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City tour of Manchester, Salford and Salford Quays Manchester is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and it has a proud history in science, politics, music, arts and sport. Now you can discover much of that history on this ‘hop-on hop-off’ tour in a open top bus. The 90-minute sightseeing trip features a full commentary from Dominic Monaghan. Make some special memories of your visit with Manchester Sightseeing Tours, we look forward to meeting you!

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Welcome to Manchester Cultural Guide The city is a hub for Culture and Art with Galleries, Museums, Sport and Theatres

Food & Drink Guide Dining Al Fresco, Cafes, Afternoon Tea, Bars, Beers and Food & Drink Festivals

Quarters and Town Guide Manchester is a city of ‘Quarters’ and Historic Towns in Greater Manchester

A welcome and introduction to the city with an eye to its future development

Entertainment Guide A true ‘24 hour’ city alive with Clubs, Music, Shows and Film screenings

Shopping Guide Huge Shopping Centres, Discount Outlets eclectic and independent retailers

Getting About Guide Free Bus travel, the Metrolink Tram Network, regional Buses, Trains and Taxis

UNLOCKMANCHESTER.com Your Guide to the City

Welcome to Manchester

A warm welcome from the Manchester Hoteliers Association As Chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, I would like to welcome you to Manchester. It is an exciting and dynamic city that continues to develop and evolve each and every day. When speaking with guests staying at our Hotels and business delegates attending events, I am continually encouraged by the positive messages heard about the city and about the exciting destination Manchester has become. They often talk about the variety of activities and events going on in the city as well as the warm and friendly welcome they receive from everyone they meet; a very real strength of our beautiful city. This sentiment is echoed by the Hoteliers who continue to work hard to make Manchester an exciting destination for both our local and ever increasing number of international guests.

Guests are often visiting for meetings, conferences and annual events, and the city is proud to host several major national and international events. This is a growing trend and Manchester will be hosting more international events in the years ahead. With many new international route connections, being launched by the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airport, it is encouraging further promotion and awareness of the city as a destination of choice. Manchester is also home to a large number of companies and businesses ; and more are moving to the city as they see the attractiveness of trading here. This is an important development for the business community and with an ever improving infrastructure the future looks very bright. Leisure guests can experience all sorts of opportunities within the city including concerts, events, football, shopping, cultural events and a fast growing restaurant and bar scene.

Every year more guests arrive in Manchester for leisure breaks to enjoy the diversity of activities this city can offer. We hope that you feel this excitement and dynamism of this fast moving city and we wish you a very warm welcome to Manchester. Adrian Ellis Chair of Manchester Hoteliers Association

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D; above Adrian Ellis General Manager at The Lowry Hotel

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Manchester - A cultural renaissance Mancunians describe their home as ‘a city that thinks a table is for dancing on’. It’s a fitting description in a year when visitors will find plenty of reasons to get out and get down. Forget that red brick, rain-splattered ‘grim up north’ image. No longer is this city the Victorian ‘Cottonopolis’, the former world centre for the textile industry. Nor is Manchester that grimy, postindustrial 1990s hub, known for its rave culture and 24-hour party people. This north-west corner of England has reinvented itself as a vibrant cultural hub, encompassing a dazzling array of art forms. The last few years alone have seen the opening of HOME (homemcr.org), a brand new, £25 million custom-built arts centre, the re-opening of the multimillion pound, multi-media Whitworth Art Gallery (manchester.ac.uk) and further development at Media City.

The announcement of The Factory, a £110 million arts complex, a permanent home for the acclaimed biannual Manchester International Festival. And, on any given week of the year, there’s also what locals call ‘a dead impressive’ choice of arts festivals, as well as events dedicated to all sorts of things including guerrilla gardening and jazz, not to mention the slew of food and drink extravaganzas and music spectaculars. “The city feels really alive. It’s buzzing” says Matthew Xia, associate artistic director at the Royal Exchange (royalexchange.co.uk), one of the city’s five producing theatres - “More tickets are being sold at the Royal Exchange while budgets are being cut across the board and many arts organisations are suffering”. Manchester has reinvented itself. Today, award-winning restaurants and bars sit cheek by jowl with fashion boutiques and luxury hotels.

If you’re after fine-dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice, particularly in Spinningfields. And if cocktails and dancing are more your thing, then you’ve come to the right place. With so many new projects and initiatives, Manchester has firmly established its place on the world stage as a business and cultural centre. It is clear that this resurgence will continue as the city cements its position as a destination of choice for businesses and visitors alike. Helen Nugent Manchester-based freelance journalist Editor of webzine Northern Soul northernsoul.me.uk

— above London Road Bridge at night London Road, Manchester

Manchester Culture

Manchester Culture A heritage and culture that offers a wealth of art, history and sport

What springs to mind when you think of Manchester? More often than not it’s music, football and fashion. But there’s a scene within the city that not only has a storied past, but is one growing at a tremendously fast rate - the art scene. A who’s who of renowned artists have drawn inspiration from the city, with notable names such as Ford Madox Brown and architect Sir Norman Foster amongst the list. However, perhaps no one is as synonymous with the region than Stretford-born L. S. Lowry who revolutionised his field and left a longlasting impact that is still revered to this day. The Lowry, in Salford Quays, has a large collection of his work on permanent display, complete with a biographical documentary film. Despite its rich history, the city’s art scene has only recently begun to experience a renaissance of sorts, spearheaded by two leading events held annually. The first of which is the Manchester Contemporary, a festival that captures just how much the region has developed into an artistic hub. The occasion, held in October, celebrates its eighth year in 2018, and thrives as a beacon for both artists and buyers alike.

Its popularity is matched further afield with the half-decade-old Bury Art Festival held at the Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre [read our Bury section for more]. These two events alone (not to mention many other smaller gatherings) have been rapidly building momentum and breathing further life back into the art scene. There appears to be no stopping the movement as locals and tourists submerge themselves into what’s on. It’s therefore handy that the city is home to a number of acclaimed art galleries, each offering their own individual touch. The grandiose Manchester Art Gallery, located on Mosley Street, certainly should not be overlooked. Even the most artistic novice will surely appreciate the grandeur of this Grade II listed building before enjoying one of the rotating exhibitions on display. In the Whitworth Art Gallery, just a short journey across town on the University of Manchester campus, you find that quirky work displayed in its galleries and numerous outdoor sculpture exhibits. Over the years the building has even housed offerings from undisputed kings of their crafts, such as van Gogh and Picasso to name just two.

Somewhat harder to experience is the Irwell Sculpture Trail, stretching over 33miles from Bacup, Lancashire to Salford Quays you’ll discover over 70 outdoor artworks, carefully curated to enliven their local surroundings. The management of this extensive exhibition has recently passed to Bury Council and we hope that public awareness of this unusual experience grows [visit irwellsculpturetrail.co.uk]. Stockport is home to several interesting museums such as the Hat Works or the unique War Memorial Art Gallery that offers visitors a wide exhibition programme. Or you may want to learn about highly successful local brewery Robinsons, whose heritage centre is a must for any beer or real ale connoisseur [read our Stockport section for more]. Read on to discover more about cultural actives, experiences and museums in the Greater Manchester region.

— right Fryderyk Chopin Sculpture by Robert Sobocinski Celebrating the Polish composer’s 1848 performance to over 12000 people (cc) 3x3nueve

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Manchester Culture

Imperial War Museum North

The northern counterpart of the Imperial War Museum was opened in 2002, and overlooks the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford Park. Daniel Libeskind’s impressive building gives visitors the chance to discover powerful war stories through exhibitions exploring themes relating to modern conflict. Catch the Metrolink out to Media City UK and check out this impressive museum in Salford Quays. IWM North is open Daily 10am to 5pm Address Trafford Wharf Rd, Salford M17 1TZ

Manchester Art Gallery

Opened in 1824 and designed by Sir Charles Barry, Manchester Art Gallery is as spectacular on the outside as are the works exhibited inside. The gallery has large spaces and halls that show off an array of work from the city’s art collection, famously including Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian paintings. In 2011 three new galleries opened displaying 20th century work including the Gallery of Craft and Design, hosting one of the best decorative art collections in the country. The gallery’s top floor is a dedicated space used to display a rotating calendar of especially commissioned exhibitions from national and international artists.

Such as Lilocoptere that was part of Joana Vasconcelos installation displayed at the gallery in 2014. The Gallery’s Cafe opens from 7.30am should you wish to be first in the queue... We can also recommend its satellite Gallery of Costume in Platt Fields, south of the city centre.

Manchester Art Gallery is open Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm Late Night Thursday 9pm Address Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL

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Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) merged with the National Science Museum in 2012. It has since expanded its range of exhibitions, now being considered one of the most fascinatingly diverse days out in the North West. It offers extensive displays on science and experiment, air and space, transport and power, communications and computers, textiles and even Manchester’s murky sewerage and sanitation with a trip underground. The museum sits on the world’s first inter-city passenger station, Liverpool Road, which was opened in 1830 as part of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway.

The MSI has a programme of changing exhibitions, such as ‘Robots’ during 2017/18, that compliment the regular exhibits. Do you want to pilot a jet in the FLY 360 interactive exhibit, join Tim Peake on a virtual reality space mission or experience the heat, sounds, sights and smells of the working engines and steam locomotives. The huge variety of things to see and do at the MSI means it can be enjoyed as day out for all the family. MSI is open Daily 10am to 5pm Address Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP

— top left Joana Vasconcelos - Lilocoptere Exhibition Manchester Art Gallery 2011 (cc) Unidada Infinita Projectos — left Imperial War Museum (North) Quay West, Salford M17 1TZ (cc) Paul Hermans — above Avro Shackleton - MSI (cc) Paul Hermans

Manchester Culture

National Football Museum

In 2011 the National Football Museum moved to Manchester and now boasts more than 140,000 items, including the FIFA collection, in what is arguably the beautiful game’s greatest collection of memorabilia in the world. England is the birthplace of ‘the people’s game’, and is home to two of the country’s most successful teams. Manchester makes for the perfect setting for this museum providing an exciting day out not just for football fanatics, but for anyone who appreciates the sport’s cultural heritage. This extensive archive of football relics attracts a global audience; with exhibitions currently including a Pelé retrospective exploring the Brazilian legend and iconic footballer and his impact on art, life and the game (until March 2018). Get down to Cathedral Gardens and check out the National Football Museum in the Urbis Building. 10

NFM is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 11am to 5pm Address Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG

The Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, is housed in the campus’s Neo-Gothic Buildings on Oxford Road. Its three floors of exhibition space examine the worlds Natural and cultural history. Great for children as it has several ‘touch and feel’ events, interactive displays, exploration trails and a picnic area to mention just a few. The Manchester Gallery looks at the links between the collection, the city’s history and its people. The ‘Money’ exhibit contains a coinage collection of over 76,000 pieces including coins from the Greek, Roman and Medieval periods.

There are three Ancient World galleries revealing the civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome. Each has spectacular artefacts and possibly the most famous items are the Egyptian Mummies cases. Natural history is an important part of the museum exhibits; visit the Vivarium to meet live frogs, other amphibians and reptiles. The Earth Sciences gallery is home to pre-historic life, fossils, rocks and minerals with its popular draw being the full sized T.rex and Plesiousaur. The archery gallery has over 4000 pieces from around the world with much of this collection donated to the museum in 1946 by Ingo Simon

Other galleries provide insights into Birds and Insects, a Herbarium of plant life and the Zoology gallery with over 60,000 items including skeletons, stuffed animals, eggs and nests. With free entry and so much to explore you may need a whole day just to get round it [museum.manchester. ac.uk].

Manchester Museum is open Daily 10am to 5pm Address Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL

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The Peoples History Museum

The People’s History Museum, in Manchester, is the national museum of democracy, telling the dramatic story of the development of democracy in Britain over the last 200 years. The museum aims to engage, inspire and inform its visitors and diverse audiences by showcasing the concept of ‘There have always been ideas worth fighting for’. Join a march through time at the People’s History Museum following Britain’s struggle for employee, personal rights and democracy. Meet the revolutionaries, reformers, workers, voters and citizens who fought our battle for the ballot.

Gather amongst their magnificent banners and discover how time off was won (and spent). Enjoy the main galleries, Changing Exhibition Gallery and Community Gallery, along with interactives and activities for visitors of all ages. Browse the museum shop for unique books and gifts and round off your day with a bite to eat in the The Left Bank café bar. The PHM is open Daily from 10am to 5pm Address Left Bank, Spinningfields M3 3ER

— left Mummy Portrait Vault of the Mummies (cc) Manchester Museum — above Grunwick Strike Banner - 1976/8 PHM Left Bank Spinningfields M3 3ER

Manchester Culture

The Salford Museum

Based in Lark Hill Mansion House it was originally opened in 1850 as the UK’s first free public library. Today the Museum presents an exciting programme of events, permanent and temporary displays with a full re-creation of a Victorian street, within the museum, called ‘Lark Hill Place’. Peek at the interiors of shops and houses including a chemist, blacksmiths and a toy shop all furnished with authentic objects. Its other galleries are dedicated to contemporary art, local history, textiles and photography including Victorian Photographers work.

The Pilkington Tile & Pottery Company was founded in 1904 when it started to create ceramics in the Art Nouveau style. Those works closed in 2010 and the Salford museum acquired the entire archive including pattern books and documents. Today the Pilkington gallery contains a large collection of the company’s decorative tiles and Art Nouveau pottery. The Salford Museum is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4.45pm Saturday - Sunday Noon - 4pm Address Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER

The Whitworth Gallery

Following its recent £16 million transformation the Whitworth Gallery is England’s first ‘Gallery in the park’. This has added a third to the footprint and doubled the exhibition space. The new glass promenade, on the rear of the gallery, stretches into Whitworth Park and is used for outdoor displays.. One side is home to ‘the cafe in the park’, while the other side is a glass and brick landscape gallery designed to recreate the weave of fabrics in the Whitworth’s vast collection. The Grove House Mansion, opened as the Whitworth in 1908, with its large galleries and spaces with vaulted ceilings is an attraction in its own right.

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There are three central galleries which are flooded with light and feature sculptural pieces from the Macclesfield born artist Comelia Parker. Whitworth Park has seven outdoor sculptures to explore and the new large glass walls give visitors insights into the gallery and its exhibits.

The Whitworth Gallery is open Friday to Wednesday 10am to 5pm Thursday 10am - 9pm Address Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER

Hat Works - Stockport

Hat Works is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, hats and headwear. It is located in an old mill in Stockport where hat making was once one of the town’s thriving industries. The museum has some twenty working and fully restored Victorian hat making machines accompanied by a collection of over four hundred hats from around the world. Well worth a visit if your are interested in ‘Haute Couture’ fashion and textile design. The museum also has a Family Fun Zone and many of the displays are interactive.

It can be easily reached, on foot, from Stockport central railway station; a 10 minute journey from Manchester. The Hat Works is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 11am - 5pm Address Wellington Rd, Stockport Sk3 0EU

— left Lark Hill Place Salford Museum, Salford M5 4WU — above The Whitworth Art Gallery (cc) Alan Williams

Manchester Culture

Manchester Walking Tours

Manchester has a long history from its Roman beginnings, through the Industrial Revolution and its latest incarnation in the 21st century as part of the Northern Powerhouse. The city is packed with arts, culture, historical monuments and world firsts such as the twin track railway between Manchester and Liverpool. Manchester’s centre is fairly compact and one of the best ways to see it is on foot walking its streets and alleyways to discover its rich history. Looking around you will find the importance of buildings, people and places that are marked by large circular commemorative plaques attached to buildings or displayed in open spaces. With over 70 plaques, the city celebrates the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragette, or the establishment of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1882. One of the popular walking tours is the ‘Discover Manchester Walk’ starting daily from the Central Library, St Peters Square at 11am [manchesterguidedtours.com]. This two-hour tour is an immersive insight into the city’s history, architecture and culture. The tour visits Manchester’s major sights including the Gothic Town Hall and the Royal Exchange Theatre. One of Manchester’s best-known tour guides is Andrew Derbyshire (tourmanchester.co.uk], and he can be often found leading some of the ‘DMW’ tours. Almost every day he escorts visitors and business travellers around the city or provides commentary on regional sight seeing bus tours. Andrew has a few suggestions of places to see before you leave Manchester if you are unable to take one of the many tours. — right Albert Square, Manchester

1) Starting in Albert Square

Look at Alfred Waterhouse’s Victorian Town Hall completed in 1877. Designed to look like a Medieval building its spire is topped with a golden cotton ball, symbolising Manchester’s 19th century wealth derived from its world cotton trade. Above the main entrance is a statue of the Roman General Agricola, who built the ‘Mancunium’ fort at Castlefield. Inside the hall you find a statues of John Dalton and James Prescott, both famous Manchester scientists. Check out the ornate Sculpture Hall where you can enjoy an ‘Afternoon Tea’.

2) Walk to Castlefield

Here you can visit a partial reconstruction of the Roman Fort, just off Liverpool Rd. You could also pop into MSI to see a replica of Stephenson’s ‘Planet’.

3) Walk north along Deansgate

To visit the John Rylands Library, opened in 1900 and it is a treasure trove of books and papers. You will find the world’s oldest fragment of the ‘Gospel according to John’ in the Rylands Gallery. Marvel at the beauty of the Reading Room and stop at the cafe for a refreshing drink and a well earned slice of cake.

SL SCOTT Signed limited edition prints and original paintings Painting - Prints - Commissions slscott.co.uk | tel: +44 (0) 7876 655 754 | slscottartist@gmail.com

Manchester Culture

The Central Library

Located on St Peter’s Square you’ll find the hard-to-miss Central Library. The building has recently undergone four years of refurbishment and extension to secure its spot as a mecca for book readers. With huge white columns signifying its imposing entrance, there are endless activities to do inside, from simply relaxing with your favourite book to getting stuck in with a writing workshop. Today the library offers wealth of services, from its ‘state of the art’ digital media lounge to the North West Film Archive, a collection of diverse British film and television productions. That’s without even mentioning the breathtaking architecture that has made it one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the country. The sight of a newly-married couple being showered in confetti is not uncommon. 16

Central Library is open Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm Friday & Saturday 10am to 5pm Address St Peters Sq, Manchester M2 5PD

John Rylands Library

Only a brisk walk away from the Central Library you,’ll find John Rylands Library located in Deansgate. This gothic nineteenth-century structure is a testament to Victorian design and remains almost untouched since its completion in 1899. Hours upon hours could be spent walking around these echoing halls, all the while in awe of its somewhat eerie character. John Rylands Library is open Sunday to Monday Noon to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Address 150 Deansgate, Manchester M2 5PD

The Chetham’s Library

Founded in 1653, Chetham’s is the world oldest public library, in the Englishspeaking world. Today it is a charity and remains open to the public. It started to acquire books in 1655 and its collection has been growing ever since. Its shelves hold a wealth of early printed books, manuscript diaries, letters, prints and even glass lantern slides. The library is a regularly host to temporary exhibitions, often in conjunction with other educational foundations such as the Manchester Museum.

The library is attached to the Chetham’s School of Music catering for students from 8-18 years old. It provides a comprehensive syllabus and specialist music training. Chetham’s Library is open Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm Address Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB — Above Adrift - John Cassidy (1907) outside The Central Library Peter St, Manchester

Since 1977 the North West Film Archive has been the custodian of moving images made in England’s North West region. It is part of Manchester Metropolitan University and is based in Archives+ in Manchester’s iconic Central Library, and now holds over 40,000 items of film and video about life in the region from the 1890s to the present day. The Archive locates, preserves and catalogues films, and makes them available for researchers, news organisations, museums, film makers and members of the public interested in their region, family or local history. You can use the ‘Viewing Pods’ on the ground floor of the Central Library to access over 700 films for free. Working closely with other organisations, it brings the Archive’s collection to the public by engaging with specialist events and festivals such as the Manchester Histories Festival, The recent success of Gary James’ ‘The Boys in Blue’ using the collections Manchester City Football Club footage or the Channel 4 documentary on filmed messages home the Forgotten Army of the second world war.

In 2009 the NWFA launched the ‘Manchester Time Machine’ mobile App. This excellent free App merges modern day Manchester with the Archive’s films using GPS to create a virtual ‘live’ time machine. It takes you back to the same point in space, but not time, and it has over 80 highlights with the earliest being ‘Whit Walk in Market Street’ from 1911. Celebrate VE day in Piccadilly or Albert Square, watch Manchester City bringing home the 1934 FA Cup in Piccadilly and bathe in the Manchester sun in Piccadilly Gardens, from 1961. Each film, and location, is described with background information and you can even create your own walking tour.

The North West Film Archive

The archive has a large collection of BBC ‘local interest’ films, made between 1966 and 1986, totalling over 16,000 stories. The collection includes numerous documentaries and short films that were broadcast or featured in the daily Northwest Regional news programme. This important historical archive shows the transformation in fashions and social and cultural attitudes. The NWFA website is a mine of information; here you can view some of the huge collection and BBC archive for free. The public screening page has a calendar of events that will be using the Archive’s material.

Manchester museums such as the MSI, Imperial War Museum, Tate Liverpool, and the People’s History Museum use archive footage in their displays to illustrate many exhibition themes, bringing more of the collection back into the light.

The North West Film Archive at the Central Library is open Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm Friday & Saturday 10am to 5pm Address St Peters Sq, Manchester M2 5PD

Manchester Culture

Manchester Built on Sport

Eric Cantona once remarked: “On derby day in Manchester, the city is cut in two. The Blues and the Reds invade the streets, and if your team wins the city belongs to you.” Home to the National Football Museum and one of the biggest onecity rivalries in the world, football is undoubtedly Manchester’s biggest sport. Visitors to the city centre museum can enjoy over 2,500 artefacts including historic kits, and can even get their hands on some famous silverware. Old Trafford and the Etihad stadium are also easily accessible from the city centre and both hold regular guided tours. Football is not the only sport Mancunians get passionate about. Since the city was host to the Commonwealth Games in 2002, Manchester has become a destination hotspot for athletes across countless disciplines.

Basketball

From boxing to basketball, Manchester has more to offer than just the beautiful game. One of city’s great comeback stories, the Manchester Giants made a return to professional basketball after a 10year absence from the sport.

Originally founded in 1972, the team grew to attract crowds of up to 15,000 at the Manchester Arena during the height of their fame. High renting costs forced the Giants to relocate to the then undeveloped Sport City zone during the 2000/2001 season, however, and poor transport links saw fan attendance dwindle. The club, once the UK’s biggest, folded just nine games into that season. In 2012, former player and coach, Jeff Jones, took the name and launched a new team with a focus on finding local talent. The Manchester Giants are now once again the city’s premier professional basketball team and play at the Trafford Power League Arena.

With community spirit at its heart, the club also run training academies with several colleges across Greater Manchester.

Boxing

A city once associated only with football and music, it is now the boxing capital of the United Kingdom. With three world champions from Greater Manchester, Tyson Fury, Anthony Crolla and Terry Flanagan are leading the way for a new generation of fighters. Boxing gyms have sprung up across the region and the Manchester Arena has hosted some of the sport’s biggest contests.

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Cricket

Opened as the home of the Manchester Cricket Club in 1857, Old Trafford is England’s second oldest test venue. The club became Lancashire County Cricket club in 1864 and the venue is now one of the country’s most famous grounds. A five minute walk from Old Trafford football stadium, the venue was the first to hold an Ashes test and plays host to one of the sport’s most famous rivalries in Lancashire vs Yorkshire. Also used for concerts, the ground has undergone extensive redevelopment work since its humble beginnings and can now hold up to 65,000 people with additional seating.

Cycling

The National Cycling Centre was Britain’s first indoor Olympic biking facility when it opened in 1994. From professional athletes to complete novices, the centre is used seven days a week and is one of the busiest in the world. With a velodrome, BMX arena and outdoor mountain bike trials, the centre is a must-see for all cycling enthusiasts in Manchester. The 3,500 seater velodrome is regularly used for world championships and major races. The BMX arena, which opened in 2011, is now used by both Team GB and local enthusiasts.

The professional track begins with the only eight metre start hill in the UK and has been described as one of the toughest in the world. Olympian BMX rider Liam Phillips even relocated to Manchester just to be near the track. Held in nearby Clayton Vale, the mountain bike trials are for riders of all abilities and there is even a Skills Zone to practice before you take to the great outdoors. — above ONE-TWO FOOTBALL PLUS+ The National Football Museum

Manchester Culture

Athletics

The annual 10k run through the city centre, Trafford and Salford is the biggest of its kind in Europe. In 2009, the Great City Games was launched. Televised by the BBC, the event takes place on Deansgate in the heart of the city, and at a purpose built arena in Albert Square. Elite athletes such as Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis-Hill have both competed in the competition.

Rugby

One of Manchester’s most successful rugby clubs is also one of the oldest in the world. Founded in 1861, Sale Sharks were in action over a decade before the formation of the Rugby Football Union - the sport’s governing body. The club, who play at the A.J. Bell stadium in Salford, have been one of the leading names in northern rugby union throughout their history. In the amateur division, the Manchester Village Spartans are also popular in the city. The Spartans play at Sale Sports Club and were the UK’s first and world’s second gay rugby team. Formed in 1998, the Spartans are one of the UK’s only standalone gay teams not to be affiliated with a professional club.

Speedway Racing

Established in 1928, Belle Vue is home to one of the UK’s oldest speedway clubs. Riders originally raced at Greyhound Stadium before moving to the purposebuilt Hyde Road track in 1929. These days, the club boasts the £8million National Speedway Stadium which was completed in March 2016. The 6,000 seat facility stages both national and international contests, and is home to the Belle Vue Aces and Colts.

Trafford Quays Leisure Village

This could be the perfect place if you fancy trying something a little out of the ordinary when in Manchester. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Trafford Centre, the Leisure Village is packed with activities that can be enjoyed on a tight schedule. Attractions include Chill Factore, Airkix and the Trafford Golf Centre. Chill Factore is the UK’s largest indoor ski slope and offers adrenaline junkies everything from novice taster lessons to longer advanced courses. At Airkix, the UK’s biggest indoor skydiving tunnel, visitors can experience the feeling of a freefall in a 39ft air column.

If extreme sports aren’t for you, the Trafford Golf Centre is just around the corner. Visitors can brush up on their technique with coaching sessions or simply enjoy the driving range.

— above Lizzie Armistead leading Manchester Velodrome (cc) John the Scone

Manchester Culture

Mancunian style Architecture

As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester has magnificent historic buildings in abundance. Seamlessly blending the factories, viaducts and cottons mills of times gone by alongside ultra-modern pieces such as the Beetham Tower and even the potential future of architecture is the Co-operative building One Angel Square. Here’s a few not to miss, so prepare to gaze in wonder.

Manchester Central Library 22

Situated in St Peter’s Square, the domed structure lies at the heart of the city centre - situated next door to the gothic magnificence of the Town Hall. It was built during the inter-war period and opened by King George V. It’s often thought to be much older due to its neoclassical architecture. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, its designer Vincent Harris produced a round building fronted by a large twostorey porch that instantly catches the eye. The grade II listed building was recently renovated at the cost of £170million, and only reopened to the public in 2014. Thankfully the vast reading room under the dome is still intact and perfectly equipped to while away an afternoon. The Metrolink line runs past the library with St Peter’s Square tram stop sitting directly outside, providing a beautiful backdrop to the early commute.

