If you're looking for the perfect dining spot, the Corn Exchange in Manchester should be at the top of your list.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse range of restaurants, the Corn Exchange offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience for all.
Whether you're a local or a visitor to Manchester, a meal at the Corn Exchange is sure to be a memorable experience that will leave
Find out more inside. cornexchangemanchester.co.uk
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Advertising Account Managers
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Cover illustration: Arthur Kay by Edward Tuckwell. A Kingfisher Media publication. KVGTIM-0424-68-10611C-BIS
JONNY-ROCKS Chauffeurs, provide luxury chauffeuring services throughout the United Kingdom. Covering a total of 46 UK regions with experienced local chauffeurs.
This wonderful city draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Welcome to the cosmopolitan city of Manchester, a dynamic international city at the heart of a vibrant and diverse region, boasting fine shops, iconic theatres, thought-provoking galleries, award-winning restaurants and buzzing bars.
Manchester offers an abundance of opportunities for a fantastic day out. There’s plenty to see for football fans with Old Trafford and Etihad stadiums both offering tours. However, you’re also spoilt for choice with museums and kid-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy.
With a thriving music scene and an enviable selection of galleries and theatres, there’s something to suit all tastes when it comes to arts and culture. Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth art gallery are top runners in the city centre, whereas the Lowry out at Salford Quays is a big hit with its gallery and theatre. The city centre is also home to a
range of theatres, so there is almost always a show to nab tickets for.
Shopaholics will be in their element in Manchester, with an abundance of high-street brands, designer labels and a whole host of independents dotted around the city.
Talented chefs tend to gravitate to this buzzing city and you’ll taste their creations at restaurants that cater for everyone. End your evenings in Manchester in the coolest clubs, swanky cocktail bars or craft beer hotspots –whatever your choice, you’ll be guaranteed the best night!
There are certainly a great many reasons to visit Manchester so whatever the purpose of your visit, we sincerely hope you enjoy your stay in a city which has all the style, flair and world-class facilities you would expect from a major European destination, with all the warmth of a local city where people are at its very heart. ■
The towpath, Castlefield
Manchester offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Spend some time in Manchester and you’ll soon realise that it’s the perfect springboard for a great British adventure. Yes, there’s plenty to see for football fans! However, you’re also spoilt for choice with art, history and family attractions to thrill the kids. Plus, fabulous shops and renowned restaurants join a plethora of things for you to do on days out in Manchester.
A bucket list trip for many fans, the Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour awaits! Most importantly, you’ll get a behindthe-scenes look at Old Trafford stadium with selfies to prove it. This means walking through the players’ tunnel and taking a seat in the dugouts, along with soaking up the view from
Guides let you in on the gossip at the Manchester City Stadium Tour
the Ability Platform.
Then, there’s the Manchester City Stadium Tour at Etihad Stadium to the east of the city centre. It’s all about state-of-the-art technology here, with a 360-degree cinema attraction and an audio-visual experience in the First Team changing room. Better yet, knowledgeable guides let you in on all the goss from behind the scenes on exciting tours.
The Score Gallery is a main draw at the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre, with a display of significant players and managers, the trophies won and the records broken. You’ll see Geoff Hurst’s red England shirt and ball from the 1966 World Cup Final and the Diego Maradona Hand of
City fan? Why not walk through the players' tunnel at the Manchester City Stadium Tour
God jersey. Don’t miss out on a photo op with the Premier League trophy.
Are you a family of cricket fans? Hop on a tram and head to Emirates Old Trafford, a cricket ground with a history that spans over 150 years. Home of Lancashire Cricket Club, the stadium still sees the world’s top cricketers each season. However, if you manage to time your trip with a concert and you might also catch superstars like Radiohead or Harry Styles rocking the stage.
To start a family-friendly cultural day out in the city, join a free walking tour from the Alan Turing memorial. Offering interesting facts about industrial innovation and history, guides steer you around sites including Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Cathedral and China Town. Speaking of which, Manchester’s China Town is the second largest in the UK with a wealth of eateries for scrumptious snacks.
For culture of a different kind, why not try Coronation Street The Tour? Explore the sets of the famous soap opera, taking in the Rovers Return and other TV icons as you hear inside gossip from your guide. Or, to see the city from the water, sign up for Manchester River Cruises, which starts from Salford Quays and explores the Manchester Ship Canal. If the kids aren’t mad about museums, the
Science and Industry Museum might just change their minds. Experiment is a familyfriendly gallery for hands-on action. Find out if you’re strong enough to lift a Mini and watch your own skeleton ride a bike! You’ll discover the city’s history in the Revolution Manchester Gallery and the Textiles Gallery.
Over near the Trafford Centre, delve into underwater life at SEA LIFE Manchester, where sharks and green turtles mesmerise everyone in the ocean tunnel and themed zones. Among a range of zones is an l
L Coronation Street
The Tour I China Town
45 MINUTES FROM MANCHESTER
Escape the city and discover nature
Get closer to wildlife with the RSPB
Leighton Moss, Lancashire
A wetland paradise with Bitterns and Otters
Coombes Valley, Staffordshire
See towering oaks for woodland adventures
Dee Estuary, Cheshire
An ancient woodland, lagoon and grassland
There’s a wild world waiting for you to explore.
See rspb.org.uk/reserves
DRINK, STAY
The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.
Phil Barnes (rspb-images.com)
NEXT STOP... LIVERPOOL
Looking to spend the night in Liverpool? It’s closer than you think. With so many attractions, restaurants, bars and shops to visit, it’s difficult to spend just one day in the city, so why not spend two or three?
Set in the heart of Liverpool, 62 Castle Street Hotel offers 20 beautifully-appointed rooms and suites and each one boasts plenty of space for you to fully relax.
Expect a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Whether you’re a business traveller, a couple, or a family, our opulent suites offer luxury and comfort as you explore our incredible city.
We provide our guests with a unique hotel experience.
interactive area to touch starfish and cleaner shrimps in rock pools. Then enter the Lair of the Giant Crab to gaze in awe at massive Japanese spider crabs. Afterwards, why not splash out on a VIP experience to snorkel with sharks or feed the turtles?
Are you an active bunch? You’ll find plenty of fun adventures on days out in Manchester. After shopping in the city centre, let the kids loose in Piccadilly Gardens or head to Heaton Park. The latter is a wonderland steeped in history, with attractions like a boating lake and bowling greens. Take a ride on the Heaton Park Tramway to explore and soar through the trees on nets and slides at Treetop Trek.
Travelling with little ones? They’ll love LEGOLAND Discovery Centre which has around two million LEGO bricks for them to create with, two fantastic rides and an immersive 4D cinema. It’s on the doorstep of the Trafford Centre, where there’s truly something for everyone.
The shopping and leisure centre features Laser Quest for sci-fi laser tag fans and Namco Funscape with bowling, arcade games and dodgem cars. Putt your way around tiki huts and stone carvings at Paradise Island Adventure Golf.
Also in Trafford is Chill Factore, just in case you feel like hitting the slopes! Zoom across
real snow on sledges, skis and snowboards –and take some lessons from instructors to stay upright if needed.
If you’ve still got the energy, Total Ninja has 40,000 sq ft of fun! It’s said to be the largest ninja park in the world, so you can climb, jump and crawl to your heart’s content through the giant inflatable obstacle course.
Just a short drive from the Trafford Centre you’ll find iFLY – an indoor skydiving experience that’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Earn your ‘wings’ by freefalling in the 14ft diameter vertical wind tunnel after training from expert instructors.
For something a little different head out to the Runway Visitor Park. Set right next to the runway at Manchester Airport, it allows you to get an incredible view of the planes as they take off and land. There’s a large grassy lawn for the kids to blow off steam, as well as a selection of retired planes to check out – including a former RAF military spy plane.
If you’re a history buff or a culture vulture, or both, get set for an itinerary chock-full of your favourite things in Manchester. Start your museum-hopping journey with the past, present and future of democracy in Britain at the People’s History Museum. You’ll see the world’s largest collection of trade union l
The People's History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields
CAVERN CITY TOURS
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
The Magical Mystery Tour is a must for anyone who enjoys music – and it’s the perfect introduction to the city of The Beatles. This two-hour tour visits many of the places associated with John, Paul, George and Ringo as they grew up, met and formed the band that would take the pop world by storm.
It stops to let you take a closer look at some of their childhood homes and places that inspired their most memorable songs like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field and includes entrance into the world-famous Cavern Club to create the ultimate Fab Four experience.
Make sure you bring your camera to record the places you’ll want to remember on this magical tour
THE CAVERN CLUB
The Cavern opened its doors to the public in January 1957, and now stands as ‘the most famous club in the world’.
This title is undoubtedly largely due to the role played by the club in The Beatles’ rise to fame although the story does not end there.
It was lunchtime on February 9th, 1961 when The Beatles made their first appearance at The Cavern, going on to play almost 300 times. Their residency at the Cavern ended only once the demand to see the group far surpassed the ability of the venue to accommodate those vast numbers of fans.
