Weatherfield

Weatherfield

A view of Weatherfield from above Coronation Street
Coronation Street location
Created by 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 from the viewer's perspective is the eponymous Coronation Street, a cobbled street 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 MediaCityUK in Salford Quays (opened 2014), only house 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, notably Ken Barlow who took his first teaching job at Bessie Street in 1961. He worked there 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 he has been replaced. The current chair of governors is Ken Barlow.

Peter Barlow goes to see his son, Simon, perform in the nativity play in December 2008; however, he is refused entry as he is drunk. He fights his way through and ruins the play. In 2013, Kylie Platt arrives drunk at her son Max's nativity play and the Platt family is removed immediately when Kylie tries to drag Max off the stage. In June 2014, Kylie and David are called in as Max has been disruptive during lessons. This later leads to him being diagnosed with ADHD

The only Coronation Street residents currently attending the school 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 A-Level examinations there, which means the school must have Sixth (VI) Form facilities.

Lucille Hewitt is the first character to sit her O-Level examinations at the newly formed Weatherfield Comprehensive in 1965[3] after the amalgamation of the Weatherfield School for Girls and the Weatherfield Boys' School.[3]

The school rarely features until Ken Barlow returns to teaching in 1991, taking a post in the English department. By this time, Tracy Barlow is a pupil at the school, along with Steve and Andy McDonald, and Nick Tilsley. Derek Wilton works as a caretaker at the school for a period in 1992. The school is referred to as 'Weatherfield Comp' in many scripts but since 2004, the school has been 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 is identified as a former pupil of Ken Barlow and sometimes still refers to him as "sir". Sophie Webster, Chesney Battersby-Brown, Sian Powers and Ben Richardson all leave 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 Oasis Academy MediaCityUK in Salford.

Oakhill School

Weatherfield's only private school is in the Oakhill area of the town.

The school first appears in the programme in 1993, when Mike Baldwin offers to pay for his estranged son Mark Redman to be educated there.[4] In 2004 Oakhill reappears when Rosie Webster is accepted at the school, where she studies 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]

Weatherfield Polytechnic/University

Jenny Bradley briefly attends here, along with her friend and housemate Flick Khan. Jenny studies biology until she is expelled for neglecting her work. It is later attended by Andy McDonald, by which time it has been reclassified as a university under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. Andy is successful in his studies, graduating with a lower second class honours degree.

Local press

Weatherfield has its own local newspaper, The Weatherfield Gazette. A free local newspaper existed until 1990, known as The Weatherfield Recorder,[6] Weatherfield also has a tabloid newspaper called The Daily Pulse.

Local shops and businesses

D&S Alahan Corner Shop

D&S Alahan's 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 was owned by Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) and Sunita Alahan (Shobna Gulati), until the death of Sunita in The Rovers Return fire in 2013; now it is solely owned by Dev. D&S Alahan's was hit by the tram in December 2010, while Sunita, Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) and her baby Jack were inside. Jack and Sunita were subsequently saved but Molly died. 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 involved Maya Sharma (Sasha Behar) setting fire to the shop in 2004, leading to an explosion whilst Dev and Sunita were in the flat above.

The Kabin

The Kabin
Type Newsagent (Former Post Office)
Founded 1990 (in current location)
Address 10 Coronation Street
Location Weatherfield
Owner Norris Cole
Key people

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). Originally by Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) as the Korner Kabin on Rosamund Street, it moved to its current location in 1990. In late 2009, Rita sells The Kabin to employee Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) so that she can 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, is involved in the tram crash in December 2010. The tram rips through the shop and the flats above, with Rita inside the shop. After initially believing that Rita is out at a friend's, Norris and Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire) raise the alarm and Rita is eventually rescued.

Audrey's Salon

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 (Sue Nicholls). 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 (Eileen Derbyshire) in 1990. Previous salon owners include Denise Osbourne (Denise Black). It has been said that the majority of the cast has been in the salon at some time.

Underworld

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 has employed many residents of Weatherfield. The company was founded by Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs) as Baldwins Casuals but was later owned by Carla Connor (Alison King). After Mike died, his son Danny Baldwin (Bradley Walsh), and Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) sell their shares to Paul (Sean Gallagher) and Liam Connor (Rob James-Collier). After Paul's death, his wife, Carla, inherits his 60% share in the factory. Carla's new husband Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) purchases Liam's shares shortly before he dies but, after Tony is imprisoned for Liam's murder, Carla buys his shares. Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) purchases them in early 2010, then sells his 40% share back to Carla when the pair don't get along. In 2011, Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel) buys Nick's former share from Carla. In 2013, Carla gives 50% of the factory to her husband Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), but takes it back after his affair with Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan) was uncovered.