Beetham Tower, Deansgate

Beetham Tower (Hilton Hotel) was completed in 2006 and standing at a whopping 551ft, is currently the tallest building in the UK outside of London. Designed by renowned Manchester architect Ian Simpson, the glass tower dominates the southern Manchester skyline. It is said to be visible from ten English counties. The combination of the thin and slender structure along with the overhanging cantilever almost defies belief to the naked eye. Despite its impressive nature many have questioned its defining presence over the city, particularly over the listed buildings on its doorstep.

Nevertheless, the tower remains an imposing figure and a stark yet impressive contrast to the rest of the city’s architecture. On a windy day, listen out for the ‘moaning’ sound, a quirk in the design as the wind rushes around the structure.

One Angel Square

Completed in 2013, the One Angel Square is a stunning high-rise building situated on the edge of the Northern Quarter. Serving as the head office of the Co-Operative Group, it sits opposite the equally impressive Co-Op Bank, on Miller Street, which is a grade II listed building and stands a towering 118m.

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Manchester Town Hall

It’s not just an aesthetically impressive structure; it’s also one of the most green and sustainable buildings in Europe. Because of its distinctive shape, the building has also been nicknamed ‘the sliced egg’. It’s also part of a wider development scheme that will completely transform the area, with a residential and commercial building programme, which is due to be completed in 2027. It is a million miles away from the slums that sat there in the 19th Century which were described by social scientist, Freidrich Engels as “Hell on earth”.

Lancaster House

Situated in Whitworth Street, Lancaster House is a former packing and shipping warehouse, built between 1905 and 1910. It was constructed in the favoured Edwardian Baroque style and was built using red brick and orange terracotta giving it a distinctive look. Its sheer size along with the iconic tower that peers above the nearby skyline is typical of Manchester’s look. The building was awarded a Grade II listing in 1974, and was designed by Harry S. Fairhust. He was also responsible for a number of neighbouring buildings, most notably Bridgewater House opposite and India House which is next door.

The Town Hall is typical of the majority of the city’s architecture given its Victorian and neo-gothic style. Completed in 1877 after the old town hall, situated on nearby Cross Street, became too small to house the increasing size of local government needed as the city’s wealth and population increased. A competition was held to choose the design of the new town hall and Alfred Waterhouse came out on top. Some 14million bricks and the equivalent of up to £71million later, the town hall was officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Abel Heywood, on September 13 1877, after Queen Victoria shunned the occasion. Although a century and a half later, Queen Elizabeth was happy to look round the building and was even a surprise guest at a gobsmacked couple’s wedding. The hall serves as the ceremonial headquarters of Manchester City Council as well as housing a number of local government departments. With its long corridors, winding staircases and 280ft high clock tower it’s no wonder the building has captured the imagination of historians, film and TV producers alike. Such is the uncanny resemblance to the capital’s seat of power, it was the backdrop to ‘The Iron Lady’ film with Meryl Streep. And for those who want to delve further, don’t miss Manchester Central, Shambles Square, Urbis, London Road Fire Station, Royal Exchange and the Express Building. — left Beetham Tower 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ (cc) Mike Kniec — above Co-operative Head Office One Angel Square, Manchester M4 4PR

Manchester Culture

Explore Manchester’s Country Parks and Woodlands

Escape the city to visit some of the North West’s best country houses, estates and parks. In these woods and parks you will find relaxing walks, shops selling local produce and even the opportunity to participate in water skiing. Some are accessible by public transport but for others you will require your own transport to visit.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Dunham Massey’s Georgian House is full of stories and scandals of the past which sparks the imaginations of its visitors from the moment they step foot in the property. Any Bambi fans will be delighted to see Dunham’s deer herd lazily grazing on the grass. The reserve spans over five acres and is home to foxes, rabbits and almost 60 different species of bird, on top of the approximate 150 fallow deer roaming the grounds. As a National Trust property the car park and walkways can become congested in the summer months but due to the huge span of the park there is plenty of room for all visitors. The on-site ice cream shop is an excellent way to recover and cool down after a busy day exploring the ground or visit the Stables Restaurant open daily from 10:30am to 4pm.

Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens, Didsbury

Situated on Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury, local alderman Fletcher Moss donated the park to Manchester in 1919. With chances of captivation, the main feature is the picturesque rock garden, which is surrounded by much vegetation and even includes waterfalls. Fletcher Moss Park also accommodates numerous facilities such as sport pitches, tennis courts and a café to satisfy the energetic as well as the easy-going. So impressive is the standard of the park, the Green Flag Award has been granted to the area since 2000.

Heaton Park, Prestwich

At 600 acres, Heaton Park is the biggest park in Greater Manchester and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. Music fans will know it as the venue for epic music concerts including the Stone Roses legendary homecoming gigs and the annual Parklife Weekender. But for those who like the quieter things in life there is plenty to see including a veritable menagerie of animals, an exciting programme of autumn events and the general splendour of the great outdoors. Such attractions include the boating lake, the Orangery, the animal centre where you can meet the animals and the historic Tramway.

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Tatton Park, Knutsford

With over a 1000 acres of deer park, the Egerton family Mansion and a Tudor Hall all makes Tatton Park a thoroughly good day out. Walk through the park to enjoy the splendours of the stately home and its garden, visit the family friendly rare breed animals and relax with good food in the courtyard. There is even a shop where you can buy locally farmed veal, great sausages, cheeses and jars of pickles and jams all very mouth-watering. Take the train from Piccadilly, to Knutsford and the main park entrance is about a 10 minute walk along the pleasant High Street from the station. Address Mereheath Drive, Knutsford

Wythenshawe Park

Prestwich Forest Park, Prestwich Sale Water Park, Sale Different from your usual open and grassy parks, Prestwich Forest Park is mostly 200 hectares of woodland. The area incorporates Prestwich Clough, Mere Clough, Philips Park, Drinkwater Park and Waterdale Meadow and is a suitable place for joggers, cyclists and hikers. Philips Park includes a visitor centre and children’s play area, while Drinkwater Park offers a football pitch and there is opportunity to fish at Waterdale Meadow. Address Park Lane, Whitefield

Combining action-packed water sports with tranquil meadows and footpaths, Sale Water Park offers the best of both worlds for a summer day out. Trafford Water Sports Centre borders the lake providing a variety of facilities and training in windsurfing and kayaking, among others. The park is also perfect for anglers, the lake is chock-full of fresh water fish and there’s a fisherman’s tale that a 32kg catfish is lurking in its depths. Broad Ees Dole wetlands is ideal for avid birdwatchers or to experience the beauty of British wildlife. It’s home to a diverse range of birds including kingfishers and grey herons.

This park is full of history and boasts three Grade II buildings – North Lodge, the Statue of Oliver Cromwell and Wythenshawe Hall. The Horticultural Centre is an attraction, with free admission, and it includes the Safari Walk, which is a wonder of tropical plants. Appropriate for youngsters, there is also the community farm, which teaches children about where food comes from, and an adjacent play area. Address Wythenshaw Road, Wythenshaw

— centre Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN (cc) The Curio Blog

Manchester Entertainment

Entertainment Manchester is a busy city full of events and entertainment

Manchester has a very busy and diverse entertainment scene open almost 24 hours every day of the year. If you are interested in cinema, comedy, dancing live music, the theatre or sport then we recommend exploring the city’s wealth of performance and entertainment venues. Film-buffs will enjoy the splendour of venues such as the 1930s Stockport Plaza or the Heaton Savoy. They can get their fill of world cinema at the acclaimed HOME, First Street, or reveal in the awe of the VUE IMAX in Printworks. Fancy a chuckle? Then check out the Frog & Bucket, in the Northern Quarter, or the Comedy Store at Deansgate Locks plus numerous pop-up shows and events held in venues across the city. Dancing and live music is at the heart of Manchester. Check out the Mint Lounge, in the Northern Quarter, for regular club nights. Try the Ritz, complete with its sprung dance floor, or experience some of the late night clubs in the Gay Village such as Cruz101. Try to get tickets for the Warehouse Project (WHP), held from September to December in Store Street. These events see 5000 club-goers enjoying music and dance music from world-class acts such as Groove Armada, LCD Sound Systems and DJ’s such as Annie Mac.

Live music is a staple of the city with established artists performing at the massive Arena or the 02 Apollo. Smaller venues present full programmes of bands and singers such as the ever popular Night and Day, Oldham Street, or the hugely successful Band on the Wall, Swan Street. Classical music has long been associated with Manchester. The Bridgewater Hall is home to Hallé Orchestra and the world-renowned Royal College of Music (RNCM), on Oxford Road, which attracts worldclass musicians. Theatre is extremely strong in the city. Its vibrant production programme sees national touring shows at venues such as The Lowry, Salford Quays, or the Opera House, Quay Street. The HOME and the Royal Exchange stages are where you will find regular productions of commissions, new plays and shows.

The Manchester International Festival [mif.co.uk] is the world’s first festival of original, new work and special events (staged every two years). The festival brings together artists from different art forms and backgrounds to create dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking new work, which is staged in the rich tapestry of Manchester venues. The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival is held annually in July and is a companion to the MIF. Its programme sees some eighty shows or events throughout the month. The festival makes use of smaller venues such as pubs or dedicated spaces like the Three Minute Theatre (3MT) in Afflecks.

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Sport is a major attraction for city with visitors flocking in to watch football matches, cycling events at the Velodrome or the Great City Games, held annually in May on Deansgate. Enjoy a round or two of Crazy Golf? Then check out the amazing bar that is Junk Yard Golf, on First Street, which has three indoor ‘9 hole’ putting courses with some very challenging holes! Spinningfields, the commercial quarter, holds a very family focused Duck Race, on the river Irwell, normally held around Easter. This popular charity fundraiser sees thousands of plastic ducks’ ‘swim’ a race course on the river, with prizes for the wining ducks owners.

It’s not just visitors who appreciate Manchester as it is a popular filming destination for movie and television production companies. The streets of the Northern Quarter have doubled up for a New York district in Marvel’s Captain America or the 2004 remake of Alfie with Jude Law in the eponympous role. Guy Richie’s ‘Sherlock’ made use of the industrial look of Stevenson Square and Newton Street to reproduce Victorian London. In 2011 Manchester Town Hall doubled as the Palace of Westminister (the UK’s Houses of Parliament) in the biopic ‘The Iron Lady’ about Margaret Thatcher that starred Meryl Streep.

Do not be surprised if you turn a corner to discover a complete film set adorned with lights, cameras and actors ready to play out their lines. If you are interested in the UK’s North West regional history then visit the North West Film Archive [nwfa. mmu.ac.uk] on the ground floor of the Manchester Central Library. Its catalogue includes some 38,000 items from the 1890s pioneer days right through to the present day. Read on to discover why Manchester really does appeal to almost everyone. — above Parklife Festival Heaton Park, Manchester

Manchester Entertainment

Manchester Cinemas Heaton Savoy

If the IMAX is an indication of where cinema is going then the Savoy is a relic that reminds us of its humble beginnings. Opened in 1923 the Savoy is fast approaching its 100-year anniversary. During its early years the Savoy screened silent movies with live musical accompaniment; it wasn’t until 1930 that it was fitted with sound technology and could begin to show ‘talkies’. The cinema was threatened with closure 2006 when the Barracuda group made an offer for the site with plans to build a bar on the location. Local uproar saved the cinema and it continues to run today, located just a 15 minutes train ride out of the city. Theatres like the Savoy are now few and far between since the emergence of giant multiplexes, so if you’ve got a spare few hours on a wet day, hop on a bus or train and pay it a visit. Address Heaton Moor Rd, Stockport SK4 4HY

HOME

The coming together of two Manchester institutions, Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre, will undoubtedly be many people’s number one choice. It’s a cinema that, in a time when Hollywood has been known to churn out repetitive drivel, gives Manchester the opportunity to see progressive filmmaking on the big screen. It’s so refreshing to have access to a cinema that places the artistic merits of a film before its prospective earnings. In its event calendar you can expect to find quiz nights and director Q&As with many first showings. HOME organises several film festivals, during the year, including the extremely popular world Spanish speaking film festival called !Viva¡

As a multifaceted arts centre that houses two theatres, a huge gallery space, 5 cinemas along with digital production and broadcast services it offers visitors a wonderful alternative cinematic experience. If you are a regular visitor to Manchester can we suggest buying the £30 annual membership. It offers two free cinema tickets, discounts on screenings and theatre tickets and 10% off in the restaurant. All this and more makes a visit to HOME not to be missed. Address 2 Tony Wilson Place, First St, M15 4FN

The Odeon

The Odeon’s success lies in its ability to offer film-goers the latest releases in gloriously industrial surroundings for a competitive price. Housed in the Mancunian Great Northern Warehouse, the cinema itself is fairly anonymous with the main entrance tucked away on first glance. Despite being home to James Martin’s restaurant, a busy casino, a bowling alley, bars and a gym the Odeon itself always has a remarkably peaceful air to it. The quiet and dark ascent towards the box office gives way to a giant space with echoing arcade machines pinging in the distance.

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The Plaza screens the ‘classic film’ genre presenting them in their correct ratio and format ensuring the golden classics can be seen on the big screen as they should be enjoyed. Address Mersey Sq, Stockport SK1 1SP

VUE IMAX

While HOME offers you the opportunity to explore the artistic merits of film, the Odeon offers blockbusters in a beautiful building with very reasonable prices. Moreover, the offer of discounted parking for cinema goers in the complex’s own multi storey car park mean this cinema offers the best value for money in the city centre.

Address The Great Northern Warehouse 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

The Stockport Plaza

In October 1932 a vision was born for Stockport and the Northwest in the form of a Super Cinema and Variety Theatre that would evoke the glamour of the era with its sumptuous surroundings. The highest possible attention to detail to customer care, and an eclectic mix of screen and stage presentations were supported by the finest café restaurant dining experience in the region. Over 80 years on and the Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre still hosts stage presentations including family pantomimes, musicals, stage plays, comedians, concerts and family shows.

The Printworks is an odd place in itself. As you walk through there is a sense that you’re on a hyper-capitalist industrial movie set. But within these unusual aesthetics, The Printworks is home to one of only four of the true Image Maximum (IMAX) screens in England. IMAX uses 15/70mm film which allows for the capture and display of much larger images and higher resolutions. Many theatres in the UK have taken to simply retro-fitting standard theatres with IMAX digital projectors, which are not the same size and do not have the same resolution capabilities as 70mm projectors. Despite them slapping the IMAX name everywhere, it’s not quite the same as what The Printworks offers up. Manchester Odeon uses a traditional IMAX film projector, which maintains the high resolution capabilities of IMAX image capture and projection. The results are truly stunning, so a visit to Manchester’s IMAX is a must for any film lover. Address Printworks, 27 Withy Grove Manchester M4 2BS

— centre HOME MCR 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN picture - Paul Karalius

Nestled between the Corn Exchange and the Arndale is one of Manchester’s most iconic venues, The Printworks. It is a buzzing, entertainment centre located in the heart of the city. Home to a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema, a fully equipped gym complete with a 20m swimming pool, bars, several restaurants and a busy nightlife. The restored publishing house was once the hustle and bustle of the newspaper scene and operated for over 100 years printing the likes of the Evening Chronicle and the Daily Mirror. Now instead of pulling allnighters, for looming deadlines, it is a place to relax and have fun. From 6am until 3am The Printworks is alive with activity. Visitors can catch a spinning class before work, pop in for lunch, watch the latest blockbuster and catch up friends for a drink after work. The Printworks is easily accessible thanks to the close by Metrolink stops, Manchester Victoria station and Shudehill Interchange, and it is only a fifteen minute walk from Piccadilly train station or Piccadilly Gardens bus hub. Recent openings include the Ibiza themed beach lounge, Lazy Lizard and O’Neills bar. Firm favourites Frankie and Benny’s, Seven Stars and Hard Rock Cafe are always a popular choice with visitors. The Printworks is lucky enough to have only one of four true IMAX cinemas in England and it is the second biggest screen in Europe!

With a great line-up of Blockbusters for 2018 including Tomb Raider, Deadpool2 and Avengers: Infinity War, the Printworks Vue cinema, with its Scene bar, is the perfect place to watch! Not only does The Printworks have a great offering for food and drink but it also has a stellar event calendar. Make space in your diary for all the sporting action and the fourth Manchester Soul Festival as well as other events, guest appearances and competitions. 2018 is set to be an exciting year with more venue openings and lots of events and live entertainment. Make The Printworks your one-stop shop for entertainment in Manchester

27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS theprintworks.com facebook.com/printworksmcr Twitter - @The_Printworks Instagram - @the_printworks

Manchester Entertainment

Laughter A cure for all

An under-qualified doctor once told me that laughter was best medicine - and perhaps he was right. Greater Manchester is the birth place to some of the country’s best-loved comedians, from the Peter Kay to Steve Coogan, from Victoria Wood to Bernard Manning. While you may be familiar with most of these names from the TV, before they were on screen most cut their teeth on the comedy circuit, starting out in Manchester. You can visit the very clubs that the greats started out in. So here’s your chance to swap the settee for the real thing, you never know, you might just be the first to see the next Victoria Wood. Here’s some places around the city not to miss.

A Laugh in Stockport (ALIS)

ALIS is now held at Seven Miles Out, every first Thursday of the Month. Its aims are simple: to bring first-rate comedy talent, from around the world, to its stages and to be a platform for new and up-and-coming comedic talent. Established in 2006 this event has seen a host of stars such as John Thomson, Mick Ferry and Vikki Stone who have turned audiences to jelly with laughter. Address Seven Miles Out Market Place, Stockport Sk1 1EY stockportcomedy.co.uk

Comedy @ Chorlton Irish Club

Where better to chortle than Chorlton? For all your chortling needs then Irish Club is the place where laughing isn’t a chore but a ‘c-ho’ okay, you get the point. But in all seriousness, or lack of, in the circumstance of looking at comedy clubs, this venue celebrates the very best of local talent. You can tram it there and back from Manchester city centre and in between you will be treated to a whole host of hilarity. Held every first Friday of the month. Address 17 High Lane, M21 9DJ chorltonirishclub.co.uk

The Comedy Store

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, The Comedy Store is a well-oiled machine creating laughter in the city since 2000. Situated on Deansgate Locks, this established venue offers a long weekend of fun. Friday and Saturday are ‘Best in Stand Up’ and very first Sunday of the month for the open mic night ‘King Gong’. These wannabe funnies will have to beat the gong and win the audience over with their unheard quips and quibbles. Though this club is somewhat pricier, the side-splitting atmosphere amongst the 500-strong crowd is contagious and it is easy to see why revellers head in their droves.

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If you’re watching those purse strings then ‘Thursday Night Live’ will accommodate but the showcase nights are Friday and Saturday. Should you feel pekish then the Frog’s Pizza and Burgers will certainly help to keep your energy levels up for more laughter. With its large auditorium and the seated balcony, all the chairs afford great views towards the performance stage and hopefully the funniest comedian in town, well that night... Address 102 Oldham Street, M4 1LJ frogandbucket.com

XS Malarkey

With its four-day week, starting on Thursdays, it delivers Stand Up comedians by the truck load, often featuring comics at the top of their trade. The club has it own large bar and restaurant space where you can enjoy such dishes as Cod Loin Baked with Savoy Cabbage or the Welsh Rarebit Pie.

Address Deansgate Locks, M1 5LH thecomedystore.co.uk/manchester

The Frog & Bucket

Forget barrels of laughs, here you will have buckets, and why not chuck in a frog for good measure. With shows four nights a week you are spoilt for choice and their ‘Beat the Frog’ night will help you fight off Monday melancholy. Each month ten acts compete for your laughs at the open mic night. One scouser by the name of John Bishop, yes him off the telly, happened to be watching here before he found himself on stage ‘completely by accident’. He only had one joke, claims four laughed and described the feeling ‘like losing your virginity’. Whatever floats your boat John…

Far from a load of nonsense, XS Malarkey is simply the best comedy night on a budget you could ask for. Held on Tuesday and an entrance fee of just £5, or £3 with a Malarkey Card if you’re stopping in the area a while, there is no better Tuesday night out than at The Bread Shed on Grosvenor Street. The award-winning venue has welcomed Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard and Peter Kay through its doors so the next big stand-up comedian may play in front of your very eyes this year. XS Malarkey has won the Chortle Award for Best Comedy Club more times than anyone else! While that will entice you in, the extensive menu will keep you satisfied with its selection of pub food classics. Address The Bread Shed Grosvenor Street, M1 7HL xsmalarkey.com

— centre The Comedy Store

Deansgate Locks, Manchester M1 (cc) The Comedy Store

Manchester Entertainment

A city for music and performance

From Oasis to Joy Division, The Smiths to The Stone Roses, the list of bands the city has spawned is endless and their impact on the world is immeasurable. So if you’ve come to Manchester for its music scene, it’s impossible to be disappointed. You could be part of the audience that attends the huge Parklife festival, held in Heaton Park, where wellington boots are essential, or Summer in the City at the Castlefield Bowl. Yet while The Stone Roses may be able to sell out Heaton Park for three nights, and Oasis may be able to take over Manchester Arena or the Etihad Stadium, it wasn’t in packed arenas that these bands made their name. It was in intimate, sweaty clubs, pubs and venues across Manchester, crammed with people and character. Want to experience some of that ‘indie’ or ‘underground’ scene? Then try clubs like the infamous Warehouse Project (WHP), visit the tiny Ruby Lounge, a real rock venue, dance the night away at Sound Control or try the Gay Village for a ‘camp’ disco. Manchester also has a very successful classical music scene and is home to world renowned Royal Northern College of Music and the Halle Orchestra. Read on to discover some of the best live music venues in one of the world’s great cities of music.

Albert Hall

The grand and ornate Wesleyan chapel has been restored into a stunning music hall and is itching to become one of the most atmospheric music and events venues in the UK. Its unusual stage has seen a very diverse selection artists and bands including Sam Smith and the Manic Street Preachers perform. It is genuinely a Manchester marvel and its location on Peter Street sets in the heart of Manchester music history with the iconic Free Trade Hall, now the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, opposite. Address 27 Peter Street, Manchester M2 5QR

Band on the Wall

Situated on Swan Street in the Northern Quarter, Band on the Wall caters to all musical tastes, showcasing the best music from all over the world. The club name dates back to the 1930’s when landlord Ernie Tyson created a stage for musicians high up on the far wall. Originally called The George and Dragon it was built as a flagship pub in 1862, and was a popular spot for World War Two soldiers. Converted into a jazz club in 1975 it later became part of the famed Manchester Punk scene with bands such as The Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division peforming there.

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Gorilla

A spot arguably as renowned for its bar and kitchen as its music, Gorilla certainly stands out from the rest. With its eye-catching glass arch, Gorilla is just as quirky inside as out, featuring a stunning retro dining area with a mezzanine design. Notable acts such as Mercurynominated rapper Ghostpoet and the American indie rock band We Are Scientists have recently performed at the 600-capacity venue. Gorilla also boasts a gin parlour and a pretty mean burger. Gorilla’s sister venue is The Albert Hall on Peter Street. Address 54 Whitworth Street West, M1 5WW

Sound Control

Nowadays, it is a not-for-profit venue which was voted the Best Night Spot at the 2010 Manchester Tourism Awards. Band on the Wall is also a music charity. Its aims are to develop creative talent, train musicians, music and lighting engineers and encourage young people to learn about and discover music. This community project has proved to be hugely successful and Band on the Wall is, once again, a staple of the Manchester music scene.

Address 25 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ

The Deaf Institute

Around the corner from MMU, it is part of the Gorilla and The Albert Hall group sharing much of its distinct features. And in case you were wondering, yes, the venue got its name as the grade IIlisted building was indeed previously used as an institute for the deaf. Its three tiers include a Ground Floor Cafe Bar, a Basement Bar and Upstairs Music Hall. Gigs are predominantly held in the Music Hall, a venue with a capacity of 260 people. However, on club nights it can hold as many as 500. Address 135 Grosvenor Street, M1 7HE

This legendary venue on New Wakefield Street is steeped in musical folklore, and has earned its reputation as one of Manchester’s most popular music homes. In 1984 the drummer Mani of a littleknown band read an advert, placed in A1 Music, as the venue was known then, and suggested they play there. He persuaded the rest of The Stone Roses to gig there and the rest, as they say, is history. Today it has been transformed into a three-floor venue, featuring a 500-capacity live music room, a large bar and is a fantastic place to discover unsigned acts. Address 1 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP

— centre Bonobodo - Band on the Wall Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ

Manchester Entertainment

A slice of Manchester Music

If you were hunting for the authentic Mancunian live music experience, then there are many options on the table and you could be easily overwhelmed. Manchester’s live music venues have jam-packed bills featuring local and international touring talent for your entertainment. However, it has two places that have consistently brandished the torch of the undying Mancunian passion for live music. Just off Piccadilly, where you can bump into people from every nationality and a fair few oddball characters, is Oldham St. Walking north along it, for a minute or so, you arrive in the beating heart of Manchester’s music, art and creativity district, the self-styled Northern Quarter. On your right is The Night & Day Café established in 1991, by a mad Dutchman, it is right next to Dry Bar (itself a part of Mancunian music folklore from the Madchester era). This is a music venue of world renown with a laid back, unpretentious yet quirky ambience. Here, you could say, every decent band of the last 3 decades have performed there at some point and even the odd Hollywood movie star such as Keanu Reeves. Having played host to tens of thousands of musicians in all genre’s from indie to folk, jazz to electronica, the Night & Day stage has had real international stars performing on it such as Arctic Monkeys, MGMT and Mumford & Sons each on their rise to the top of the music hierarchy. It is also the local haunt of the established Manchester superstars such as Guy Garvey, Johnny Marr and Liam Fray. For an authentic look at what’s going on in the Manchester music scene, often very out of step with the rest of the commercial pop world, head to Night & Day Café. Oldham Street is also home to The Castle and Gullivers, both music venue bars, charmingly unique of character and enthusiastic about their live music. Each is likely to be presenting a night of great new music.

You may even be lucky enough to catch one of the infamous ‘Big Slice’ events hosted by local TV and radio presenter Paul Owen. His fledgling record label ‘Slice of Nice’ [sliceofnicemusic.com] presents showcases of the cream of Manchester’s new talent and it’s all served up with free cake. Fancy something more traditional? Then Matt & Phred’s could be right up your alley, located only a stone’s throw away from Night & Day on Tibb St. It is a dimly lit, dive style Jazz club with a small black curtained stage and red painted walls giving the place a certain intimate romanticism.