Of course, The Beatles aren’t the only famous band to have graced the stage at The Cavern over the years, the list of past performers reads like a who’s who
of popular music; The Kinks, Queen, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Hendrix, The Who, and, in more recent years, the likes of Oasis, Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Jessie J, Jake Bugg, Joe Bonamassa, Paolo Nutini and the return of Paul McCartney in 2018.
Today, The Cavern is quite rightly a major tourist attraction but equally important, a
• Open 7 days a week from 11am
• Non-stop live music every day from 11am
• £5 entry payable on the door
THE CAVERN RESTAURANT
Winner of Trip Advisor’s ‘2021 Travellers Choice’ award, The Cavern Restaurant offers the perfect dining experience for visitors both day and night.
Liverpool’s vibrant Mathew Street, The Cavern Restaurant operates over two floors and offers a wide choice of mouth-watering dishes. You’ll find expertly cooked succulent meats, traditional English Fish and Chips and
A fresh menu, cocktails galore and Cavern Club themed décor further enhances the Cavern experience for customers on the world-famous street.
Joe Bonamassa
Adele
and political banners, along with more than 2,000 political posters of elections.
Literature buffs will get a kick out of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. Learn about the writer’s life and work through historic period rooms including her study and the drawing room where she once welcomed guests such as Charles Dickens and Charlotte Brontë.
At Staircase House you can travel from the 15th to the mid-20th century through the history of this simple dwelling. There’s plenty of hands-on action as you move through the different rooms, so it’s perfect for curious kids.
Love all things transport related? The Museum of Transport houses historic buses, trams and displays in a 1930s bus garage. Fascinating collections include historic cash counting machines and conductor badges.
There’s grandeur to be had at Manchester Cathedral, which is home to the best late medieval woodwork in the North. For maximum atmosphere come for Evensong, or one of their candlelight concerts.
For a hidden treasure a short tram ride from the city centre, head to The Monastery (also known as Gorton Monastery). It boasts a magnificent Great Nave, cloisters and a peaceful garden for a welcome break from the buzz of the city. Pre-book a guided tour, take a seat in the café, or experience an hour of silent
Explore forgotten histories from World War I to today at the magnificent Imperial War Museum North
meditation at this architectural wonder.
From World War I to today, you will explore forgotten histories of civilians and personnel at the magnificent Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays. Collections of mementoes include toys and trench art, while displays of uniforms represent the armed services of the Commonwealth and Allies.
Get acquainted with Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst at the Pankhurst Centre, where you can brush up on the history of women’s rights at the small museum.
For a museum with a dose of grandeur, pay a visit to Dunham Massey. Once home to the ancient families of the Booths and the Greys, the estate features more than 400 years of history with a Victorian Bark House and the ruins of an Elizabethan Mount. Explore the stunning manicured lawns and the seven-acre Winter Garden. l
Imperial War Museum North, Salford Quays
at The RoyalAlbert Dock
The Beatles Story, Liverpool is much more than a museum… you’re invited to embark on an incredible journey through time into the lives and music of The Beatles.
Experience Beatlemania first-hand with immersive recreations of key locations in the band’s career including Hamburg, The Cavern Club, Abbey Road Studios and more.
See fascinating pieces of original authentic memorabilia as you journey down the long and winding road from George Harrison’s first guitar to John Lennon’s last piano and beyond.
The Beatles Story is just a 20 minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street station, which has direct routes from Manchester.
Audio media guides available in 12 languages
Other notable National Trust sites within easy reach of Manchester include Tatton Park, the former Egerton family home that’s surrounded by 1,000 acres of parkland. Lyme Park rests on the edge of the Peak District with sweeping moorland views and an Edwardian rose garden. Visit Quarry Bank to discover the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution at the working cotton mill.
RHS Garden Bridgewater is one of Manchester’s newest outdoor attractions. The £35 million project is set in 154 acres of the former site of Worsley New Hall. Originally built for the 1st Earl of Ellesmere between 1840 and 1845, Worsley New Hall was a grand Gothic-style mansion, complete with glorious, formal landscaped gardens.
Visitors can step inside the magnificentlyrestored 11-acre Weston Walled Garden which contains multiple garden rooms, setting the tone for a journey of exploration with colourful themed borders, and complementary sub-gardens each exploring a different horticultural style and characterful listed buildings.
Outside the Walled Garden, you can explore the emerging Chinese Streamside Garden, with a blend of Chinese and British horticulture that embraces seven acres of native woodland. Younger visitors will love the
play area which offers zones for active play and den building along with plenty of features to encourage imaginative play, including Hobbit houses, mud kitchens and fairy homes.
Manchester’s arts and culture scene is thriving, so pop your favourite artsy hat on and spend a day delving into beautiful galleries. The prize-winning Whitworth at the University of Manchester features around 60,000 artworks just to get you started!
Historic fine art includes work by William Blake and the Textile Collection features pieces from across the globe. Rare wallpapers are luxuriously embossed and exquisitely hand-printed.
Resting in the heart of the city, Manchester Art Gallery hosts a brilliant permanent collection and an exciting line-up of revolving exhibitions. Discover around 500 sculptures and drawings of Manchester by Henry Tidmarsh. Of around 13,000 craft and design objects, you’ll admire everything from Chinese jades to English ceramics.
For something different, hop along to esea contemporary. Located in the bustling Northern Quarter, two gallery spaces and a purpose-built artist studio showcase cuttingedge work that explores East and Southeast Asian culture. The Manchester School of Art is one of the country’s best and you’ll l
One of Manchester's newest attractions: The 154 acre RHS Garden Bridgewater
Manchester International Festival discover work from final-year students at the Holden Gallery.
Not only will you see dazzling theatre shows at The Lowry, but it’s home to the world’s largest public collection of paintings by its namesake LS Lowry. The great English artist spent much of his life in Manchester and Salford. Alongside his works, private collections from across the UK are displayed in the magnificent building on the docks of Salford Quays.
If it’s the festival scene you’re looking for, Manchester delivers it year-round. Manchester International Festival is the one for art fans, with visual and performing arts shows enlivening venues across the city. Toetapping fans flock to Manchester Jazz Festival, one of the city’s longest-running music festivals. Established in 1996, it’s grown to feature hundreds of internationally acclaimed musicians.
Whenever you visit, you’ll find something exciting happening at HOME. Two theatres entertain with drama and dance, with five cinema screens to thrill movie buffs. While you’re there, check out the art gallery and have a drink on the roof terrace. A dynamic entertainment complex, Printworks boasts around 20 bars and restaurants to enjoy amid dazzling events across the year. It’s also
If it’s the festival scene you’re looking for, Manchester delivers it all year-round
home to one of the largest IMAX screens in Europe.
Have you always wanted to see the BBC Philharmonic or the Hallé orchestra? You’ll get lucky at Bridgewater Hall, an international concert venue that hosts more than 300 performances each year. Catch the classical music season or the International Concert Series, or time your trip with a pop, jazz or rock concert. For more classical treats check out the Manchester Opera House or the Royal Northern College of Music.
Rise and shine in Manchester and do whatever you like! Any one day out could see you zooming down ski slopes, getting up close to marine life and admiring historic curiosities. Between adventures, half the fun is choosing from fantastic restaurants and fabulous shops for souvenirs – especially if you love football. ■
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do across the city
1
Get lost in music I Classical or modern, much of the greatest music around originated in the city. From the internationally acclaimed Hallé orchestra, the Manchester Camerata and the BBC Philharmonic through to Oasis, The Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets, The Smiths, Take That and Elbow, this city is oozing with musical creativity and there is an abundance of live music venues showcasing the best local talent.
Join Pride
2
Pride takes over the city every year across the August Bank Holiday weekend in celebration of LGBTQ+ life. The festival hosts a variety of events – some free while others require a ticket.
3
Take a stadium tour
On the Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour,
you can walk through the players’ tunnel and take a seat in the dugouts, then soak up the view from the Ability Platform. If blue is more your colour, make a beeline for the Etihad Stadium. It’s all about stateof-the-art technology here, with a 360-degree cinema attraction and an audiovisual experience in the First Team changing room.
4
Enjoy a night out Manchester’s nightlife
scene truly has something for everybody. Whether you want to chill out to live jazz at Matt & Phreds, catch an indie band at Manchester Academy or attend an event at the famous Warehouse Project, you’ll have the time of your life. For those who want a leisurely stroll from bar to bar, the popular Gay Village welcomes everyone.
5
Admire the architecture
Check out the Gothic turreted beauty of the
John Rylands Library on Deansgate, take a tour of the neo-Gothic Town Hall, stand in the majestic presence of the cathedral which survived the Blitz, visit Chetham’s School of Music and the first free public library – which dates back to 1655 – or take a look at the Tudor architecture at Ordsall Hall in Salford.
6
Dine in style
When you fancy splashing out on fine dining or sampling exotic dishes from across the globe, Manchester delivers mouthwatering menus. Our highlights include mana, MUSU, Gaucho, The Ivy Spinningfields and WOOD Manchester.
