Weatherfield
| Weatherfield | |
|---|---|
|
A view of Weatherfield from above Coronation Street | |
| Coronation Street location | |
| Creator | Tony Warren |
| Genre | Soap opera |
| Notable locations |
Coronation Street Rovers Return Inn |
| Notable characters | Coronation Street characters |
Weatherfield is a fictional town based on Salford, Greater Manchester which is the setting for the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Much of Weatherfield has been seen by viewers throughout the years; however, the primary focus in the viewer's perspective is the eponymous Coronation Street, a cobbled street in Weatherfield where many of the programme's characters live. Weatherfield areas are often shot on location around Manchester, as its filming studios, the Granada Studios complex on Quay Street in Manchester city centre (closed 2013) and its new set Media City in Salford Quays (opened 2014), only houses the outdoor sets of Coronation Street and its immediate surrounding streets.
Education
Bessie Street Primary School
Formerly "Bessie Street Mixed Infants" and "Bessie Street Juniors", "Bessie Street Primary School" is the main institution for primary education in Weatherfield.
Headteachers: Unknown (2013-) Brian Packham (2011–13)
Many of the characters in the programme attended Bessie Street as children, including Albert Tatlock, Ken Barlow, Dennis Tanner, Tracy Barlow, Nick Tilsley, David Platt, Chesney Battersby-Brown, Bethany Platt, Joshua Peacock, Amy Barlow and Simon Barlow.
Some characters have also worked there, the most notable being Ken Barlow who took his first teaching job at Bessie Street in 1961 where he worked intermittently until 1974.[1] Esther Hayes, who lived at No.5 Coronation Street until 1962, also worked as a teacher at the school.[2] The role of lollipop man at Bessie Street has been held by Albert Tatlock, Percy Sugden, Jack Duckworth and most recently Malcolm Lagg and Dennis Tanner. The headteacher was Brian Packham but has been replaced by someone else. The current chair of governors is Ken Barlow.
Peter Barlow went to see his son, Simon, perform in the nativity in December 2008, however he was refused entry as he was drunk, he fought his way through and ruined the play. In 2013, Kylie Platt turned up to her son, Max's nativity drunk and the Platt family were removed immediately when Kylie tried to drag Max off the stage. In June 2014, Kylie and David were called in as Max had been disruptive during lessons. This later led to him being diagnosed with ADHD
The only Coronation Street residents currently attending are Jack Webster, Hope Stape, Asha Alahan & Aadi Alahan, Max Turner and Liam Connor Jr.
Weatherfield High School
Formerly "Weatherfield Comprehensive School", "Weatherfield High School" is the main institution for secondary education in Weatherfield. The school specialises in the 11-16 age group, although some pupils have sat their A-Level examinations, which would suggest that the school has Sixth (VI) Form facilities.
Lucille Hewitt was the first character to sit her O-Level examinations at the newly formed Weatherfield Comprehensive in 1965.[3] The school was created by the amalgamation of the Weatherfield School for Girls' and the Weatherfield Boys' School.[3]
The school rarely featured until Ken Barlow returned to teaching in 1991, taking a post in the English department. By this time, Tracy Barlow was a pupil at the school, along with Steve and Andy McDonald and Nick Tilsley. Derek Wilton worked as a caretaker at the school for a period in 1992. The school was referred to as 'Weatherfield Comp' in many scripts. Since 2004, references to 'Weatherfield Comp' have ceased and the school has started to be known as 'Weatherfield High'.
Other former pupils include Jenny Bradley, Toyah Battersby, Sarah-Louise Platt, Candice Stowe, Todd Grimshaw, Aiden Critchley, Rosie Webster and Craig Harris. In 2004, Violet Wilson was identified as a former pupil of Ken Barlow and sometimes still referred to him as "sir". Sophie Webster, Chesney Battersby-Brown, Sian Powers and Ben Richardson all have left the school after taking their exams in Year 11.