It boasts live music six nights a week and like Night & Day it has also had its fair share of star performers such as Adele and Jamie Cullum. Mainly a Jazz club, its events calendar can include Blues, gypsy, swing, soul, folk, electro and funk depending on the night. Some nights Matt & Phred’s can get packed so booking a table in advance could be a wise move. Cocktails and Pizza are the specialities and food is served until midnight. Try The Charley Parker pizza. — above Night & Day Café Oldham Street, Manchester (c) Billy Seagrave

Manchester Entertainment

Award-winning restaurant Don Giovanni has been working in partnership with multi-Michelin starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. Jean-Christophe has created a brand new specials menu to be enjoyed at Don Giovanni. “The attention to detail and freshness of their produce is outstanding. I am extremely impressed with the whole team at Don Giovanni and it encapsulates everything that an authentic independent Italian restaurant should be” says JeanChristophe. Available to enjoy in the restaurant and for private group bookings. dongiovanni.uk.com dongiovannimcr @dongiovannimcr Address 11 Oxford Street, M1 5AN tel: +44 (0) 161 228 2482 Opening hours Mon to Sat - Noon - 11.00pm Sunday - Noon - 10pm

The place has a real style about it, and while it does take music very seriously it is not elitist or pretentious in so much as the only pipe smoking, waistcoat over a t-shirt, flat cap wearers are usually the musicians themselves. Its audiences are normally a mixed range of ages, testament to its popularity, and on busy nights people simply bunch their chairs together to get cosy. These are some of the foundations that Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter has been built on. If you think that Manchester’s most popular cultural exports, of the modern age, are music and football then you can step into any of these aforementioned venues and get a real up close and personal

taste of the ever bubbling Manchester musical melting pot. You may even rub shoulders with a great or two or possibly even the rock and roll stars of the future. Check our events listings to find out what’s on in Manchester tonight [unlockmanchester.com/whats-on]. Denis Ferige Denis is one of the directors of Slice of Nice Music & Events — above Matt and Phreds Tib Street, Manchester (c) RNCM

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The Great Northern

The Grade 2 listed building, a former railway goods distribution warehouse, is now a lively leisure and shopping development with bustling bars, restaurants, shops, health club, cinema, casino, bowling alley and an elegant landscaped public square. Offering a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants including James Martin Manchester, the quirky Home Sweet Home, Grindsmiths and the Tapas and wine specialist Evuna, and burger extraordinaire Almost Famous. The luxury Manchester 235 Casino is open daily, 24 hours a day, with its large casino area, two beautiful restaurants, bars, and is a popular live music venue.

The Odeon Cinema is one of the UK’s largest cinema complexes, with digital sound throughout, premier seats come as standard in all screens that are designed so you can cuddle someone special at the movies. All Star Lanes, is a boutique bowling alley with 8 lanes, a cocktail bar and restaurant. If you fancy dining and bowling in style look no further! At Whistle Punks you can sling axes side by side with your friends or colleagues, hitting bullseyes and cheering on your mates. On Deansgate there are exclusive shops such as The Futon Company, CP Hart Bathrooms, Feather and Black Bedrooms and Wesley Barrell.

Whether your style is modern and contemporary, or traditional and stylish, there is something for everyone. And should you want to buy a pad, here in Manchester, you will find a host of the city’s best estate agents including Philip James, Goodwin Fish, Ascend Properties and Julie Twist. And Impossible, on the square, is a city ‘hot-spot’ bar and restaurant. The Great Northern is a perfect stop off for you and your family day or night. — above Great Northern Warehouse 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN thegreatnorthern.com

Manchester Entertainment

Classical Music

Manchester has produced some truly world-class rock & pop groups over the years: The Smiths, New Order, 10cc, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, Take That, The Charlatans, Simply Red, The Happy Mondays... the list goes on and on but this city should be trumpeted as a remarkable hub for some of the world’s best classical musicians too. Manchester is lucky enough to be able to support no fewer than three professional orchestras. The Hallé - founded back in 1857 is the UK’s second oldest surviving orchestra (the oldest being just down the road in Liverpool), and for more than a century it was based at the wonderful Free Trade Hall (now the Radisson Blu Hotel). Since 1996 The Hallé has made its home at Manchester’s wonderful purpose-built concert venue Bridgewater Hall, where, under its longserving music director Sir Mark Elder, it continues to delight audiences with its commitment to hardcore repertoire, and in particular, British music. Based at MediaCity UK, the BBC Philharmonic is one of the busiest orchestras in the country, with a popular annual concert season as well as countless recording sessions and live broadcasts for BBC Radio 3. Anecdotally, the “BBC Phil” is known as the most adventurous of the BBC orchestras, and has always embraced contemporary music, In recent times, it has performed new works by the likes of James MacMillan, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Anna Meredith, HK Gruber, Joby Talbot, Elena Kats-Chernin, Marc Yeats and Steve Pycroft.

The BBC Philharmonic has also collaborated with BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music producing orchestral sounds for modern artists such as Jarvis Cocker, The Pet Shop Boys, Elbow and Clean Bandit - and with BBC Radio 2 and Radio 5Live for performances of popular and well-known film scores. The chamber orchestra repertoire is covered by the remarkable Manchester Camerata - founded in the early 1970s. Its versatility as an ensemble means it’s not only confined to performances in large-scale concert halls, but can also be found playing everything from Bach to Burt Bacharach and Mozart to Joni Mitchell in some of the northwest’s quirkier venues.

The Bridgewater Hall is host to some of the world’s leading touring orchestras and choirs too, so you’re never many days away from a highclass classical concert. Manchester is also the home of two of Britain’s finest music education establishments: Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. Chetham’s is the largest music school in the UK and currently has a role of 300 pupils aged from 8-18. Its curriculum covers the normal but given it’s a specialist music school, the music tuition is of an incredibly high standard, offering aspiring musicians an excellent step onto the ladder.

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During August, Chetham’s is also home to an International Piano Summer School, which brings some of the world’s best pianists and teachers to Manchester - a source of insight, inspiration, focus and fun for anyone who enjoys the piano and piano playing. The Royal Northern College of Music caters to graduate and post-graduate students from all over the world. There’s nearly always something to tickle your aural fancy at the RNCM - whether it be an orchestral event in their newly refurbished concert hall, one of the many excellent student recitals or a performance from the myriad of internationally-renowned soloists and ensembles that stop off

in Manchester as part of their busy schedules. Students from the RNCM stage at least two operas each year as well; recent productions include Johann Strauss II “Die Fledermaus”, Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and a new production of Offenbach’s lighthearted opera “La Vie Parisienne” in 2016. While Manchester doesn’t have its own opera company as such, The Lowry in Salford does play host twice a year to the Leeds-based Opera North, who brought their recent productions of Wagner’s “The Ring Cycle”, Verdi’s “Macbeth” and Smetana’s “Bartered Bride” to huge acclaim.

— left RNCM Perform Die Fledermaus (c) Royal Northern College of Music — above RNCM Student of Brass (c) Royal Northern College of Music

Manchester Entertainment

The Lowry, along with Manchester’s Opera House and Palace Theatre also welcome a number of ballet companies throughout the year, including Matthew Bourne’s irrepressible “Swan Lake” and his recent interpretation of “Sleeping Beauty” as well as Northern Ballet, the English National Ballet and the Russian State Ballet to name but a few. Every two years the Manchester International Festival takes over the city and venues are packed with audiences looking for something new and inspiring. MIF’s commitment to contemporary artists and performers means that there’s always something fresh and exciting to see, touch and hear - and classical music is no exception Estonian composer Arvo Pärt wrote a new choral piece which was a focal point of the 2015 Manchester International Festival, and there were performances of Damon Albarn’s musical “wonder.land” as well as the world première of young British composer Mark Simpson’s work for chorus and orchestra - “The Immortal”. Even Manchester Pride - best known for its annual Big Weekend fundraiser and celebration of LGBT life - gets in on the classical music act. Since 2007 it has staged its own series of chamber music concerts focusing on LGBT composers and performers. It has attracted some of the world’s best-known artists such as the tenor John Mark Ainsley, baritone Roderick Williams, pianists Ashley Wass, Leslie Howard, Peter Donohoe and David Quigley, oboist Nicholas Daniel, the Heath Quartet and trans performer CN Lester, as well as young, local performers in the guise of the Manchester Pride Ensemble. So, for the classical music lover, there’s something for everyone here in Manchester - and if you’re a classical music novice, why not dip your toe in and try the waters...there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy!

RNCM Concert Grand Piano (c) Royal Northern College of Music

Manchester Entertainment

The Manchester Theatre Scene

Manchester has a long tradition of theatrical production, when the ‘Theatre Royal’ was established in 1775 in Spring Gardens, becoming the city’s first major theatre. Over the coming centuries further venues were built and in 1908 the ‘Gaiety’ became Britain’s first regional repertory theatre, located on the corner of Peter Street and Mount Street. During the early 20th century the ‘Manchester School’ was a term coined to describe a body of playwrights including the likes of Harold Brighouse and Stanley Houghton. These writers where championed by Annie Horniman, daughter of the influential Tea importer Fredrick Horniman, who owned the Gaiety Theatre. However, following the end of the First World War the ‘Gaiety rep company’ was disbanded and the theatre was eventually sold to a cinema company in 1921 before eventually being demolished in 1959. Today, Manchester is alive with theatres, shows and productions. There are 4 main theatres: The Lowry, in Salford Quays, The Opera House, The Palace Theatre and the Royal Exchange and joining them in 2020 is The Factory a permanent home for the MIF. These theatres each host a wealth of touring stage shows as well as providing space for regional and local acting companies to present independent productions.

In 2015 these stalwarts where joined by HOME, a merger of two established Manchester theatres: the Library Theatre and the independent cinema Cornerhouse. This huge purpose built space, on Tony Wilson Street, includes 2 theatres, 5 cinema screens and a large exhibition space, proving beyond doubt that Manchester is still a cultural destination. Further afield venues such as the Bury Met or Sale’s excellent Waterside Arts Centre, have calendar of events that include theatre and music, and again national touring shows and local companies’ productions.

Whereas the wonderful art deco Oldham Coliseum or the glamorous Stockport Plaza take us back to a time when the theatre was where you went to see and be seen. Alongside these titans, Manchester has a strong independent theatre scene, boasting smaller venues such as the Three Minute Theatre (3MT), a 120 seat space in Afflecks, Church Street, or the Hope Street Mill Theatre located in the developing Ancoats area. The community focused Contact Theatre whose aims are to engage with students and young people or the Dance House, a training and production theatre, dedicated to ballet and theatrical dance.

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grafene

Grafene is an interpretation of an exciting new chapter in Manchester’s rich history and of the excitement and energy surrounding it’s food and drink possibilities. Grafene’s modern taken on British fine dining creates quality flavours for all occasions; afternoon tea, lunch and dinner. Indulge in cocktails from £5, weekdays 5-8pm, and the vast selection of fine wines and beers. So, whether catching up with friends or colleagues get inspired and enjoy great British food in a relaxed setting.

Every two years, the Manchester International Festival, MIF, attracts worldwide talent to Manchester in some unusual locales, where else would you see Bjork perform in a market hall or Kenneth Branagh in Shakespeare’s Scottish play (ssssh) in a church in Ancoats? By 2019 the MIF should be in its new home The Factory, a purpose built theatre and performance space, which is part of the redevlopment of Old Granada Studios, off Liverpool Road, in Castlefield. The Greater Manchester Fringe, held in July, is a month long celebration of independent productions.

Often showcasing more than 80 events it makes use of small theatres and spaces in Greater Manchester. With so much activity, Manchester offers a huge calendar of shows, dance and independent productions to keep you busy every night of the week. The only downside is choosing which one to go to...

grafene.co.uk grafenemcr @grafenemcr Address 55 King Street, M2 4LQ tel: +44 (0) 161 696 9700

— centre Wonder.land - Premier Manchester International Festival 2015 (cc) Brinkhoff Moegenburg

Opening hours Sun to Wed - Noon - 11.00pm Thurs to Sat - Noon - 1am

Manchester Food & Drink

Food and Drink Manchester is a real attraction for gastronomists and drink lovers

Manchester is a city that loves its food and drink and it celebrates this commitment with festivals such as the MFDF or through one of its many real beer events. The city centre offers award wining restaurants, bars, food festivals and events, and Michelin Guide recommendations. These includeMichelin Star winning chef Aiden Bryne with his restaurant The Manchester House, in Spinningfields, or the TV chef James Martin with his restaurant at Manchester235 Casino which is part of the Great Northern Warehouse. The 2018 Michelin Guide includes many top-flight restaurants including the small, but beautiful, 63 degrees in the Northern Quarter or Samuel Buckley’s ‘Where the light gets in’, in Stockport. WTLGI is a truly unique experience, as there is no menu. Your dishes are prepared from the day’s catch, harvest and slaughter. In fact if you are a foodie, gastronaut or a connoisseur of fine wines, quality beers and ales, Manchester will not disappoint you. Over the last decade the city has seen huge growth in the openings of quality food focused restaurants where many, if not all, the fresh ingredients are locally sourced.

Whether you are a fan of classic English cookery, Mediterranean cuisine, Indian cooking or far-east culture and food this city has many of the best restaurants and eating-houses in the country. Even an Afternoon Tea can be an experience with tea and sandwiches served on dainty china in the award winning Radisson Blu, Peters Street. Try Australasia’s ‘Asian High Tea’, which is a journey through the Pacific Ocean Rim flavours, or soak in the ambience of your late afternoon reviver in the amazing Sculpture Hall Café in the Town Hall, Albert Square. It’s true, Manchester too has its Hispter scene and one of the best things about it is that there are lots of super bars and ale houses where you can discover and sample myriads of local brews.

The streets and open squares are full of such offerings looking to entice you in with comfortable seating, window displays of foodie delights, steaming hot teapots and quaffable drinks. There are many outdoor eating verandas, with some attractively placed in historic spaces, next to green squares or by the banks of calm canals. We have taken a good look at the city and would like to offer you our take on what we believe are some of the best places to relax and enjoy a hot drink, scrumptious cakes, refreshing beers and good food. Read on to discover more about this city’s exciting and diverse food and drink specialists.

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Dining Al Fresco

Manchester may have a reputation for rain, but the so-called ‘rainy city’ actually receives less annual rainfall than Sydney and is lower than the UK average. That said, we all know there are lies, damn lies and then there’s statistics. Many of Manchester’s cafes, restaurants and bars have alfresco seating, terraces and balconies, enticing you to sit, eat and drink, given even a hint of a blue sky. You will find these relaxing spaces beside canals, in roof top gardens and on top of tower blocks, giving you the chance to soak up that glorious Manchester sunshine.

Today the canal docks in Castlefield are home to a few such eateries. Its pleasant green spaces, canal banks and Victorian engineering structures all add to the romanticism of your visit. Spinningfields, although a commercial district, has some of the city’s best restaurants and many of them have appealing outdoor seating areas set within the ultra modern buildings. Albert Square regularly hosts food and drink festivals. It is always worth checking out during your stay as it’s quiet possible you will find diverse cuisines and food being prepared, cooked and served in tents and even from vans!

So, if the sun’s shining and you’re looking for somewhere to eat on your visit to Manchester, we recommend that you take advantage, get those shorts on and go al fresco. Read on to discover our selection of places you may choose to do it.

— above Alberts Shed Rochdale Canal, Lock 92, Castlefield

Manchester Food & Drink

Automatic Cafe

The Bridge and Pub

With its relaxed feel and great streetside seating in the heart of Bury’s bustling town centre, Automatic Restaurant and Cafe Bar has a definite European feel. If you arrive for a lazy lunch, don’t be surprised if you’re still here come dinner time. ‘Suitable for all occasions’ is a term which many eateries claim and few achieve, but Automatic is one of them. Their extensive menu has a wide range of dishes, featuring classic mains and hearty home comforts as well as varied sharing platters and a range of tapas style dishes. The Automatic makes some good cocktails too and these can be sipped at and enjoyed from only £8 for two! Automatic is also extremely family friendly by day. It was voted the number one place to eat with kids in Bury and Rochdale by Netmums. You can read more about visiting Bury and its attractions by turning to page 76.

The Bridge, with its modern fitment, is clearly a classic British country pub. Adorned in fresh white paint, the slate roofed building is located right next to the Bridgewater Canal. While the bar is an attraction, serving some great local beers, the main event is the dining experience. Its canal-side aspect outdoor eating area is very pleasant on a sunny day and should the weather be inclement then the large dining conservatory makes even the wettest day seem bearable. The menu is made up of traditional British dishes plus Asian influenced selections, to keep you on your toes. And on Sundays the pub is packed with guests enjoying the Bridge Roasts. Since opening it has been well received by critics and casual diners alike, and its recently opened sister restaurant ‘No.1 Canal Street’ which is drawing equal acclaim. Combine your visit here with a trip along the canal using WAXI, the water taxi service, as there is a service from the Castlefield terminal that stops at The Bridge.

Address Market St, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0BW automaticcafe.com tel: + 44 (0) 161 763 9399

Address Dane Road, Sale M33 7QH thebridgesale.co.uk tel: + 44 (0) 161 962 3030

Dukes 92

Dukes 92 is situated in the Castlefield Basin, has decor that combines the old and the new, pulling off a contemporary look whilst flirting with antique flair. Offering various nooks and crannies to hide away in, Dukes is also famous for its spacious, often sun adorned, canal side patio. It’s a favourite with groups of girls chatting over a bottle (or three) of wine and couples alike. Here you can enjoy the gentle lull of the nearby canal boats on quiet days and the bustle of the its outside barbecue when the sun comes out. Dukes remains a popular venue throughout the year due to its eclectic collection of grub, from huge sharing pizzas to its legendary cheeses and plates. With an average price for a main course around £10 it has something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. With all this, combined with its sister restaurant Alberts Shed, next door, under one roof - and one Mancunian sky - it is well worth a visit. Address 18 Castle St, Manchester M3 4LZ dukes92.com tel: + 44 (0) 161 839 3522

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Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

With a range of beers at extremely reasonable prices and a fantastic location on Exchange Square, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar is a very popular place. Then you throw in the fact Sinclair’s and the Shambles Square was moved, brick-by-brick, 300 metres following the 1996 IRA Manchester bombing. That attack spurned a new city centre public space called Exchange Square and since then Sinclair’s has become a veritable Manchester institution. You won’t find a menu online, or even a website - how quaint. When you do arrive there is at least basic outdoor bench seating. But with six oysters for £12 the cheap prices are enough to ensure Sinclair’s is heaving on a sunny day. For those daunted by slimy sea treats like oysters, there is a fair range of bar snacks and meals ranging from £3-£10 in price.

Address 2 Cathedral App, Manchester M3 1SW tel: + 44 (0) 161 834 0430

The NQ Restaurant

The NQ is a very established restaurant, in the Northern Quarter, with its own following of patrons. Unsurprising as the Michelin Guide has recommended it since 2010. Its chefs and dishes are consistently winners, or runner-ups, in both local and national restaurant awards, since opening in 2005. The stylish and simple fitment is an insight into its menus. The chefs source the finest local ingredients to create mouth-watering fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. The wine list has an excellent selection of French, Italian and Australian wines, sold by the measure or bottle. The patio, across the road next to the old Fish Market, has a very sunny aspect until early evening. This is a roadside space, but the road in question is a cobbled street and is little used by traffic. We recommend pre-booking, as this is a popular destination with its special lunch menus and evening meal dining. Address 108 High St Manchester M4 1HQ tnq.co.uk tel: + 44 (0) 161 832 7115

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

Zouk, off Oxford Road, is part of the new generation of Indian and Pakistani restaurants, and they opened their doors in 2009. The two tier 250-cover restaurant has an outside dining area which is adorned with heated parasols, should, it become a little chillier when the sun sets. This outdoor seating also doubles as an authentic sheesha lounge, offering the ubiquitous Egyptian tobaccos in four flavours. Zouk’s most popular dish is the sea bass special, in which the fish is marinated in herbs and spices and gently grilled over a Pani Sigri. With a regularly changing specials menu, several lobster dishes for a cool £34.95 each and a range of exotic healthy options, Zouk is most definitely not bog standard chicken korma and pilau rice.

Address Chester St, Manchester M1 5QS zoukteabar.co.uk tel: + 44 (0) 161 233 1090

Manchester Food & Drink

A Café Culture Black Milk

Nestled on the corner of Whitworth St and Sackville St this cafe has a distinct Gardenesque feel with potted herbs adorning huge sunlit windows. Focusing on sourcing local produce freshly prepared every day. Inviting blackboard menus offer a wide and regularly changing selection. Expect a range of salads, sandwiches, panini, pies, pastries and specially prepared hot dishes, we can recommend the Bean Chilli. Chez presents an enjoyable atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and if you’re feeling peckish in the afternoon pop along for tea, coffee and cakes!

facebook.com/chezMCR @CHEZmcr Address 36-38 Whitworth St M1 3NR tel: +44 (0) 161 236 2266 Opening hours Monday to Friday 7.30am - 5.30pm Saturday & Sunday 9am - 3pm

With two locations just a stone’s throw apart and delivery service available, Black Milk is slowly taking over central Manchester with its calorific menu of all things bad for you! Everything is made to order, so you can have a short wait for it to arrive, but when it does you’ll understand why. ‘Freakshakes’ (including the legendary Triple Oreo Cheesecake) come served in a sky-high glass tankard, oozing with sticky sauce and topped with a portion of dessert on top. Slightly healthier options can be found with smoothies or dairy-free smoothie bowls with granola, oats and fresh fruits. In keeping with the distinct American theme, you might instead opt for an edible chocolate bowl of imported cereal such as Unicorn Dreams: Lucky Charms and Ricicles topped with mini marshmallows, Rainbow Drops and Flying Saucers, served with strawberry sauce and milk. 2nd Floor, Afflecks, 88 Oldham St M4 1LF blackmilkcereal.com

Oak Street Café

Located in the Manchester Craft & Design Centre, worth a good look about itself, this café is fresh and inventive and an essential visit. From delicious soups and warming stews, to scrumptious salads and yummy cakes, you’ll definitely be tempted by the fabulous selection of homemade food. The menu changes daily but always includes vegan, gluten free options and even wheat free cakes. The food is sourced from the Chorlton based Barbikan Dellicatessan and Unicorn Grocery who supply the fresh bread and produce.

The local New Smithfield Market provide the tables with fruit and vegetables. On sunnier days you can sit outside and people-watch as the NQ’s hipsters and its colourful characters go by. Oak St. Cafe’s a winner with an utterly moreish selection of cakes, baked fresh on site. The Cafe makes an excellent meeting and jumping off point to explore the vibrant Northern Quarter. 17 Oak Street M4 5JD craftanddesign.com Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

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GRINDSMITH

Proper Tea

As the name suggests, Proper Tea don’t do things by half. Their menu specialises in fine loose tea and caters for the cautious and the adventurous alike when it comes to satisfying taste buds. In addition to familiar black, green and white teas, the fantasticallylocated tea house offers flowering tea (worth ordering for the spectacle it provides alone!) and a selection of aromatic infusions. For thrill-seekers, the café provides an ever-changing selection of rare and unusual options, some of which can be bought to take home in an individually numbered presentation tin.

To eat, why not sample the tasty Polish rye bread with one of the many toppings available or instead opt for a classic afternoon tea with its three tiers of freshly made treats. This café is part of Manchester Cathedral and is located on the edge of the attractive cathedral gardens, a really pleasant spot in the summer. This Cathedral is certainly worth a visit and is a regular host to concerts. Cathedral Yard M2 1SQ properteadeveloper.com — centre Oak St Café (c)Frances Bee 2017

Specialists in crafting coffee, offering locally roasted coffees and speciality teas. With three sites across the city, Grindsmiths on Deansgate and at Media City with the original Pod in Greengate Square. The Deansgate shop is a hub of activity, offering the perfect space to meet and work, or to wind down into the evening. Here too you can enjoy sandwiches, cakes and a range of beer and wines. Visit Media City to sample their lunch or brunch menu, complemented with great cocktails, wines and beer taking Grindsmith from day into night.

grindsmith.com @grindsmiths Address Pod: Greengate Sq, M3 5AS Cafe: 233 Deansgate, M3 4EN Media City: The Garage, M50 2EQ Opening Hours Monday to Saturday - From 8am Sunday - From 9am Check website for full details

Manchester Food & Drink

Afternoon Teas

It is thought that the ‘Afternoon Tea’ ritual was started by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the 19th Century. Then meals amounted to two a day, an early breakfast and a late dinner. Anna was irritated by hunger pangs each day and she decided to schedule an afternoon snack. It has become the staple of a good day out and the city’s hotels, restaurants and tea rooms welcome visitors to enjoy this truly British indulgence. Here are some of our favourite places to enjoy this quaint tradition; all serve excellent food and many offer location experiences including views across the city or are in buildings important to Manchester’s history.

Cloud 23

It was something of cocktail drinkers’ coup when the Beetham Tower opened its stylish bar on the 23 floor. Thus Cloud 23 was born, with its wide and uninterrupted views across Manchester and much of the surrounding counties. To compliment this view you can enjoy a beautifully presented afternoon tea, complete with a glass of fizz. Nicely presented cut sandwiches, scones with sticky thick jam are accompanied by deliciously sweet treats. You could say that this is literarily high tea as you gaze out of the floor to ceiling windows; even in the rain Manchester presents a great view. The Beetham Tower, Deansgate

Grand Pacific Bar

Served in the Australasia’s swanky sister bar, Grand Pacific, this afternoon tea is unlike anything else you’ll find in the city. It is something of a secret and far from what you may expect… First: a savoury delight of sushi, spring rolls and Asian seafood accompanied by glorious spicy side salads.

Then unlike its traditional rivals, it delivers off beat treats with punch and exotic twists. The selections include: a decadent Panna Cotta, Chocolate & Coconut Roll and Sweet Spring Rolls. High Tea at Grand Pacific is delivered in style and is unique in the city. It should be on your list of things to do when in town. The Avenue, Spinningfields

Plaza Café - Stockport Plaza

Return to the splendour and elegance of the 1930s in this fully restored Art Deco Café in the equally impressive Stockport Plaza. The Plaza was opened in 1932 and restoration work started in 2000. Today it is a shining example of the ‘Golden Age’ of entertainment. The café surroundings are relaxed and comfortable making a pleasant change from the bustle and noise of regular high street cafés. The afternoon teas are an experience; whether you just fancy the Cheshire Cream Tea or go all out for the generous Plaza Afternoon Tea. This is a treat for your eyes and taste buds! Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP

The Midland Hotel

Looking for the ultimate in old school glamour? Then the Midland Hotel with its Victorian gothic stylising is the place to head. Inside this landmark building they have been serving afternoon teas for over a century. Knowing their ‘onions’ they deliver plates full of dainty sandwiches, scones, cakes complimented by Vimto Jelly (yes the drink originated just down the road in Salford). All this is presented in beautiful surroundings, ensuring that this is an afternoon tea to remember as you step into the shoes of Manchester’s hoi polloi before you, after all this is where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce. Peter Street, Manchester

Radisson Blu Edwardian

Manchester’s iconic Free Trade Hall, is part of the history book of Britain. The hall was built to commemorate the Peterloo Massacre, a major protest against the Corn Laws, and it opened in 1856. On 17th May 1966 here Bob Dylan was heckled with the famous cry of ‘Judas’ (referring to his adoption of the electric guitar) and in the 1970s it became renown for famous gigs from the likes of the Sex Pistols and Joy Division. Today it is the home of the 5 star hotel Radisson Blu and they really want to deliver you an experience when it comes to ‘Afternoon Tea’. You should certainly try the interesting Gentleman’s afternoon tea which has a cheese scone, rustic sandwiches, mini burgers, beef filled mini Yorkshire puddings, mini fish and chips and of course a selection of cakes. Free Trade Hall, Peter Street

Sculpture Hall Café

Immerse yourself in the history of the of the world’s first industrial city. Relax amongst statues of the great and the good including conductor Charles Hallé, the anti-corn law league campaigners Richard Cobden and John Bright, and the remarkable Hallé Orchestra conductor, Sir John Barbirolli. The Sculpture Hall Café has put a regional twist on the afternoon tea classic to create a real delight. Made up of locally inspired sandwiches, savoury bites and sweet treats including the homemade Vimto Delice and the Manchester Sponge Cake - a sumptuous modernisation of the infamous Manchester tart. Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square

- opposite Afternoon Tea, Cloud 23 (cc) wolfinthecity

Manchester Food & Drink

Explore Manchester’s hidden bars and its real beers

When it comes to craft ale, Manchester is thriving. The city has become a hub of micro breweries and cask ale pubs in which beer lovers are flocking to try. With many Mancunian pubs boasting an impressive selection of new ales every day from across UK, we take a look at some of the hidden gems you may not find in the usual guide book. When you think of Manchester’s trendiest nightspot The Northern Quarter you may be fooled into thinking it’s a cocktail-lovers paradise. Yet nestled between Stevenson’s Square and Great Ancoats Street is Pie and Ale which has an impressive six rotating casks sampling some of the best ales Manchester has to offer. Also not one for missing out on some of the best beers from London, the fridges stock a selection of Beavertown ales such as Gamma Ray, a stunning American pale ale, and Smog Rocket, a smoked porter, to mention just a few, yet it is the local Manchester tipples which the bar reserves for the hand pulls. Some of their favourite city breweries include Track Brewery with their stunning golden Sonoma ale and rich Toba stout as well as Cloudwater Brewery’s Double Dipa IPA - a 9% ale sure to knock your socks off. ‘When it’s gone it’s gone’ - giving the typical ale lover a new beer every time they visit this CAMRA approved pub with new beers being showcased here every day. Another fan of Manchester made beer is the alternative brewery First Chop, located within Salford’s aqueduct which is occasionally open to the public.