7
Attend a festival I
No matter when you visit Manchester, there’s always a festival or event
happening. The city’s largest music festival is Parklife, which is held in Heaton Park each June. Don’t miss out on the Manchester Jazz Festival if culture and music go hand in hand for you. Or, for movie buffs, the Manchester Film Festival and the Banff Mountain Festival screen films from around the world.
Shop
8
’til you drop l
Manchester has a hugely diverse offering of retail pleasures from homegrown designers Vivienne
Manchester Pride Festival is the flagship event which takes over the city every year across the August Bank Holiday weekend
Westwood and Vicky Martin, via WAG emporiums, Selfridges and Harvey Nics, through to the ludicrously luxurious Hermès and the eclectic mix of independent stores in the Northern Quarter, from vintage hideaways, record stores, alternative fashion and the Aladdin’s cave of Afflecks.
9
Visit Central Library
Located at St Peter’s Square in the city centre, Central Library was designed and constructed between
1930 and 1934. This Grade 2-listed building has since been modernised, combining historic features with cutting-edge design.
10
Museums & galleries
From pre-Raphaelites at Manchester Art Gallery, mummies in the Manchester Museum, contemporary art at The Whitworth and Lowry or steam engines at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester has enough to exhaust even the most inquisitive mind. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love this city for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
If you can’t find it in Manchester, you probably won’t find it anywhere! The city is a shopper’s dream, with a blend of highstreet favourites and precious things you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll stroll everywhere from designer boutiques to department stores and cheese stalls on an average shopping trip. It’s best to save a few extra pennies before visiting…
When it comes to shopping under one roof or enjoying a long line of high-street stores, Manchester saves your feet across brilliant shopping districts.
At The Trafford Centre your favourite shops rest alongside fantastic attractions
If you love high-street shopping, make a quick beeline for Market Street. On any given day, you might find yourself shopping with street performers and artists, so it’s a great spot for the whole family. Originally known as Market Stead Lane, it was once part of the A6 road and it’s now a pedestrianised heaven for shopaholics.
Fashion lovers flock to shops including Urban Outfitters and Mango. Pop into Primark, pick up an outfit from H&M and do the rounds at TK Maxx. Speciality stores are wedged between the bigger names,
so you’re likely to find quirky gifts and souvenirs to remember your trip by. You’ll find plenty of refuelling spots in coffee shops and restaurants along the way.
Fancy yourself a bit of a fashionista?
Wander around Exchange Square, a haven of high-end boutiques and big-name brands like Selfridges & Co. New Cathedral Street runs off Exchange Square and it’s home to a wealth of designer brands. You’ll find a huge BOSS store, along with Zara and Burberry. Find stylish fashion for everyone at Ted Baker and simply enjoy window shopping as you go.
New Cathedral Street is also home to Harvey Nichols, queen of luxury department stores. Enjoy the finer things in life thanks to designer collections from the likes of Gucci, Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, Helmut Lang and Stella McCartney. Then relax with a glass of champagne and stunning city views at the second-floor deli bar.
Over on St Mary’s Gate is END., a cavernous concept store featuring luxury men’s fashion and sportswear. You’ll be able to pick up the latest Nike trainers and browse designer labels including Lanvin, Comme des Garcons and Acne Studios.
Fantastic attractions
You might need to return a few times to the biggest inner-city shopping centre in the country. Manchester Arndale really does offer everything you want under one roof. From Monki to The Fragrance Shop to Office and Waterstones, every category is covered. A massive food court serves up treats for the fussiest of eaters and The Arndale Market is a hub of scrumptious street food stalls.
The great thing about the Trafford Centre is that your favourite shops rest alongside fantastic attractions for non-shoppers. So, drop them off at the IMAX theatre or Namco Funscape and get ready to browse to your heart’s content. In terms of size, it’s one of the biggest shopping centres in the UK and it also boasts one of the biggest food courts to keep you going.
However, before you even get to shopping, get set for photo opportunities throughout this architectural marvel. The Great Hall entrance dazzles with one of the world’s largest chandeliers and the magnificent staircase was modelled on the Titanic’s. Inspired by St Paul’s Cathedral, the main dome can change colour, and real Californian palm trees line Peel Avenue.
You’ll also stroll among gorgeous art installations and fountains scattered around more than 200 shops. Find all your designer favourites at stores like Lacoste, Michael
Kors and Calvin Klein, or deck your little ones out in Armani and Moncler at highend childrenswear boutique Kids Cavern. Favourite staples like Gap, Next, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer rest alongside Swarovski and H. Samuel The Jeweller. When you’re done – if you’re ever done – join the kids for a game at Paradise Island Adventure Golf.
Who doesn’t want to grab a bargain at about 70 per cent off big-name brands? Your new favourite place is Quayside MediaCityUK in Salford, home to an outlet shopping mall. Spread out across two floors, you’ll find new goodies from Next, Crew Clothing Company and M&S. Pop into The Body Shop for lotions and potions and jewellery and other accessories at Claire’s. When it’s time to relax, catch a movie at the cinema or dine with waterside views.
It’s easy to lose a whole day happily shopping and playing at The Rock in Bury. The retail and leisure centre brims with highstreet brands and independent stores. Stock up on delicious-smelling beauty products l
L San Carlo Champagne Bar, Selfridges & Co j The Trafford Centre, Stretford
arthurkayandbro.com
In March 1996, the shop was carefully restored to reflect its image at the beginning of the 20th century. The iron columns, wall plaques and the names under each window are still present today, although the gas lanterns have been replaced with glass canopies.
Internal renovations also brought surprises, with copies of the Manchester Evening News from 1906 and 1907 found inside some of the old cabinets.
A favourite of actors from the nearby theatre and a must for prosperous dealers from the long-disappeared Manchester Stock Exchange, it was not unusual for a wealthy trader to pass through on his way home for a little diamond extravagance for his wife.
Over the years fashions have changed, as have the requests of Arthur Kay’s customers. When the shop opened, the wrist watch was a mere dream and pocket watches kept time for Manchester’s elite, with intricate pocket timepieces and ornate chains being the company’s best selling line. Original ledgers still survive showing the purchase of yesteryear and a pocket watch detailed in the ledger and never sold now resides as part of the company’s archive.
Even more interesting is the pocket watch sold by the company in the 1920s and brought in for repair by one of the relatives of the original owner. That has now been bought by Arthur Kay as part of the company’s rich history.
Though manager Howard has not experienced all the company’s rich history, he has been part of the company for 50 years, starting as a tea boy in the swinging seventies. Free expression and relatively new found freedom gave customers a chance to express themselves through their jewellery –some with more avant-garde tastes than others “I always remember a lady coming in in the early seventies with her two poodles and buying gold chains and gold tags to go round their necks – she adored those dogs” said Howard.
Although gold chains for canine connoisseurs are a rare occurrence, Arthur Kay still retains its allure for the glamorous crowd. Celebrity presenter Michael Aspel, Dr Who: Christopher Eccleston, stars from TV’s Coronation Street and even the Spice Girls have all been charmed by this jewel of Manchester cityscape.
Howard, the manager, himself has had his own 15 minutes of fame, after chasing a robber who fled from the shop with a tray of rings. As Howard caught up with the man the police arrived –and his exploits were immortalised in print by the Manchester Evening News with the headline: Hawk Eye Howard Gets His Man.
Inside this treasure trove today customers will find a wide and eclectic range combining traditional and classic jewellery from the Victorian, Georgian and early Elizabethan eras, alongside the most exciting modern jewellery designs and watch names.
With such a proud and distinguished history, Arthur Kay is as popular for its collection of second hand rings, chains, bracelets and necklaces as it is for top watch brands.
Personal service is still just as important now as it was when Queen Victoria reigned and although the gas lamps may no longer flicker, the glamour of days gone by still remains.
at Lush and keep the theme going at The Perfume Shop.
The Entertainer toy shop keeps the kids happy, while River Island ensures you’ll pick up an affordable outfit for a night out. Before, after or even inbetween shopping, why not play a game at Hollywood Bowl or catch a movie at Vue Cinema.
Are you always searching for one-ofa-kind gifts or souvenirs? You’ll love the treasures found in Manchester’s markets and independent shops. For charming boutiques and gift stores, look no further than the Northern Quarter. The area is chock-full of indie fashion and vintage buys, along with quaint restaurants to take a load off. Wander down the labyrinth of side streets and you’ll see why it’s often coined as one of the country’s hippest neighbourhoods.
Rockers is the spot for, you guessed it, rock ’n’ roll fans. Pick up a 1950s-style bag, slogan T-shirts and vintage leather jackets. If you’re visiting for the Manchester Jazz Festival, you’ll always find a polka dot swing dress here.
Cow Vintage offers vintage gear and reworked items from the 60s to the noughties over two colourful levels. Their speciality is sportswear so if you’re hankering after a North Face fleece, this is the place to
come! Oi Polloi is the hip and happening place for men, with brands like Folk, Penfield and Barbour. Gone Fishing Vintage sells 80s and 90s fashion sourced from around the world.
