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Recognised as one of the UK’s happiest cities in which to work, there is much more to Manchester than football and Wetherfield’s famous cobbles. As the UK’s second largest city, modern Manchester is a thriving hub of activity. Bursting with creative and forward thinking businesses, it’s a popular place to work and study. Renowned for its innovation stemming from the city’s industrial heritage, Manchester has benefited from a boom in recent years, fuelled by the success of media producers, digital adopters, and multinational organisations. With easy access to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond via Manchester Airport, the city has become an irresistible antidote to London life.
Providing a place for legendary musicians, television personalities, sporting legends and some of the country’s best business brains to work and play, there’s an area in Manchester to suit everyone. Whether you are looking for the perfect restaurant to wine and dine a prospective business client, or a quiet space to have a little “me time” between meetings, we’ve created a list of unmissable recommendations from Mancunians who give the city its Northern soul. So the next time you’re in Manchester, take the ‘busyness’ out of business and let our recommendations guide you through a seamless and productive trip.
Manchester’s self-styled creative quarter is a thriving hub for successful independent ventures. The atmospheric neighbourhood is bursting with charm, and offers a unique and quirky backdrop for letting your hair down after hours. Some of Manchester’s best meeting points are here – good coffee and a strong internet connection is guaranteed. BEST FOR WINING AND DINING Rosylee 11, Stevenson Square, M1 1DB rosylee.com BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS Walrus 78-88 High St, M4 1ES walrusmanchester.com BEST FOR TAKING TIME OUT Oak Street café Manchester Craft Centre, Oak St, M4 5JD craftanddesign.com/oak-st-cafe-bar BEST FOR GRABBING GRUB ON THE GO Northern Soul Grilled Cheese 10 Church St, M4 1PN northernsoulmcr.com BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING Chapter One Chatsworth House, Lever St, M1 1BY chapteronebooks.co.uk
Often referred to as the “Canary Wharf of the North”, it’s hard to miss this high-rise financial centre. Developed in the 2000s, Spinningfields is home to the big boys of business and some of the city’s most sophisticated bars and restaurants. A great location to do business in, and an even better one to indulge in the finest dining experiences in the North. BEST FOR WINING AND DINING Manchester House 18-22 Bridge St, M3 3BZ manchesterhouse.uk.com BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS Oast House The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY theoasthouse.uk.com BEST FOR TAKING TIME OUT Screenings at The Garden Leftbank Left Bank, Spinningfields, M3 3ER BEST FOR GRABBING GRUB ON THE GO Thaikhun 17, 3 Hardman St, M3 3HF thaikhun.co.uk BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING Artisan Avenue North, 18-22 Bridge St, M3 3BZ artisan.uk.com
The home of the BBC, ITV and many of Britain’s biggest media corporations, MediaCityUK is a prime waterfront destination on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal in Salford – a city immediately west of Manchester. Its scenic location allows creativity to thrive, and brimming with ambition, the growing selection of bars, restaurants and coffee houses, allows you to rub shoulders with some familiar faces you might just recognise. BEST FOR WINING AND DINING Damson Orange Building, M50 2HF damsonrestaurant.co.uk BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS On the 7th 7th floor, The Landing, Blue Tower, M50 2ST onthe7th.co.uk BEST FOR TAKING TIME OUT Love Conquers All Outside The Greenhouse, Broadway, M50 2EQ love-conquers-all.co.uk BEST FOR GRABBING GRUB ON THE GO Booths The Garage, Red, M50 2BS booths.co.uk BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING Grindsmith Brew and Espresso Bar 5-6 The Garage M50 2EQ grindsmith.com
“Chapter One is a little pool of calm in Manchester city centre. A book shop, café and great place to work all in one. The superb coffee will keep you working for hours as well.” James Stanley, Communications Manager, Visit Manchester
“Manchester is a vibrant, cultural city - we're at the forefront of science, art and innovation, home to graphene, Corrie and Madchester. And so friendly you can ask anyone for directions and end up meeting a new friend. I've worked here all my life, and wouldn't want to go anywhere else. We have new
ventures opening up all the time in hospitality, science and art with the current boom in hotels and restaurants, technology and research. And we're the home of chips and gravy. What more could you ask?” Charlie, Executive Assistant, and Blogger, Gin Fuelled BlueStocking