These brewer events are a good experience, offer street food and DJs playing, certainly a change of pace if you’re tired of quiet bars and pub food. First Chop’s beers, many now gluten free, are all brewed in house and the team are becoming a powerhouse in the world of craft ale. Try the Hop - their classic golden hoppy ale, or their new creation POP, a refreshing twist on an IPA made with fruity Hops, US yeast and orange oil. Moving further toward Ancoats, and further south with its beers choices, is the Crown and Kettle on Oldham Road. A Grade II listed building complete with a very ornate and decorative ceiling which is an original feature.

Recently it has offered a delicious golden ale Sundowner by Wild Weather ales, better known for their Sour peach ale and the Prince Ale Kiss. They are big fans of Somerset brewery Wild Beer and Shrewsbury ale makers Siren whose Oatmeal pale Undercurrent is a common sight in many a bar fridge across Manchester. The Crown and Kettle host occasional London beer festivals with favourites from breweries such as Kernal, BBNo and Siren, whose recent creation Vermont Tea Party ale really hits the spot with its floral notes and hoppy earl grey tea and lemon taste.

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Yet fans of the Southern tipple will be glad to know that it is not only The Crown and Kettle to have such an impressive selection. Cafe Beermoth is tucked away on Spring Gardens very close to the Arndale Centre and yet is often missed by ale trail enthusiasts. The bar, which began as a small specialist beer shop in the Northern Quarter selling Belgian, American and UK craft ales, soon grew and boasts a huge range of cask and bottles worldwide. Like the Crown and Kettle, they too are big fans of Siren and Wild Beer brewery.

In particular try the rich Millionaire stout, which describes itself as Millionaire Shortbread in liquid form with lashings of salted caramel and chocolate, and the better-known Bibble, an American amber session ale full of hops and flavour.

— left 57 Thomas Street The Marble Brewery — above Pie & Ale The Hive, Lever Street M1 1FN

A European cafe in the heart of Manchester, serving the best of a Lowlands inspired menu which includes sharing platters, fondue, savoury waffles and croques. Bock has a fantastic selection of wines, cocktails, spirits and continental coffee and the North’s largest selection of Belgian and Belgian inspired biere. Want to know the difference between a Blonde and a Trappist? Bock Biere is the place to help you with a choice of over 100 biére, styles ranging from supreme Belgian brews to lesser known artisan varieties. Food is served until 11pm and being centrally located makes it the perfect stop off pre or post theatre (show your theatre ticket for 10% off). bockcafe.co.uk @BockBiereCafe Address 10 Tib Lane tel: +44 (0) 161 829 4288 Opening hours Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 11pm Thursday - Saturday - Close Midnight Sunday - Noon - 12pm

Manchester Food & Drink

Opened in 2016 Bock Biére, on Tib Lane, focuses on Belgium beers and across its bar you will find classics such as Westmalle Dubbel on tap. A look through its fridges will reveal a vast selection of tempting tipples to enjoy in the pleasant surroundings. Venturing back toward the Northern Quarter try The Smithfield Tavern, located close to The Crown and Kettle, and owned by Blackjack Brewery who are creators of The Pokies ale. This quiet night-time haunt is only open in the evenings but makes up for it with its low prices and an impressive mix of UK craft ales. Never one to miss out on a good ale, it selects its tipple from all across the UK. The pub will more often than not be selling an ale from its famous Mancunian brewery as well as some other gems such as Brewed by Number’s Motueka and Lime Saison (this one is a little sour), or Wild Beer’s hoppy Pogo. Their ever-changing ale selection is testament to the variety of the beers that they select carefully based on popularity and price. There is always a beer to suit everyone here. But if it is big city lights and a crowded ale house you’re after, you can still enjoy traditional ales in Brink Bar located close to Spinningfields, a basement bar which only showcases beers within a 25 mile radius - a promise it has made since it opened. The cosy pub is bright and quiet but fiercely proud of its Manchester micro breweries. It is easy to miss as it is not well signposted but when you do you will often find a Beer Nouveau favourite such as their simply named Pale - a beautifully crafted 5% session ale or their darker and smokier Satanic Mills. If you’re keen to move on, up the stairs and across the road from this white modern ale house is The Gas Lamp, a complete opposite from Brink with its dimly-lit Victorian decor and shabby chic furniture.

This subterranean drink den, an after-work favourite, offers both cocktails and great beer - it is rare not to find a favourite from Track or Blackjack here. And finally the list would not be complete without featuring the recently crowned Greater Manchester Pub of the year at the National Pub and Bar Awards, The Marble Arch. Like its newly-refurbished sister pub at 57 Thomas Street in the NQ, The Marble Arch has become legendary on the ale trail circuit, and is better known for its Earl Grey IPA, a 6.8% stunner which may not taste as much as the tea as some may think, but is smoother than the ABV suggests.

Stocking its own brews, with many priced at under £4 a pint, and you should sample its great food and an even greater beer garden. We recommend you get down early if you fancy a pint on a sunny afternoon here. So there you have it, our definitive list of some of the great hidden Manchester pubs housing some of the UK’s best craft ales. From Spinningfields to the Northern Quarter, the industry is booming . Danielle Wainwright — above The Gas Lamp 50A Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BW

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Discover Manchesters local markets Manchester’s food and drink isn’t only presented in bars, cafés and restaurants there is a huge variety of choice available at many of Greater Manchester’s local markets and fairs. Most of the twelve councils, that comprise Greater Manchester, organise markets where you can buy fruit and vegetables as well as household products with one of the best examples being Bury Market. This UK award winning market sprawls across the town centre and its dedicated meat and fish halls are a cacophony noise and activity on market days, well worth a visit. However, in recent years there has been a massive explosion in specialist markets providing space for artists, crafts people and smaller producers to present their wares to a wider audience. We have rounded up some of the very best local and regular ‘Artisan Fairs’ that we recommend visiting, if only to sample some of the mouthwatering, locally produced, food and drink in the district. Read on to find out where and when these recommended markets take place and how to find out more about them.

Bolton Artisan Market

The Clog Market

Heaton Fold Garden Ctr, Overdale Dr BL1 5BU 3rd Sunday Monthly (February-December) Visitors will find an exciting range of high quality and locally sourced food, drink and crafts from specialist producers and suppliers. There is free parking on site as well as a gift shop and selfservice cafe. The market is held under cover in bad weather

Town Square, Rawtenstall 1st Sundaymonthly (April-October) Featuring vintage, vintage industrial, collectables, curios, clothing, vinyls and homewares plus boutique clothing and accessories, gifts speciality food stalls, patisserie, vegan skincare, artisan jewellery and tasty streetfood

heatonfold.co.uk | @BoltonArtisan

theclogmarket.co.uk | @ClogMarket

Bury Market

The Makers Market

The Fish Market, Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ Monday to Saturday

Towns across Greater Manchester Check the website for full details

Bury’s World Famous Market is a multi award winning market and was voted Best Market Attraction in 2015. It’s one of the most popular shopping destinations in the north of England attracting thousands of visitors each week with over 370 stalls drawing in the crowds

The Makers Market brings together the finest and often award-winning food, drink, art & crafts producers in the area. The market is well known for presenting the very best of seasonal local farm produce, produced and sourced by people who are passionate about what they do

burymarket.com | @BuryMarket

themakersmarket.co.uk | @_makersmarket

Heaton Moor Producers & Art Market

The Treacle Market

Shaw Road, Heaton Moor, SK4 4NZ 1st & 2nd Saturdays each Month The Heaton Moor Market returns in 2018 and it focuses on bringing local, independent producers’ and artists together offering a wide range of products, including fresh produce, gift items and crafts

Old Butter Market, Macclesfield Last Sunday of the Month (March-August) The market started in 2010 and each month sees the handsome cobbled Marketplace, Old Butter Market, St Michael’s churchyard and surrounding streets throng with visitors and over 150 stalls of unique crafts, exceptional lovingly produced food, drink and several vintage finds

heatonmoormarket.com | @HMoorMarket

treaclemarket.co.uk | @treaclemarket

Levenshulme Market

The Wilmslow Artisan Market

Stockport Rd, Levenshulme Every Saturday (March-December)

Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1PB 3rd Saturday Monthly (10am-4pm)

Since its March 2013 launch Levenshumle Markets delivers a diverse range of high quality traders and at every market you can expect an ever changing roster of 50 artisan traders selling produce, street food, plants, gifts, vintage clothing and homeware. Check website for full details

The market consists of over 120 of the very finest artisan market traders and is the flagship of The Market Cous events. In its alleyways you will find high-quality range of authentic goods with an emphasis on all that is local, ethical and original from traders who are all super-talented

levymarket.com | @levymarket

themarketco.co.uk | @_TheMarketCo

Altrincham Market

Piccadilly Gardens Food & Crafts

Vintage Village Market, Stockport

Greenwood Street, WA14 1SA Tuesday - Sunday Weekly

Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Centre Thursday to Saturday The Street Food Market features over 15 stall selling delicious food from around the globe. With dishes ranging from Middle Eastern wraps, dim sum and to chow mien noodles to Italian pasta. The Craft Market sells a variety of beautifully crafted items, from jewellery to homewares

Stockport Covered Market Hall SK1 1EU 2nd Sunday Monthly (March-December) Held in Stockports’ ‘Glass Umbrella’, on Market Place, it aims to deliver things might be rare or unique, beautiful, special, amusing, useful, bizarre or remarkable in some way. They are all intensely covetable, in their opinion, and most of them are cracking bargains too

Altringham Market features traditional favourites. Quality food traders from fresh fish to fruit & veg, from regional cheese to prime meat cuts, from crafters to jewellers. Weekend markets showcase the talent, skill, passion and creativity of the finest traders in the North West

altrinchammarket.co.uk | @altrinchammkt

manchester.gov.uk | @ManCityCouncil

thevintagevillage.co.uk | @Vintage_Village

Sassy Cocktails

Manchester has never been one to shy away from the demon drink, earning quite the reputation as the city was booming in the late Victorian period. Today exciting drinking establishments are still never in short supply, with new joints opening regularly, when it comes to a night on the tiles, Manchester the place to explore try new things while having fun. From the Northern Quarter’s quirky hipster joints to Oxford Road’s celebrity hot-spots, thirsty punters don’t have to look far for a wide selection of boozy spirit delights.

But forget the cask ales, bottled beers and ciders because there’s a whole host of places serving up sweet and sassy cocktails just waiting to tickle your taste buds. Many of Manchester’s bars are hidden away from the high street drinker and can be ‘hard’ to find, but trust us because the search is well worth it. Whether you fancy a Cosmo or Caipirinha, Dry Martini or Daiquiri, here are some of our favourite cocktail bars serving up the best Mojitos and Margaritas in town.

Cocktail Alchemist The Alchemist, Spinningfields 3 Hardman Street, M3 3HF

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The Alchemist

With bars in Spinningfields, on New York Street and Salford Quays, that are open all day every day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner - as well as famous and ground-breaking cocktails. From meringue martinis to a cereal flavoured cocktail, here is the place to go for the budding cocktail connoisseur. Try the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: indicative of their flamboyant edge, this two person sharer is served warm in tea cups and consists of vodka, elderflower liqueur, Cointreau, boiling water and fresh fruit. Hardman St, Spinningfields

Cloud 23

High above the city in the Beetham Tower, yes you guessed it’s 23 floors up to be precise, Cloud 23 in The Hilton Deansgate is the epitome of class. The cocktails are jaw-dropping, the view is breath-taking, the décor tiptoes a fine balance between ultimate sophistication and moody modern. You’ll want to dress up for this one and bring your bank card... The Beetham Tower, Deansgate

Dusk ‘til Pawn

Tucked away, Dusk ‘til Pawn is a small, dimly-lit speak-easy-style bar serving up delicious and diverse cocktails. It’s pawn shop disguise, including old guitars and televisions, is executed so well that you could easily walk past it. Once you step inside though, it’s clear this place prides itself on the quality of its drinks and offers an exciting cocktail menu, which includes favourites like Pawn Star Martini, Hard Candy and Fool’s Gold. But if you don’t fancy any of those, the talented bar staff are on hand to stir up an original and unique cocktail. Try the Pawn Star Martini: it’s become a favourite in many a cocktail bar across the city, but Dusk’s manages to do something different with it. Stevensons Square, M1 1FB

The Fitzgerald

Perhaps not a surprise given that it’s named after the author of The Great Gatsby, The Fitzgerald is a prohibition era den of opulence and indulgence. This Northern Quarter speakeasy commits fully to its theme, with flapper dresses, feathers and waistcoats as far as the eye can see. Hard to find, it manages to maintain a sense of mysterious mischief while still providing an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Try the Aviatrix: this delightful cocktail epitomises everything good about The Fitzgerald. Made up of gin, violet liqueur and lemon, it comes served with dry ice inside a vintage leather suitcase. Little Lever St, Northern Quarter

The Liars Club

This basement bar, on Back Bridge Street, combines an exotic Caribbean inspired Tiki bar with the best and most extensive collection of rum anywhere in Manchester. Here the bar staff show off their most garish Hawaiian shirts, Liars Club treads a fine line between tacky and enjoyable but always come out on the right side of the divide. You can kick back with a chilled reggae soundtrack or choose to dance the night away, supplemented by a creative and colourful cocktail menu. Try the Zombie: a staple of any good Tiki bar, and at the Liars Club these are so sensational that they’re limited to just two per customer. A combination of rum, absinthe and tropical fruit juice, these flaming delicacies will warm up your evening. If The Liars Club has got you in the mood for rum-based fun then head across town to the very popular Hula Bar (Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter) a Tiki bar where the party is open ‘til late. Back Bridge Street (nr Spinningfields)

The Liquor Store

A true Manchester bar in every sense, this Blackfriars Street establishment has an entire wall devoted to iconic Mancunian figures: think Morrissey, Ian Brown, Tony Wilson, and Emmeline Pankhurst. A cafe in the day, a bar in the night, it’s open until 3am, perfect for any Mancunian night owls wanting to unwind with a vintage Manchesterinspired soundtrack. Manchester music infuses its way through the cocktail menu too, from the Sally Cinnamon to the simple but effective Oasis. With cocktail classes and great drinks deal for the post-work crowd, The Liquor Store is the perfect spot for any revellers wanting to embrace their Northern Soul. Try the Bette Lynchberg Lemonade: A Corrie twist on a well known classic, it combines gin, prosecco, apple juice, lemon juice and Salford’s finest exportVimto. Maybrook House, Blackfriars Street and Jack Rosenthal St, First St

Lounge on 12

Another key player in the cocktail scene is Lounge on 12, you be forgiven for thinking it another office block but nestled on the 12th floor this huge bar is a wonderfully laid back affair with cocktails classic and new. From here you get an inspiring view of Spinningfields and this is a venue where you want to look your best. If you’re struggling to choose, go for the Rose and Grapefruit Margarita, a fantastically decadent twist on the fail safe cocktail. Luckily there’s a taxi rank downstairs. Couple your visit with Aiden Byrne’s very stylish ‘The Manchester House’ on the 4th Floor of Tower 12, where this Michelin Star winning chef certainly turns out some of the best food in Manchester. Tower 12, Bridge Street, Spinningfields

Manchester Food & Drink

Food & Drink Festivals In Manchester theres’ always time to celebrate good food and drink!

If it’s good food and drink you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Mancunians are hard to please; they know what food they like and they know when it’s done well. It is for this very reason that restaurants that are cheap imitations or using low quality ingredients simply don’t get the customers. Whether it’s fine dining, searching for Michelin approval using only the finest ingredients or even if it’s fingerlickin’ good, street-style tasty morsels served up in newspaper, this city knows how to do food and drink. In fact it offers so much for the food and drink connoisseur that it is hard to know where to start or possibly even when to stop! Your choices are further confounded once you discover restaurants such as ‘Where the light gets in’ in Stockport, Aumbry in Prestwich.or Greens in West Didsbury (regarded as Manchester’s flagship vegetarian restaurant). The explosion in interest of beer brewing has brought the city many accolades. In fact the city has almost as many brewers and micro-breweries as London, the list is seemingly endless. However, we should mention a few such as First Chop brewery based in Salford, and the Manchester stalwart Blackjack, who operate the Smithfield on Swan Street.

Also try the excellent beers produced by Cloudwater Brew Company, all created and brewed in Ancoats. There is so much choice, Manchester has several beer festivals. The Manchester Beer & Cider Festival boasts over 1000 tipples, whereas the Manchester Beer Week [mcrbeerweek. co.uk] expands across the city’s pubs and ale-houses with tasters and events all helping you to discover new and exciting tastes. Manchester bars serve some amazing cocktails, mixed using ingredients you’d never thought of drinking, created by a bartender (now called mixologists) whose knowledge of the backbar is enough to boggle the mind. Even with all this drink about, it’s amazing the city has any time to think about food, but trust us it does! There are so many food festivals happening in Greater Manchester, it’s pretty easy to stumble across one.

The daddy of them all is the Manchester Food & Drink Festival, held in September, however, there are several others worth getting along to. We have listed a few within easy reach of the city centre, but rest assured a quick web search will reveal a wealth of regular and annual events. Read on to help plan your Manchester gastronomic opportunities over the next year or so…

— centre Castfield Food Festival The Castlefield Bowl

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Alston Bar & Beef

Bolton Food Festival

This very popular festival sees the town centre converted into an outdoor kitchen and entertainment space. Visitors can enjoy stalls offering everything from craftwork to sizzling foods cooked in front of your eyes. It has a strong line-up of celebrity and regional chefs presenting live cooking demonstrations and master classes. Elsewhere you will find exclusive wine tasting events, afternoon tea cookery tips, live music plus beer and pasties to sample. When: August 2018 Venue: Victoria Square, Bolton Tickets: Free

The Castlefield Food Festival

The Castlefield Food Festival is a celebration of local restaurants and street food traders. It is a family focused event with comfortable seating areas and a programme of artists and live music performances to keep you entertained. Held over 3 days in May, at the Castlefield Bowl, it presents a wealth of food, drink and cookery experts showcasing their culinary skills all washed down with excellent wines and beers. When: May 2018 Venue: The Castlefield Bowl Tickets: Free

Great steak and gin at the Corn Exchange, Manchester. Our Tweed Valley beef comes from accredited farms in the Scottish Borders, each renowned for producing quality beef, full of flavour & tenderness. Our butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s criteria is so refined that he only selects the top 1% of beef for Alston to ensure our customers can enjoy the best steak every time. To top it off, Alston Bar & Beef has a large selection of gins available, as well as a number of their very own gin infusions, each individually garnished and served to perfection. alstonmanchester.co.uk alstonManchester @alstonManchester Address Corn Exchange, Cathedral St Manchester M4 3TR tel: +44 (0) 161 804 5555 Opening hours: Sunday - Wednesday Noon - 0.30am Thrusday - Saturday Noon - 2am

Manchester Food & Drink

Foodie Fridays in Stockport

So let’s say you like your food on a Friday, but in a slightly more relaxed suburban setting. Look no further than Stockport, where on the last Friday of every month you can dig into wood-fired pizzas, pulled pork, jerk chicken and many more delicacies, as the rotating line-up of vendors and seasonal goods means you can never be sure of what you might come across in the centre of Stockport. There’s also street performers and music, as local Stopfordians wheel out their instruments to keep you entertained and give you something to munch in time with. When: Last Friday Monthly from 6pm Venue: Market Place, Stockport Tickets: Free

Manchester Beer & Cider Festival

Manchester is being called ‘The Beer Capital of Britain’ and the festival is the biggest in the North of England. The 2017 festival featured over 750 different beers and ciders with some 62,000 pints being pulled. While it focuses mostly on UK breweries there are beers to sample from Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic, as well as further afield. In 2017, festival drinkers voted Bad Kitty, a 5.5% porter, from Bass Castle Brewery their top choice. While Manchester brewer Track took home the Volunteers Award with their Sonoma (a 3.8% golden ale). The festival is held in the vast Central Hall in the Manchester Central complex, which used to be the central train terminus. If you love your beers then this is one not to miss. When: January 2018 Venue: Manchester Central Tickets: Free to CAMRA members

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Manchester Food & Drink Festival

The MFDF, is the biggest of them all and in 2018 it will be celebrating its 21st birthday. We are expecting them to pull out all the stops! This nationally acclaimed event boasts the very best Manchester has to offer. The autumnal urban event is a vast, sprawling affair in which the entire city goes food and drink crazy for 11 straight days. Centred upon Albert Square, free to attend, the public space sees street food traders, artisan bread makers, fine wine importers and a huge tent where you can sample something over 100 ales, beers and ciders. The main festival stage plays host to a broad spectrum of live entertainment events during the extravaganza. Beyond this dedicated space restaurants, bakers, cafes and even tea houses become part of the festival. They create special menus, cakes and drinks to try, all as part of the diversity that is Manchester’s foodie scene. The MFDF awards provide a benchmark for excellence and winners are often propelled into local stardom with their creations talked about by foodies and critics alike. The winners are chosen from a mixture of public votes, on the nominee lists, and the judgment of a panel of food and drink experts. Categories include Best Restaurant, Best Pop-Up and Best Street Food with nominations and winners drawn from across Greater Manchester. If you are in Manchester during the festival take advantage of this great opportunity to get your ‘food and drink’ on.

When: end of September to early October Venue: Albert Square and beyond foodanddrinkfestival.com

Manchester Christmas Markets

Its time to don that Christmas hat and head down to Albert Square to experience the Manchester Christmas Markets. This annual festival, of all things Xmas, is presided over by a huge Father Christmas atop the Town Halls front door. The market expands right across the city centre and you will find stalls on Deansgate, in St Annes Square, in Exchange Sq. and on to Victoria Station. The stall holders are mostly European, and bring many delights from their countries to entice you. Choose from tempting European foods, including cheeses, meats and amazing cakes, right through to handmade crafts and even 3ft high wicker reindeers, often adorned with a cheery festive scarf. Food and drink makes up much of the social aspect of this event. Enjoy a mug of glühwein or a good German bier in one of the beer houses.

Tuck in with Spanish paella, cooked in six-foot wide pans, grab a sweet and sticky Dutch pancake, laden with syrup, or revive your body warmth with a Hungarian goulash. With something approaching 350 stalls, in beautifully festooned wooden chalets, you are likely to find excellent seasonal gifts. When: Mid November to December Venue: Albert Square St Anne’s Square and across the city Tickets: Free

— left Manchester Food & Drink Festival Albert Square, Manchester — above Manchester Christmas Markets Exchange Square, Manchester

Manchester Shopping

City Shopping There’s a reason that Manchester is known as the second city

With an almost endless list of activities, the metropolitan area has solidified itself as a commercial hot spot to rival any other in the UK. A big part of what makes it a favourite for both tourists and locals alike is the shopping experience. From top to bottom you’ll be spoilt for choice, with the city centre boasting almost every conceivable fancy for even the most insatiable shopper. From high-end designer fashion to vintage stores bursting with character, from bargains on the high street to unearthing unique gems in an independent boutique on a back street, Manchester has it all. You may want to check out the eclectic collection of stalls in Afflecks or gaze at the designer fashion on New Cathedral Street, home to Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Worrying about how you’ll take it all in? One of the most celebrated features of Manchester’s shopping experience is just how compact it is. There is little need for public transport and within a short walk you can find yourself hopping from the cheap and cheerful stores to the upmarket outlets. Whether it’s the latest electronic gadget or the perfect addition to your wardrobe - whatever you had in mind, Manchester is the place to find it.

The Manchester Style

What comes to mind when, or if, you’re asked to picture Manchester style - a Liam Gallagher trench coat complete with sideburns? OK, well it’s not the 1990s anymore, so don’t hold your breath. But that’s not to say the city’s not managed to nurture and preserve several distinct trends. And the cocksure Gallagher’s style is still alive and well in the city, with the Oasis frontman’s own store Pretty Green residing in the heart of Manchester’s most exclusive shopping district, King Street. The star’s childhood haunts across the city are still used in the label’s photoshoots and to inspire their latest ranges. The inimitable Henri Lloyd, who somehow took ‘technical sailing clothing’ and made it both supremely fashionable while unparalleled in its functionality, has multiple stores across the city, from St Annes Square to the Trafford Centre. The iconic sport brand Umbro was born and still resides in the city - making its debut on a Manchester City kit in the 1934 FA cup final and even sponsoring the Blues when they snatched Premier League glory in 2012.

Manchester is both a fashion conscious city as well as one proud in accepting self-expression, sometimes weird and wonderful, which is hard to miss when walking around the city. So don’t be surprised to see a few alternative looks as you go about your shopping. And if something catches your eye, you can be sure there’ll be a shop stocking it close by. Before you do anything though, you might want to get your hands on an umbrella. Because when it does rain, it can be quite relentless. While the city actually has an average annual rainfall lower than the rest of the UK, it’s not developed a reputation as the ‘rainy city’ for nothing.

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The Quick Shopping Tour

The Northern Quarter is bursting with quirky independent outlets capable of satisfying the alternative shopper. For the music lover Oldham Street is somewhat of a mecca, with Piccadilly Records and Vinyl Exchange while Afflecks is an inimitable warren of goodies and stalls, all great for browsing. If you’re in that part of town, don’t miss Fred Aldous, opened in 1886, it is an art and hobby supply shop that is crammed with character. Minutes away is King Street; a street renowned for its high-end offerings such as Pretty Green, DKNY, lingerie store Agent Provocateur and the stunning Vivienne Westwood.