An attraction in itself and a jewel in the crown of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Afflecks first opened in 1981. The iconic, self-described ‘emporium of eclecticism’ is a four-storey heaven of indie markets stocking everything from Star Wars gadgets to beaded necklaces. You’ll find long-lost punk clothes, retro trading cards and loads of eccentric
L Afflecks, Palace I Manchester Craft and Design Centre
artworks. Take a break at trendy eateries before indulging in some nail art or a massage.
While you’ll find plenty of spots to pick up vinyl, Piccadilly Records is a Manchester institution. It’s often named one of the best independent record shops in the world and stocks new and classic albums. You’ll even find CDs, if you remember what they are. Ready for a break? Fig + Sparrow is ready for you with coffee and gifts to buy on the way out.
Also in the Northern Quarter, the Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a treasure trove of textiles, ceramics, jewellery and prints created by talented independent designers. If you’re looking for something unusual, it’s certainly the place for you. Located in a former Victorian fish market, the restored building features two floors of studios, where potters and craftspeople make their magic.
Explore Katherine Lee Ceramics for planters, pots and more adorned with images of birds, octopuses, dragonflies and bees. Claire Hillerby creates gorgeous hand-made jewellery inspired by handwriting. For home textiles and stationery, try Natalie Laura Ellen’s nature inspired designs. You might just find the perfect gift among Helen Tiffany’s beautiful range of glass and enamel products.
Bit of a fashionista? Exchange Square is a haven of boutiques like Selfridges & Co.
Leave plenty of room in your bags, and your stomach, for market-hopping in Manchester. Arndale Market is a foodie hub for street food stalls – just in case you want to start with food.
Every second Sunday of the month, the Northern Quarter Makers Market brings an eclectic mix of home-made tasty treats among bespoke ceramics and artisanal soaps. You’ll be tempted by the freshly baked products at the Altrincham Market while you shop for original crafts and flowers.
Opened in 1861 with its glass and iron presentation, Stockport Market is a hub of independent businesses selling everything from photo frames to collectables and food. Head to the town of Bury for an awardwinning market with a fish and meat hall, souvenirs and mouthwatering food stalls. Speaking of which, this is where you’ll find l
The Accessories Hall, Selfridges & Co., Trafford Centre
Shopping at Selfridges
The only city in the world to play host to not one but two Selfridges stores, Manchester is the perfect destination for a day of shopping. Both Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square and Selfridges Manchester Trafford offer an unrivalled selection of designer fashion, beauty, kids’, toys, fine jewellery, home, food and more.
In the heart of the city, Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square is home to the most sought-after and exclusive designer brands in the world, spanning emerging talent and established powerhouses including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès and Dior. Plus, you’ll have access to the new and noteworthy brands gaining a cult following from Highsnobiety to Manchester-born Represent and Adanola.
Here, you’ll also find exclusive brand collaborations and oneof-a-kind events exclusive to Selfridges including fashion and beauty popups and immersive in-store experiences. Plus an entire floor dedicated to beauty and the curated Wine Shop, offering an impressive wine and spirit portfolio featuring tipples from all over the world.
Selfridges Manchester Trafford sits in the renowned Trafford Centre, just a short drive out of the city. On Lower Level, discover the biggest Beauty Hall outside of London, home to more than 170 of the world’s leading brands and beloved niche labels, such as Charlotte Tilbury, NARS,
FaceGym, Le Labo and more. Whether you’re looking for a signature scent, a go-to skincare saviour or a new lipstick, here you can find the very best of beauty, plus book a make-up masterclass, a revitalising skincare session or a men’s grooming service.
In the RESELFRIDGES destination, discover preloved designer pieces, repair your favourite trainers at the Sneakers ER or shop refillable beauty and home items, from perfumes to lipsticks and more. For other experiences and services, consult with the Experience Concierge to give any special occasion the finishing touch, the Beauty Concierge to book exclusiveto-Selfridges services and Personal Shopping for style advice and recommendations tailored to you.
Discover what’s happening now and what’s next at selfridges.com.
Selfridges Manchester Trafford 1 The Dome The Trafford Centre Manchester M17 8DA 0800 123400
Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square 1 Exchange Square Central Manchester M3 1BD 020 7160 6222
Treat your team or clients to something truly special with our handcrafted chocolates. Perfect for corporate gifts, wholesale orders, wedding favours or personal gifts our indulgent treats are handmade with care and attention to detail. From classic flavours to unique creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Elevate your gifting game with us!
Sam Joseph Limited, Now Food Centre, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4AQ 07495 152 228 info@samjosephchocolates.co.uk
the Bury Black Pudding Company’s stall. Visit them for award-winning products you can’t leave without.
Markets aren’t the only place in Manchester to source delicious produce. At The Butcher’s Quarter you can pick up cheeses, cured meats and wines alongside fresh, locally sourced meat and eggs. Not sure what to go for? Sample some of the goods in the tasting room.
Vegetarians and vegans are catered for at fabulous family-run Lily’s Deli. If you’re after a quick snack you can pick up some home-made Indian sweets, samosas or pies. Otherwise fill your bags with Indian groceries to take away.
Pollen is top dog when it comes to Manchester bakeries. Locals queue down the street for its sourdough loaves, but you can also pick up sweet treats such as cheesecakes, tarts and cinnamon buns.
Looking for something extra special? The Jewellery Quarter covers King Street, Exchange Street and St Ann’s Square with both independent and chain jewellers. You’ll find beautiful vintage pieces among contemporary designs.
Admire the gems in Boodles, where you’ll find a dedicated engagement ring space. Harrington & Hallworth is the place
for brand-name watches and Montblanc pens. Further towards Deansgate, the award-winning Purely Diamonds has been specialising in diamond jewellery for 40 years.
The hardest thing about shopping in Manchester is choosing where to go next! Luckily, the city’s vibrant shopping districts make it easy, whether you’re rummaging through a retro emporium or buying designer labels. Don’t forget to explore the odd side street, as you never know when you’ll run into an extra special independent store. ■
L Northern Flower, The Northern Quarter I Altrincham Market
EATING OUT
Manchester is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs –so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
There’s always something to thrill your taste buds on Manchester’s ever-evolving food and drink scene. Talented chefs tend to gravitate to this buzzing city and you’ll taste their creations at restaurants that cater for everyone. For loads of eateries within walking distance of each other, make a beeline for the Northern Quarter and Ancoats. Best of all, you’ll try it all at a scrumptious line-up of foodie
festivals each year.
When you fancy splashing out on fine dining or sampling exotic dishes from across the globe, Manchester delivers mouthwatering menus.
Arguably responsible for cementing the city’s reputation as a dining hot spot, Michelin-starred mana is the domain of chef Simon Martin. He trained at the worldrenowned Noma restaurant and the waiting list to get into mana is a
testament to his skill. However, we think you’ll agree it’ll be worth the wait to get a reservation after that first gourmet bite.
When it’s time for a touch of glamour, doll up and head out to The Ivy Spinningfields. Set over four floors of Art Deco detail and semiprecious stone floors, the venue serves up everything from Asian cuisine to British classics. Visit the Roof Garden to dine among the
Try authentic street food straight from the charcoal pit and clay oven at Mughli Charcoal Pit in Rusholme
foliage and hang around after the sun goes down for DJ tunes and entertainment.
You’ll settle in with designer furnishings beneath chandeliers at Gaucho steak restaurant. Before you even get to the food, admire an original church organ at the centre of the split-level dining room. Then, it’s time to choose premium Argentinian steaks with wines to match. If you’re there on the weekend, look forward to a buzzing vibe at the cocktail bar.
New to the city’s upmarket dining scene, Fold Bistro & Bottle Shop in Marple Bridge focuses on finely crafted, seasonal sharing plates, alongside a menu of natural, organic and classic wines. Settle down in the intimate dining room and be wowed by dishes such as scallops with nduja and citrus or ravioli of lamb with Boddingtons gravy emulsion.
Seasonal produce
Fancy a slice of Paris? Always! Brought to you by the Moreau family, 63 Degrees offers informal fine dining with plenty of love infused into each tasty bite. Simon Wood’s flagship restaurant WOOD Manchester rests in the centre of the city. The focus is on top-quality, seasonal produce paired with classic wines. And you might even meet Simon himself!
Speaking of celebrity chefs, you’ll be in fine dining heaven at Adam Reid at The French, set in the Midland Hotel. The Manchester native whips up exquisite menus that have seen him awarded 4 AA rosettes, as well as a win for his signature dessert at the BBC’s Great British Menu competition.
Manchester’s multicultural dining scene keeps you eating for far longer than you should! For Italian food lovers, it’s hard to know where to start. You might spot a celebrity or two at San Carlo, a Manchester institution for more than 20 years. The setting is upscale, and the menu is filled with Italian and Sicilian classics, all washed down with hand-picked, regional Italian wines.
Rustic and friendly, Salvi’s NQ is another icon of Italian food, with dishes inspired by owner Maurizio’s
mother. You’ll find it in the Northern Quarter on High Street, and the delicious dishes focus on the Campania region. There’s something for everyone at The Pasta Factory, where the aim is for you to feel comfortable and jovial while tucking into authentic Italian ‘piatto di pasta’.