Manchester’s modern Exchange Square is a haven for high end shopping and leisure facilities, and home to some of the city’s favourite shops, department stores, eateries and watering holes. Ideal for business commuters, the square is just a short walk from Victoria Station. Whether you fancy a pint in Manchester’s oldest pub, want to indulge in some retail therapy or are looking for a fully-equipped gym there’s something for everyone who’s looking to shake off the effects of a hard day’s work. BEST FOR WINING AND DINING Harvey Nichols Brasserie 21 Cathedral Approach, M1 1AD harveynichols.com BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS The Old Wellington 4 Cathedral Approach, M3 1SW nicholsonspubs.co.uk BEST FOR TAKING TIME OUT Exchange Square Fountains Exchange Square Central, High St, M3 1BD BEST FOR GRABBING GRUB ON THE GO Salvi’s, Corn Exchange 22b, The Corn Exchange, Corporation St, M4 3TR salvismanchester.co.uk BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING Proper Tea 10 Cateaton St, M3 1SQ properteadeveloper.com
Albert Square sits amongst some of Manchester’s famous Victorian Gothic works, including the Town Hall and Grade I listed Albert Memorial. As a central place to unwind and take in some of Manchester’s history during a lunch break, the square is second to none, making it an ideal focal point for major public events. BEST FOR WINING AND DINING Caffe Grand Piccolino 8 Clarence St, M2 4DW individualrestaurants.com BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS Dogs and Dough Bow Ln, M2 4JW dogsndough.com BEST FOR TAKING TIME OUT Sculpture Hall Café Town Hall The Town Hall Manchester, M2 5DB thetownhallmcr.co.uk BEST FOR GRABBING GRUB ON THE GO Christmas Markets (seasonal) Albert Square, M2 5DB manchester.gov.uk/christmasmarkets BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING The Albert Square Chop House Memorial Hall, 14 Albert Square, M2 5PF albertsquarechophouse.com
Being in easy reach of Manchester’s principal railway station – which offers a convenient service direct to Manchester Airport – this neighbourhood is perfect for commuters or those visiting the city on business. Expect sophisticated hotels where you can relax and rewind before tackling the day ahead. BEST FOR WINING AND DINING The Grill on New York Street New York St, M1 4BD blackhouse.uk.com BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS The Alchemist NYS 1 New York St, Manchester M1 4HD thealchemist.uk.com BEST FOR TAKING TIME OUT Manchester Art Gallery Mosley St, M2 3JL manchesterartgallery.org BEST FOR GRABBING GRUB ON THE GO PitaPit 3 Piccadilly Pl, M1 3BN pitapit.com BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING Malmaison 1 Gore St, M1 3AQ malmaison.com
“Manchester is a city of big ideas. It's home to a world-leading graphene institute and has a long history of scientific innovation - but the way we approach culture here is also very original. From the Manchester International Festival, a city-wide festival of premieres, to the free, feminist Wonder Women Festival, the programming is outstanding. Manchester After Hours, the city's take on the national Museums at Night celebration, takes place in venues across the city that you don't usually
get to see after dark - and has included everything from gigs on a steam train to a performance from a former Poet Laureate. There's something unusual to do every day of the year.” Polly Checkland Harding Editor of Creative Tourist
“Foundation Coffee House is the best cappuccino in town and if you ask they will tell you why!” Keeley, HR Professional and Blogger, PhatCupCake
Manchester’s famous mile-long street running through its city centre is understandably one of its most popular. A haven for shops, restaurants, bars and even private members clubs, Deansgate is an area from which nowhere is very far. Dress to impress at some of Manchester’s premier restaurants and bars; you’ll certainly not be short on options. BEST FOR WINING AND DINING Hawksmoor 184 – 186 Deansgate,M3 3WB thehawksmoor.com BEST FOR AFTER-WORK DRINKS The Liquor Store Maybrook House, 40 Blackfriars St, M3 2EG theliquorstore.co.uk BEST FOR TAKING TIME OUT John Rylands Library 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH BEST FOR GRABBING GRUB ON THE GO Katsouris 113 Deansgate, M3 2BQ katsourisdeli.co.uk BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING Grindsmith 231-233 Deansgate, M3 4EN grindsmith.com
With thanks to some of Manchester’s finest Mancunians ‌. Stephen Lewis, I Love Manchester Chris Greenhalgh, I Love Manchester Polly Checkland Harding, Creative Tourist Keeley Watts, PhatCupCake The Skinny Editorial Team Charlie Hooson, Skyes, The Gin Fuelled Bluestocking James Stanley, Visit Manchester