Likewise, Exchange Square just around the corner boasts a similar upmarket shopping experience. It is home to one of the UK’s four Selfridges stores as well as the absolutely fabulous designer led shopping experience Harvey Nichols. For many, Market Street will be the obvious place to start with and in particular the Arndale Centre. The street is also lined with dozens of other established outlets and the Metrolink stops right at the heart of it. Further afield there are local markets where you can not only get your hands on something one-of-akind, but also soak in the atmosphere of a small community.

But fear not if none of those tickle your fancy. A quick jump up a few tram stops and you can find yourself at the Lowry Outlet or a short bus ride and you’ll find yourself in the Trafford Centre (buses X50 or 250 from Piccadilly Gardens). — centre top Piccadilly Gardens Street Market Markets Street, Manchester — centre bottom Piccadilly Gardens Street Market Markets Street, Manchester — above Burberry Store New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square

Manchester Shopping

Shop Indie! Our Guide to Manchester’s Independent Shops - Eclectic, Diverse and Fun

Who doesn’t like a bit of retail therapy from time to time? From department stores to huge shopping centres, it’s safe to say that every high street brand worth its salt is represented here. But for many people, what really makes Manchester stand out from other cities is the abundance of independent shops. There’s something very appealing about independent shops. For a start the owner is generally much more involved in the day to day running of the place, and the staff will often feel more invested too, leading to a much more personal feel. They can feel more carefully curated, and have a more specialist feel than your average high street shop, often focussing on one particular retail area. Overall, they’re the best place to head to if you’re looking for something a little different. With a few honourable exceptions, most independent shops aren’t based directly in the city centre (high rents and the desire for a more bohemian feel to a neighbourhood put paid to this). But the good news is that you tend to find them clustered together, so you’ll never have too far to walk. Head to the suburbs and Chorlton’s Beech Road or Didsbury’s Burton Road for some fascinating independent shops.

These two streets are always good for a poke around and you’ll always leave with something unexpected. If you’re in the city centre then head immediately to the Northern Quarter, where you’ll find one of the UK’s highest concentrations of independent shops. Handily the NQ has many independent bars and cafes, meaning that you can rest your weary feet from time to time without leaving your independent bubble. We’ve divided this guide of independent shopping needs into themed sections (but we couldn’t include everything). However, there are a couple of institutions which stand alone, the like of which are both pretty much unique to Manchester, and both of which can lay claim to being at the centre of the city’s independent shopping scene. First: Afflecks, 52 Church St, if this place isn’t listed yet, then it should be, for services to all Northern teenagers and vintage-loving adults everywhere.

Afflecks houses over 70 independent shops, with wares ranging from new and vintage clothes to fancy dress, beads, skateboards, a tattooist… You name it, and if it’s ‘not on the high street’ then it’s probably in here. Then there’s Manchester Craft and Design Centre, housed in a former Victorian fish and poultry market. With its glass-topped atrium constantly flooding it with light, this stunning building is now home to more than 30 designers and makers, selling the likes of art, jewellery and other accessories and greeting cards. The beauty of this place is that each studio doubles as their workshop and a retail outlet.

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Here you can often meet the makers themselves, see them in action and browse their goods. The MCDC is hands down one of the best places in Manchester to discover perfect gifts. Also ideal for gift shopping is the Royal Exchange Theatre Shop, St Anne’s Sq, that specialises in handmade pieces and original craft by British makers. Another top independent pick when searching for gifts is Oklahoma, 74 High Street, just a couple of minutes’ walk away from the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Oklahoma specialises in bright, colourful and often kitsch homewares and ornaments, quirky gifts and unusual jewellery.

This is THE place for stocking fillers or smaller gifts: think Mexicana, badges, tin retro robots and small popping plastic aliens and you’ll get the idea. The Real Camera Co, 7 Dale Street, is a haven of used classic and retro photography. Its shelves are lined with roll-film cameras and accessories. Moving onto clothing, and let’s start with the chaps. Oi Polloi, 63 Thomas St, opened in 2002, and sells contemporary classics with higher end labels. It is literally impossible to leave this shop without becoming a style icon. The best thing about Oi Polloi is that while its focus is on quality garments, the vibe is a long, long way from the likes of Chelsea.

This place is quintessentially Mancunian, and all the better for it. Meanwhile Rockers England, 89 Oldham Street, caters for the ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and rockabilly enthusiast among us (skulls, leather and attitude). Thunder Egg, in Afflecks, specialises in women’s vintage-inspired clothing: it’s shreds are bright, colourful and quirky. — left Studio 9 - Kaper at MCDC (c) Visit England — above Studio 24 - Lee Page Hanson at MCDC (c) Chris Payne

Manchester Shopping

Barton Arcade, on Deansgate, and accessible from St Anne’s Square, is a vast iron and glass building, a masterpiece of Victorian grandeur. With its jaunty tiled floors, iron railings and wide balconies, this is where you’ll find men’s shoe emporium Jeffery West. The owners are based in Northampton with its rich shoe manufacturing history, and they’ve made a great success of combining that history and craftsmanship with their own twist or slant on traditional footwear. The shop’s interior has a kind of macabre Alice in Wonderland feel to it; set foot inside and you can’t quite work out if you’ve stepped back in time or fallen down a rabbit hole into another dimension. Barton Arcade is where you’ll find Barber Barber, a traditional barbers shop ‘for scoundrels and gentlemen’. Out of town, head to Chorlton’s Beech Road for McQueen Independent, established in 1994, with its sister branch in Didsbury, is warmly regarded as a fashion necessity for the over thirties, working in media, with its focus on British and Scandinavian labels. Didsbury’s Steranko similarly caters for the discerning suburb dweller, and they have some cracking sales, both in store and online. Onto food and drink: the foodie among you is amply catered for in this fine city, not least at the wide range of farmers’ markets and permanent markets that have sprung up or upped their game in recent years. When it comes to independent food and drink shops, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are some top picks: The Arndale Market is full of excellent fruit and vegetable produce stalls and its fish market is well-worth a good sniff too... Lunya, in Barton Arcade, is a deli and restaurant which brings you the best of Catalonia and the rest of Spain.

The deli has a traditional but contemporary feel, offering more than 40 cheeses and three different hams carved on the bone, whereas, the restaurant serves some of the best Tapas in the city. Close by are wine merchants Hanging Ditch and Spirited Wines, both great for sampling wines, just a short hop along this stretch of Deansgate will sort you out for a very pleasant evening in.

The Northern Quarter similarly offers the Butcher’s Quarter for fine meat and deli goods, Beermoth for drinks to wash it down with and Bonbon Chocolate Boutique to add a sweet taste to proceedings. Other foodie hotspots are once again Burton Road with the Taste of Honey delicatessen and The Epicurean craft beer and cider bottle shop. Pollen is a busy hipster bakery, 2 Sheffield St, it only bakes 5 different breads but you’ll need to get there early!

While Chorlton is amply catered for with the Unicorn co-operative: a vegan food shop and deli, there is also the Barbakan delicatessen: a shop whose often-chaotic queuing and ticketing system is worth the wait for the myriad delights on offer once you reach the front of the queue. Now that you’ve filled your belly, it’s time to expand your mind. Until recently, the city centre was suffering from a dearth of decent independent bookshops, with the exception of Magma, 22 Oldham St, which has long been catering for the design-led book and magazine needs of the city’s creative types. But now there’s the magnificent Chapter One, with carefully selected books, armchairs, a running fountain, bookshop and café, all combined in this light and airy space. Out of town, Urmston Bookshop is a gem of a shop, on a rather unprepossessing strip of Urmston town centre, and Chorlton Bookshop continues to delight. If, like so many people, you’ve been drawn to Manchester because of its musical heritage, you won’t be disappointed by the wide range of independent record shops. Piccadilly Records, Oldham Street, is the quintessential independent music shop, opened in 1978, it prides itself on a friendly service. Dance music specialists Eastern Bloc, Stevenson Square, aren’t far behind in terms of longevity, having been trading since 1985. The compact and highly packed Vinyl Resting Place, 3rd floor Afflecks, is heaving with boxes of secondhand vinyl albums, 7” singles and cds just ripe for hours of flicking through! Vinyl Exchange, Oldham Street, is the largest seller and buyer of secondhand cds, records and DVDs in the North West, and Chorlton’s Kingbee record shop is highly regarded by those in the know.

So, you’re now sorted for your gifts, clothes, food drink, books and music. Let’s move onto your design and interior needs. Once again, independent Manchester caters fantastically for you. Fig and Sparrow sells limited edition, affordable homewares, household gifts. Its coffee shop is great to consider your purchases over a drink or snack. New-ish kid on the block Object in Chorlton also prides itself on craftsmanship, quality and simplicity. The owners demonstrate some seriously good taste in selecting both décor and clothing. Ferrious has a truly impressive collection of contemporary furniture, lighting and designer goods, housed in a vast Victorian railway viaduct, on Whitworth St West. Likewise, Urbansuite aims to bring the best in contemporary design at sensible prices. If you like your home furnishings to have a mid-century or other vintage vein, don’t miss out on a visit to Pear Mill. This massive vintage emporium, just outside Stockport, has more than 100 traders and is a bit of a hidden gem, meaning that you’re likely to come away with some unexpected treasures. Finally, no house is a home without a plant or two, and the Northern Quarter’s Frog Flowers sums up Manchester’s independent spirit perfectly. Part florist, part art studio, contemporary designs are created here on a daily basis. And need some art on your walls? Again, you’ve come to the right place. The Richard Goodall Gallery, 59 Thomas St, has long been catering for all of your lowbrow, contemporary and urban art needs; possibly the UK’s largest choice of contemporary prints. The recently opened NQ Gallery, in Afflecks, works mainly with Manchester based artists creating contemporary art and its walls are lined with astounding paintings many that see the city with a fresh eye.

As we started with Afflecks Manchester’s iconic independent venue let’s end this round up with another one: the glory that is Fred Aldous. Located on a corner of Stevenson Square, and opened in 1886, this enormous emporium continues its mission to ‘supply materials to people who make things’. Nowadays, it stocks more than 25,000 products and despite its burgeoning success it retains ‘independent spirit’, and provides the tools for many other independent makers to do their thing. So, there you have it: Manchester’s independent retail scene is officially booming, and the shops mentioned here really are just the tip of the iceberg.

The best way to acquaint yourself with which ones are right up your street is to pop in and pay them a visit. You never know what you might find, but one thing’s for sure; it won’t be run of the mill.

— left Nicoletta Ceccoli - Sheryl (c) Nicoletta Ceccoli — above Skull art piece C.J Taylord - NQ Gallery

Manchester Shopping

Afflecks An emporium of eclecticism and indie commerce

Nestled in the heart of the city centre, this emporium of all things eclectic sits as a beacon to those looking for the chic, dramatic, classic, vintage, handmade, unusual and sometimes - downright strange. There are three entrances to Afflecks, one on Oldham Street, a second on Church Street and on the corner of Tib Street. It is hard to miss the corner entrance on Tib Street with its wonderful, famous mosaic artwork outside stating ‘And on the sixth day God created MANchester’. Gaze upwards and be inspired by the unique silver tree sculpture that adorns the side wall and the Manchester related mosaic art work sitting in the window frames below it. Take in the blend of bohemian glam, burlesque sassy, vintage mystery, startling attire or simply savour the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There are boutiques of all tastes down every corridor that spread across the emporium’s 4 floors. It is a shopping paradise, a labyrinth of discovery, intrigue and mystery through each and every doorway. Play out your fantasies with fancy dress from sellers such as American Graffiti and that’s not all these fabulous stall holders sell either.

Specialist T-shirt printing enables one to design their own - ‘Made for It’ don’t just print on to t-shirts either! Before you pay top high street prices for that average ‘special dress’, take time to check out Strawberri Peach on the 1st floor, a gem of a boutique and made-to-measure glam perfectionists, often seen on TV. Wander into shops specialising in retro gaming and find the most obscure games and items from times past; Star Wars collectables and much more. Looking for body piercing and tattoos? You cannot go wrong with the experienced The Tattoo Studio or Shiva. Piercing jewellery galore is available at Extreme Largeness and Abacus.

There are several jewellery stores throughout Afflecks, selling beautiful handcrafted wonders you will not find anywhere else. Afflecks has great food and beverage cafes helping to sustain visitors during their exploration of this vast building and its wares from a traditional café to an adult ice cream parlour serving absinth flavoured delights and a fantastic Cereal Café! There are specialist shops including one dedicated to fudge of all flavours, retro and American sweets and an artisan bakery. With a wonderful wealth of over 70 shops and stalls visiting Afflecks is simply a full on shopping sensation.

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All this, and more, gives shoppers the chance to walk out with clothing for any occasion, jewellery to die for, tattoos to be proud of and fabulous artwork to adorn ones walls. Great for buying goodies and presents that are so unusual Afflecks makes every visitor’s recommendation list for things to do when in Manchester. “Afflecks - The Thorn in the side of the High Street”

Afflecks is open Monday to Friday 10.30am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 6pm Sunday 11am to 5pm Address 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW afflecks.com | @afflecksfox

— centre Afflecks Entrance 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW — top right Afflecks Promotional Flyers — right Afflecks Sign Tib Street

Manchester Shopping

Three Minute Theatre (3MT)

Vinyl Resting Place

NQ Gallery

Manchester Vegan Café and Wellbeing Centre

“Part of the city’s vibrant theatre and music scene” The only independent, developmental theatre in the City hosting a range of unique events. It is recycled, wheelchair accessible and has a licensed bar Home to The Manchester Shakespeare Company who create contextually vibrant adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays as well as producing new work from local writers. ‘3MT is the best of the Northern Quarter - a DIY, independent 70-seat theatre and hothouse for new drama, poetry and comedy’ - The Guardian Ground Floor - tel: 0161 834 4517 facebook.com/TheThreeMinuteTheatre

“A busy and compact 2nd hand record and cd shop” Tucked away, next to the café on the 3rd floor, this hidden gem has jam-packed shelves of 2nd hand records that will have you spinning. Flick through albums, singles and cd’s from American Blues artists to Zydeco and almost every other genre inbetween. Searching for records is great fun, relive your youth or simply find something you’ve never heard. While most of the stock is vinyl there are normally over 1500 cd’s in stock to rummage through. 3rd Floor facebook.com/VinylRestingPlaceManchester

“Exploring Manchester through the eyes of an Artist” NQ Gallery is a unique space set in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, its gallery space exhibits photographers, artists and designers working in, and from, the Greater Manchester area. Regular contributing artists include Manchester stalwarts Sue Scott, Christian Taylor and Ben Sedman. Since moving into Afflecks, the gallery has firmly established itself as a ‘must visit’ destination with a knowledgeable and friendly greeting from gallery curator designer and art director Johanne. 2nd Floor hello@nqgallery.com

“Healthy meals and snacks that are tasty and nutritious” Everything is freshly made on the premises, including the cakes, which are made with or without sugar. There are gluten-free options and a wide range of Vegan drinks. The Café is part of Square Circle Theatre’s initiative to provide Manchester with somewhere where people can eat cleanly and affordably. ‘The staff, plus resident dog and axolotl, provide a friendly welcome to this homely spot. Its menu ensures that everyone can get lunch for under £5’ - The Metro Ground Floor - tel: 0161 834 4517 facebook.com/McrVeganCafe

Manchester Shopping

The Arndale Centre

The Arndale Centre opened in 1975 and has since come to attract a whopping 41 million visitors each year. You’ll only need to spend five minutes in there to understand exactly why it’s so popular. Spread over three floors, the mall boasts more than 210 outlets with a hefty amount of choice. For a more relaxed experience it’s probably best to hold your shopping spree on a weekday or outside of the school holidays. With that in mind though, the mall is extremely family friendly and well equipped to meet the needs of different ages so don’t be deterred if you’re not a solitary shopper. The Arndale has a wonderful food market too with a dazzling fish stall and unusual eateries. There’s also a food court meaning that if you’re the type of person who works up an appetite while hitting the shops you can grab some takeaway style food and rest your feet before getting stuck right back in. Opening times Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sunday: 11.30am to 5.30pm

The Lowry Outlet Mall

Situated in Manchester’s twin city, Salford, the Lowry Outlet is easy to get to and worth a visit for even for tourists on a flying visit. This shopping gem is located less than 3 minutes from the Media City complex in Salford Quays. Public transport links include bus services and the tram. Take the trams heading towards Eccles and disembark at Media City. If you are driving then its large multi-story car park is right next door to the outlet. Packed full of stores offering prices slashed by as much as 70%, this is the place where you want to be if you’re a keen bargain hunter.

In its malls you will find major High Street brands such as Marks and Spencer, Clarks and GAP. There is a food court, if you are feeling hungry and a multi-screen VUE Cinema adding to the entertainment. The large square outside the centre is used to host regular markets and themed events throughout the year. Other attractions at Salford Quays, include the The Lowry Theatre, the Imperial War Museum North and the excellent Salford Watersports Centre. The Lowry Outlet is open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 7pm Sunday 11am to 5pm

The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre has built a solid reputation for impressing both locals and tourists alike - and with good reason too. Having opened its doors in 1998, the complex has consistently pulled in huge numbers of visitors on a day-today basis. Many of which have found themselves attracted not only by the quantity of retail options, but also by the building’s awe-inspiring architecture. The inside is decorated with elements of Art Deco and Egyptian Revival themes while its instantly recognisable blue domes can be spotted from miles away.

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No.1 Canal Street

And that’s without mentioning the impressive Classical-inspired entrance, so ostentatious that it would be more befitting of the entrance to a Roman Emperor’s palace than a shopping centre. Perhaps its most charming feature is the ship-shaped food court known as the Orient, which takes the visitor to the decks of a boat of Titanic-like proportions. There’s a vast array of restaurants and fast food outlets to sit in and rest those tired feet as well as a massive 20-screen cinema complex, featuring an Odeon IMAX screen, should you fancy spending a few hours watching a new film.

While it’s possible to get there by bus (X50 or 250 buses from Piccadilly Gardens), the complex is well equipped for those travelling by car and has space for 11,500 vehicles to park. The Trafford Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm Saturday 10am to 9pm Sunday 12pm to 6pm — left The Arndale Centre Market Street, Manchester M4 1AZ — above The Great Hall, Trafford Centre The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AA

Located on the world famous Canal St the No.1 menu focuses on British locally sourced produce and a selection of mouth-watering Asian influenced dishes. These dishes are accompanied by a carefully curated wine list, craft beers and exciting cocktails to enjoy in this attractive and modern restaurant. Its sister restaurant The Bridge and No.1 both have very popular alfresco eating areas set alongside the Bridgewater canal and Rochdale canal respectively. Check the websites for opening and serving times.

no1canalst.co.uk thebridgesale.co.uk Addresses No.1 Canal Street 1 Canal Street, M1 3HE tel: +44 (0) 161 228 7722 The Bridge Pub & Dining Dane Road, Sale M33 7QH tel: +44 (0) 161 962 3030

Manchester Quarters

Manchester is a city of different ‘Quarters’

In AD 79, while Mount Vesuvius was entombing Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman Army established a fort, called Mancunium, on the banks of the river Medlock. That fort, which you can visit a re-construction of in Castlefield, is the foundation for modern day Manchester. Through its long history Manchester has been at the centre of social, political and industrial movements and developments, leaving their mark on the world’s first truly Industrial City. The city centre is relatively small, covering an area of about 2.5 square miles, however it packs a huge punch, making it Britain’s second city and is full of visitor attractions, great beers and restaurants. The centre is divided into a series of nominal quarters each derived from their historical or modern day usage and offerings. Exchange Square and Market Street are the main shopping districts. Here you will find major high street brands and the Arndale Shopping Centre, which is home to over 200 stores. Many of the quarters are imbued with their own style and feel, such as the Northern Quarter. Its industrial look has been embellished by the numerous converted warehouses which are now cafés, bars, restaurants and hotels.

Certainly the self styled ‘NQ’ is the entertainment and lifestyle quarter of the city complete with its own independent and alternative shopping experiences at Afflecks or the Manchester Craft & Design Centre. Spinningfields was developed as a business hub with its modern steel and glass buildings. It is home to some of the best restaurants in Manchester and the North West [try exploring The Avenue or the Kitchens on the Left Bank]. Castlefield borders Spinningfields and within its space is the open air Bowl, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Old Granada Studios, the Canal Dock basin and the recently built Crystal Maze Experience. The docks are part of the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals, leading to the vast Salford Quays on the Manchester Ship Canal and thereafter the World. The Gay Village and Canal St became famous through the groundbreaking ‘Queer as Folk’ and has been described as the ‘party centre of the city’. With its narrow streets and canal side aspect, great on a sunny day, its many closely packed bars, restaurants and clubs make an exciting visit.

Manchester’s Chinatown was originally the centre for the city’s laundries and employed many Chinese city residents. Modern Chinatown was possibly first established when the Ping Hong opened, in 1948, on Mosley Street. Today it is full of Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and shops, with its centre marked with a large square and impressive Chinese Arch. Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University both make-up the Student Quarter in and around Oxford Rd. This district tends to lean towards a student lifestyle, however here too is the excellent Manchester Museum and entertainment centre ‘The Academy’. We also explore Bury and Stockport and learn that these traditional market towns make interesting and exciting days out (both only minutes away from the city centre by public transport). Read on to discover more about this remarkable city that offers several unique experiences for visitors.

Manchester Quarters

Castlefield Victorian grandeur, history, museums, restaurants and festivals

Castlefield derives it name from the Roman fort called Mancunium, established in AD 79 and it is a distinct part of the modern city. During Victorian times it came to the fore as a working set of docks for barges transporting goods, materials and essential resources on both the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals. This is the point where the two meet before joining the vast Manchester Ship Canal. Construction started in 1887 and first ship used it on the 1st Jan 1894. The busy canals carried Manchester’s goods, in particular cotton, out to Salford Quays where they would connect through the Manchester Ship Canal first to the port of Liverpool and then the World. Today much of this infrastructure remains and it been turned into a great space to take a breather from the relentless city and enjoy everything from a pleasant walk to good beer and quality food. Many of the venues have pleasant outdoor or canal-side aspects that are very enticing when the sun chooses to shine. The Roman fort has been partly reconstructed and you can explore the gardens and buildings at your leisure. You can even enjoy a drink, or some food, at the White Lion with the forts main entrance as the backdrop.

Castlefield has several good restaurants and we can recommend Dimitis, on Deansgate, for great Greek dishes, or Per Tutti for Italian fayre and Alberts Shed for classic dining. Looking for something interesting to drink? Then try Cask, on Liverpool Rd, not only does it offer a huge range of beers and ales it also happens to have one of the best juke boxes in the city. The Castlefields The Bowl is a large open theatre, located on the old docks, and it is regularly used to host concerts, events and other public events. Just up the road you will find the Old Granada Studios, these were vacated when the station moved to its new home in Media City, Salford Quays.

This is where the long running British soap ‘Coronation Street’ was filmed and today it is evolving into a space for theatre, exhibitions and the occasional club night held on its vast stages. There are plans to build a new theatre on the site that will eventually become the permanent home of the much acclaimed Manchester International Festival. Across the road is the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). The Museum’s extensive galleries and collections celebrate Manchester as the world’s first Industrial City. This is very much a hands on sort of museum where you can take a ride on a replica of Stephensons ‘Planet’.

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Explore huge industrial machines, marvel at some the amazing fabric making machinery or learn about some of the earliest computers. Part of the museum is the original Liverpool Road Railway station that connected through to Liverpool. The world’s first twin track railway and its tunnels are still transporting trains between these two cities. The Air and Space Hall is huge, a former market built in 1882, its exhibits focus mainly on aviation achievements. Here you will find a replica of the Roe Triplane 1, which first flew in 1909 or drink in the sight of the Avro Shackleton; a search and rescue plane that could fly for 24 hours straight.

Exploring the hall further will reveal some gems of the MSI transport collection including the 1905 Rolls Royce used by Henry Royce himself. Rolls and Royce met in the Midland Hotel and started their world famous company here in Manchester. 2017 saw the opening of ‘The Crystal Maze’ based upon a very popular television programme from the 1990s. Teams of competitors work together to solve mental and physical problems in stylized sections of this large maze aiming to win Crystals. Today you can experience the fun and often frustration that the puzzles present for you to figure out! [visit: thecrystalmaze.com]

Castlefield is also set out to be more relaxing than most of the rest of city with its large open spaces and quiet walkways to explore. However, it offers visitors plenty to engage them and the MSI is a must for a family day out.

— centre Bridgewater Canal Castlefield Docks — above Castlefield Food Festival 2016 Castlefield Bowl

Bar

1: Baa Bar, Deansgate Locks - E3 2: Cask, Liverpool Rd - D2 3: Cloud 23, Beetham Tower, Deansgate - E2 4: Eight Bar, Castle Quay - B3 5: Lola La, Deansgate Locks - E3

Bar & Restaurant

1: Ark, Deansgate Locks - D3 2: Atlas Bar, Deangate - D3 3: Barca, Catalan Sq - B2 4: Dukes 92, Castle St - C3 5: Knott Bar, Deansgate - D3 6: Lock 91, Deansgate Locks - D3 7: Revolution, Deansgate Locks - E3 8: The Ox Noble, Liverpool Rd - C2 9: The Wharf, Slate Wharf - B3 10: White Lion, Liverpool Rd - D2

Entertainment

1: Castlefield Bowl, Castlefield - B2 2: Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks - D3 3: Crystal Maze Live Experience, Lower Byrom St - C1 4: Rebellion, Whitworth St West - D3

Gallery/Museum

1: Castlefield Gardens & Roman Fort, Castlefield - C2 2: Museum of Science & Industry, Liverpool Rd - C1

Restaurant

1: Akbarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Liverpool Rd - C1 2: Alberts Shed, Castle St - B3 3: Bollywood Masala, Liverpool Rd - D2 4: Dimitris, Deansgate - D2 5: Don Marco, Deansgate - D2 6: Mace, Liverpool Rd - C1 7: Per Tutti, Liverpool Rd - D2 8: Sapporo Teppanyaki, Liverpool Rd - B1 9: The Fish Hut, Liverpool Rd - D2 10: The Salt & Pepper, Liverpool Rd - C2

Manchester Quarters

Canal Street World Famous ‘Gay Village’ with its community, food, drink and nightlife

Diversity is such an important part of what makes Manchester so special. This is the main reason why the city’s heart beats from the Gay Village. Always bursting with life and celebrating individualism, Canal Street and its surrounding areas has really come to epitomise what the city is truly about. Situated just off Portland Street, the space is home to everything gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. The location has been expanding rapidly since the early 1990’s when the first bar, Mantos, opened its doors on Canal Street and welcomed in the LGBT community. Since then the spot has grown to include nearby streets such as Sackville Street and Richmond Street. 2018 sees the opening of two major developments in the area. Kampus, an entertainment and residential space, located at the north end of Canal Street. Whereas the southern end has the ‘Manchester Square’ development. This is a large canal-side shopping and residential zone developed by Urban & Civic. The place is a gem, not just in Manchester, but in the whole of the UK. So it’s no surprise that it’s managed to seep into pop culture in more ways than one might imagine.