The only residents of Coronation Street attending the school now are Amy Barlow, Craig Tinker, Faye Windass, Bethany Platt and Simon Barlow.
Scenes at Weatherfield High School are filmed on location at Hope High School in Salford.
Oakhill School
Weatherfield's only private school is in the Oakhill area of the town.
The school first appeared in the programme in 1993 when Mike Baldwin offered to pay for his estranged son Mark Redman to be educated there.[4] In 2004 Oakhill reappeared when Rosie Webster was accepted to the school where she studied for her GCSEs.
There are no on screen characters currently attending the school.
Scenes at Oakhill School are filmed on location at Cheadle Hulme School.[5]
Local press
Weatherfield has its own local newspaper, The Weatherfield Gazette. A free local newspaper also existed until 1990, known as The Weatherfield Recorder,[6] Also Weatherfield has a tabloid newspaper called The Daily Pulse.
Local shops and businesses
D&S Alahan Corner Shop
| Type | General Convenience Store |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 (as D&S Alahan's) |
| Address | 15 Coronation Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Dev Alahan |
| Key people |
|
D&S Alahan's Corner Shop is situated at 15 Coronation Street and is on the junction to Viaduct Street. It is was owned by Dev Alahan and Sunita Alahan, until the death of Sunita in the Rovers Return in 2013, now it is owned by only Dev. D&S Alahan's was hit by the tram in December 2010, while Sunita Alahan, Molly Dobbs and baby Jack were inside, Jack and Sunita were subsequently saved but Molly didn't survive. The shop was closed for the beginning of 2011 but re-opened in late February. Until December 2010, the corner shop was the only business that had stood since the very first episode. Another notable storyline for D&S Alahan's was when Maya Sharma set fire to the shop which led to an explosion in 2004 with Dev and Sunita inside the flat above.
The Kabin
| Type | Newsagent (Former Post Office) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1990 (in current location) |
| Address | 10 Coronation Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Norris Cole |
The Kabin is also at the junction of Coronation Street and Viaduct Street. The Kabin mainly sells newspapers, magazines, traditional sweets and seasonal goods (Christmas, Easter, Halloween). It was owned originally by Rita Sullivan as the Korner Kabin on Rosamund Street, and moved to its current location in 1990. In late 2009, Rita sold The Kabin to employee Norris Cole so that she could go travelling. When she returns, she is re-employed by Norris and is currently second in command. The Kabin, along with D&S Alahan's Corner Shop and the Joinery wine bar, was severely hit by the tram crash in December 2010. The tram ripped through the shop and the flats above, with Rita inside the shop. After initially believing that Rita was out at a friend's, she was eventually rescued after Emily and Norris raised the alarm.
Audrey's Salon
 | |
| Type | Hairdressing and Beauty Salon |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 (as Audrey's) |
| Address | 2 Coronation Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | |
| Key people |
|
Audrey's Salon is situated at the junction of Rosamund Street and Coronation Street. It is currently owned by Audrey Roberts. 2 Coronation Street has been a hairdresser's salon since 1991, shortly after it was built. It was originally a charity shop, run by Emily Bishop in 1990. Previous salon owners included Denise Osbourne. It has been said that the majority of the cast has been in the salon at one time.
Underworld
| Type | Clothing Factory |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 (as Underworld) |
| Address | Underworld, Unit 14 Coronation Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner |
Carla Connor (60%) Johnny Connor (40%) |
| Key people |
|
Underworld is the underwear factory situated on Coronation Street, which for years has employed many residents of Weatherfield. The company was founded by Mike Baldwin as Baldwins Casuals but is now currently owned by Carla Connor. After the death of Mike Danny Baldwin and Adam Barlow sell their shares to Paul and Liam Connor, after Paul's death his wife, Carla, inherits his 60% share in the factory. Carla's new husband Tony Gordon purchases Liam's Shares shortly before he dies, but after Tony is sent down for his murder Carla buys his shares, before Nick Tilsley purchases them in early 2010. Nick sells his 40% Share back to Carla after the pair didn't get on to well. In 2011, Frank Foster bought Nick's former 40% share from Carla. In 2013, Carla gave 50% of the factory to her husband Peter Barlow, but took it back after his affair with Tina McIntyre was uncovered.
