YOU might be of a mind that Chorlton doesn't need another bar, but Orlando's promises to be something different.

It's the brainchild of Rupert (Orlando) Campbell, one half of the duo who set up clubbing mecca Sankeys Soap in the early Nineties. Don't expect anything remotely similar from the new venture at the junction of Barlow Moor Road and Sandy Lane. Think lamps-on-tables comedy club plus the comfort of your favourite local caff and you won't be far off the mark.

The eaterie opens next Thursday. It promises hearty dishes such as liver and bacon, charcoal- grilled meats, Afghan and West Indian specialities, barbecues in summer - as well as homemade Cumberland sausages. On nights with live acts there will be the offer of a two-course meal for around £25, dependent on the artist. Howard Marks is lined up for May 27, followed by Felix Dexter on June 4. Rupert tells me: "This isn't just another bar. It's very much focused on food. Occasional evening entertain- ment will be comedy inter- spersed with acoustic music." It will open 10am- 10pm, Mon-Thu, and 8am- 10pm, Fri- Sun. Ring 0161 881 2230.

HAVE you got a favourite local wine shop, one with friendly knowledgeable staff and a great range of wines? If so, why not nominate it for the newly established NW Specialist Wine Retailer of the Year Award. The award has been introduced by the North West Wine and Spirit Association (NWWSA). Chairman Paul Boutinot explains: "The north west boasts a long history in the wine and spirit trade and has some of the finest wine merchants in the country. It is only fitting that the passion and creativity of these independent specialist wine retailers is acknowledged and rewarded." To qualify, retailers must specialise in wine and have fewer than 10 branches, with their head office in the north west. Nominations can be made and entry forms downloaded on nwwsa.co.uk. The competition will be judged by an expert panel. Closing date for entries: May 30.

CONGRATULATIONS to Nigel Haworth (pictured) for winning the `War Of The Roses' in the northern heat of BBC2's Great British Menu. Despite a self-admitted howler with his curd tart pud, he edged past young rival Anthony Quinn from cutting edge Leeds eaterie Anthony's thanks to dishes such as a modern take on Lancashire hotpot with sweetbreads. He will face winners from other other regions in the final cook-off. Nigel runs Michelin-starred Northcote Manor in the Ribble Valley, plus two gastropubs, The Three Fishes (Mitton) and The Highwayman (Kirkby Lonsdale), and has plans to develop the Clog And Billycock, near Blackburn, as a third.

ONE of the regional producers spotlighted by Haworth on the Great British Menu was organic butcher Roy Porter from Chatburn near Clitheroe (01200 441392). Find him at tastelancashire08.com.

NW Fine Food, established by fine food producers in the north west, is launching FoodLink30 - designed to encourage people to use food produced within a 30 mile radius of their home. For info, visit foodlink30 .co.uk. It will be launched at NW Fine Food's Manchester Food Lovers Festival, which takes place between 10am and 5pm on May 3-5 at Alexandra Park, Oldham. For info, go to nwfinefood.co.uk).

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