It’s easy to treat your taste buds to a taste of Spain in Manchester, especially at Tast Cuina Catalana in King Street. The a la carte menu features the dishes of Catalonia, many of which are cooked in a charcoal oven.
Mughli Charcoal Pit is one of the most popular restaurants on the famous ‘curry mile’ in Rusholme
Head to El Gato Negro and you’ll have a hard time choosing between delicious tasting plates including croquettes, spicy meatballs and goat’s cheese with honey. Even better? You’ll sample the goods in an elegant three-storey townhouse that draws in a stylish crowd.
Some foodies visit Manchester just to feast along the famous Curry Mile in Rusholme. With the largest concentration of Asian restaurants in the UK, it’s no surprise! Mughli Charcoal Pit is one of the most popular, with charred meats and Pakistani cuisine attracting celebrities like Jared Leto. Try authentic street food straight from the charcoal pit and clay oven.
First opened in 1987, Shere Khan was the first fully licensed Indian restaurant on the Curry Mile, and it’s still going strong. Sample tastes of India at the original flagship l
Enjoy a taste of Spain at Tast Cuina Catalana on King Street
Eating at Selfridges
Finding great dining destinations is key to a day out in Manchester. Visitors to Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square and Selfridges Manchester Trafford can expect an unrivalled shopping experience and excellent dining destinations, complete with some excellent food in both stores’ selection of dining destinations.
Try San Carlo Bottega, a chic dining venue on 2 champagne bar, serving up authentic Italian cuisine. Expect expertly crafted small plates with original and classic seafood, meat, pasta, and salad specialities. Or, for a more relaxed affair, choose the award-winning San Carlo Gran Café on LG, bringing a bite-sized taste of Italy, with a wide range of gelato, homemade desserts, afternoon teas, sandwiches and salads.
At Selfridges Manchester Trafford you’ll find the San Carlo Champagne bar set beneath the iconic sculptural chandelier and complete with an expertly curated allday champagne, prosecco, wine and cocktail menu, located in the Accessories Hall on Lower Level. Short on time? Head to Upper Level to choose sushi from YO!’s iconic conveyor belt, or sandwiches from Pret A Manger. Here, shoppers will find foodie paradise in the form of Selfridges’s famous Foodhall, a space that brings together the most soughtafter food brands and flavours from all over the world. Book your tables in advance on selfridges.com, so you can beat the queues.
Selfridges Manchester Trafford 1 The Dome The Trafford Centre Manchester M17 8DA 0800 123400
Selfridges Manchester
Exchange Square 1 Exchange Square Central Manchester M3 1BD 020 7160 6222
Dimitri’s Tapas Meze Bar Taverna, opposite the Hilton on Deansgate in central Manchester is a friendly, lively restaurant, serving the best tapas and Greek meze in the city.
Dimitri’s, on Deansgate, is a fantastic independent Mediterranean restaurant that perfectly combines an authentic feel with an inviting and relaxing environment. It is ideal for an informal lunch/early evening gathering and perfect for a romantic dinner date or a night out sharing food and wine with friends and loved ones.
The red and white checked tablecloths and vibrant decor ensure the atmosphere matches the personalities of the exuberant and friendly staff
that make it more of a dining experience than just a place to have your dinner. There is a vast selection of tapas and meze on offer, as well as more substantial main meals and our Party Meze menu is perfect for larger parties, who can be accommodated in our downstairs Taverna area.
The heated inside/outside courtyard area, together with twinkling fairly lights, is great all year round for a real Mediterranean feel in the centre of Manchester.
DIMITRI’S BAR & TAVERNA
Campfield Arcade, Deansgate, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4FN
T: 0161 8393319
E: manchester@dimitris.co.uk
If you don’t know which country you’d like to visit with your taste buds, decide when you get to the
restaurant or try it at the Trafford Centre branch.
Things go upmarket at Ziya Asian Grill, where you can eat your favourite curries and grills in style – or try something different in the form of Indian afternoon tea, complete with traditional sweets and mocktails.
Branch out from the Curry Mile to dine on Keralan food at Amma’s Canteen, in Chorlton. Think mussels with chilli and roasted peanuts, lentil doughnuts in vegetable broth and seabass poached in coconut milk and spices.
From sushi and noodle bars to teppanyaki kitchens, you’ll visit Japan in Manchester, too. New kid on the block MUSU blends glamorous, moody interiors with impeccable high-end cuisine. Sit at the omakase counter and your own private sushi chef will design a tasting menu just for you.
If it’s noodle soup you’re craving, both Shoryu Ramen on Piccadilly Gardens and Toyko
The Corn Exchange is a stunning Edwardian building with modern twists; full of international flavours and quirky restaurants
Ramen on Church Street serve up steaming bowls of broth inspired by traditional the ramen shops of Tokyo and Sapporo.
Or, to make it Vietnamese, head to I Am Pho on George Street for classic Vietnamese soups and street food. For Chinese, Tattu covers two stunning floors and specialises in seafood and scrumptious dim sum.
Authentic curried mutton, oxtail and jerk chicken can be yours at no-frills café Sunrise Caribbean, in Salford. If you’re after Caribbean eats and fiery cocktails in a lively modern space, try Turtle Bay. Come for their bottomless brunch and you can really settle in!
And if you just don’t know which country you’d like to visit with your taste buds, decide when you get to the Corn Exchange. Located in the Medieval Quarter in a stunning Edwardian building with modern twists, the venue is full of international flavours and quirky restaurants. Choose from l
Corn Exchange in the Medieval Quarter
Start your taste adventure right here in the heart of Manchester with a great selection of restaurants all under one roof, serving dishes from around the globe. With activities to also build up an appetite and the option to extend your visit with a stay at Roomzzz Aparthotel. Plus, excellent transport links by train, tram, car and foot! Find out more cornexchangemanchester.co.uk
Serving stylish food and drink all day and night. From Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner to Bottomless Brunches and Suppers!
Grab a 2-4-1 Cocktail all day every day and choose from their bar, restaurant, atrium space or outdoor terrace for the perfect spot.
Access via Exchange Square & Atrium
Built to showcase the lightness, freshness and virtuosity of the food Indians eat in the privacy of their homes and on their streets. Try the Mowgli experience.
Access via Cathedral Street & Atrium
Visit Manchester’s authentic, family run Italian deli & restaurant and you won’t be disappointed. All their dishes are made with the very best Italian produce sourced by Maurizio himself. Dine downstairs in an intimate setting or in splendour outside on the terrace.
Access via Exchange Square
Whether it’s breakfast or brunch, dinner, or lunch, check out their menu full of British heart, served by friendly staff in quirky, elegant surroundings.
Access via Exchange Square
A beautiful and modern Indian Restaurant with stunning contemporary dishes & creations resulting in a unique and rule-breaking visual and taste sensation.
Access via Fennel Street & Atrium
Garten Bar in our beautiful atrium is the perfect spot for a relaxing coffee, the finest German Draft Beer, 2-4-1 Cocktails (all day!) and even… milkshakes!
Access via Atrium
Authentic Vietnamese Street Food like spring and summer rolls, salads, wok-fried noodles & curries. Plus, the stardelicious & nutritious noodle soup – Pho!
Access via Cathedral Street & Atrium
Dig into the classics you know and love or try some of their brilliant new ever-changing seasonal dishes in their uniquely decorated restaurant.
Access via Exchange Square
Stunning Pan- Asian restaurant that will take your tastebuds on a tour of the Far-East from Thailand to Vietnam & Japan to Indonesia.
Access via Exchange Square
Handmade fresh pasta & pizza plus excellent salads too, all cooked in their open kitchen exactly how you request – fussy eaters welcome!
Access via Exchange Square & Atrium
Bringing authentic Greek cuisine and atmosphere to Manchester! A mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, enjoyed inside or outside on their terrace.
Access via Exchange Square & Atrium
Home to Manchester’s Bottomless Steak experience, Garten Bar’s grill menu boasts perfectly seared steaks and mouthwatering shish. Plus, 2-4-1 cocktails and fantastic bottomless brunch options!
Access via Fennel Street & Atrium
Italian dining is all about La Dolce Vita – the sweet life! – and you will feel that in the stunning surroundings of Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar. Boasting an open kitchen, cocktail bar and large alfresco terrace.
Access via Exchange Square & Atrium
Delicious Italian food with a twist to surprise and delight all tastes. With regular seasonal menu updates to enjoy alongside all your favourite Italian classics – come together at Zizzi with good food and great company.
Access via Exchange Square
60 minutes. A locked room. Crack the code. Gain the glory. The pressure’s on, the clock’s ticking, the adrenaline’s pumping. Can you break free?
Access via Fennel Street
Step outdoors on a 90-minute City Hunt challenge – the perfect way to discover our fantastic city whether you are a first time visitor or lifelong local.
Access via Fennel Street
Home to 114 apartments, all beautifully styled with luxury details like rainfall showers, underfloor heating plus all super generous in size. Book your stay today.
Access via Exchange Square & Atrium
The World’s 1st immersive cricket experience combined with exceptional dining and drinks. Plus retro gaming, pool, table football and Live Sports!