Queer As Folk, Channel 4’s ground breaking show, was set and filmed in the Gay Village later making waves on American television. The UK’s longest-running soap, Coronation Street, has also filmed scenes around the area to advance some of their most high-profile storylines. It’s even rumoured that The Smiths single ‘How Soon Is Now’ is about lead singer Morrissey’s experience in the Village.

Experience the Village

There’s never a bad time to visit the Gay Village. Day and night from spring to winter there’s something going on. In fact, it’s possibly the one spot in the city where you’re guaranteed fun regardless of the time or season. It’s not uncommon for crowds to head there from the early afternoon, especially during the summer months. Often the tiniest hint of sun will bring revellers meeting by the dozen to socialise by the waterside. But by the time dusk sets in a number of the streets are lit by fairy lights and go hand in hand with some of the city’s most colourful characters who strut below them on a nightly basis.

While being LGBT inclusive, the Village makes a point not to be exclusive. People from all walks of life pop by, no matter their age, sex or ethnicity. It’s true though that different sections may cater towards a certain clientele - such as Vanilla that has a female-inclined door policy, or the strict male-only policy at Company Bar on Richmond Street. Other venues, like The Molly House on Richmond Street, tend to fill up with less rambunctious punters. With so many options it’s simply a matter of preference.

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Looking to find out more about Manchester’s Gay Village? Then try ‘canal-st.co.uk’ for its maps, information and news features. It’s not an overstatement to say that the Village has everything. Thirsty? There’re too many bars and cafes to try in one visit. Hungry? Well sit yourself down at one of the many restaurants. Tired? Check-in to a hotel or B&B and rest comfortably. That’s without even mentioning the sex shops and saunas that are sure to arouse the curiosity of any passerby. Without question it’s the nightlife that brings the majority of people into the area.

Canal Street alone is lined with clubs open until the early hours of the morning. One staple, G-A-Y, is perhaps the most recognisable thanks to the London version. It has a unique balcony with views along the street, across the canal and in the summer it is packed with drinkers. Inside it is a dimly lit hotspot that gets going early on thanks to its bargain drink prices throughout the week. Varied opening times keep the crowds coming all night long. On select dates some of the venues keep their doors open until the early hours of the morning, including Bar Pop and Void.

Obviously it’s not for the fainthearted - you’ve been warned.

— above On Bar - Manchester Pride Canal St, Manchester M1 3WD

Manchester Quarters

THE GOOSE

The Goose is a traditional British pub located on one of the backstreets, off Canal Street, in Manchester’s famous Gay Village and has a a friendly, welcoming environment. Its bar is well stocked with good spirits, not just the clientele, wines and a quality selection of cask ales and draught beers. Thursday is live music night whereas, on Tuesdays you can try your hand at the Karaoke. The Goose it still referred to as Paddy’s, although the name changed some years ago. Spending a little time there will give you an insight into some of the village characters and lifestyle without the glitzy lighting and booming sound systems.

theGoose Address 29 Bloom Street, M1 3JE tel: +44 (0) 161 236 8158 Opening hours Daily - From 10am till late Sunday - From Noon - Midnight

The Canal Street Spirit

The Gay Village was built in response to the LGBT struggle - and to this day there is a prevalent community spirit. Throughout the year this manifests itself in numerous ways. The most prominent way that it exists is through Manchester Pride. Held annually every August, this four-day event, celebrates sexuality with an outrageous parade spiralling through the city streets, a carnival atmosphere, live music performance stages, exhibitions and stallholders fair. The festival stems from movements in the late 80’s and early 90’s and now attracts tens of thousands of people over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Tickets to the whole event can cost over £20, whereas individual day tickets come in a little cheaper. A proportion of the funds raised benefit local charities with issues relevant to the GAY community. While Pride only comes once a year, the community is known to react to issues, both on a regional and international level. In February 2014 the Village made world headlines as they staged a mock Olympic Opening Ceremony. This was in response to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, stance on LGBT representation and groups attending the Sochi Winter Olympics.

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People came from near and far to have their voice heard while opposing anti-gay legislation by marching through the streets. This was repeated in the wake of 2016’s Orlando shootings as part of the ’We Stand Together’ campaign. Sackville Gardens is a small open park and is synonymous with the Gay Village. Within its walls you will find three open-air artworks created to remember or celebrate LGBT people. The Beacon of Hope is a memorial to those lost to AIDS, the huge wooden butterfly is a memorial to the transgender struggle.

And sitting quietly on a bench you will find a life size bronze statue of Alan Turning contemplating an apple. The Canal Street spirit is alive and exciting and it continues to help those who struggle with their gender or sexuality by providing a safe and supporting environment.

Looking for a lively and welcoming venue to spend your evening/night in? Then visit Bar Pop in the heart of Canal Street. Voted ‘Safest venue in the village’ Bar Pop boasts entertainment and drag acts every night in a fun and freeliving space for everyone. Experience our exciting drag queen and king floorshows, enjoy the banter with our outside promo team and join the crowd in DIVAS, our underground entertainment venue. Bar Pop shows a versatility that appeals to all ages who love a bit of camp. So, get those glad rags on, head to Canal Street, and ‘pop’ in and say Hi! LOVE POP : LOVE BEER : LOVE YOU BarPopOffical @BarPopMCR Address 10 Canal St, Manchester M1 3EZ

— above Manchester Pride Canal Street, Manchester

Opening hours Monday to Thursday 2pm - Late Friday to Sunday 11.30am - Late

Bar

1: Bar Pop, Canal St - C2 2: Centre Stage, Bloom St - B2 3: Churchills, Chorlton St - D2 4: Company Bar, Richmond St - C2 5: Eagle Bar, Bloom St - C1 6: EVA, Sackville St - C2 7: G-A-Y, Canal St - B3 8: Iconic, Richmond St - C2 9: Mothers Ruin, Chorlton St - C1 10: Napoleans, Bloom St - C2 11: New York New York, Bloom St - B2 12: Oscars, Canal St - C2 13: The New Union Hotel, Princess St - B3 14: The Rembrandt, Sackville St - C2 15: The Thompsons Arms, Sackville St - B1 16: Vanilla, Richmond St - C2

Bar & Restaurant

1: Delicatezze, Brazil St (over bridge) - C3 2: Kiki, Canal St - D1 3: On Bar, Canal St - C3 4: Richmond Tea Rooms, Richmond St - C2 5: The Goose, Bloom St - C2 6: The Molly House, Richmond St - C2 7: Tribeca, Sackville St - C3 8: Velvet, Canal St - D1 9: Via, Canal St - C2

Club

1: Alter Ego, Princess St - B3 2: Club Bloom, Bloom St - B2 3: Club Tropicana, Sackville St - C2 4: CRUZ 101, Princess St - B2 5: VOID, Canal St - D1

Restaurant

1: Arnero, Sackville St - C2 2: Chez, Whitworth St - D3 3: No.1 Canal St, Canal St - D1

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Chinatown History, culture and Asian food

Whether you’re hungry, curious, or just after a good ol’ fashioned sing-along, you’ll want to get down to Chinatown. Chinatown traces its roots from launderettes that opened at the beginning of the twentieth-century on Mosley Street. Little did these businesses know at the time that they’d be paving the way for a thriving oriental community. Mid-century migration saw an influx of Chinese immigrants who settled in the area and turned the nearby Faulkner Street into an epicentre of trade with an added community feel. The first restaurant opened its doors in 1948 and the area has been prospering ever since. The central square is adorned by a huge Chinese Arch, on Faulkner St. It is decked out in red and gold adorned with dragons and phoenixes, colours and motifs that represent luck and prosperity. Erected in 1987 it was Europe’s first true Imperial Chinese arch and it is simply unmissable. It would be a good idea to stop by Chinatown, if only for a bite to eat. But be warned, you’re best going in with a hefty appetite. Many of the restaurants offer an ‘all you can eat’ option while others pride themselves on serving a varied selection of courses.

Chinatown restaurants vary from almost café like establishments, such as Ho’s Bakery, right through to full blown dining experiences at The Pacific or Try Thai (for classic Thai dishes). If far east delicacies are not your thing then fear not because there’ll be something for you. The Supermarkets and gift shops are plentiful, as are karaoke bars and casinos. The area booms throughout the year but is particularly busy with tourists and locals between January and February depending on when Chinese New Year falls. Celebrations in the square are very family friendly with arcades, huge fairground rides and some amazing street food.

In anticipation of this event the streets of Manchester become lined with red lanterns before a raucous dragon parade is held. Chinatown is easily reached, as it is less than 5 minutes walk from Piccadilly Gardens and just off Portland Street.

— above Chinese Arch Chinatown, Faulkner Street

Manchester Quarters

Deansgate Ancient and modern in harmony on this historic Manchester road

Deansgate is a mile long stretch of road that connects pretty much every part of the city centre. If you are ever lost in our fair city, ask anyone the way to Deansgate and you will soon pick up your trail. It starts (or ends whichever way you look at it) with the Cathedral and ends at the dominating Beetham Tower with a cross section of most central streets in between. Deansgate is the focal point for many of Manchester’s civic celebrations be it Manchester United bringing home the treble, Gay Pride or Manchester Day parades. It has seen Jenson Button roar up it in a Formula One racing car and Usain Bolt set a world speed record. Yes, you are walking in the footsteps of giants. It wasn’t always like this however, in the late 1800s, Deansgate was such a hotbed of vice and crime that many police officers flatly refused to set foot in the locality but thankfully today it has got around to cleaning its act up. Rising up past the Cathedral, a religious site since around 700AD, and marking the start of Deansgate is the uber modern Number One Deansgate complex. The helm of the redevelopment project following the 1996 IRA bomb, its swanky apartments overlook the city centre and it is home to Harvey Nichols.

At this end of Deansgate a crop of bars make it a destination for weekends with venues such as Living Room, The Botanist and Moon under the Water (possibly the biggest pub in England). Barton Arcade is opposite, this lovely Victorian shopping arcade housing high end stores and eateries as well as hairdressers and bars, everything you need for a night out basically. If you ask someone in Manchester where the House of Fraser is they may look at you blankly, but if you ask where Kendal’s is, their face will light up and they will point the way down Deansgate towards a beautiful art deco building. Its famous name may be long gone but the ultimate Manchester department store will always be named after the original Kendal Milne & Co who brought the leisure pursuit of shopping to the streets of Manchester. It is said that during World War 2, they even had an air raid shelter underneath where coffee was served and gowns displayed. At this point you’re hitting the halfway mark of Deansgate marked by a huge Waterstones. In a world of sterile airport style book shops, this is everything a book shop should be with shelves that seemingly go on for miles and comfy sofas were you can sit and weigh up your Austen versus your Asimov.

There is even a coffee shop here if you can’t wait to get home to launch straight into your new purchase. Back on Deansgate and things are starting to focus on eating out as we walk down the road and away from the shopping centre of Manchester. Here there are tapas bars, Brazilian buffets and high end burger joints, nestling next to shops specialising in outdoor pursuits and exercise, an irony not lost on many Mancunians. As you pass John Rylands library to your right is Spinningfields. A space age construction announces Armani’s Manchester HQ and to its side is a glass pyramid that is the entrance to the glamorous hot-spot Australasia.

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Further along the Great Northern Warehouse dominates the street. This former railway warehouse, is now a leisure complex which contains a multi screen cinema, restaurants, car park, bowling alley and a casino. Below the building lie vast tunnels which connect the Rochdale Canal to the River Irwell and occasionally these are opened to the public. Passing the warehouse, you are over shadowed by another Manchester giant the Beetham Tower, designed by architect Ian Simpson. It stands almost shoulder to shoulder with the Great Northern Warehouse, symbolising Manchester’s past and present.

As you look up at Manchester’s biggest building, it is shocking at just how little street space the building takes up and it was slotted in most impressively. In the tower is the Hilton Hotel, Cloud 23 Bar, with its high vantage point it affords spectacular views across the city, and an exclusive spa if your feet are aching. You are now approaching the southern end of Deansgate. Passing under the Tramline bridge and to your left are the Deansgate Locks, a vibrant drinking destination that is never quiet with six bars and a comedy club all nested under the bridge arches next to the Rochdale Canal.

Just behind these nightlife hotspots is the Deansgate Tram stop and beyond the vast Manchester Central the city’s exhibition and convention centre. Opposite you is the award winning Atlas Bar offering over 250 different gins to tired shoppers or eager clubbers. Opposite is the Knott Bar known for real ales, beers and some good pub grub. To your right is Castlefield with the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), the Roman Fort and restaurants Dukes 92 and Albert’s Shed. - above The Great Northern Warehouse Deansgate, Manchester

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Built back in 1871, Barton Arcade is a Grade II listed Victorian arcade located in the heart of Manchester. One of Barton Arcade’s most defining features is its structure; the beautiful glass and iron design stands out against newer buildings in the city centre skyline. Nestled between St Ann’s Square and Deansgate, Barton Arcade is a real hidden gem. Restored to its former glory during the 1980s, Barton Arcade is now home to a varied selection of boutique shops, bars, eateries, hair salons and offices on the upper levels.

Too Funky Hair - Two floors of hair heaven, boasting the best haircuts in town and REDKEN certified colour specialists, Plus microblading, nails and lash extensions, covering all your beauty needs. The R Store - An urban footwear outfitters, supplying top shoe brands from Nike to New Balance, as well as a selection of t-shirts, jumpers and raincoats - a necessity on Manchester’s rainier days.

Jil Black - An independent fashion boutique that is absolutely brimming with exclusive finds for Pot Kettle Black - This speciality both men and women. coffee, brunch and lunch café has an internationally inspired Jeffery West - Looking to step up menu. It is vibrant, fresh and your shoe game? Visit Jeffery healthy, and includes a wide West. Expect to find winkle pickers, range of gluten free and vegan snakeskin studded Chelsea boots options. and other eccentric designs inside this stunning shop. Lunya - A Catalonian deli, bar and restaurant, Lunya brings the very Barber Barber - Offering the best of Catalan cuisine, culture ultimate Barber experience for and passion for food and wine. scoundrels and gentlemen alike. It prides itself on impeccable Be at One - A cool basement bar service and extensive knowledge with an extensive cocktail menu, in the craft of male grooming. incredible atmosphere and great music all mean this bar should go Intro Clothing - An edgy menswear straight to the top of your bucket store stocking premium brands to list. cater for men who want clothes designed to be seen in.

48 Barton Square, Manchester, M3 2BH barton-arcade.co.uk | @BartonArcadeMCR

— centre Barton Arcade Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW

BLACKHOUSE

At Blackhouse the emphasis is on quality of food, knowledgeable service, great cocktails and a warm atmosphere. Steak and seafood dominates, with all cuts of beef, dry and wet aged for a minimum of 28 days. Classic cuts are mixed with a more premium selection, including English Galician, USDA Ribeye, and an Australian fillet as well as the ‘Big Boy’ cuts the restaurant is famous for. Experience ‘The Butchers Block’ - Himalayan rock salt aged beef, cut and weighed at your table undoubtedly a great talking point. Extra emphasis on great quality seafood features, with beer battered oysters and whole baked seabass fillets featured, plus several lobster options. @grillonnewyork @grillmanc The Grill on the Alley 5 Ridgefield, Manchester M2 6EG tel: +44 (0) 161 833 3465 The Grill on New York Street New York St, Manchester M1 4BD tel: +44 (0) 161 228 1444 Both open daily from 11am

Manchester Quarters

Bar

AUSTRALASIA

A stylish yet laid back slice of modern Australian life, downunder in Manchester. Its cuisine combines Pacific Rim flavours underpinned by European cooking tradition, a blend of Indonesian, Southeast Asian influences and Australia’s strong ties with Japan also help determine the taste and style. The Bar boasts a unique list of expertly crafted, exclusive cocktails alongside all the classics and a wine list of impressive proportions. Service from the friendly and knowledgeable staff runs into the early hours against an eclectic backdrop of music created nightly by resident and guest DJs. The bar and terrace are an extension of Australasia - a contemporary colonial oasis in the heart of Spinningfields. australasia.uk.com Address The Avenue, Spinningfields M3 3AP tel: +44 (0) 161 831 0288 Opening hours Daily - Midday till Midnight

1: 17 Below, Bow Lane - E5 2: Arcane, South King St - C4 3: Be at One, Barton Arcade - D3 4: Brink Bar, Bridge St - A4 5: Corbieres, Half Moon St - E3 6: Gas Lamp, Bridge St - A4 7: Liars Club, Back Bridge St - A4 8: Mojo, Bridge St - A4 9: Panacea, John Dalton St - C5 10: Sawyers Arms, Deansgate - B5 11: Suburbia Cocktail Co, Ridgefield - C5 12: The Ape & Apple, John Dalton St - D5 13: The Bridge, Bridge St - A4 14: The Liquor Store, Parsonage - C2 15: The Lost Dene, Deansgate - B5 16: The Roxy, Deansgate - C2

Bar & Restaurant 1: Crazy Pedro’s, Bridge St - A4 2: Moon Under Water, Deansgate - C2 3: Mulligans, Southgate - B4 4: Revolution, Parsonage Gardens - B3 5: Sandinista, Old Bank St - D3 6: Slug & Lettuce, Deansgate - C2 7: The Rivals, Royal Exchange - E3

Café 1: Cafe Instanbal, Bridge St - B4 2: Cafe Rylands, Deansgate - B5 3: Essy’s Cafe, Bridge St - A4 4: Katsouris, Deansgate - B5 5: Pattisserie Valerie, Deansgate - C3 6: Salvi’s Cucina, John Dalton St - B5

Club 1: La Gitane, Bridge St - B4 2: South, South King St - C4 3: Venus Nightclub, Blackfriars St - C2

Restaurant 1: Al Bacio, South King St - C5 2: Annies, Old Bank St - E3 3: Bella Italia, Deansgate - C3 4: Bem Brasil, King St West - B4 5: Bills, John Dalton St - C5 6: Byron, Deansgate - B5 7: Cicchetti, King St West - B4 8: Cote Brasserie, St Mary’s St - C3 9: Dogs ‘n’ Dough, Bow Lane - E5 10: Dom’s Tavola Calda, Deansgate - D2 11: East is East, Blackfriars St - B1 12: Elgate Negro Tapas, King St - D4 13: Gaucho, St Mary’s St - C3 14: Grill on the Alley, Ridgefield - C5 15: Koreana, King St West - B4 16: La Bandera, Ridgefield - C5 17: La Tasca, Deansgate - C3 18: La Vina, Deansgate - C4 19: Las Iguanas, Deansgate - C3 20: Mr Thomas’s Chop House, Deansgate - E4 21: My Thai, John Dalton St - D5 22: Pizza Madre, King St West - B4 23: Prezzo, Deansgate - C3 24: Randall & Aubin, Bridge St - B5 25: Restaurant Bar & Grill, John Dalton St - C5 26: San Carlo, King St West - B4 27: The Botanist, Deansgate - C2 28: The Living Room, Deansgate - C3 29: Wing’s (Dim Sum), King St West - B4

Shopping 1: Barton Arcade, Deansgate - C1 2: House of Fraser, Deansgate - C4 3: Waterstones, Deansgate - C4

Manchester Quarters

Attraction

1: 42nd Street, Bootle St - C2 2: Albert Hall, Peter St - C3 3: HOME, Whitworth St West - C5 4: Manchester235, Great Northern Warehouse - C3 5: Odeon, Great Northern Warehouse - C3 6: Opera House, Quay St - B2 7: The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St - C5 8: The Milton Club, Deansgate - B3

Bar

Our homage to the golden age of high society, where deep rhythmic baselines writhe through the air and sweet botanicals tantalise the senses. The new home of exotic cuisine and sophisticated sipping looks forward to making your acquaintance. We welcome you to join us for Drinks, Lunch, Dinner or High Tea.All are accompanied by our aromatic beverages from faraway places. Reservations are recommended.

grandpacific.uk.com Grandpacific.mcr @GrandPacificmcr Address 50 Spring Gardens Manchester M2 1EN tel: +44 (0) 161 839 9365 Opening hours Sunday - Thursday: Noon - 12am Friday & Saturday: Noon - 1am

1: Brew Dog Bar, Peter St - D3 2: Cloud 23, Beetham Tower, Deansgate - B4 3: Dirty Martini, Deansgate - C2 4: Eperny, Watson St - C3 5: Kiellys, Watson St - C3 6: Panacea, Ridgefield - C1 7: Peveril of the Peak, Great Bridgewater St - D5 8: Salut Wines, Cooper S - E2 9: The Ape & Apple, John Dalton St - D1 10: The City Arms, Kennedy St - E2 11: The Deansgate, Deansgate - B5 12: The Odd Grapes, Little Quay St - B2 13: The Temple, Great Bridgewater St - E4 14: The Vine, Kennedy St - E2

Bar & Restaurant

1: Albert Sq Chop House, Albert Square - D2 2: Alberts Schloss, Peter St - C3 3: All Star Lanes, Great Northern Warehouse - C3 4: Almost Famous, Great Northern Warehouse - C3 5: Atlas, Deansgate - B5 6: Bock Bier, Tib Lane - D1 7: Duttons, Albert Square - D2 8: Impossible, Peters St - C3 9: Knott Bar, Deansgate - A5 10: Rain Bar, Great Bridgewater St - D5 11: Revolution Cuba, Peter St - C3 12: Slug & Lettuce, Albert Square - D2 13: The Brotherhood, Mount St - D2 14: The Directors Box, Booth St - E2 15: The Waterhouse, Princess St - E2 16: Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane - E1 17: Veeno, Brazennose St - D2 18: Vesper, Pall Mall - E1

Café

1: Bowlers, Mount St - D2 2: Central Library Cafe, St Peter’s Sq - D3 3: Grindsmiths, Deansgate - B3 4: John Rylands Cafe, Deansgate - C1 5: Mancini’s, Cooper St - E2 6: Salvi’s Cucina, John Dalton St - C1 7: The Fish Hut, Liverpool Rd - A4 8: The Sculpture Hall Cafe, Town Hall, Albert Sq - D2

Restaurant

1: Asha’s, Peter St - D3 2: Australaisa, The Avenue - C2 3: Ban Di Bui, Princess St - E2 4: Bills, John Dalton St - C1 5: Byron, Deansgate - C1 6: Caffe Grande Piccolino, Princess St - D2 7: Croma, Clarence St - E1 8: Dimitris, Deansgate - B4 9: Don Marco, Deansgate - B4 10: El Rincon de Rafa, Longworth St - B3 11: Evuna, Deansgate - B4 12: Gusto, Lloyd St - C2 13: Handmade Burger Co, Deansgate - C2 14: Hawksmoor, Deansgate - C2 15: James Martin, Great Northern Warehouse - B3 16: Lal Qila, Deansgate - B4 17: My Thai, John Dalton St - D1 18: Per Tutti, Liverpool Rd - B4 19: Pizza Express, Peter St - D3 20: Podium, Deansgate - B4 21: Rajdoot, Albert Square - D2 22: Reds True BBQ, Lloyd St - D2 23: Restaurant Bar & Grill, John Dalton St - C1 24: Rozafa, Princess St - E2 25: Sakana, Peter St - C3 26: Steak & Lobster, Windmill St - C3 27: Tampopo, Albert Square - D2 28: Zika, Watson St - C3

Manchester Quarters

Exchange Square Manchester Cathedral, Corn Exchange and the National Football Museum

Manchester’s Exchange Square was created out of the ashes of the 1996 IRA bombing of the city centre. Its reconstruction included a complete structural relocation, some 300 meters, of Shambles Square, home to Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, The Old Wellington Pub and now The Mitre Hotel, to its current location within Exchange Square. The Square was built with tiered walkways that are used for audience seating and standing when events are held in the space. There is a large free following water feature, cutting east and west across the square, and the space is adorned with two huge metal sunflower like sculptures and coal wagon structures. The Square serves as access to many key attractions in the city centre. Selfridges, The Arndale (one of the most visited shopping centres in the United Kingdom) and St Anne’s Square all offer great high street and designer shopping experiences. New Cathedral Street offers high-end luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Burberry. The Corn Exchange is dedicated to gastronomy. The central atrium with its huge glass roof is a window onto a wide variety of quality dining from leading restaurants including Tampopo, Salvi’s, Mowgli, Pho and Vapiano.

No matter what cuisine you are in the mood for, the Corn Exchange is going to try it’s best to help. The Printworks, once a newspaper publishing house, is packed with fun and entertainment venues serving food and drink before visiting the huge VUE IMAX cinema. Next door to the Printworks is the National Football Museum in the Urbis Building, a serpent like glass and steel edifice soaring into the sky. Its three floors of exhibition space celebrate Britain’s national game and it has the world’s finest collection of football memorabilia and artefacts along with many interactive displays [nationfootballmuseum.com].

Behind the Corn Exchange is Manchester Cathedral, started in the early 15th century, it became a Cathedral for the newly formed Manchester Diocese in 1847 and it was extensively renovated in 1882. The latest major work was to install underfloor heating in 2013. The cathedral is in regular use today and is often host to music performances from both classical and pop artists while its gardens are particularly attractive during the summer. Just beyond the Cathedral is another new refurbishment, Victoria Station, it’s worth popping in to view the large railway map wall mural and the modernist bubble roof.

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A stone’s from the square is Greengate Square which is an open public space used for outdoor entertainment and home to the Grindsmith coffee pod. On your way, look at the Chetham’s School of music whose history dates back to 1420s as a building which housed priests from the nearby Cathedral before Humphrey Chetham founded a charity school in 1653. The building became the independent music school it is today in 1969. The new school building, completed in 2015, was built to address the growing demand on space within the old complex. This new build is a testament to modern education with a price tag of £31million spent on its development.

2017 has seen the continuation of the project with major renovation work on historic site to remove the somewhat ugly modern buildings. This is likely to reveal parts of Manchester not seen in centuries. The Manchester Metrolink has been expanded with the opening of the second city crossing and new stop in Exchange Square. From here visitors can catch connections out of the city to Oldham and Rochdale.