In early June 2010, Tony takes revenge on Carla and Roy Cropper (David Neilson) by taking Carla and Roy's wife Hayley (Julie Hesmondhalgh) hostage, before setting the factory on fire 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 (Graeme Hawley) and Charlotte Hoyle (Becky Hindley) hide the body of Colin Fishwick (David Crellin), who died inside No. 5 Coronation Street following an argument with the pair, under the floor of the factory. John had stolen Colin's identity in order to allow him to teach again. However, unbeknownst to John Owen Armstrong Construction is about to cement over the hole and, before John could do anything, the floor is covered with Colin underneath. The body remains undetected until July 2011, when drain problems with the factory toilets lead to the floor being dug up. John, terrified that his secret is about to be uncovered, manages to get himself on the labour team and goes to the factory late one night to find Colin's body; he is interrupted by his wife Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine), who discovers the body. Eventually, the police find out about John's cover up and investigate, but John makes a get away, leaving Fiz facing the blame for his crimes.

Frank takes up a partnership with Carla, their relationship grows and they become engaged. As the wedding plans progress Carla realises that she still has feelings for Peter and she calls off the wedding. Frank rapes Carla at her flat, and she later reports this to the police. Frank is arrested but later released on bail on condition that he stay away from Carla and the business. Frank's mother steps in his shoes at the factory and interferes with Carla's life, making it harder for her to run the factory. Frank steals the clients from Underworld and sends in men to take his share of items and stock from the business to set up his new business elsewhere in the area. With no work for the staff, Carla makes the decision to lay off staff. First is by mutual agreement with Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly), who walks out as she was the last to be employed at the factory. She is followed by Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) for the same reason. Carla also dismisses Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor), who is upset that Carla has done so, as Sally has worked for the factory and been loyal to the business for many years. Frank approaches Sally and offers her a supervisor's job at his new factory which she accepts. Frank later returns to Underworld merging his business with Carla's, bringing his staff with him.

In April 2012, after Frank is found dead in the factory, his 40% share is to be purchased by Sally. After meeting with Frank's lawyers, Carla discovers that Frank has left his share of the factory to her, having forgotten to change it after the rape, much to the happiness of her sister-in-law, Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh).

Carla now co-owns the factory with a 70 percent share, with her brother Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis)owning the rest, until he loses them to Carla who 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 to Carla due to their separation following Peter's affair with Tina. Carla now owns 100% of Underworld.

In 2015, Carla has a breakdown, believing that she is responsible for the fire at Victoria Court. This causes her to lose focus at work, and she cancels meetings with clients and missing deadlines. She also starts gambling with the factory's money and drinking heavily. Concerned, Nick and Michelle call upon Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward) to help out. Aidan agrees to invest £80,000 in the factory in exchange for a 40% share. However, Carla continues to gamble, irritating Aidan. Carla then discovers that Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) is to blame for the fire. Carla begins to get her life back on track.

Nick's Bistro

Nick's Bistro
Type Restaurant/Bar
Founded 2010 (as The Joinery: Wine Bar)
Address Viaduct Street
Location Weatherfield
Owner Robert Preston (50%) Nick Tilsley (50%)
Key people

Nick's Bistro is situated on Viaduct Street under the viaduct. It was formerly a joiners' workshop before it was renovated and became The Joinery Wine Bar in 2010. The Joinery was first opened in early 2010 by Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Leanne Barlow (Jane Danson), but was owned by George Wilson (Anthony Valentine). On its first night Peter's alcoholism gets the better of him when he becomes drunk and violent, leaving Leanne devastated, so its first night is also its last.

In mid-2010 after the siege which saw the factory burn down, Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) sees an opportunity to use it as temporary factory, but he does so under the name Nick's Knicks meaning it had nothing to do with Carla Connor (Alison King) or Underworld. After the closure of the temporary factory, Nick rents the space again from owner George and re-opens The Joinery in late 2010, employing ex-kebab shop worker Cheryl Gray (Holly Quin-Ankrah) as barmaid and Ciaran McCarthy (Keith Duffy) as chef, with ex-wife Leanne as manager in order to allow her to live her dream. However, Nick and Leanne grow close and embark on an affair. In December Ken Barlow (William Roache) walks in on them in the office looking for Peter and is disgusted with Leanne. The Joinery is destroyed following a gas explosion causing the tram to crash onto Coronation Street in front of the bar, which kills Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) and nearly kills Peter. In 2011 Nick renovates and re-opens it as The Bistro, again employing Cheryl, along with his mother Gail (Helen Worth) as cleaner. Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) briefly works there after her split from husband Steve (Simon Gregson). Believing that his wife Kylie Platt (Paula Lane) needed to rest due to her pregnancy, David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) takes over her evening shifts. The Bistro loses two employees in Spring 2014 as Gloria Price (Sue Johnston) and Stella Price (Michelle Collins) both leave Weatherfield. As Leanne splits with Nick, he renames it Just Nick's.

