Old Wellington
National Football Museum
‘The notorious Northern Quarter’
Are you looking for alternative vibes, live bands, a vintage touch or a bohemian haven? Northern Quarter is the place to be.
Try ‘Fig and Sparrow’ or ‘Ezra & Gil’ for coffee and branch and a wide variety of tea (with my favourite ones being matcha and cocoa) in a boho, minimal environment. The wood is the material that plays a major role here and does add to the cosy and warm atmosphere. ‘Teacup Kitchen’ is great for a lunch break and ‘Ziferblat’ is possibly the only place where you buy time instead of goodies. Look for Tib Street, a narrow street, where you can find a scrumptious cake in ‘Sugar Junction’ or experience a funky night at ‘Matt and Phreds’ with terrific bands unfolding New Orleans scenes right in front of your eyes.
Chapter One
Closer to the Piccadilly square, ‘Nexus’ is a creative hub which promotes Christian values in a very unique and accepting way. ‘Nexus’ is a basement but you can discover a nice view as soon as you step in. Around the corner, be careful when you pass by, as you may enter a book. ‘Chapter one’ it is then. If it’s morning, make sure you book a table as lots of students enjoy studying in this café that makes you feel you are in a patio next to the city’s fountain. Just 2 minutes’ walk away, host to local and international music bands, ‘Day and Night Café’ in Oldham street is a great chance for you to indulge in both new and old sounds.
‘The super-glamorous Spinningfields’
Oast house pub
If a posh place with a breath-taking view appeals more to you, Spinningfields is the place for you.
Hilton’s terrace is so close to the clouds that it is named after them. ‘Cloud 23 bar’ is a very stylish bar with a wide variety of wines and cocktails to choose from. Be mindful of the dress code though! ’20 stories’ lies at the top floor of No.1 Spinningfields where huge swathes of Manchester and beyond will be visible. Either you are seeking for an elegant restaurant offering high-quality plates or a cocktail bar with the best view in the city, ’20 stories’ does worth a go. The ‘Oast house pub’ is a massive beer garden which often gets crowded, especially in those precious –for Manchester- sunny days.
‘The glorious galleries’
St Peter’s square
‘Manchester art gallery’ close to St Peter’s square hosts permanent exhibitions (related to Mancunians’ history and industrial revolution) to temporary ones.
‘Whitworth art gallery’ is a little gem right in Oxford Street not more than a 5 minutes’ walk from the University of Manchester. Mesmerising exhibitions, visitors interacting with the creations and a café overlooking the gardens. This is definitely a must-see.
‘The majestic media-city’
Salford quays are considered to be a different city, but practically is part of Manchester. BBC studios stand by the canals and welcome people to see where British news and shows are shot. The Lowry theatre hosts various plays (we are going to go in detail in a future article). After the end of the play, you have some lovely places waiting to be discovered. ‘Botanist’ offers an alternative decoration, terrace view over the canals and delicious plates for you to enjoy. Don’t miss the ‘Alchemist’ a creative cocktail bar and restaurant that seems to emerge from the water. The wood deck around the bar leads to a balcony hanging a few inches above the water. If you ‘re lucky enough to enjoy a sunny day (or just not rainy), make the most out of it!
‘The purifying parks’
‘Heaton park’, the biggest park in Manchester hosts one of the most popular festivals in the city, every June, ‘Parklife’. Also, discover Treetop Trek, a woodland adventure for the whole family and the animal centre with common farmyard animals, such as chickens, goats and pigs as well as more exotic species such as alpacas. If the weather is good (again, by that I mean not raining), you can hire a boat for a fun day in the lake.
‘Dunham Massey’ a 40 minutes’ drive from the city will make you think that you step into ‘Alice in Wonderland’. People thrive where nature thrives! Deer, lakes, mills and a lovely café to step back and admire what ravishes the eye and the soul!
Trip to Trip ©
Maria Rafaela Michalopoulou