In early June 2010, Tony took revenge on Carla and Roy Cropper by kidnapping her and Roy's wife Hayley before setting the factory alight with Carla inside. She manages to escape but Tony walks back into the blazing factory and dies. During the re-construction of the factory John Stape and Charlotte Hoyle hide the body of Colin Fishwick, who died inside No. 5 Coronation Street following an argument with the pair, under the floor of the factory in a hole after John had stole Colin's identity in order to allow him to teach again. However, unbeknown to John Owen Armstrong Construction were just about to cement over the hole and before John could do anything the floor was covered with cement and Colin was buried in under floor. The body remained undetected for nearly a year until July 2011 when drain problems with the factory toilets led to the floor being dug up. John, terrified that his secret was about to be uncovered, managed to get himself on the labour team and went to the factory late one night to find Colin's body as wife Fiz walks in and discovers the body. Eventually, the police find out about John's cover up and investigate, but John makes a get away, leaving Fiz forced to the wrath for his crimes. Frank Foster took up a partnership with Carla with investment in the company, his relationship grew with Carla and they became engaged. As the wedding plans progressed Carla realised that she still had feelings for Peter Barlow and she called off the wedding. Frank raped Carla at her flat, which she later went to the police about. Frank was arrested but was later released on bail but was not allowed near Carla or the business. Frank's mother stepped in his shoes at the factory and interfered with Carla's life making it harder for her to run the factory. Frank stole the clients from Underworld and sent in men to take his share of items and stock from the business so he could set up his new business else where in the area. With no work for the staff, Carla had the hard decision to lay off staff. First was a mutual agreement with Becky McDonald who walked out as she was last to be employed at the factory followed by Eileen Grimshaw for the same reasons. Carla also dismissed Sally Webster, who was upset Carla had done so, as Sally had worked for the factory and been loyal to the business for many years. Frank approached Sally and offered her a supervisor job at his new factory which she accepted. Frank later returns to Underworld merging his business with Carla's, bringing all his staff with him.
In April 2012, after Frank is found dead in the factory, his 40% share was then to be purchased by Sally Webster. After meeting with Franks lawyers Carla discovers that Frank has left his percentage of the factory to Carla forgetting to change it after the rape much to the happiness to sister-in-law, Michelle Connor.
Carla co-owns the factory with a 70 percent with her brother Rob Donovan, who owns the remaining 30 until he loses them to Carla and gives them to Peter. In December 2013, Carla gives Peter an extra 20%, making them equal partners in the business. In January 2014, the factory loses one of its much-loved staff members, as Hayley passes away from pancreatic cancer. On 7 July 2014, Peter gave back his 50% of the business back to Carla due to their separation due to Peter's affair with Tina McIntyre. Carla now has 100% of Underworld.
In 2015, Carla went into a meltdown after believing that she was responsible for the fire at Victoria Court. This caused her to loose focus at work and she ended up cancelling meetings with clients and missing deadlines. She also started gambling, and spending the factory's money. She also started drinking heavily. Concerned, Nick and Michelle called upon Aidan Connor to help out. Aidan agreed to invest £80,000 into the factory in exchange for a 40% share. However, Carla then continued to gamble, irritating Aidan. Carla then discovered that Tracy Barlow was actually to blame for the fire and then started to get her life back on track.