Later, due to staffing problems, he re-hires Leanne. She agrees but only if she can be promoted to manageress. She then plans a stylish revamp. Steph Britton (Tisha Merry) also begins working at the bistro as a waitress sometime in 2014 and is later joined by Gavin Rodwell. However, "Gavin" almost loses his job in January 2015 when he reveals to Steph that his real name is in fact Andy Carver (Oliver Farnworth) and that he has stolen his friend Gavin's identity and is using it to meet his father, Michael Rodwell (Les Dennis), who is engaged to Gail. Andy keeps his job despite this.

Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill) begins working at the bistro as its head chef in September 2015 as he begins seeing his ex-wife Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) again. In November, Steph learns that her ex-boyfriend Jamie Bowman (James Atherton) 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 (Dean Fagan), learns 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 friend Lee are sacked. This angers Jamie, so he and Lee plan to rob the bistro to frighten Steph. However, due to a powercut, Nick closes early so, unknown to Jamie, Steph isn't there. However, Nick's fiancée Carla 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. Carla is pushed from the vehicle and falls, injuring herself badly.

Preston's Petals

Preston's Petals
Type Florist
Founded 2016 (as Preston's Petals)
Address 9 Rosamund Street
Location Weatherfield
Owner Peter Barlow
Key people

Preston's Petals is the florist on Rosamund Street and is owned by Peter Barlow. Peter buys the shop in late 2008 from Dan and Harry Mason after his return to Weatherfield. Shortly after, he moves into the flat above the Shop. In early 2009, Peter gets 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, seeing the blazing shop and flat, she fetches 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 is not looking and tricks Leanne into believing that he has won £4,000. CCTV reveals that he sneaked behind the desk and made the betting slip after the race had ended. After passionately kissing Deirdre (to the dismay of Peter, Leanne, Ken Barlow and Audrey Roberts) he escapes to Barbados.

John Stape works here until he. too, goes on the run when his crimes are discovered.

On 4 September 2011, a drunk Carla Connor crashes her car into the front of the bookies, also knocking down Stella Price who is left critically ill following the accident.

In April 2013, Leanne sells her share behind Peter's back to Carla. Carla employs her brother, Rob, as a development consultant to bring Barlow's Bookies into the 21st century. When Rob is fired, he puts a bet down against Peter, which Peter cannot afford to pay. Rob wins, leading Peter to give him and Rob's girlfriend, Tracy Barlow, the bookies rent free for 6 months. They change it into a pawnbroker and Tracy calls it Barlow's Buys. Peter continues to rent the shop to Rob and Tracy, and the couple are annoyed when Peter increases their rent.

In 2016, Robert Preston gives Tracy the idea of opening a florists. Seeing no future for Barlow's Buys, Tracy agrees and starts to plan the grand opening. In a bid to win Robert back after an argument, she calls the shop Preston's Petals.

Jason Grimshaw Construction

Construction Site
Type Builders
Founded 2010 (as Owen Armstrong Construction)
Address 17 Victoria Street
Location Weatherfield
Owner Jason Grimshaw
Key people

Jason Grimshaw Construction is the builder's yard situated on Victoria Street. It was formerly owned by Len Fairclough, local councillor and husband of Rita, and then by Bill Webster. It is part of a chain owned by Owen Armstrong, who buys it from Bill Webster. He keeps on Jason Grimshaw and hires Chris Gray. Chris resigns when he discovers he has a brain tumour. In 2011, Owen 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 Return. In 2014, Owen sells the yard to Tony Stewart to ease his debt; Tony then gives the yard to his son Jason Grimshaw as an early birthday present. When Jason moves to Thailand in 2016, he gives control of the company to Pat Phelan, whilst retaining ownership.

StreetCars

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 is owned by Tim Metcalfe 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 has yet to be seen. After Todd is caught playing truant from StreetCars, Steve fires him and hires Gail Platt's new friend, Michael Rodwell.

In September 2015, Lloyd moves to Jersey to start a new life with his girlfriend Andrea. Sally Metcalfe later buys his share of the company and hands it over to husband Tim, whom she wants to own a business.

Roy's Rolls

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, is co-owner until her death in 2014. It is managed by Anna Windass. Mary Taylor is a stand-in waitress here.

Prima Doner

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 a DIY store owned by Sally Webster, then a Bakery owned by Diggory Compton, before becoming a Kebab shop opened by Jerry Morton. The shop focuses around the Morton family from its opening in 2007 until 2009, when Darryl Morton leaves for Spain and sells it to Dev Alahan. Mel, Jodie, Jerry, Darryl and Teresa Bryant all work here between 2007 and 2009.

