Portuguese passport renewal in Manchester or Lisbon? (Portuguese people pls answer)?

My Passaporte and Cartão de Cidadão are gonna expire very soon, and since I live in England I am really frustrated about the unresponsiveness of the Portuguese consulates here. These are my two options:

A. Book an appointment with the consulate in Manchester, however I don't know how long it would take for them to renew both my documents. Train fares are really expensive from my town (could purchase plane tickets, almost).

B. Travel to Portugal and head straight to the Loja do Cidadão, I heard that one working day is all they need. However my Portuguese is quite rough and I am sure that communication will be a barrier. Also am I allowed to withhold my old passport whilst placing a renewal request? Otherwise I wouldn't be able to leave Portugal and return to the UK!

Any suggestions upon which option is best for me to choose?

One more thing, will they deliver the freshly made passport and ID through couriers from Portugal to the UK?

Many thanks :o)