Nick's Bistro
 | |
| Type | Restaurant/Bar |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 (as The Joinery: Wine Bar) |
| Address | Viaduct Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owners |
Nick Tilsley (90%) Robert Preston (10%) |
| Key people |
|
'Nick's Bistro is situated on Viaduct Street under the viaduct, it was formerly a joiners workshop before it was renovated intoThe Joinery: Wine Bar in 2010. The Joinery was first opened by Peter Barlow and Leanne Barlow by owned by George Wilson, in early 2010 but on it first night Peters alcoholism got the better of him as he got drunk and violent, leaving Leanne devastated. Meaning that its first night was its last. In mid-2010 after the factory siege which saw the factory burnt down, Nick Tilsley saw an opportunity to use it as temporary factory, but he used this under the name Nick's Knicks meaning it had nothing to do with Carla or Underworld. After the closure of the temporary factory Nick rented the space again from owner George and re-opened The Joinery towards late 2010, employee ex-kebab shop worker Cheryl Gray as barmaid, Ciaran McCarthy as chef and ex-wife Leanne as manager in order to allow her to live her dream. However, Nick and Leanne grew close and embarked on an affair, In December Ken Barlow walks in on them in the office looking for Peter and is disgusted with Leanne. The Joinery was destroyed following a gas explosion causing the tram to crash onto Coronation Street in front of the bar, which killed Ashley Peacock and nearly killed Peter. Nick, renovated in 2011 and re-opened it as The Bistro, again employing Cheryl along with his mother Gail as cleaner. Becky Granger briefly worked there after her split from husband Steve. Believing that Kylie needed to rest due to her pregnancy, David Platt took over her evening shifts here. The Bistro lost two employees in Spring 2014 as Gloria and Stella Price both left Weatherfield. As Leanne split with Nick, he renamed it as Just Nick's".
Later, due to staffing problems, he re-hired Leanne. She agreed but only if she could be promoted to Manageress. She then planned a stylish revamp. Steph Britton also began working at the Bistro as a waitress sometime in 2014 and was later joined by Gavin Rodwell. However, "Gavin" almost lost his job in January 2015 when he revealed to Steph that his real name was in fact Andy Carver and that he'd stolen his friend Gavin's identity and used it to meet his father, Michael, who was engaged to Nick's mother Gail. Andy kept his job, despite this. Robert Preston then began working at the bistro as its head chef in September 2015 as he began seeing his ex-wife Tracy again. In November, Steph learns that her ex-boyfriend Jamie Bowman has threatened to post intimate pictures of her online. The pictures are later posted, infuriating Steph. With Leanne's support, she phones the police and Jamie is arrested.
In January 2016, Andy and Steph's brother Luke Britton learn that Jamie is out on bail. They go to confront him at his new workplace, an upmarket bar. Andy reveals all to the Manager and Jamie and his mate Lee are later sacked. This angers Jamie, so he and Lee plan to rob the Bistro to put the frighteners on Steph. However, due to a powercut, Nick closes early, so unknown to Jamie, Steph isn't there. However, Nick's fiancée, Carla Connor is in the Bistro at the time of the break-in after having a heated argument with Robert. Jamie and Lee search the restaurant but don't find any money or anything of value. Carla tells them to go whilst they can but Jamie gets angry and attacks Carla. Jamie snatches Carla's bag but she runs after them. As they climb into their getaway car, Carla tries to grab her bag. Jamie starts the car and drives down the cobbles taking Carla with them, however Carla is pushed from the vehicle and falls, injuring herself badly.