Access via Cathedral Street
FROM PARIS TO MANCHESTER
A taste of Paris brought to you by Florence and Eric Moreau
If you love coffee, you’ll know that many believe that 63° is the perfect temperature at which to serve it. But Chef Eric will tell you that it’s also the temperature of a unique cooking technique that he’s perfected after many years of experimentation.
Cooked long and low at 63°, poultry tastes like you’ve never tasted it before, incomparably tender and full of unforgettable flavours. So, 63° represents for us the love and care that goes into all our cooking, which we’d love to share with you.
dine@63degrees.co.uk www.63degrees.co.uk
Situated down Old Bank Street in the iconic Royal Exchange Building. Annies has been delivering amazing traditional food and quality service for over a decade. Come join us for any of our food menus or just come to relax in our lovely cocktail and afternoon tea lounge.
Trendy street food market GRUB is located at the artsy Red Bank Project in
Cheetham Hill
Vietnamese, Pan Asian, German, Indian and more.
Whether you love filling baskets with fresh produce or tasting all there is to taste at festivals, Manchester’s foodie scene is a casual diner’s delight.
What could be better than the best of a city’s food scene all in one spot? Time your trip with a festival and you’ll live this particular foodie dream. The Manchester Food and Drink Festival is one of the city’s hottest tickets and a nationally acclaimed event. Developed by Phil Jones in 1998, it thrills taste buds at a variety of venues and attracts big names like Jamie Oliver, Tom Kerridge and Gordon Ramsay.
For your favourite tipples, the Manchester Gin and Rum Festival is a treat of local distillers and international guests. Themed gin and rum bars get the party started with DJs and live entertainment. Love to indulge in all things sushi related? The Manchester Sushi Festival is just for you, where the city’s top sushi venues put on a tasty show complete with Japanese beer to wash it all down with.
Eating and shopping go hand in hand at a wealth of markets in Manchester. Arndale Market, inside the Arndale Shopping Centre, offers a feast of street food favourites like Mexican, Chinese and Asian. Take your pick of cheeses and olives before stocking up at the fruit and veggie stalls. While you’re there, browse for quirky fashion and gifts.
Trendy street food market GRUB is located at the artsy Red Bank Project in Cheetham Hill. PlantPowered Sundays offer vegan l
L Tom's Chop House I Trendy street food market GRUB in Cheetham Hill
We fitted wigs in Wigan Gave grants in Glasgow Taught yoga in Yeovil
And got men talking about cancer in Brixton
Wherever you are, we do whatever it takes to help people living with cancer.
These are examples of services that we’ve delivered. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. MAC19926
treats and the eco-friendly beer garden is a favourite spot for locals.
For a family-friendly atmosphere, head to Levenshulme Market in South Manchester. The communityled initiative hosts live music and activities among local traders selling everything from street food to vintage clothes.
Get ready for bulging eyes and rumbling tummies when you spot rows of doughnuts and pies at the Northern Quarter Makers Market on the second Sunday of each month. It’s a standout for homemade dishes from local bakers and you’ll pick up unique arts and crafts as you nibble your way around.
For a tap room with the added bonus of sumptuous street food, head for Society on Barbirolli Square, open seven days a week. Choose between wood-fired pizzas, burgers, Korean and more – washed down with some local craft beer, of course! From Wednesday to Sunday, Street Food Market at Piccadilly features around 18 stalls with
international favourites like chow mein noodles and Indian curries.
When only a night at the pub will do, Manchester has more than enough for you. Start at the Northern Quarter’s Castle Hotel, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Dating back to 1776, the pub features a music hall for live gigs and provides a creative hub for the city’s upcoming performers. So, you’ll enjoy real ale and pub grub with fantastic entertainment to boot.
Coined ‘Britain’s most bohemian back-street boozer’ by The Guardian, The Kings Arms is an icon for drinking and dining in the beer garden. When you feel like sophisticated pub grub, take your taste buds to Edinburgh Castle, a pub that’s stood in Ancoats since 1811. Dine on cured chalk stream trout or chicken and cider pie, then finish up in the back saloon bar.
An award-winning pub and boutique, the Northern Quarter’s Abel Heywood rests in the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or tea while
exploring the area’s galleries and shops. Start with a cocktail before choosing from a British-inspired menu with a twist. Love a pub full of character? Mr Thomas’s Chop House has it in spades, from the stunning 19th-century interior to the locally sourced food.
The Bay Horse Tavern oozes charm as a modern take on a Victorian Pub. Promoted as a home away from home, you’ll chill out with a huge choice of gins and a menu including Lancashire hot pot and renowned Sunday lunches. If you love prosecco or bloody Marys, visit for Bottomless Brunch to consume as much as you like.
For Indian food fans, Manchester is a no-brainer in order to indulge in your favourite curries. But the city serves up something to suit every taste bud, from Japanese dishes to Mexican street food and gourmet fine dining. The food scene is so good, in fact, that the odds are in your favour for spotting celebrity diners among celebrity chefs. ■
When you feel like sophisticated pub grub, take your taste buds to Edinburgh Castle Pub in Ancoats, ‘Britain’s most bohemian back-street boozer’
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to Manchester
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start the day in the Northern Quarter, the city’s fabulous bohemian district, teeming with independent shops and bars. Hunt for unique treasures at Manchester Craft and Design Centre or Afflecks while soaking up the area’s inimitable café culture.
You can stop off for a relaxing cuppa and an indulgent pastry at the Nibble on Oldham Street. Bags of atmosphere are crammed into this small, kitschy-decorated café.
The Northern Quarter is chock full of hip eateries for a spot of lunch. District is a cool NeoBangkok eatery, Tokyo Ramen offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, BAB serves up unique (ke)babs and meze and Evelyn’s Café Bar is popular for brunch.
For a pleasant afternoon head for historic Castlefield and sip a cappuccino while watching the narrowboats slip by. Then it’s time for a wander over to Liverpool Road and the Science and Industry Museum, a fun place to explore the city’s industrial past and the site of the world’s first passenger railway.
You can then walk or take the bus over to Spinningfields for a spot of upmarket shopping. It’s also home to bars and restaurants, including Australasia, and Comptoir Libanais, serving Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine.
You’ll most likely stroll past the stunning John Rylands Library on Deansgate and, if you have time, check out the rare books and superb architecture of this building, lovingly created by John Rylands’ widow as a memorial to their devotion to each other.
Come evening, glam it up and
perch on a bar stool at Cicchetti on South King Street or head over to sister restaurant San Carlo and soak up the buzzing atmosphere. Then round off the night at The Comedy Store, home to some of the finest stand-up comedy in the country.
DAY TWO
With two of the most famous football clubs in the world on your doorstep, it would be rude not to
pay a visit to either Manchester United or Manchester City’s hallowed grounds. Take the tram over to the Manchester United Museum at Old Trafford and you’ll be within walking distance of Salford Quays where you can spend time at The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North.
Head back into the city for a quick lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Corn Exchange and then head over the road to catch a movie on the giant IMAX screen at The Printworks.
T he Science and Industry Museum is a fun place to explore Manchester’s industrial past
In the evening indulge in a glass of champagne or a cocktail at one of the city’s many buzzing bars, before heading off to take in a dazzling show at one of Manchester’s brilliant theatres like the Palace on Oxford Street, The Opera House on Quay Street or the Royal Exchange on St Anne’s Square.
Later on, you can round off your evening with a sumptuous dinner in Chinatown. This area really comes alive at night, with its neon lights and stunning arch, situated on Faulkner Street. ■
Culture vultures assemble! This city and the wider region offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
In a city that boasts an industrial past, an innovative present and a rapidly transforming future, you know you’re in for a cultural feast. Manchester offers the largest number of theatres outside London, along with cutting-edge museums and quirky art galleries. In fact, art is everywhere you look, from graffiti walls in the Northern Quarter to studios hosting local craftspeople.
Get set for a busy itinerary of live entertainment in Manchester, with opera, jazz and fabulous pantos adorning theatre programmes and festival schedules.
Opening in June 2023, Factory International is a cultural space set to revolutionise the city’s performing arts scene. Here, dance, theatre, visual arts and digital technologies will merge with the incredibly popular Manchester International Festival. In the meantime, you’re spoilt for choice with year-round theatre shows featuring big-name stars and local, upcoming talent.
HOME is a purpose-built centre for the arts, with a large gallery space and two theatres presenting
touring companies and local talent across drama, dance and music. If you love foreign language films, the cinema here is the place for you. Located on Oxford Street, the historic Palace Theatre has been at the heart of Manchester’s cultural scene since 1891. Check the schedule for everything from children’s shows to musicals and pop concerts.
If only opera will do, the Manchester Opera House is the home of classical music and beautiful ballets. It opened on Boxing Day in 1912 and was once
Dance, theatre, visual arts and digital technologies merge at the popular Manchester International Festival
used as a bingo hall before hitting the big time with Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar. The Royal Exchange Theatre impresses audiences before the show even starts, with a unique auditorium facing a circular stage surrounded by The Great Hall. A fun fact is that The Great Hall was one of the world’s centres for cotton trade during World War II.
