MS Flight Sim is great for learning procedures - if you know them beforehand.
The Trident Sim nr Biggin Hill is a good old-fashioned thing, which is a pig to fly, so it's great practice for a sim-check. If you can fly that you can fly anything.
I live near Manchester too, but I drove down there twice to practice for my sim-check. It's a very small investment compared to the one you've already made, and the potential reward. Remember, some people are paying for Type-Ratings at the moment.
Lest I be accused of advertising, PM me for the location & 'phone number if you're interested.