Preston's Petals
 | |
| Type | Florist |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 (as Preston's Petals) |
| Address | 9 Rosamund Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Peter Barlow |
| Key people |
|
Barlow's Bookies is the bookmakers shop on Rosamund Street and is owned by Peter Barlow. Peter bought the shop in late 2008 from Dan and Harry Mason after his return to Weatherfield. Shortly after he moved into the flat above the Shop. In early 2009, Peter got drunk while his son Simon Barlow is sleeping, he then lights a cigarette before dropping it and setting the place alight. Simon awakes to find it alight and manages to call Deirdre Barlow who rushes out to the street and see the blazing shop and flat, she gets Luke Strong and Tony Gordon to help rescue Peter, Simon and Leanne (Simon's Rabbit). In August 2010, Lewis Archer cons Peter and the shop out of £4,000. After befriending new employee Deirdre he starts forging betting slips while Deirdre's not looking and scams Leanne that he has won £4,000. CCTV reveals that he sneaked behind the desk and made the betting slip after the race had ended, before passionately kissing Deirdre to the dismay of Peter, Leanne, Ken Barlow and Audrey Roberts, but before he could be stopped he escapes to Barbados. John Stape worked here until he went on the run when his crimes were discovered. On 4 September 2011, a drunk Carla Connor crashed her car into the front of the Bookies, also knocking down Stella Price who was left critically ill following the accident.
In April 2013, Leanne sold her share behind Peter's back to Carla. Carla then employed her brother Rob as a development consultant to bring Barlows Bookies into the 21st century. When Rob is fired, he puts a bet down against Peter, which Peter can't afford to pay out. Rob unfortunately wins, leading Peter to giving him and Rob's girlfriend, Tracy Barlow, The Bookies for 6 months, rent free. They change it into a pawnbrokers and Tracy calls it Barlow's Buys. Peter then continues to rent out the shop to Rob and Tracy and the couple get annoyed when Peter increases their rent payments.
In 2016, Robert Preston gives Tracy the idea of opening a florists. Seeing no future for Barlow's Buys, Tracy agrees and starts planning the grand opening. In a bid to win Robert back after an argument, she calls the shop Preston's Petals.
Jason Grimshaw Construction
 | |
| Type | Builders |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 (as Owen Armstrong Construction) |
| Address | 17 Victoria Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Jason Grimshaw |
| Key people |
|
Jason Grimshaw Construction is the builders yard situated on Victoria Street. It is part of a chain owned by Owen Armstrong, who bought it from Bill Webster. He kept on Jason Grimshaw and hired Chris Gray. Chris quit when he discovered he had a brain tumour. In 2011, he hires Gary Windass as a laborer and a builder, and drops Jason in late 2012. Tina McIntyre becomes bookkeeper in early 2013. However, Owen's daughter, Katy Armstrong takes over the role when Tina returns to her job at The Rovers. In 2014 Owen had to sell the yard to Tony Stewart to get out some debt, so Tony then gave the yard to his son Jason Grimshaw for an early birthday present.
StreetCars
| Type | Taxi Firm |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 |
| Address | 15 Victoria Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner |
|
| Key people |
|
StreetCars is a taxi company which is situated on Victoria Street and owned by Lloyd Mullaney and Steve McDonald. Eileen Grimshaw has worked here for many years and upon his return, in 2013, managed to get her son, Todd a job here too. "Fat" Brenda is also an employee here but still remains to be seen. After Todd was caught playing truant from StreetCars, Steve fired him, and hired Gail Platt's new friend, Michael Rodwell.
Roy's Rolls
| Type | Cafe |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1998 (as Roy's Rolls) |
| Address | 16 Victoria Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Roy Cropper |
| Key people |
|
Roy's Rolls is a café situated on Victoria Street, which is owned by Roy Cropper. Hayley Cropper, Roy's wife, also owned it with him until her death in 2014. It is managed by Anna Windass. Mary Taylor is a stand-in waitress here too.
Prima Doner
| Type | Kebab shop |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 (as Prima Donor) |
| Address | 18 Victoria Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner |
|
| Key people |
|
Prima Doner is the kebab shop situated on the corner of Victoria Street, which is owned by Dev Alahan and Chesney Brown.
The shop was formerly a DIY store owned by Sally Webster, followed by a Bakery owned by Diggory Compton, before becoming a Kebab shop which was opened by Jerry Morton. The shop focused around the Morton family from its opening in 2007 until 2009, when Darryl Morton left for Spain and sold it to Dev Alahan. Mel, Jodie, Jerry, Darryl and Teresa Bryant all worked here between 2007 and 2009.
