiquitous.

 

[killer b]

you can get addlestones at a few places in preston (not the best, i know - but it'll do) and they do an absolutely brutal scrumpy at the new britannia (preston again...).

i'm not sure how well stocked lancaster is cider-wise, but i'm sure you'll be able to find a few.

 

[cyberfairy]

Just to say, went to lancaster today and it was absolutely lovely! Was worried about finding anywhere as lovely as Bath but lancaster is absolutely gorgeous and not so expensive and up its own ass.

Had a lovely day bimbling around-went to the Wales Tail at lunchtime but was packed so no way of finding the perused by bears couple by happy accident...

Absolutely adored the Gregsons-lovely food and fireplace, really chilled friendly and well priced and wandered around Moorlands area-really nice-had no luck looking for private landlords offererings-have lots of residential lettings places to look at but the few that are happy with pets want a pet deposit of a hundred quid-I have a feeling would never get this back-one cat pee or scratched banister and suspect both deposits would dissapear for ever

I expect to have to pay if my cat pisses in the hall and to be honest expect she will, being in a new environment with probably no big back garden which she is used to. But to want two deposits for wear and tear seems taking the piss (so to speak) They also want random fees and silly amounts of deposits upfront-happy to pay a month but not two months or month and a half as know from experience what fuckers they can be-I have made shitholes spotless and still never got a deposit back.

Definately going to move there as soon as possible though-what a lovely place. Walked up to the priory and castle and such amazing views and atmostphere. Really looking forward to it and if anyone knows of anyone with a house to let then do let me know. Roll on February

 

[cyberfairy]

Just to bump...tangerinedream went to Lancaster again yesterday looking for a house for us..seen some nice not too expensively priced houses to rent but as said before, letting agents are wanting a stupid non refundable amount of money for spurious 'fees' and don't allow cats.
if anyone knows of any private landlords in Lancaster, mates wanting to let a house or any letting agents that don't want up to a mostly unrefundable two grand upfront for a house that's only f450 to rent, then would love to hear from you. Local papers when we can get them, don't seem to have many private landlords advertised...
One more thing-seen a lovely house to rent pretty damn cheap in Denmark Street, sadly by one of the fleecing letting agents -Does anyone know what this area is like?

 

[killer b]

don't tell the agent about the cat... they have to inform you before any visit (and if it's one of the big ones like countrywide, they stick to that) which gives you plenty of time to hide evidence.

 

[Tom A]

I've been doing a Master's degree in Lancaster for the past two and a half months, and apart from the usual stresses involved in deadlines, essays, exams and moving to a fresh area I really enjoy the area, there is some stunning scenery around the edge of campus and the Lakes are on your doorstep. I have nothing really to contribute about that hasn't been commented on anyway, the Whale Tail is a cool vegan restuarant and below it is the Basement, an activst rescource centre, and next door is a cooperative foodstore that does loads of vegan, organic and fairtrade stuff, albeit it at double the price of standard supermarket shite. Cool pubs I have found so far are the Water Witch (with it's amazing selection of ales), Yorkshire House, Fibber McGee's, and the Vine and Hops.

Regarding which areas to live in, I have had a look at rents for when I have to leave halls, and it's a lot more expensive than where I was renting in the area I lived before coming here (Newcastle-under-Lyme, a market town next to Stoke-on-Trent). I find the cheapest places are often in Morecambe, a bus ride away from Lancaster but pretty grim so I am told, verified by two Lancastrian friends of mine, and many of the student population. It's well documented that Ryelands is a shithole, I remember an online student guide saying avoid the Marsh as well but that was a few years ago, the student newspaper here gave an account of a student in Skerton saying that most people think it's full of chavs and BNP supporters (but that's students for you, and even the person living there found that there was no real issue). Southern Lancaster seems to be quite studenty, particularly Greaves and Bowerham, although anywhere between campus and town on the bus seems to be nice, although quite expensive and middle class looking. But then I have only been here for two months so what do I know? Good luck anyway.

 

[chio]

In my experience (in Shelton in Stoke), a lot of students moving into an area do seem to look down on it and see its people as below contempt. It irritates me beyond belief, cause I know the area and quite a lot of people and to hear these braying southerners coming up, running round screeching like kids at 3am and then complaining about "local chavs" cause someone's had the audacity to complain about their night's sleep being disturbed is so annoying. (Rant over)

 

[cyberfairy]

don't tell the agent about the cat... they have to inform you before any visit (and if it's one of the big ones like countrywide, they stick to that) which gives you plenty of time to hide evidence.

