Chorlton-cum-Hardy...

South Manchester's leafy suburb of Chorlton boasts a wealth of independent shops, bars and cafes. Visitors travel across the city to drink and eat here. Like neighbouring Didsbury, this area has re-invented itself somewhat over the last decade. It was here that the Bee Gees grew up in the 1950's before their family emigrated to Australia. The animated characters of Cosgrove Hall Studios were created here including Count Duckula, Danger Mouse and Chorlton and the Wheelies. The River Mersey runs along Chorlton's southern boundary and there are a number of pleasant walks through the Mersey Valley. The name of Chorlton-cum-Hardy was invented by Victorian property developers, possibly meaning "Settlement (cum is Latin for 'with') trees near water".