When the shop was sold to Dev in 2008, Mel left to pursue her police career. Ryan Connor and Katy Armstrong worked here in the buildup to their affair, which lead to the breakdown of Katy's relationship to Chesney and Ryan's departure. Chesney later begins working here when the market he was working on gets closed down. He later buys 25% of the business.
The Jamilla House
|
Former shop use, Elliott and Son Master Butchers | |
| Type | Community Centre |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 (as The Jamilla House) |
| Address | 14 Victoria Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Yasmeen Nazir |
The Jamilla House (formerly Elliott and Son Master Butchers) is a community centre and was a butchers situated on Victoria Street, owned by Ashley Peacock following the death of his father Fred Elliott, Ashley died in the 2010 tram crash and the butchers has lay empty since. In October 2014, it was changed to the local community centre by Yasmeen Nazir.
For Your Fries Only: Chip Shop
 | |
| Type | Fish and Chips Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
| Address | Rosamund Street |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Key people | No current on screen employees |
For Your Fries Only, formerly Wongs Chip Shop, is situated on Rosamund Street next to the Medical Centre. The Chip Shop was introduced when Cilla Battersby-Brown and her friend Yana Lumb worked in the chip shop. Since their departures the chip shop is only referred to in storylines.
Freshco
| Type | Supermarket |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 (as Freshco) |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Freshco Ltd. |
| Key people | No Current on screen employees |
Freshco is a supermarket situated in Weatherfield. It was formerly known as Bettabuys, and then Firman's Freezers, before finally being taken over by Freshco's. During that time, it was heavily featured in the programme, but as no current character works there, it was phased out in the early 2000s and is now only referred to occasionally by residents (usually after they have been shopping and come home with shopping bags reading "Freshco"). Izzy Armstrong worked here.
Turners Joinery
| Type | Joiners workshop |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 (as Turners Journery) |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Turners |
| Key people | No Current on screen employees |
Turners Joinery has not been mentioned recently. When Nick Tilsley decided to build the bistro he bought half of Turners joinery. However, there is still part of Turners under the viaduct. Half of the Turners joinery still stands with a double door not seen much because it is behind the corner shop which goes unnoticed. Turners Joinery was built under the viaduct archway that originally connected Coronation Street with Jubilee Street. A large glass window was placed in here sometime in the 1990s, which was smashed by Maya Sharma in a car accident.
Weatherfield Garden Centre
| Type | Garden Centre |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Address | Unknown |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Unnamed Man |
| Key people | No Current on screen employees |
Weatherfield Garden Centre is first seen on 3 July 2014 as the workplace of burglar Michael Rodwell. It is visited by David Platt, his wife Kylie and his step-son Max. David and Kylie confront Michael but soon Max disappears. They find a worried Max who is locked inside of a shed. Kylie immediately breaks the shed door to rescue Max and Michael claims it was him so that Kylie won't be in trouble with his boss. Michael is later dismissed from the garden centre, when Gail Platt gets him a job at StreetCars.
7eventh Heaven
| Type | Lap dancing bar - Construction site |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Fate | Bankrupt before complete |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Terry Duckworth |
| Key people | No Current on screen employees |
7eventh Heaven is the unit next to Nick's Bistro behind the Garage and Kabin. The development of the unit was started by Terry Duckworth when he returned to Weatherfield in 2012. He attempted to open up a bar, which was later revealed to be a lap dancing bar. After much protest from local residents which lost Terry money, he finally gave up as he owed money to loan sharks and fled Weatherfield. The business was abandoned and remains closed and unfinished.
Pubs
Newton and Ridley
The Newton and Ridley Brewery was established in Weatherfield in 1781.[7] During the 19th century, Newton and Ridley expanded its operations, moving towards the acquisition and construction of new public houses. There is a pub crawl called the Weatherfield 7.
