Mr Thomas's Chop House, Manchester

One of those places I've walked past hundreds of times, but never been in. I must at least poke my nose through the door one day, just to satisfy my curiousity.

When I went into the city more regularly, it always seemed so busy as I passed, and it also seemed very 'blokey'. I do like to relax and have a seat when I'm out for a drink, and this place looks like 'standing room only'.

It has been such a rush since I got in from work.

My son's high school has had poor Ofsted results and been put into Special Measures, and I feel bad that I didn't realise that there was even a problem. My son is doing well, but it seems that generally the children aren't, and maybe my son could be doing even better!

The school is set to move into a brand new building at Easter, but this is such a terrible thing to have marring what should have been a very exciting time for pupils and staff.

There was a meeting tonight for parents to bring us up to speed, and to meet the new Executive Head Teacher. He spoke well, and promised many improvements, and his previous track record with such schools is excellent.

I'm just grateful that something positive is being done, and quickly.