For local talent and something different, book a ticket for a show at The Hope Mill Theatre. The intimate space is fantastic for plays and poetry readings. It’s always worth checking the schedule at The Lowry on Salford Quays. A registered charity, the theatre showcases musicals, dance and visual art with a strong focus on helping local communities and young people.
Want more inspiration for the kids? Z-arts puts on theatre, dance and spoken word performances for children, as well as hundreds of creative and craft workshops throughout the year.
It’s always worth checking the schedule at
The Lowry on Salford Quays
If it’s live comedy you’re after, The Comedy Store at The Bierkeller showcases top talent from around the country on Thursday and Friday nights, while Laughing Cows at the Frog and Bucket is the place to go to see female comedy acts, from big names to new voices.
If you need an excuse to visit the city, all you must do is check out the calendar of cultural festivals across the year. The Manchester Art Fair launched in 2008 as Buy Art Fair and it still sells incredible collections of sculpture, photography and paintings. Artists and art lovers collide from across the country to meet, admire and acquire amazing pieces at the event.
However, it’s the Manchester International Festival that art fans block out holidays for. During the event, you’ll see artworks, displays and workshops at a variety of venues throughout the city. Don’t miss out on the Manchester Jazz Festival if culture and music go hand in hand for you. For movie buffs, The Manchester Film Festival l
Manchester Art Gallery in the city centre has a permanent collection including works by Francis Bacon and Antony Gormley
Central Library –a truly inspiring destination.
Grade II-listed Central Library opened in 1934 and has since been modernised and improved, combining its historic features with cuttingedge design and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Visit the magnificent Wolfson Reading Room and our jungle-themed children’s library; and if you’re interested in local or family history, visit Archives+, where you can bring the history of Manchester to life. Watch content from the Northwest Film Archive and listen to sound archive recordings using our Sound and Vision pods.
If you need help with your business or want somewhere to work, visit the BIPC and try our shared workspace, Generator.
Our exciting events programme, Library Live, brings you exhibitions, music, performances, talks and more. For information on what to see and do in Manchester, call in to see the Visitor Information Centre team.
Try our amazing café and visit our shop with its many unique Library souvenirs.
Central Library
St Peter’s Square
Manchester City Centre M2 5PD
Open Monday to Thursday, 9am–8pm Friday and Saturday, 9am–5pm manchester.gov.uk/centrallibrary
and the Banff Mountain Festival screen films by creatives from around the world.
If you haven’t heard of Parklife Festival, you’ve probably been living under a rock. Come on out to enjoy star-studded lineups that have previously included Mark Ronson, Liam Gallagher, Major Lazer and The Chemical Brothers. Another music extravaganza set over a week, Sounds of the City has attracted New Order and Arcade Fire.
For those who love a festival without the muddy field to go with it, the Manchester Folk Festival is a top pick. It stretches across several locations within walking distance of each other in the Northern Quarter and the spotlight is firmly on English folk. Along with a line-up of great music, get set for workshops and a festive foodie hub.
Manchester has long been a mecca for those who love music, whether you’re a fan of Oasis or the opera. Speaking of which, the sublime sounds of the Hallé
The Sublime sounds of the Hallé Orchestra & the BBC Philharmonic are at Bridgewater Hall
Orchestra, Manchester Camerata and the BBC Philharmonic are found at Bridgewater Hall. Stoller Hall is another popular haunt for classical music fans, as is the Royal Northern College of Music, which puts on a diverse programme of opera, classical and jazz.
The Albert Hall features composers, singer-songwriters and everyone in between in a hall first built in 1908. For the biggest live music shows, however, book a ticket early to see the world’s top superstars lighting up the stage at AO Arena. Previous performers include Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones, along with local bands like Take That and The Charlatans.
Come summertime, the place to be is Castlefield Bowl, for outdoor concerts by artists from around the globe. You can see everything from classical to pop to hip hop.
If you’re after something more intimate, legendary Band on the Wall has recently reopened after
Hallé Orchestra found at Bridgewater Hall
a £3.5 million renovation. The 500-seat venue is the place to go to discover everything from World Music to folk, with plenty of upand-coming local acts on the bill. If it strikes your fancy, it’s possible to spend day after leisurely day swanning around Manchester’s eclectic array of museums and galleries. The area around Salford Quays is an important part of local history and it’s now home to the Imperial War Museum North. It was designed by Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict. You’ll see powerful exhibitions, though its best-kept secret is the viewing platform for a bird’s eye view of the Quays.
The Science and Industry Museum, on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, pays homage to the city’s fascinating history. Here you can find ‘Baby’, a working replica of the first ever computer to store and a run a program from memory, and one of the first Rolls-Royce motorcars, a company which began in Manchester. There’s also a Textiles Gallery, which features working textile machinery.
At the People’s History Museum, you’ll follow Britain’s struggle for democracy over two centuries. Displays and changing exhibitions are housed in a splendidly restored Pump House.
Football fans can’t miss out on a trip to the National Football Museum, of course. You’ll admire a huge collection of kits, boots and trophies. Interactive displays bring the passion to life, with games to play and trails to follow. Make sure you leave plenty of time to discover the Score Gallery to rehash the most famous moments in history.
Illuminated manuscripts and the oldest known piece of the New Testament are some of the gems on offer at The John Rylands Research Institute and Library. It’s worth a look just for the building itself – a stunning Gothic masterpiece.
At the Pankhurst Centre, meanwhile, you can learn about the Pankhurst family and the Suffragette movement at the small, on-site museum. If you still haven’t had your fill of history, explore the Museum of Transport and the Manchester Jewish Museum, which has recently undergone a £6 million redevelopment.
For art lovers, there’s everything from a thriving home-grown scene to independently owned galleries and international exhibitions. The must-see exhibitions are at Manchester Art Gallery in the city centre, with a permanent collection including works by Francis Bacon and Antony Gormley.
Check out the Saul Hay Gallery in Castlefield, a passion project by
husband-and-wife team Ian and Catherine Hay, who curate regular contemporary art shows.
You’ll swan around among more than 60,000 artworks at the awardwinning Whitworth Art Gallery at the University of Manchester. Discover no less than 10,000 wallpapers, from cheerful prints you might find familiar to luxurious, hand-printed designs. The Global Textile Collection features objects from the third century AD and Bernard Schottlandwer’s red welded steel sculptures take pride of place at the front of the gallery.
Buy contemporary art at Egoiste Gallery at Afflecks and visit The Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery. The contemporary exhibition space showcases new works, as does Castlefield Gallery.
Along with theatre shows and concerts, the gallery at The Lowry, at Salford Quays, hosts paintings by LS Lowry, plus stunning works from private collections across the country. Esea contemporary, meanwhile, is a non-for-profit arts centre promoting the work of artists from East and Southeast Asian cultural backgrounds.
Manchester boasts a renowned literary heritage, claiming writers such as Thomas de Quincy, Anthony Burgess, Elizabeth Gaskell and Howard Jacobson. Literature lovers can immerse themselves in the world of Elizabeth Gaskell at her house on Plymouth Grove or join in with discussions and screenings at the Anthony Burgess Foundation.
Manchester’s architectural gems dot the city, so you could spend all day trying to snap the perfect shot. Along with the collection of Victorian buildings, new additions decorate historic icons. Manchester Central Library was designed by E. Vincent Harris and built using Portland stone. Then, there’s Manchester Town Hall, a neoGothic masterpiece completed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1887.
Whether you want to put on your dancing gear, reading glasses or gallery-hopping shoes, expect to learn about a fascinating history from one end of this inspiring city to the other. ■
The Whitworth Gallery, University of Manchester
The night-time economy in this area is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
The word ‘legendary’ sums up Manchester’s nightlife perfectly, from cocktails on rooftop bars to standing ovations at dazzling theatre shows. Oxford Road is the spot for bar-hopping, and pedestrianised Canal Street takes you through to the wee hours. Deansgate Locks alone keeps the party going all night long. One thing’s for sure, you don’t have to go to bed early if you don’t want to here!
There’s never a dull moment in the Northern Quarter after dark, especially on the weekends. Best
of all, you’ll find a fabulous mix of pubs, bars and live music venues to suit your mood.
As the area is full of creative locals, quirky bars are the norm here. You should start at Cain & Grain with themed floors featuring décor from the 80s skate scene, along with Science & Industry for experimental drinks flavoured with scientific techniques.
Blend tequila-twisted cocktails with Mexican finger food and soulful tunes at El Capo and check the schedule for theme nights featuring budget-friendly drinks.
How about vintage arcade games for entertainment? Go old school at NQ64, where neon lights mix with retro games and suitably themed cocktails. If ping pong is your game, Twenty Twenty Two delivers the tables with your drinks, along with regular events. There’s not much you can’t do at Dive Bar & Grill, with a heated terrace for drinks, DJs on the weekends and live sports on HD screens.
Next to the Northern Quarter, Ancoats boasts a colourful scene of international restaurants, craft breweries and speakeasy-style bars.