The Rovers Return Inn
In 1902 Newton & Ridley acquired the freehold to the newly built public house on Coronation Street.[8] The pub was named "Rovers Return Inn" and is the principal meeting place in Coronation Street. Although the house is no longer owned by Newton and Ridley, the brewery's products are still available. Steve McDonald currently owns the pub, though there have also been many other owners. It experienced an electrical fault in 1986 which resulted in a fire which destroyed the bar. It experienced another big fire in 2013 caused my Karl Munro in attempt to frame Jason Grimshaw, who was trying to fix an electrical fail.
The name was chosen because of the historic "Rover's Return" in Withy Grove, Manchester, which occupied a 14th-century building. At some period it became a licensed house but ceased to be so in 1924. The building stood until 1958 when the City Council had it demolished.[9]
The Flying Horse
In 1850 Newton and Ridley opened "The Flying Dutchman" at the corner of Jubilee Terrace.[10] The name was changed in 1905 to "The Flying Horse" for patriotic reasons.[10] Until around 1985, The Flying Horse was the biggest rival pub to the "Rovers Return", with the regulars from both houses clashing in many friendly contests such as a tug-of-war, mixed football and pub Olympics.[10]
The pub was reintroduced in 2009; however, it is now filled with dodgy characters.
The Laughing Donkey
"The Laughing Donkey" can be found on Omdurman Street, overlooking North Cross Park. It was the stronghold of Nellie Harvey (Mollie Sugden), acquaintance and nemesis of Rovers Return landlady, Annie Walker.[11]
The Queens
"The Queens" was built in 1931 and is situated towards the 'trendy' Weatherfield Quays, south of Weatherfield.[12] The pub was introduced to Coronation Street in 1993, seeing former Rovers Landlady Liz McDonald installed as Landlady by Newton and Ridley.
The Weatherfield Arms
Another rival to the Rovers Return, "The Weatherfield Arms", appeared around 2003. The location of the pub is unknown. Liz McDonald was the manager for a while here after she lost her job at the Rovers Return. Other Coronation Street residents such as Bev Unwin and Cilla Battersby-Brown have been employed here.
The Farrier's Arms
An early rival to the Rovers, mentioned in the first year or two by regular cast in 1960-1961, corner-shop owner Florrie Lindley worked there for 4 years before turning her attentions to shop-keeping, eventually it was mentioned less and less, especially after Florrie left. The pub has been unheard of for over 50 years, suggesting it has been closed down.
Restaurants
There are three main restaurants residents visit: The Clock, Delphine's, and Valandro's. All three have been popular in recent years.
Valandro's
Valandro's is an Italian restaurant. It was previously used as a secondary setting to restaurants such as The Clock, until equally bought by Carla Connor and Leanne Battersby in May 2007. After the unexpected death of Paul Connor however, Carla pulled out of the transaction, leaving Leanne to fund the cost of buying the business herself; she used money earned from being an escort, combined with a £10,000 loan from Roger Stiles. Amidst a wealth of financial trouble and staffing problems in July 2007, Leanne hired Paul Clayton to work at the restaurant as head chef, Paul later took out a loan in Jack Duckworth's name, and bought a share of the restaurant. The business was failing, so in 2008 Leanne convinced Paul to set fire to the restaurant in order to claim the insurance,[13] resulting in Paul fleeing the country.
The Royal Panda
The Royal Panda is a Chinese restaurant. It was introduced as the workplace of Xin Chiang when Tina McIntyre and Graeme Proctor go to visit her.