I have already mentioned to the ones like Countrywide, I have one and is this a problem when enquiring Am too scared to lie tbh. My mate got evicted when her cat was seen in the window and my cat loves sitting in windows and just would rather not take the risk-have a terror of lying ever since wehn telling my boss I was sick and going to a festival, my house burnt down. It was all in the papers about one of the residents being at a festie but my boss thought i was dead after seeing the gutted house I was meant to be in and it all got so complicated and awful and swore never ever to lie again

 

[cyberfairy]

I've been doing a Master's degree in Lancaster for the past two and a half months, and apart from the usual stresses involved in deadlines, essays, exams and moving to a fresh area I really enjoy the area, there is some stunning scenery around the edge of campus and the Lakes are on your doorstep. I have nothing really to contribute about that hasn't been commented on anyway, the Whale Tail is a cool vegan restuarant and below it is the Basement, an activst rescource centre, and next door is a cooperative foodstore that does loads of vegan, organic and fairtrade stuff, albeit it at double the price of standard supermarket shite. Cool pubs I have found so far are the Water Witch (with it's amazing selection of ales), Yorkshire House, Fibber McGee's, and the Vine and Hops.

Regarding which areas to live in, I have had a look at rents for when I have to leave halls, and it's a lot more expensive than where I was renting in the area I lived before coming here (Newcastle-under-Lyme, a market town next to Stoke-on-Trent). I find the cheapest places are often in Morecambe, a bus ride away from Lancaster but pretty grim so I am told, verified by two Lancastrian friends of mine, and many of the student population. It's well documented that Ryelands is a shithole, I remember an online student guide saying avoid the Marsh as well but that was a few years ago, the student newspaper here gave an account of a student in Skerton saying that most people think it's full of chavs and BNP supporters (but that's students for you, and even the person living there found that there was no real issue). Southern Lancaster seems to be quite studenty, particularly Greaves and Bowerham, although anywhere between campus and town on the bus seems to be nice, although quite expensive and middle class looking. But then I have only been here for two months so what do I know? Good luck anyway.

Someone else for a Lancaster meetup then?
It really pisses me off when people are snobby about areas-as Chio said about students laughing about chavs whilst keeping said chavs up all night with noise. Thanks for your advice-hope all going well for you. I don't mind where I am in lancaster as long as feel safe and have nice neighbours but boyfriend needs to be nearish bus station and train station and thus Morecombe etc out of equation. My bosses mate lives in Skerton and says its a lovely place.
Seen a place on St Georges quay which looks lovely but heard Bowerham a bit far out if need to get to bus and train to commute each morning which is what partner will need to do.

 

[cyberfairy]

In my experience (in Shelton in Stoke), a lot of students moving into an area do seem to look down on it and see its people as below contempt. It irritates me beyond belief, cause I know the area and quite a lot of people and to hear these braying southerners coming up, running round screeching like kids at 3am and then complaining about "local chavs" cause someone's had the audacity to complain about their night's sleep being disturbed is so annoying. (Rant over)

I totally agree. I am southern and I was a student but always had respect for people living next door and got laughed at and ignored when telling people to stop making such a noise when at my house-then it was me who got anonymous hate mail from a neighbour I work fulltime now and get woken up at least twice a night by students-don't mind a bit of noise-we're all human but shrieking and pressing carhorns at three am on a tuesday is just plain rude. As you say, the students often live in poorer areas as cheap rents and whilst being condescending and snobby, keep the 'chavs' from sleep when the 'chavs' are often the ones who have to get up earlier and work far harder-not to mention the effects on kids sleep they can cause...(rant over)

 

[Tom A]

boyfriend needs to be nearish bus station and train station and thus Morecombe etc out of equation.

Morecambe has its own rail station, with frequent(ish) services to Lancaster, I have never been here but I would assume that Morecambe-Lancaster can be done in 10-15 mins at most by train. Not that I am advising you to live in Morecambe, two of my mates from Bolton both state it's a really grim dump, even compared with the much maligned Stoke-on-Trent, where we all used to live near when at uni.

 

[cyberfairy]

Morecambe has its own rail station, with frequent(ish) services to Lancaster, I have never been here but I would assume that Morecambe-Lancaster can be done in 10-15 mins at most by train. Not that I am advising you to live in Morecambe, two of my mates from Bolton both state it's a really grim dump, even compared with the much maligned Stoke-on-Trent, where we all used to live near when at uni.