— left Manchester Cathedral Victoria Street Manchester M3 1SX — above National Football Museum Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG

6 2 VICTORIA STATION

CHETMAN’S LIBRARY

Exchange Square

2 Cathedral Gardens

Greengate Sq

Corporation St

1 8

PRINTWORKS 6

5 1 3

Cathedral Approach

HARVEY NICHOLS

Withy Grove

5 10

Exchange Sq

MANCHESTER ARNDALE

Deansgate

Attraction

1: Arndale Centre, Exchange SQ - D3 2: Cheetham’s Library, Long Millgate - C1 3: Corn Exchange, Exchange SQ - C2 4: Hard Rock Cafe, Withy Grove - D2 5: Harvey Nichols, New Cathedral St - B3 6: Manchester Arena, Victoria Station - D1 7: Manchester Cathedral, Victoria St - B2 8: National Football Museum, Urbis Building - C1 9: Printworks, Withy Grove - D2 10: Selfridges, Exchange SQ - B3 11: The Birdcage, Withy Grove - D3 12: VUE IMAX, Printworks - D1

Bar & Restaurant

1: Crown & Anchor, Hilton St - B3 2: Hanging Ditch, Victoria St - A3 3: Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, Cathedral Approach - B3 4: The Mitre, Cathedral Approach - B3 5: The Old Wellington Pub, Cathedral Approach - B3 6: Tiger Tiger, Withy Grove - D2

Café

1: Café Football, Football Museum - C2 2: Grindsmiths, Greengate Sq - A1 3: Harvey Nichols Brasserie, Cathedral Approach - B3 4: Proper Tea, Careatan St - B2 5: Selfridges Café, Exchange SQ - B3

Manchester Quarters

First Street “We do things differently here” - Tony Wilson

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First Street is part of the southern border of the city centre, however this can be misleading as it less than 5 minutes walk from St Peters Square, one of the city’s main Metrolink hubs, and Piccadilly gardens is only 3 minutes from there. The site’s footprint is fairly large and from 1825 it was home to the vast Gaythorn Gas Works. Gas was produced there until 1929, when the site was converted to a gas distribution centre, and it was finally closed in 1953. The works were eventually demolished and the office block, known as Number One, was constructed with its first occupant being The British Council, in 1992, and subsequently British Telecom. The modern incarnation of First Street really has its beginnings in 2007 when Number One underwent a complete refurbishment. The site was muted as a possible new home for the BBC and when the ITV Granada Studios closed both broadcasters moved to Media City in Salford Quays. In fact the whole area is somewhat of an entertainment district, with the Bridgewater Hall opposite and Deansgate Locks across the road, with its bars, food offerings and the Manchester Comedy Club.

At the centre of First Street is Tony Wilson Place, named after the famed Manchester TV personality, Hacienda night club owner and originator of the phrase, “We do things differently here,” in praise of the city he called home. Here you will find the Manchester institution that is HOME, in its purpose built £25million complex. It has five cinema screens, two theatres, a large art gallery with a calendar of changing exhibitions, exploring international contemporary art, and a restaurant and bar. HOME was created by the merger of two of Manchester’s best cultural venues The Library Theatre and independent cinema Cornerhouse.

With the doors opening in 2015, HOME has proved a very popular destination for mancunians. It delivers exciting productions, world cinema and thought provoking art exhibitions. Soon after its opening it was joined by the 4 star Melia ‘Innside Hotel’ and its unmissable red cladding, in contrast to Home’s Dark Blue. This ten storey building towers over First Street. The district has grown rapidly over the last two years and has attracted some of Manchester’s more interesting food and drink entrepreneurs. The much acclaimed Indian Tiffin Room, oppposite the Innside, menu offers a mouth-watering selection of street-food dishes.

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The Laundrette serves great sharing boards, burgers and pizzas, not to mention their cocktails (try the Rum Passion) and the The Liquor Store is classy, smart and sassy with cocktails galore! MasterChef winner Simon Wood opened his first restaurant on Jack Rosenthal Street in 2017, expect a finedining experience in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere. Simon’s seasonal menus are a modern interruption of traditional flavours. Kettlebell Kitchen is all about being healthy and its concept of serving up clean ‘Fast Food’, think fresh, natural and nutritious and it has been a success with Manchester’s foodies.

Adding to the attractions at First Street is Junk Yard Golf; this is a real treat for those looking for something different. Yes it’s a bar but it also happens to have three nine hole ‘Crazy Golf’ courses constructed within it. This is a lot of fun, try for a hole-inone on the Skull Carousel, and it can make a great icebreaker for a group night out. The Gas Works, now you know why it’s called that, is a modern large bar that serves food and has its own inhouse brewery. First Street is also home to Pizza Express, Starbucks and the high street supermarket chain Sainburys.

Should you be travelling to Manchester by car it is worth knowing about QPark, located within the district, that offers some of the best value car parking in the city. As for the future, it is looking good for First Street with more buildings being erected you can expect further development and added attractions to this exciting new quarter in Manchester.

— centre Melia Innside and Junk Yard Golf First Street, Manchester

MEMBERSHIP Thrilling theatre and dance shows, great independent films and world cinema, and contemporary art galleries

Annual

Membership for only £30

Exclusive benefits include discounted cinema tickets, 10% off at the bar and in the bookshop, savings in the café, free priority bookings and Two Free cinema tickets

ART • CINEMA • RESTAURANT • THEATRE 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN homemcr.org | @home_mcr

Attraction 1: Anthony Burgess Foundation, Cambridge St - E3 2: HOME, Tony Wilson Place - B2

Bar & Restaurant 1: City Road Inn, Albion St - A1 2: Junk Yard Golf, First St - A2 3: The Gas Works, Jack Rosenthal St - B2 4: The Liquor Store, Jack Rosenthal St - C2

Other 1: Innside, First St - B2 2: Q Park, Anne Horniman St - C2 3: Sainsburys, Isabella Banks St - A2 4: Starbucks, Jack Rosenthal St - C1 5: Vita (student accomodation), Jack Rosenthal St - C2

Restaurant 1: Indian Tiffin Room, First St - A2 2: Kettlebell, Jack Rosenthal St - C2 3: Pizza Express, First St North - B2 4: Street on First, Innside - B2 5: The Laundrette Jack Rosenthal St - C3 6: Wood, Jack Rosenthal St - C2

Manchester Quarters

Northern Quarter Hip and trendy - boutiques, bars, clubs and restaurants

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Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a district defined by its location, came into being in the early 1990’s. A group of like minded people felt that the city needed a space where independent ventures could offer shopping experiences, entertainment, food and drink, thus the self styled ‘NQ’ was born. The Northern Quarter’s borders fluctuate a little, depending on who you talk to, however it is generally accepted that they are Great Ancoats St to Piccadilly and the Rochdale Canal and Shudehill. Prior to the NQ’s inception the area was a maze of disused warehouses and home to the Manchester ‘rag trade’, which in, recent years, has all but moved out to Cheetham Hill. Other trade establishments included the ‘Smithfield Wholesale Fish Market’, on High St, and the ‘Fish and Poultry Market’, both opened in 1873. Today the Fish Market is a residential space and the Manchester Craft and Design Centre (MC&DC) occupies the old Fish and Poultry Market building on Oak Street. Development of the Northern Quarter has, in the main, been very sensitive to the area’s heritage as an industrial zone. Successful efforts have been made to retain the industrial look and feel of the area.

These almost abandoned, red brick Victorian buildings and warehouses have proved to be ideal for developing into bars, cafes, entertainment centres, hotels and shopping units. Many of the modern venues celebrate their history incorporating exposed original brickwork, iron columns and girders as part of their design and infrastructure, check out Trof on Thomas St. Today the ‘NQ’ offers visitors a cornucopia of attractions, such as independent retailers on Oldham St and Tib St, Craft Beer focused bars, afternoon tea shops, restaurants, dedicated music venues, bespoke Arts and Crafts and clubbing.

The ‘NQ’ streets and buildings even attract film makers from Hollywood, Pinewood and TV production companies. Marvels ‘Captain America’ used Dale Street as a New York District and Guy Richie’s ‘Sherlock’ movies found ‘Old London town’ in local alleys and pathways. So don’t be surprised if you turn a corner to discover a ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ scene happening, you might even find yourself in it if your luck’s in. With so much going on in the Northern Quarter you may need to move here to experience it all.

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TARIFF & DALE

Shopping

The ‘NQ’ is a hive of independent retailers and specialist shops. Oldham St alone offers a tattoo and piercing parlour, retro and vintage clothing stores plus new and second hand vinyl record shops. Tib St has the excellent ‘Beermoth’ dedicated to craft beers and the bespoke clothing and corset maker Kiku. It is also home to several independent barbers and hairstylists, should you need one... To celebrate your inner geek why not while away some time in comic book heaven at Fan Boy 3 (Stevenson Sq), Forbidden Planet (Oldham St) or Travelling Man (Dale St).

Fancy taking a new skill away with you? Manchester craft supplies stalwart Fred Aldous, on Stephenson Square, has its own Ministry of Crafts school. The infamous Afflecks, on Tib St, is an eclectic 4 floors containing over 70 specialist retailers and indie stall holders, making almost every visitor’s ‘must do’ list including Lady Gaga who couldn’t resist a visit when she recently performed in Manchester. The fabulous Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Oak St, is home to over 30 independent designers’ studios crafting a variety of handmade work including ceramics, textiles and jewellery.

Voted one of the 25 coolest Restaurants in Britain by The Times. Tariff & Dale is set out over two floors in a converted Cotton Spinner’s mill. It was created in the ‘New York Loft’ style with the bar and restaurant making use of the buildings authenticity. The ground floor bar serves high quality drinks in a little bit of luxury and a democratic environment. Classic cocktails are made with the Tariff & Dale creativity and the best of British craft beers are always on tap. The basement restaurant has a stark elegance that sets the scene for classic cuisine with a modern influence. Its menu is a straight tribute to good food and expert cooking with a deep appreciation of the best local produce. tariffanddale.com @tariffdale Address 2 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF tel: +44 (0) 161 710 2233 Opening hours Daily - From 10am

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Manchester Quarters

STOVEPIPE

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Stovepipe is located in the trendy Northern Quarter and is popular with drinks enthusiasts, craft beer lovers and foodies. With its rustic décor, cosy lighting and big sofas you can expect a nicely chilled out atmosphere; friendly, relaxed and welcoming. The bar is stocked with great craft ales of the moment, both local to Manchester and the wider UK. Its signature cocktails connect new to old with references to the building’s former past as a Victorian milliner’s warehouse and hat shop. The menu offers a selection of sharing boards, and smaller dishes, plus ‘The Brunch’ that is served every day until 4pm, great after a late night out! stovepipeMcr Address 60-62 High Street M4 1EA tel: +44 (0) 161 839 8755 Opening hours Monday to Friday - 7.30am to 11pm Saturday - 7.30am to 1am Sunday - 9am to 11pm

Food and Drink

The Northern Quarter is perhaps most famous for its drinking and eating establishments, in fact the choice can be bewildering. Tariff St with a length of a mere 100 meters has 6 venues on one side. This kind of dense packing of bars, restaurants and other venues is the ‘NQ’ norm. Almost every bar offers a selection of cocktails, however we like the choices proffered by Walrus, High St, such as the ‘321 Boom’ or try the selection at the American ‘speak-easy’ styled ‘Dusk till Porn’, Stevenson Sq. Real ales and beers are the staple drinks of the ‘NQ’, we can recommend Port St Beer House, on Port St or Pie & Ale, off Lever St, with its vast selection of bottles and its changing selection of hand pulled Manchester brewed beers. At the Marble Brewery, 57 Thomas St, drinkers can enjoy beers from one of Manchester’s best known brewers with offerings such as the eponymously named ‘Pint’ or the ‘Lagonda’ plus a large selection of Belgium Beers. If you’re a fan of the dark stuff, try the delicious Chocolate Marble. Find ‘Beermoth’ on Tib St and you enter a beer drinker’s heaven. This off licence is small but packed with such an array of imported and specialist ales, beers and ciders you will need a truck to get even a small selection home [more in the Food & Drink section]. It’s not all drink, for the Northern Quarter can quench your thirst and hunger for afternoon tea, cakes, coffee and handmade chocolates. Try the ‘Tea Cup’, Thomas St, for afternoon tea, ‘North Tea Power’, Tib St, for great coffee and teas and artisan chocolates at ‘Bonbon Chocolate Boutique’, John St, but leave your diet behind... And after ‘all that’ if you’re still feeling hungry? Never fear the ’NQ’ comes to the rescue, yet again. Looking for quality food then head

to ‘The Northern Quarter’ restaurant (TNQ), High St, with its locally sourced fish, meat and vegetables you’re assured of a fine dining experience. Trof, 8 Thomas St, offers good pub food, in its nice comfortable spaces, and their traditional Sunday Lunch is always in high demand. Chicken your thing? Then check out ‘Yard and Coop’, Edge St, its chicken with a ‘secret’ crumb-coating combined with its ‘Chip Shop Chic’. The ‘NQ’ has a good choice of international cuisines with several Middle Eastern Cafes on Thomas St or the ‘This and That’, a simple curry cafe, hidden round the corner from Trof. El Capo, Tariff St, is a Mexicans delight and will re-invigorate even the most tired Bandito with its authentic Tacos and Mexican beer and eyeboggling selection of imported tequila. Tariff & Dale on Tariff St is another popular haunt serving up good food, swish cocktails and a must try is the Meantime breweries Yakima Red. Pizzas may be ‘a run of the mill’ choice, however Ply, Lever St, or Rudy’s, Cutting Room Square, create great pizzas cooked in a traditional pizza ovens.

— right Band on the Wall Craig Charles - Funk & Soul Club 25 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ

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Live Music, Dancing and Clubs

Long before the birth of the ’NQ’ live music was performed to appreciative audiences. Band on the Wall, Swan St, so named because a landlord in 1930’s installed a band stage halfway up an inside wall, is home to not-for-profit ‘Inner City Music’ charity. Within its walls you find a full diary of live music and education programmes created to help young and aspiring musicians. The long established Night and Day Pub or Gullivers, both on Oldham Street, host a full diary of live music from touring and local bands and serve some great beers too!

Meanwhile on Tib St, Matt & Phreds is the city’s premier Jazz venue with saloon like seating, a long bar and raised stage where you will see the very best Jazz performers and touring artists. It is a key venue for the hugely successful Manchester Jazz Festival, 10 days of live music across the city annually during July. If music isn’t your thing The Frog and Bucket, on Oldham St, is a Manchester comedy hotspot which launched the careers of Peter Kay, Jason Mansford and Sarah Millican. It has a full calendar of events including supporting up and coming talent and is it stage is on the touring schedule for established comedians.

Many of the Northern Quarters bars have DJ’s spinning the decks into the early hours, especially across the long Thursday/Sunday weekend. Some of the venues are dedicated clubs and you may need to book tickets to get in. Mint, Oldham St, is a basement nightclub open Fridays and Saturdays until 4am and is home to the ‘Funkademia’ club. You could even try to get tickets for the monthly Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club at Band on Wall, Swan St. If you’re up for a full nighter then the Warehouse Project (WHP) whose events season runs from September to December at Store St Car Park.

Manchester Quarters

Bar

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1: Apotheca, Thomas St - B2 2: Bar21, Thomas St - B2 3: Burton Arms, Swan St - C1 4: Castle Hotel, Oldham St - D3 5: Cord, Dorsey St - C2 6: Cottonopolis, Newton St - D4 7: Crown & Kettle, Oldham Rd - D2 8: Dusk till Porn, Stevenson Sq - C3 9: Fringe Bar, Swan St - D1 10: Guilty, Stevenson Sq - D3 11: Gullivers, Oldham St - D2 12: Hula Tikki Bar, Stevenson Sq - D3 13: Jimmys, Newton St - D4 14: Keno Moku, High St - B2 15: Liquor & Burn, High St - B2 16: Lost in Tokyo, Stevenson Sq - D4 17: Mother Macs, Little Lever St - C4 18: Night & Day, Oldham St - C3 19: NOHO, Stevenson Sq - C3 20: Piccadilly Tavern, Piccadilly - C5 21: Port St Beer House, Port St - E4 22: Scuttlers Wine Bar, Shudehill - A2 23: Smithfield Market Tavern, Swan St - C1 24: Stage & Radio, Port St - E4 25: Sugars Rays, Newton St - D4 26: The City, Oldham St - D2 27: The Fitzgerald, Little Lever St - D3 28: The Hare & Hounds, Shudehill - A1 29: The Library Bar NQ, Tarrif St - E4 30: The Lower Turks Head, Shudehill - A2 31: The Northern, Tib St - C3 32: The Whiskey Jar, Tariff St - E4 33: The Wonder Bar, Shudehill - A1 34: Tusk, High St - B2 35: Twenty Two, Little Lever St - C4

Bar & Restaurant

1: Able Heywood, Turner St - B3 2: Affleck & Brown, Thomas St - C3 3: Allotment, Dale St - C4 4: Bakerie, Lever St - D3 5: Black Dog Ballroom, Tib St - B3 6: BLUU, High St - B2 7: Cane & Grain, Thomas St - B2 8: Common, Edge St - B2 9: Crafty Pig, Oldham St - B4 10: Crown & Anchor, Hilton St - D4 11: El Capo, Tariff St - D4 12: Favelas, Hilton St - E5 13: Floc, Stevenson Sq - D3 14: Hold Fast Cafe Bar, Hilton St - D4

15: Kosmonaut, Tariff St - D4 16: Odd Bar, Thomas St - B2 17: Pie & Ale, Lever St - D3 18: Ply, Stevenson Sq - D3 19: Q Bar, Newton St - D4 20: Rosy Lee, Stevenson Sq - D3 21: Shack, Hilton St - D4 22: Soup Kitchen, Spear St - C3 23: Stovepipe, High St - A3 24: Tariff & Dale, Tariff St - D4 25: Terrace, Thomas St - B2 26: The Ancoats Lad, Oldham Rd - C2 27: The Bay Horse, Thomas St - B2 28: The Blue Pig, High St - B2 29: The English Lounge, High St - A2 30: The Millstone, Thomas St - C3 31: The Wheatsheaf, Oak St - C2 32: Thomas St Beer House, Thomas St - B2 33: Tib St Tavern, Tib St - C2 34: Trof, Thomas St - A2 35: Walrus, High St - B2 36: Yard & Coop, Edge St - B2

Café

1: Alabamas, Newton St - D4 2: Black Milk, Oldham St - D2 3: BonBon Chocolate Boutique, John St - B3 4: Café North, Shudehill - B1 5: Cat Café, High St - B2 6: Chai Latte, Stevenson Sq - D3 7: Chapter One, Lever St - C4 8: Evelyns, Tib St - C3 9: Ezra & Gill, Hilton St - D4 10: Federal, High St - A2 11: Home Sweet Home, Edge St - C2 12: Infamous Dinner, High St - A2 13: Kingfisher Fish & Chips, Tib St - C2 14: Koffee Pot, Oldham St - D2 15: Leos Fish Bar, Oldham St - B4 16: Nexus Art Café, Dale St - C4 17: Nibble, Oldham St - C3 18: North Star Piccadilly, Dale St - D5 19: North Tea Power, Tib St - B3 20: Oké Poké - Church St - C3 21: Oklahoma, High St - A2 22: Pie Minister, Church St - B3 23: Slice Pizzeria, Stevenson Sq - D3 24: Sugar Junction, Tib St - C3 25: Takk, Tariff St - D4 26: Teacup, Thomas St - B2 27: The Art of Hope, Tibb St - D2 28: The Foudation Coffee Shop, Lever St - C4

29: The Mahabra, Back Piccadilly - C4 30: The Pen & Pencil, Tariff St - E4 31: This & That, Soap St - A2 32: West CNR, Stevenson Sq - C3 33: Wok-n-Go, Piccadilly - D5 34: Ziferblat, Edge St - B2

Entertainment

1: Band on the Wall, Swan St - D1 2: Frog & Bucket, Oldham St - D2 3: Matt & Phreds, Tib St - C3 4: Mint, Oldham St - C3 5: Printworks, Withy Grove - A1 6: The Ruby Lounge, High St - A3

Gallery/Museum

1: Aatma (event space), Stevenson Sq - D3 2: Chinese Craft CCFA, Thomas St - B2 3: Police Museum, Newton St - D4

Restaurant

1: {63}, High St - B2 2: Bem Brasil, Great Ancoats St - E2 3: Bundobust, Piccadilly - C5 4: Dough, High St - B2 5: Earth, Turner St - B2 6: El Taquero, Back Turner St - B2 7: Evuna, Thomas St - C3 8: Fress, Oldham St - C3 9: Solita, Turner St - B3 10: Sweet Mandarin, High St - B2 11: The NQ Restaurant, High St - B2 12: The Pasta Factory, Shudehill - B1 13: Turtle Bay, Oldham St - C3 14: V-Rev (Vegan), Edge St - B2

Shopping

1: Afflecks, Tib St - B3 2: Beer Moth, Tib St - C3 3: Clampdon Records, Paton St - D5 4: Craft & Design Centre, Oak St - C2 5: Fan Boy 3, Hilton St - D4 6: Forbidden Planet, Oldham St - C3 7: Fred Aldus, Stevenson Sq - C3 8: Piccadilly Records, Oldham St - C3 9: Real Camera Co., Lever St - C4 10: Retro Rehab, Oldham St - C3 11: Richard Goodall Gallery, Thomas St - B2 12: Rockers, Oldham St - C3 13: Travelling Man Comics, Dale St - C4 14: Vinyl Exchange, Oldham St - C3 15: Vinyl Revival, Thomas St - C3

Manchester Quarters

Spinningfields Cocktails, drinks, food and big brand shopping experiences

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Spinningfields is one Manchester’s must visit destinations and is nestled between Deansgate on the East and the river Irwell to the West. Within it you will discover a busy world all set around large open spaces. Spinningfields Square, next to the John Rylands Library, is a regular host to the Makers Market and is home to the underground restaurant Australasia (look for the glass pyramid). Through day and night, the beating heart of the city’s most vibrant quarter combines world-class architecture, retail, offices and living spaces with the region’s best restaurants, creative outdoor spaces and more alfresco dining options than anywhere else in the region. Discerning foodies will find solace at Aiden Byrne’s Manchester House or tapas restaurant, Iberica from Michelin Star Chef, Nacho Manzano. Alternatively, a short walk toward to Gartside Street will take you to contemporary Chinese restaurant and celebrity favourite, Tattu whilst Spinningfields Square is home to the sophisticated subterranean Australasia. On The Avenue, Brazilian restaurant, Fazenda and the Lebanais food focused Comptior Libanais are only a stone’s throw from another Manchester favourite, The Oast House.

Outside this rebuilt 16th Century malting house, moved brick-by-brick from Kent, is a large open space used for outdoor seating and it plays regular host to muisc and other entertainment. The estate’s newest addition, Leftbank is home to The Kitchens, where award winning casual and independent food cafés, such as Beatro and Platzi, sit alongside a tranquil waterfront setting. These cafés are alongside The Garden an inner-city oasis that plays host to seasonal events, movie nights, supper clubs and is available for private hire, providing the Spinningfields community with the perfect place to while away the hours.

The Leftbank is home to popular Indian restaurant, Scene as well as household names Zizzi, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Dockyard and Slug and Lettuce. If it’s a spot of shopping that you’re after, head straight to The Avenue where you’ll be spoilt for choice with fashion retailers including Flannels, Mulberry and Oliver Sweeney. Emporio Armani has one of its flagship stores on Spinningfields Square, housed in an impressive modern edifice. This is next door to the John Rylands Library, a marvel of Gothic architecture, and Australasia’s modern pyramid style entrance

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Artisan

Set in a vast 12,000 square foot, semi-industrial space on the first floor of The Avenue North in Spinningfields, Manchester. Cooking goes back to basics in the fire, with pizzas, meat and fish it is casual dining at its best. Think artist’s loft studio meets concrete warehouse: stripped back and raw. Showcasing sculptures, murals, art installations. Open all day, everyday, serving brunch on weekends as well as lacing the city with music and drink into the night. There’s also the beautiful independent florist, David Wayman, who can create some of the most beautiful bouquets in the city. Elsewhere, you’ll find the jeweller, Philip Stoner, whilst the monthly weekend Makers Markets bring some of Manchester’s best known independent traders to the estate. The Avenue has many alfresco dining options; choose from the bustling Thaikun, The Oast House or Wahu each of which boast some of best outside terraces in the city. Avenue North is home to Aiden Bryne’s Manchester House and the exciting Lounge on the 12th a stylish bar with wide vistas across the city.

For after dinner drinks, look no further than The Alchemist, renowned for its cocktail menu and it’s only a short walk to Spinningfields’ favourites, Neighbourhood and Artisan.

artisan.uk.com @Artisan_MCR

— above Artisan Avenue North, Bridge St Spinningfields M3 3BZ

Address Avenue North Spinningfields M3 3BZ tel: +44 (0) 161 832 4181 manchester@artisan.uk.com Opening hours Daily - from Midday

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THE ALCHEMIST

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A cocktail bar & restaurant that celebrates molecular mixology, alchemy and craftsmanship. Drinks are served in all manner of vessels with theatre and panache with food served morning, noon and night. Changing colours, dry ice, hot and cold sensations and elements of nostalgia can all be found within the four walls of the menu. And now open at Media City in the purpose build ‘The Bund’.

thealchemist.uk.com @alchemist Locations 3 Hardman St Spinningfields M3 3HF tel: +44 (0) 161 817 2950 1 New York St Manchester, M1 4HD tel: +44 (0) 161 228 3856 The Bund, The Quays Media City M50 3AB Opening hours Daily - from 10am

Finally, take a look at ‘Through No. 3’, Spinningfields’ bespoke piece of public art created by Liz West, residing in Hardman Square will cloak Spinningfields in colour. This allow visitors to see the estate transformed into a new light. Spinningfields is a truly unique city quarter, providing Manchester with spectrum-wide innovation. Food and drink, international retail, bespoke art and much sought after green space come together in the heart of the region’s most exciting city quarter, making it the perfect place for visitors to explore and residents to call home.

— above The Oast House The Avenue Courtfield Spinningfields M3 3AY

Irwell St 2 11

Bridge St

3 18 8 10

Spinningﬁelds 1

8 1

4 6

5 12

1 3

4 13

Hardman St 1

17 7

The Avenue

Quay St Deansgate

Attraction

1: Old Granada Studio, Atherton St - B3 2: Opera House, Quay St - D3 3: People’s History Museum, Left Bank - C1 4: The John Rylands Library, Deansgate - D2

Bar & Restaurant

1: Lounge on 12, Tower 12, Bridge St - C1 2: The Alchemist, The Avenue North - C2 3: The Dockyard, Leftbank - B2 4: The Oast House, The Avenue - C2 5: The Slug & Lettuce, Gartside St - B2

Café

1: Bagel & Nosh, Hardman St - C2 2: Beastro, Irwell Square - B2 3: Carluccio’s, Hardman Square - C2 4: Costa, Bridge St - D1 5: ITSU, Hardman Boulevard - C2 6: John Rylands Cafe, Deansgate - D2 7: Nudo - Sushi Box, Spinningfields Sq - D2 8: Platzki, Irwell Square - B2 9: Pret-a-Manger, Hardman Square - C2 10: Yard Food Shop, Irwell Square - B2

Restaurant

1: Artisan, Avenue North - D2 2: Australaisa, The Avenue - E2 3: Comptoir Libanais, The Avenue - D2

4: Fazenda, The Avenue - D2 5: Gourmet Burger Co, Leftbank - B1 6: Grand Pacific, The Avenue - D2 7: Iberica, The Avenue - C2 8: Manchester House, Tower 12, Bridge St - D1 9: Nando’s, Hardman St - D3 10: Neighbourhood, Avenue North - D2 11: Scene, Gartside St - B2 12: Tattu, Hardman St - B2 13: Thaikhun, The Avenue - D2 14: The Menagerie, New Baily St - B1 15: The Refinery, Hardman Boulevard - B2 16: Wagmama, Spinningfields Sq - D2 17: Wahu, The Avenue - D2 18: Zizzi, Leftbank - B2

Manchester Quarters

Salford Quays Art, shopping, theatre and Media City

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Salford Quays was originally part of the Victorian expansion of the Manchester Ship Canal. It opened at the end of the 19th Century to provide improved cargo services and warehouse storage for the bustling world trade centre that was Manchester or Cottonopolis as it was known. However, by the time that containerisation became the shipment method of choice, the Manchester Ship Canal simply was not deep enough to support the colossal new ships. By the end of the 1970’s the docks were in decline and finally ceased operations in 1982. Salford Council acquired the land in 1983 and with the help of new investment and a major redevelopment plan the space was rebranded ‘Salford Quays’ and ground was broken in 1985. The docks were modified to create new internal waterways, bridges, roads and houses were built and the Lowry Arts Centre was established at the end of Pier 8. Today the whole area is a major visitor attraction; within its spaces you will find the Lowry shopping mall complete with a cinema and bargains galore, the Imperial War Museum, the iconic Old Trafford, home to Manchester United, art galleries, bars, restaurants and the Lowry Theatre.