When the shop is sold to Dev in 2008, Mel leaves to pursue her police career. Ryan Connor and Katy Armstrong work here in the build–up to their affair, which leads both to the breakdown of Katy's relationship with Chesney and to Ryan's departure. Chesney later begins working here when the market where he works is closed down. He later buys 25% of the business.

The Jamilla House

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
Key people

The Jamilla House (formerly Elliott and Son Master Butchers), on Victoria Street, is a butcher's shop owned by Ashley Peacock following the death of his father, Fred Elliott. Ashley dies in the 2010 tram crash and the shop lies empty until, in October 2014, it is changed by Yasmeen Nazir to become a community centre.

For Your Fries Only: Chip Shop

For Your Fries Only
Type Fish and Chips Takeaway
Founded 2008
Address Rosamund Street
Location Weatherfield
Key people No current on screen employees

For Your Fries Only, formerly Wong's Chip Shop, is situated on Rosamund Street next to the Medical Centre. The chip shop is introduced when Cilla Battersby-Brown and her friend Yana Lumb work there. Since their departures, the chip shop does not feature in storylines, but is only a passing reference.

Freshco

Not to be confused with the real-life supermarket FreshCo.
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, formerly known as Bettabuys, and then Firman's Freezers. As Betterbuy', it was much 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 works here for a time.

Turner's Joinery

Turner's Jounery
Type Joiner's workshop
Founded 2000 (as Turner's Journery)
Location Weatherfield
Owner Mr Turner
Key people No Current on screen employees

Turner's Joinery is built under the viaduct archway that originally connected Coronation Street with Jubilee Terrace. It is not much mentioned recently. When Nick Tilsley decides to build the bistro, he buys half of Turner's Joinery. There is, though, still part of Turner's under the viaduct, standing behind a double door not seen much because it is behind the corner shop. A large glass window was placed here sometime in the 1990s, which is smashed by Maya Sharma in a car accident.

Weatherfield Garden Centre

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 then Max disappears. They find a worried Max locked inside 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 and Gail Platt finds him a job at StreetCars.

7eventh Heaven

Not to be confused with media named Seventh Heaven.
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 The Kabin. The development of the unit is started by Terry Duckworth when he returns to Weatherfield in 2012. He attempts to open a bar, which is later revealed to be a lap dance bar. After much protest from local residents (which loses Terry money), he finally gives up, since he owes money to loan sharks, and he flees Weatherfield. The business is abandoned and remains closed and unfinished.

Pubs

Newton and Ridley

Main article: 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

Main article: 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 been many previous owners. An electrical fault in 1986 resulted in a fire which destroyed the bar. Another big fire in 2013 was caused by Karl Munro in attempt to frame Jason Grimshaw, who was trying to fix an electrical fault.

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, when former Rovers Landlady Liz McDonald was 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

The Farrier's Arms was 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 closed down.

Restaurants

There are three main restaurants visited by residents: 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 bought by Carla Connor and Leanne Battersby in May 2007. After the unexpected death of Paul Connor, however, Carla pulls out of the transaction, leaving Leanne to fund the cost of buying the business herself. She uses money earned from being an escort, combined with a £10,000 loan from Roger Stiles. Amidst a plethora of financial trouble and staffing problems, in July 2007 Leanne hires Paul Clayton to work at the restaurant as head chef. Paul later takes out a loan in Jack Duckworth's name and buys a share of the restaurant. The business was failing so, in 2008 Leanne convinces 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

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

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, Jason Grimshaw and Bethany Platt.

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 at 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 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 is branded with the Weatherfield Wayfarer name; however this has not always been so and the bus 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), when she arrived home with stained clothes as "someone spilt coffee down me on't tram". The tram, based on 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 as use of the tram system is occasionally mentioned in conversation. The tram has been seen and heard more often in recent episodes.

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 broke the line. The track was damaged, causing a derailment which sent 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; there was a derailment of a goods train in 1967.

References

  1. ↑ Little. (2000) p.13.
  2. ↑ Little. (2000) p.20.
  3. 1 2 Little. (2000) p.35.
  4. ↑ Little. (2000) p.212.
  5. ↑ "Cheadle Hulme School". imdb.com. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
  6. ↑ Little. (2000) p.195.
  7. ↑ Little. (1993) p.10.
  8. ↑ Little. (1993) p.12.
  9. ↑ Frangopulo, N. J., ed. (1962) Rich Inheritance. Manchester: Education Committee; pp. 195-96
  10. 1 2 3 Little. (1993) p.85.
  11. ↑ Little. (1993) p.80-82.
  12. ↑ Little. (1993) p.118-121.
  13. ↑ Coronation Street: Paul Sets Fire to Valandro’s on Product Reviews Net
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