The Liar’s Club, Back Bridge Street, Deansgate
Pop into Bar Fringe for Belgian beer and sip craft beer with juicy beef burgers at Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse. The Crown & Kettle is a classic, historic boozer serving fantastic pub grub with an extensive beer menu.
The Jane Eyre was established in memory of the owner’s mother as a welcoming neighbourhood bar. You’ll find classic cocktails served with a twist, along with keg and bottled beers, as well as small plates to line your stomach.
From UFC to NFL and boxing, Second City is the place for sports fans. With numerous screens, including a huge 136-inch screen, you’re not likely to miss your favourite match. Don’t miss out on a drink at the Edinburgh Castle pub, set in an iconic building that’s been a pub since 1811.
For upscale restaurants before moving onto elegant bars for cocktails, Manchester’s financial centre of Spinningfields is the place to be and be seen. Don your glad rags for a night at The Ivy, a magnet
for celebrities and trendsetters. Head to the second floor to Ivy Asia to drink Asian-inspired cocktails at the antique, gold-mirrored bar.
You can drink in Art Deco splendour at Schofield’s, an oldschool bar offering a carefully curated menu of cocktails, spirits and champagne. Nibbles come in the form of charcuterie and cheese boards. A night at 20 Stories is all about drinking and dining with spectacular views. Start at the swanky restaurant and hop from the bar to the rooftop terrace for 360-degree panoramas of the twinkling skyline.
With natural tones reminiscent of the Pacific coastline, Australasia is an ideal spot to drift with the night. Choose an exclusive cocktail from the bar and soak up the exquisite decor to the sounds of live DJs. If quirky and immersive is more your bag, Alcotraz will have you donning an orange prison jumpsuit and drinking ‘smuggled’ drinks behind bars. Hopefully you’ll manage to elude The Warden!
You can find something completely different about five minutes away from Spinningfields at Flight Club on King Street. This bar offers a unique night out, where visitors can play darts, drink cocktails and eat mouthwatering food in a buzzing atmosphere. More retro fun can be had at Pong & Puck, where you can play shuffleboard, table tennis or beer pong to tunes from the 80s and 90s.
Ready to really celebrate? One of the world’s friendliest LGBTQ+ cities, Manchester plays host to Canal Street and a surrounding area that’s always up for a good time. With a village vibe to go with brilliant bars and clubs, the district delivers entertainment every night of the week. Glam up and head to New York New York or Bar Pop for fabulous drag shows and plenty of dancing. Check out theme nights with bargain drinks at ON Bar or head to theatre and film-themed Oscars Bar, where the cocktails are delectable and regular live music keeps the vibe upbeat. When you l
The Crown & Kettle in Ancoats is a classic, historic boozer serving fantastic pub grub with an extensive beer menu
don’t want the party to end, Cruz 101 keeps you bopping with latenight DJs, and Vanilla Bar, the city’s longstanding lesbian venue, keeps things going until the small hours with DJ sets and club nights.
No matter when you visit Manchester, you’ll find something fabulous to entertain you within the performing arts scene. First opened in 1891, the Palace Theatre we see today commenced with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s one of the city’s most prominent theatres and you’ll catch everything from touring musicals to evocative dramas. The neo-classical auditorium and velvet seat coverings set the scene before the show even starts.
Nothing beats the prestige of the Manchester Opera House, going strong since 1912. Book a ticket here for a West End musical, ballet or a wonderful Christmas pantomime, along with your favourite operas. Putting young people in the spotlight, the Contact
Matt & Phreds Jazz Club delivers big bands and swing to help get your party started
Theatre is part of the University of Manchester campus where you’ll enjoy upcoming talent with a varied arts programme.
Do you love cutting-edge drama and slam poetry readings? Check the schedule at The Hope Mill Theatre. After training in London, Joseph Houston and William Whelton opened the theatre with inspiration from the Off West End Theatres. Along with fantastic shows and an intimate setting, you’ll enjoy the bar and restaurant between acts.
Movies & music
For a large dose of everything, head to HOME. The entertainment complex offers two theatres complete with exciting programmes full of variety. Kick back and relax at the movies with a choice of five screens, and enjoy drinks with views on the stunning roof terrace.
Printworks is another all-in-one venue, and it boasts one of Europe’s
Matt & Phreds Jazz Club in the Northern Quarter
largest IMAX screens. Visit the Hard Rock Café for classic cocktails and burgers, or The Bierkeller for that German beer hall vibe, complete with Bavarian drinking music and regular costumed oompah shows.
Just follow your ears to the live tunes ringing across Manchester on any given night. If you’re visiting when there’s a show at AO Arena, you’re in luck! Opened in 1995, it’s the largest indoor arena in Europe, where some of the world’s biggest names have graced the stage. Think the likes of Madonna, U2, The Rolling Stones and Pavarotti.
Then, there’s Albert Hall, an independent live music and club venue located in a historic building with a fabulous interior. At Bridgewater Hall, you’ll choose from around 300 shows per year. It regularly hosts the BBC Philharmonic and it’s the home of the Hallé Orchestra. Modern-day rock and pop concerts also join the classical music programme.
Hop around to pubs, bars and nightclubs for a smorgasbord of live music nights. Nightclubs Mint Lounge and Soup rock the weekends with live gigs. Matt & Phreds Jazz Club delivers just what the name suggests, with big bands and swing jazz groups getting the party started.
Soulful tunes
Pretend you’re in New Orleans at The Blues Kitchen for soulful tunes with a side of buffalo chicken wings. For full table service and live music inspired by the cabaret clubs of Berlin and Manhattan, Sonata Piano & Cabaret Lounge is the place to hear everything from showtunes to jazz classics.
Brilliant days drift into exciting nights on Manchester’s exciting festival calendar. Music fans can’t get enough of the Manchester International Festival, showcasing visual arts along with a dazzling spectrum of performing arts. The jazz scene is in the spotlight at
Manchester Jazz Festival, complete with big names in the industry to thrill audiences.
You can also get your groove on at Parklife Festival, the biggest metropolitan festival in the UK, which attracts major names from the worlds of pop, rock, hip hop and dance to Heaton Park for one exuberant June weekend.
Movie buffs will be more than happy with the international offerings at the Manchester Film Festival, as well as the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which showcases works from the world’s best adventure filmmakers.
Manchester’s nightlife scene is constantly changing, so there’s always something new to discover. However, the city’s much-loved staples, like the Palace Theatre and the Manchester Opera House, never fail to delight with renowned performing artists. Otherwise, it’s easy to head out on a spontaneous night of enjoyable pub and barhopping after dark. ■
Expect soulful tunes with a side of buffalo chicken wings at The Blues Kitchen on Quay Street
Although Manchester has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
Manchester is the perfect base from which to explore the north of England. While it has all the attractions you’d want from a major city such as first class shopping, swanky nightlife and more theatres than anywhere outside London –the city is also a gateway to some of the most stunning countryside and coastline in the UK.
The wild beauty of the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire is easily accessible, so too is the rugged landscape of the Brontës’ Yorkshire.
Just 30 minutes away is Cheshire, a county endowed with smart towns and pretty villages and of course the jewel in its crown, Chester. Stop off at the five-star Chester Grosvenor for afternoon tea, join the glamorous Cheshire set at the racecourse, browse around the medieval Rows, which are the oldest shops in the world and visit its famous zoo.
A little closer to Greater Manchester is Tatton Park, one of the UK’s most complete estates with 50 acres of beautiful gardens. Each year it hosts more than 100 events, including the RHS Flower Show, picnic concerts, car shows and antique fairs.
Manchester is just over an hour away from Derbyshire where you can visit the magnificent caves of Castleton, such as Speedwell Cavern and the Devil’s Arse, or beautiful Bakewell – famed for its puddings and holding the world’s first ever Baking Festival. The town is a few miles down the road from Chatsworth House, another distinguished stately home that has talks, tours, outdoor theatre, workshops, concerts, a country fair and more.
Or do as the majority of Mancunians have done at some
The wild beauty of Bowland Forest is easily reached
time in their lives and head for the coast. Those who want the bright, breezy and brash seaside experience should hop on the Blackpool train, to experience the Golden Mile which mixes bars, discos and fairground thrills. Contrary to its name, it’s actually seven miles long.
Further along the Fylde coast is magnificent Morecambe which is a much more laid-back seaside experience. It’s not had the capital investment of Blackpool but it has its own old-fashioned charms. Why not enjoy an excellent afternoon tea or a signature cocktail as you sit on the terrace of the restored Art Deco Midland Hotel and watch the sun go down over the sea?
And there’s Southport – bizarrely, before becoming Emperor in 1851, Napoleon III lived there and Lord Street was the inspiration behind the tree-lined boulevards of Paris. Nowadays it’s a seaside destination, famed for its sandy beach and windswept dunes, which help make it one of the most popular coastal resorts in the country.
Manchester is also a great base from which to explore the wilds of North Wales, from the stunning mountains of Snowdonia to the rugged coastline of Llandudno and Anglesey. Why not visit Rhuddlan Castle in Rhyl, begun in 1277 and the second of King Edward I’s great Welsh fortifications, or Porth Llwyd Pottery in Conwy set in a picturesque woodland setting? ■