Health
Weatherfield General Hospital
The main NHS medical facilities are located at Weatherfield General Hospital. The wards at the hospital are named after singers including George Formby and Gracie Fields. Martin Platt, Karl Foster, Todd Grimshaw and Marcus Dent have all worked at the hospital, while Emily Bishop also did voluntary work for the hospital. Jake Windass was born here in May 2013, while Hayley Cropper was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2013. In May 2014, Lloyd Mullaney was rushed to Weatherfield General Hospital after suffering a heart attack, and Sarah-Louise Platt's baby son Billy was born and died here. A pregnant Kylie Platt also took a trip to Weatherfield General Hospital in January 2013 after falling off a table while drunk in The Rovers Return Inn, and David Platt and Nick Tilsley were both rushed here after a horrific lorry accident in August 2013.
Rosamund Street Medical Centre
The medical practice situated on the junction between Rosamund Street and Coronation Street. Gail Platt was employed as a receptionist at the practice, until 2010 when she lost the job for reading private medical records. Two former Coronation Street residents, Dr. Matt Ramsden and Dr. Matt Carter were employed there whilst they both lived in Weatherfield respectively.
The Medical Centre also features a Pharmacy which was briefly used in the story line of Joe McIntyre's drug addiction. The pharmacy is not seen apart from the green pharmacy sign in the window of the medical centre.
V COURT Health and Fitness
| Type | Gym |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Location | Weatherfield |
| Owner | Dev Alahan, Sharif Nazir |
| Key people |
|
A joint venture between local business man Dev Alahan and personal trainer Kal Nazir. Kal's father, Sharif, also has shares within the business. The facility is used by many local residents including Gail Platt, Nick Tilsley, Gary Windass, Mary Taylor, Steve McDonald, Sarah-Louise Platt, Zeedan Nazir, Bethany Platt, Callum Logan and Jason Grimshaw.
Transport
Various forms of public transport can be encountered in Weatherfield. One of them is a bus service called the Weatherfield Wayfarer, which is boarded from a stop on Rosamund Street. A bus shelter there provides Weatherfield residents with a comfortable wait guarded from the elements; however, when Victoria Street was closed due to the construction of the Victoria Court apartment complex, an alternative diversion route was in operation, served by a temporary bus stop located outside the Medical Centre on the opposite side of Rosamund Street. The bus used in the series is currently provided by Stagecoach and branded with the Weatherfield Wayfarer name; however this has not always been so and the bus colours used to be grey.
Trams are also in operation through Weatherfield. Although most residents appear to prefer taking the bus, it has been revealed that Deirdre Barlow takes the tram to work (at the council offices in central Manchester): this was when she arrived home with stained clothes as "someone spilt coffee down me on't tram". The tram, based off the Metrolink network, runs along the viaduct on Viaduct Street, which separates Coronation Street and Jubilee Terrace. Though a tram stop has never been witnessed onscreen, there may be one nearby, serving the residents of Weatherfield, as use of the tram system is occasionally mentioned in conversation. The tram has been heard more recently and has been shown on Kelly Crabtree and Natasha Blakeman's exits.
On the 6th of December 2010, an out-of-service tram crashed off the viaduct at the end of Coronation Street after a gas blast at The Joinery created a hole in it. The track was damaged causing it to derail, sending the front end of the tram into Dev and Sunita's Corner Shop and the other end into The Kabin. It is not the first time in Weatherfield's history that such a disaster has happened; notably the derailment of a goods train in 1967.
References
- ↑ Little. (2000) p.13.
- ↑ Little. (2000) p.20.
- 1 2 Little. (2000) p.35.
- ↑ Little. (2000) p.212.
- ↑ "Cheadle Hulme School". imdb.com. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
- ↑ Little. (2000) p.195.
- ↑ Little. (1993) p.10.
- ↑ Little. (1993) p.12.
- ↑ Frangopulo, N. J., ed. (1962) Rich Inheritance. Manchester: Education Committee; pp. 195-96
- 1 2 3 Little. (1993) p.85.
- ↑ Little. (1993) p.80-82.
- ↑ Little. (1993) p.118-121.
- ↑ Coronation Street: Paul Sets Fire to Valandro’s on Product Reviews Net
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