My boyfriend works near Blackpool-going to be a long enough commute even if in central Lancaster....Neither of us drive and I need to get a job too so Lancaster seems best option

 

[JohnC]

Denmark Street is nice - as long as you're down at the bottom of the hill. I live just round the corner from there. Wouldn't be number 13 or 14 (on the right going up the hill), would it? If so, it's a nice house with a fab garden (in summer) and quiet neighbours. A friend of mine used to live there. The landlord's okay too. I'd take pretty much anywhere in that area.

 

[cyberfairy]

Denmark Street is nice - as long as you're down at the bottom of the hill. I live just round the corner from there. Wouldn't be number 13 or 14 (on the right going up the hill), would it? If so, it's a nice house with a fab garden (in summer) and quiet neighbours. A friend of mine used to live there. The landlord's okay too. I'd take pretty much anywhere in that area.

It has a green door and windows and a nice little garden-Be mad if same house! what is wrong about up the hill? Don't mind an uphill hike. Used to walking uphill in Bath.

 

[JohnC]

That's the house! I've known two people who've lived there. The landlord's supposed to be nice - and tolerant.

'what is wrong about up the hill?'
It's up that bloody great hill, that's what's wrong with it. Up or down, it's a bastard on a bike.

 

[cyberfairy]

That's the house! I've known two people who've lived there. The landlord's supposed to be nice - and tolerant.

'what is wrong about up the hill?'
It's up that bloody great hill, that's what's wrong with it. Up or down, it's a bastard on a bike.

What a small world! that''s great news-hopefully letting agents will get back to me soon r.e cat-I wonder if there is any chance of contacting landlord privately? That will save both sides money in bastard agents fees-is it cheeky to ask if you could you ask yr mates if they know his/her number? Will buy you beer with money saved! also-my boyfriend will need to get to trainstation and busstation quite quickly in morn-looked on map and looks pretty near but shit with maps-any idea how long it will take at a brisk walk from there?

 

[JohnC]

Brisk walk - maybe 10/15 minutes, bus - pretty much the same.

I've PM'd you re' the landlord but it doesn't show up in the Sent Mail so I'll tell you here. I'm seeing a friend who used to live in the house tomorrow evening. If she still has the number for the landlord, I'll get it for you. I'll PM you late tomorrow and let you know.

The world gets smaller every day. This friend also lived in Bath a few years back.

 

[lancastermusic]

lawm (at the yorkshire house again, i think) - who do bedwetter acoustic stuff...

what are you on aboot ignorant prestonite?
anyhow, a warm welcome to lancaster for the original poster - here's what lawm has coming up over the next few months

http://www.lawm.co.uk

(spam is yucky - go veggie)

 

[killer b]

what are you on aboot ignorant prestonite?
anyhow, a warm welcome to lancaster for the original poster - here's what lawm has coming up over the next few months

lol. you been googling yer name?

tbh, i've always liked the look of the stuff you do - but you have to admit it's a bit wet...

(btw - i think your post constitutes spam, which is banned by these here boards - i'd edit your post and just put a link to your website if i were you...)

 

[pk]

Lancaster is ace, gem of the North.

Vibrant arts and music scene, a castle, not far from the coast, it's cheap to live there, some good pubs, good drugs, what more do you want?

I had a great time there not long ago, and Morecambe is nice too...

 

[killer b]

morcambe is a bit fucking grim, pk... actually, we used to go to some smashing raves there at the (now closed) midland hotel:

the main dancefloor was in a big room with massive windows looking over the bay - raving while the sun came up was splendid...

 

[lancastermusic]

but you have to admit it's a bit wet...

not at all mate - it kicks arse. the superkings are what i'd define as wet. poor things are struggling for members http://www.alternativelancaster.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=935

 

[killer b]

do fuck off, luv.

if you want to slag dave off, do it where he can see it...

 

[lancastermusic]

sorry mate, didn't mean to strike a nerve. anyway, lancaster, yes hooray!

 

[cyberfairy]

That's better Sooo looking forward to moving. Only packed one box so far though as can't find any cardboard boxes to be had in the whole of Bath

 

[pk]

It's a bit grim, but I like grim seaside towns. Apart from Rhyl, obviously.

And I went on an urbex mission to the Midland Hotel, would love to do a party there, bit dodgy now though... If it's been left to rot it must be fucked by now.

whats the little cove with the antique shop and the pub overlooking the water... Big railway bridge over the river basin...It has a derelict house at the end of a road, Victorian... Something 'dale' ??

 

[pk]

I was prospecting work with a few Lancaster lads, one or two work on a music project for kids in Morcambe, there's a hip hop DJ in Lanc, and a band I forget the name of, psychedelic Moog funk/rock... My memory for names is shit but I never forget a face.

some proper nice people up there, if I didn't live in London with a family I'd live there for a bit, for sure.