Further investment has brought the much-heralded Media City, the UK hub for television and radio, to the Quays. Opened in 2011 it is now home to both of the UK’s national television broadcasters the BBC and ITV. The city centre Granada TV studios closed in 2014, which required recreating the world famous Coronation Street in a purpose built waterside complex. If you get a good vantage point, you can see the chimney pots poking over the top. The BBC offers guided studio tours of their lots and facilities, you may even get the chance to make your own news or weather bulletin in an interactive studio [bbc.co.uk/showsandtours].

Shows such as The Voice and Countdown are also filmed here for which you can get free tickets if you apply in good time. With this new lease of life, restaurants and bars seem to appear overnight with Alchemist, Grindsmiths, Damson and the Lowry’s Pier 8 currently leading the way.

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The Quays are full of contemporary architecture, with the Lowry Theatre or across the water the imposing Imperial War Museum and when dark falls the whole area looks like a massive Christmas tree. Visitors can explore the permanent sculpture trail scattered around the waterways and quays. The art animates the rich industrial history and tells the stories of the men and women who lived and work on the docks [thelowryusq. com]. The Lowry Centre has a permanent display of local hero L.S Lowry’s work, an interesting film about him and hosts a calendar of rotating exhibitions in its dedicated galleries.

Its 3 theatres are used for national and local touring shows and productions [thelowry.com]. The IWM looks at how war continues to shape people and their lives. Visit its huge galleries and watch the large video installations that focus on the historical impact of war on the nation. You will be moved by the personal stories of the serving forces and their families left at home. Sport is synonymous to the area with The Quays being home to Salford Watersports Centre, Manchester United Football Club and is a stone’s throw from Old Trafford Cricket Ground which is regularly host to open air concerts.

All this is merely a 15 minute tram ride from Manchester’s city centre, making it one of the top places to visit while in Greater Manchester.

— centre Media City Salford Quays

Manchester Quarters

Student & University World class education and Nobel Prize winning research

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Manchester is a world class centre for further education with its universities and higher education institutions focusing on a diverse range of disciplines. You can study everything from English literature to physics and even musical training at the world renowned Royal Northern College of Music. The city centre University district is housed in and around Oxford Road. Here you will find the Campuses of the University of Manchester, the Manchester Metropolitan University and the RNCM seeing over 85,000, 18+ year old, students each year. In fact Manchester has over 14 higher education institutes including the popular University of Salford, just outside of the main city centre. Given all this activity the huge body of students also find time to enjoy the city and its attractions with clubs and bars creating special nights, events and discounts to provide entertainment. For example ‘The Academy’ is a music venue, run by the Students Union, where major international stars such as Kylie, Grace Jones and Prince have performed on its stages. But it’s not all about partying; this is best reflected by the world class research that Manchester’s universities deliver and partnerships with institutions and the private sector.

For example since 1908, the University of Manchester has had 25 Nobel Prize laureates among its staff. And In 2010, Konstantin Novoselov and Andre Geim shared the Noble Prize for Physics for their research into the properties of Graphene. With such successes Manchester continues to draw interest from across the world and its universities are changing to reflect the worldwide need for higher education. The University of Manchester alone has just completed a 10 year investment plan of £350million to develop new facilities, teaching programmes and environments. Many of the graduates of the Manchester’s universities are snapped up by worldwide research and development companies. Engineering graduates can often be found working in the UK’s world leading North-West aeronautics and automobiles industries.

Students can follow in the footsteps of famous Manchester students such as Alex Garland, Jeanette Winterson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Elton, Alan Turing and The Chemical Brothers, success can be a stone’s throw away. In a recent study by KPMG, Manchester was ranked as the most competitive location to do business surpassing cities such as Paris, Berlin and Rome. KPMG have put their money where their mouth is with opening a huge new office in St Peters Square. So the future is bright for graduates from what is now being referred to, by public and private sector business, as the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ which is now benefiting from substantial investment from the both the European Union and the UK Government.

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Student Support and Living

Placed at the heart of campus, the University of Manchester Students’ Union is the hub of student life. They understand better than anyone that student life isn’t just about studying. It’s about supporting change; helping students make friends, gain vital skills for life, enjoy new experiences and campaign on something important. The Students’ Union building was constructed in the 1950s when there were only 4,000 students studying at Manchester. It is the largest Students’ Union in the country, it has been facilitating that for the last 155 years, and its purpose is to be the voice of 40,000 members.

SIt supports the students in getting the most from their time in Manchester, and there’s no better example of this than the 487 student societies. Encouraging all manner of societies, if a student can’t find the one, they’ll assist them every step of the way in setting one up themselves. Its impact is far from just internally facing and it organises a range of volunteering and fundraising projects that raised £283,395 for causes both in Manchester and across the globe in 2015. Moving to a new city is never easy, which is why the Union invest so much time and resource in its independent and confidential Advice Service.

Last year its team of trained Advisors supported over 2,000 students on a range of matters to make their time in Manchester as stress and carefree as possible.

— above MMU Library Interior Manchester Metropolitan University (cc) Birely

Greater Manchester - Bury

Bury Town A historic Lancashire town and wealth of interesting and exciting attractions

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Bury Town is a suburb of Greater Manchester and is easily reached from the city centre in less than 30 minutes, either on the tram or by car. A trip to Bury can make for a rewarding day out: its many attractions include the beautifully restored East Lancashire Railway. Its 12 miles of track explores the stunning local scenery, passing through local towns such as Summerseat, and chugging past a considerable amount of real-ale pubs, providing you with inspiration for your next ‘country walk with a pub at the end’ mission. There are three excellent museums, there’s the Art Museum and Sculpture Centre where you will encounter works from Victorian artists such as William Turner right through to modern art pieces by the likes of Lawrence Weiner and Jane Dyer. Across the road The Fusilier Museum delves into over 300 years of regimental military history (it is also the local Tourist Information centre). This excellent museum is home to the collections of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The regiment was established in 1688 and the museum tells its story right up to the present day. The third institution is the Bury Transport Museum and within its halls you will discover the industrial heritage of the Northwest.

With its collection of stunningly restored vehicles, original artefacts and interactive exhibits you can explore the working lives of people from the early 20th century. You may be surprised to learn that Robert Peel, who founded London’s Metropolitan Police Force, was born in Bury. He was also the founder of the British Conservative Party and was twice British Prime Minister. Outside St Mary’s - the town’s parish church - you will find an attractive square, which was originally home to the village market, and at its centre is a large statue of Robert Peel. This 3.5m high bronze was created by Edward Hodges, originally for London’s Trafalgar Square. St Mary’s is the highest point in the town and there has been a church on this site for over 1000 years.

The present church is Victorian in date and is worth peeking into, not least to have a gaze at the highly decorative floor. Take a short walk around the gardens and you’ll come across large memorial slabs that have been repurposed as flagstones. Reading these will give you some insight into the history of the people of Bury, Summer is a lovely time to visit Bury as you will find it decked out with ornamental flower displays and hanging baskets galore. The town is a multiple winner of the coveted ‘Britain in Bloom’ award.

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An evening in Bury can be a highly pleasant one, with several good pubs serving quality food and drink. The Clarence, on Silver Street, offers good fayre and real beer enthusiasts should try the Silver Street ‘Session’ pale ale. This, and a few other tipples, is brewed in the pub’s basement. Once you are fed and watered you may choose to attend a performance at The Met. It is the performance heart of the Town and its stage is home to touring shows and local productions alike and has a strong focus on music performance. Recently refurbished, it’s one of the best theatres in Gtr Manchester, with spacious auditoriums and a new bar.

Bury has a world famous market, open from Monday to Saturday, and has been voted ‘Market of the Year’ on four separate occasions. A huge fire engulfed the old buildings in 1968, totally destroying them, but blitz spirit prevailed and in 1971 the present building was opened. Today you will find fresh local produce, a hall specialising in Fish and Meat and an outdoor open market with over 300 stalls to tempt you.

The Rock shopping centre offers shoppers several high street brands. At night it transforms into a playground with restaurants, a 24-lane bowling alley and multi-screen cinema. — centre Bury Fusiliers Museum Bury in Bloom 2016 — above Peel Statue and Parish Church

Greater Manchester - Bury

Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre

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Showcases the best of international and local art and is the perfect place to enjoy contemporary exhibitions and discover more about the history of Bury. The museum programme is supported by a range of events and activities that encourage visitors to further explore and enjoy the shows and collections. Historic and contemporary works and objects are juxtaposed to provoke questions and present visual prompts that seek to inspire and challenge visitors to make their own connections and develop their own ideas. Exhibitions and the collections are shown in the context of a contemporary dialogue to develop object conversations. The Museum opened in 1901 as a purpose-built gallery to house and display a collection of Victorian oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, drawings, sculpture and Wedgwood plaques formed by local paper manufacturer, Thomas Wrigley. Over the last century, Bury’s art collection has developed, but its outstanding strength remains the collection of 19th century British art, including works by Turner, Constable, Landseer and Clausen. Since 2000 the Gallery has embarked on an ambitious programme of commissioning contemporary art. The building is a grade II listed and is regarded as the finest in the town. In 2014 a sculpture gallery was added and allows the Gallery to continue to develop its ambitious programming and further its portfolio of International work; exhibitors include Lawrence Weiner, Auke de Vries and Richard Wilson Through its temporary exhibition programme, Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre is developing a reputation as a leading player in showing contemporary art in the North West of England.

The gallery’s aim is to show high quality art in new contexts and to make it understandable for people of all ages, no matter what their background. The Gallery broadens its appeal to new audiences through its programme of workshops and educational activities. As well as the excellent programme of exhibitions and events, visitors to Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre can also enjoy a unique shopping experience in Bury Art Shop. Relax with lovely refreshments at Tina’s Tearoom which serves coffee, a selection of teas, soup, freshly made sandwiches and a tempting selection of cakes and afternoon tea.

The gallery is located in the town centre and it is 50 yards from the bus and Metrolink interchange. Bury Art Museum Moss St, Culture Quarter, Bury BL9 0DR BuryArtMuseum.co.uk tel: +44 (0) 161 253 5878 Opening times: Tuesday to Friday 10:00-17:00 Saturday 10:00-16:30 Closed bank holidays — above A Couplet by Hsiao-Chi Tsai & Kimiya Yoshikawa

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The East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway is the North West’s premier heritage railway, located in the heart of Bury and easily accessible by major road links and public transport, just a 30 minute journey via Metrolink from Manchester. The award-winning railway spans a twelve mile line through the beautiful Irwell Valley, from Heywood in the east to Rawtenstall in the north, passing through Bury, Burrs Country Park, Summerseat, Ramsbottom and the scenic Irwell Vale along the way. There are plenty of things to see and do around the line and stations are well equipped with cafés, real ale pubs, gift shops and even a museum.

Choose from a range of menus; from a four course, silver service evening diner to a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. If fine ale is more your thing well you are in luck as the railway boasts two CAMRA award winning real ale pubs. ‘The Trackside’ is located on Platform 2 at Bury Bolton Street Station and has a large beer garden overlooking the line with up to twelve real ales and twelve ciders ready to try. ‘Buffer Stops’ is a cosy bar at Rawtenstall Station and is great place to try out some of the area’s most popular real ales whilst watching the engines run round. Those looking to sample a range of ales from the local area should hop aboard the “Rail Ale Trail” for a guided tour through the area’s history and most excellent pubs, it even includes a steam train ride. The railway has a busy events calendar, whether you’re looking for some family fun, choose to spend a Day Out with Thomas or soak up the seasonal spirit on the Santa Specials. Fancy soaking up a bit of nostalgia? Experience the railway’s mighty steam galas or award winning 1940s Weekend. Every stop is a start with the East Lancashire Railway! Another attraction is the Bury Transport Museum, housed in the Castlecroft Goods Warehouse, close to Bury Bolton Street Station. It is home to vintage vehicles, transport memorabilia and interactive exhibits and add to an immersive experience exploring the North West’s transport past. Looking for something different? Try a trip back in time to sample the sophistication of dining by steam train? The railway runs regular steam engine hauled luxury dining excursions where passengers can relax in and enjoy the opulent surrounds of Orient Express style carriages while indulging in a fine dining experience.

The East Lancashire Railway Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY eastlancsrailway.org.uk tel: +44 (0) 161 764 7790 Bury Transport Museum Castlecroft Rd, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0LB tel: 0161 763 7949 Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm and Bank Holidays — left 34092 - City of Wells Irwell River Bridge, Waterside Rd, Bury

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Greater Manchester - Bury

The Bury Fusilier Museum

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The Museum is home to the XX Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers collection, commemorating over 300 years of history and heritage. The regiment is part of the Queens Division formed in 1968, which is when it received its new name, and 2018 will be its 50th anniversary. Commemorating this milestone the museum is planning on opening a new exhibition and an artist will be creating works inspired by the museum and the day-to-day life of the Fusiliers. Opened in 1934 it examines the history of the regiment, how it has changed since its founding in 1688 and the countries it soliders have served in. This extensive collection of militaria features many original pieces including soldiers’ uniforms, equipment and historical documents.It offers visitors a close look at the personal social history, deeds and values of the Fusiliers. The Lancashire Fusiliers have been awarded nineteen Victoria Crosses, eighteen of which were awarded in the First World War, more than any other regiment in that conflict. Today the Museum holds seven VCs as part of its medal collection, including two of the six awarded ‘before breakfast’ to the 1st Battalion at Gallipoli in 1915. The recently installed ‘Rose Window’, created by artist Bridget Jones, is a replacement for one removed during WW2. It represents the artistic and cultural history of Bury as well as highlighting connections with Lowry, the cotton industry, building design, and the Fusilier regiments’ histories. The 2017 family events have been inspired by characters and themes in the window. Family history is an important part of the museum’s work. If a member of your family has served in the regiment you can research their military service history.

This is supported by a wealth of documents, books and diaries all about the Lancashire Fusiliers, which you can access by making an appointment [check website for details]. The Fusiliers Regimental Memorial is just outside the museum in the ‘Gallipoli Garden’. The garden is named to commemorate those who fell in that campaign and is an important part of Bury’s Armistice Day, held annually on 11th November. The museum’s events calendar is full of free family friendly activities such as The Big Draw a fun sketching opportunity or craft sessions, family tours and storytelling.

An adult ticket is £4.95 with family tickets and concessions available. Each of these tickets offers free return entrance, to the museum, for a full 12 months after its issue. It is across the road from the Bury Art Museum and both are less than 5 minutes walk from the Metrolink stop. Bury Fusilier Museum Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DF fusiliermuseum.com tel: +44 (0) 161 763 8950 Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 4pm

Attraction

1: Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre, Moss St - C3 2: Bury Market, Murray Rd - E3 3: Bury Transport Museum Castlecroft Rd - B1 4: East Lancashire Railway Bolton Street Station - B2 5: St Mary’s, The Rock - D2 6: The Fusiliers Museum, Moss St - C3 7: The Met, Market St - D2 8: The Rock, Goodall St - E2

Bar & Restaurant 1: Automatic, Market St - D2 2: The Clarence, Silver St - C2

Café 1: Delicious at the Fusiliers, Moss St - C3 2: The Track Side, Bolton St Station - B3 3: Tina’s Tea Room Bury Art Museum - C3

Greater Manchester - Stockport

Stockport - A day out A ‘hop, skip and a jump’ from Manchester. The town is full of visitor attractions, experiences and history

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Stockport is seven miles out of Manchester or just seven minutes away on the fast train from Piccadilly Station. This short journey offers a panoramic vista of the town from the lofty heights of the famous viaduct, a major feature of Victorian engineering constructed of 11 million bricks, making it one of the largest brick structures in the world. Stockport has its fair share of unique and landmark buildings from the contemporary blue glass pyramid, overlooking the M60, to the iconic 1930s Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre with its distinctive red neon sign. It is one of the finest examples of Art Deco cinemas in the country. While the town is more traditionally known for its industrial history and heritage celebrated in attractions such as the Hatworks (the UK’s only hatting museum), the Air Raid Shelters, the country’s largest purpose-built civilian shelter, and Staircase House, the town’s oldest medieval townhouse with its rare Jacobean staircase, it is Stockport’s contemporary history that is now driving the town in a new direction. As the birthplace of many creative people who have made their mark in the music, art and film Stockport is at last asserting its own cultural identity and emerging out of the shadows of Manchester.

From 1967 to 1993, Stockport was home to the world-renowned Strawberry Recording Studios pioneered by Eric Stewart, of 10cc fame, who named it after one of his favourite Beatles’ songs ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. 10cc famously recorded their multimillion selling worldwide hit ‘I’m Not in Love’ at Strawberry and the studios influenced popular music on a global scale establishing a reputation as the ‘Abbey Road of the North’. Perhaps what is less well known is the important role that the town has played in Manchester’s musical history with many of the city’s most famous bands such as, Joy Division, New Order and The Stone Roses recording their early music with legendary producer Martin Hannett at Strawberry. It is here too that The Smiths recorded their ground-breaking singles ‘Hand in Glove’ and ‘This Charming Man’. Today the studios are offices and a blue plaque commemorates its contribution to popular music and the Stockport story. The studio’s 50th anniversary is being celebrated with the exhibition ‘Strawberry I am in Love’, at Staircase House, which has attracted visitors from across the globe [runs until 29th January 2018].

Walking through the large Merseyway shopping centre, with its proliferation of chain stores, you can be forgiven for thinking that this is just another ‘clone town’. However, quickly you will discover the secret side of Stockport with its cobbled streets, stunning architecture and wealth of independent shops. It is experiencing a revival in its food and drink with interesting restaurants, ale houses and cafés, such as the Lord of Pies or the 1930s Plaza Café delivering exciting tipples and diverse menus. The last Friday of each month sees the Market Place hosting ‘Foodie Fridays’ a festival of all things food and drink.

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This is street food at its best and you sample everything from a Massaman Curry to a classic pizza accompanied by some excellent local beers. Celebrating the real ale culture of the town, the ever-popular Bakers Vaults has been joined by The Petersgate Tap, specialising in local craft ales, and Remedy Bar and Brewhouse with its in-house microbrewery, continues the town’s legacy of centuries of brewing tradition. Just around the corner is Robinsons’ Brewery Visitor’s Centre, a must-see attraction featuring the largest hopnik in the world. Its exhibition documents the fascinating history of one of the oldest names in British brewing history.

Chef Samuel Buckley has opened Where the Light Gets In, to enormous critical acclaim, in an old coffee warehouse. Its name is drawn from huge windows that light the dining area and open kitchen. There is no menu as Sam simply creates dishes from the day’s fresh catch, harvest or slaughter. The Allotment is another great find; this fine dining vegan restaurant is headed up by chef Matthew Nutter. Located on a steep cobbled street a visit here will certainly excite your taste buds and open your eyes to some amazing vegan dishes.

These restaurants along with the Foodie Friday’s extravaganza have won awards at the acclaimed Manchester Food & Drink Festival. For film buffs the Stockport Plaza has to be visited and not just to see a film or show, the ‘behind the scenes tour’ gives unequalled access to this fully restored classic era 1930s entertainment venue. We also recommend taking a stroll upstairs and experiencing ‘Afternoon Tea’ in the glorious Art Deco Plaza Café. Seven Miles Out, on Market Place, is a community driven creative arts centre. Its spaces are used by many events held in the old town such as Foodie Fridays, A Laugh in Stockport (ALIS) and is a live music venue [sevenmilesoutarts.co.uk]. The remarkable Stockport Market is the heart of the old town and is a stunning Victorian iron frame and glass construction. Open all week, with busy traders, it is also used for special events such as the monthly Vintage Village [2nd Sundays]. Among the fairs’ many stalls you can discover a wealth of authentic vintage clothing, accessories, household items and curios. The concentrated focus of food, drink and entertainment is shaping an exciting new future for Stockport and attracting many visitors who had never thought of spending their leisure time in the town. In the words of Frank Sidebottom depicted in the mural on the wall of Seven Miles Out, “Stockport is really fantastic, you know it is, it really is” Come and find out why.

— centre Ukele Players in Market Place Stockport Old Town Fringe Festival

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Greater Manchester - Stockport

Stockport Museums Whether you’re looking for things to see at Stockport Museum, exploring the Air Raid Shelters, taking a trip of discovery at Staircase House or visiting the magnificent Bramall Hall, there’s a host of top museums in Stockport. Many offer activities for kids and things to do for children and what’s even better is that kids go free! Take your pick of our unique days out in Stockport.

Bramall Hall

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Bramall Hall is one of England’s most striking black and white timber-framed manor houses. Set in 70 acres of stunning parkland, the Hall has witnessed seven centuries of colourful history from early medieval beginnings to the present day. There are over 14 historic rooms to explore from the Solar with its unique collection of nationally significant Tudor wall paintings to the Withdrawing Room with its beautiful Elizabethan plaster ceiling. Bramall Hall reopened in 2016 following a £2.2 million restoration project which has given the Hall a new lease of life. Rooms have been redecorated and re-interpreted to reflect the lives of the people who once lived here. Two previously unseen rooms have also been opened to the public, a Butler’s Pantry and Small Dining Room. A beautiful new visitor centre houses a new exhibition space, gift shop and stylish café. Hall Road, Bramall, Stockport SK7 3NX tel: +44 (0) 474 2020 Opening times: Tuesday to Friday: 1pm - 4pm Saturday & Sunday: Noon - 5pm Bank Holidays: 11am - 5pm

Bramall Hall

Hat Works

With its two floors of interactive exhibits taking visitors on a journey through the history of Stockport’s once thriving hatting industry. Come and see our recreated hat factory, Victorian-style machines and our fantastic collection of over 400 hats from around the world. Experience a hub of excellence, creativity and innovation for milliners, crafts-people, designer-makers and those with a keen interest in haute couture fashion and cutting edge textile design. If you’re thinking of developing your hat-making skills, Hat Works is the place to learn.

The museum offers a unique programme of taught courses designed and delivered by professional milliners. Where better to learn the art of millinery than at the UK’s only hat museum. Courses range from sessions for beginners, open blocking weekends and style icon workshops for the more advanced. Wellington Rd South, Stockport SK3 0EU tel: +44 (0) 161 474 2399 Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm Bank Holidays: 11am - 5pm

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Stockport Museum

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Staircase House

Stockport’s oldest town house, Staircase House is one of Stockport’s hidden gems offering visitors a hands on, barrier-free historical journey exploring how our ancestors lived from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The House is also home to one of only three surviving Jacobean cage-newel staircases in the country. Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES tel: +44 (0) 161 474 4444 Opening times: Tuesday to Friday: 1pm - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sundays & Bank Holidays: 11am - 5pm

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Deep under the town centre lies a labyrinth of underground tunnels carved into the natural red sandstone cliffs. Get an unparalleled insight into life in 1940s wartime Britain. Take a walk through our purposebuilt civilian air raid shelter and learn about the experiences of local people during the war. End your tour with a visit to the 40s themed gift shop. 61 Chestergate, Stockport SK1 1NE tel: +44 (0) 161 474 1940 Opening times: Tuesday to Friday: 1pm - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sundays & Bank Holidays: 11am - 5pm

Time-travel from Palaeolithic to present day Stockport to experience the town’s entire history under one roof. Explore the fantastic finds from Mellor Iron Age hilltop settlement, life in medieval times, the thriving textile industry of the Victorian era as well as the impact of World War I. Kids young or old love our family gallery, designed to help imaginations run wild! The Strawberry Studios: I Am In Love. exhibition celebrates Strawberry Studios and explores Stockport’s musical heritage through film, conversation, collections, graphics and above all else, the music. Numerous iconic bands recorded their music within its walls. Joy Division, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, James and The Happy Mondays all recorded at Strawberry. The studios may have stopped recording in 1993, but nothing can stop the music living on. Fifty years later, the sounds still speak for themselves ensuring that Strawberry remains forever preserved in music history. The exhibition runs until 29th January 2018. Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm Bank Holidays: 11am - 5pm

For further details of Stockport events and exhibitions, pick up a copy of the Exhibitions and Events Guide: tel: +44 (0) 161 474 4444 stockport.gov.uk/museums facebook: stockportmuseums twitter: @SMBC_Museums

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Greater Manchester - Stockport

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery

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Seven Miles Out is a creative community space celebrating all things Stockport in the heart of the historic Market Place. Hosting arts, music and cultural events including comedy, film, vinyl DJs and live music events supporting Stockport’s young talent. Organisers of the annual Stockport Old Town Folk & Fringe Festivals they also created the monthly Foodie Friday and made it an award-winning event that is Stockport’s most popular night out.

A unique building and the only one in the world serving as both an art gallery and war memorial. The Gallery has a long history of exhibitions from some of the art world’s finest artists. Today, the gallery boasts an extensive exhibition programme which gives emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their work. Linked with this programme are activities, events and services focusing on Remembrance. Wellington Road South Stockport SK3 8AB tel: +44 (0) 161 474 4453 Opening times: Tuesday to Friday: 1pm - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Bank Holidays & Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Attraction

sevenmilesoutarts.co.uk SevenMilesOutArts @SevenMilesOut Address 20 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1EY tel: +44 (0) 161 429 7023 Check the website for The Events Calendar Opening Times

1: Cineworld, Railway Road - B5 2: Seven Miles Out, Market Place - D2 3: Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square - B3 4: Tourist Information, Market Place - D2

Bar & Restaurant

1: Bakers Vaults, Market Place - D2 2: Remedy, Market Place - D2 3: The Petersgate Tap, St Petersgate - C3 4: Unicorn Bar, Aspley Street - D3

Café

1: Blackshaw’s Cafe, Market Place - D2 2: Lord of the Pies, St Petersgate - C3 3: Plaza Cafe (2nd Floor) Mersey Square - B3

Gallery/Museum

1: F. Robinsons Visitor Ctr - Aspley Street - E3 2: St Marys Church, Churchgate - E2 3: Staircase House, Market Place - D2 4: Stockport Air Raid Shelters Chestergate - C3 5: Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery Wellington Road South - C5 6: The Hat Works Wellington Road South - B4

Restaurant

1: The Allotment, Vernon Street - D1 2: Where The Light Gets In - Rostron Brow - D2

Shopping

1: Merseyway Centre, Great Underbank - B2 2: Stockport Market, Market Place - D2

Manchester Transportation

Getting About the City Manchester offers a very complete public transport service

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Whether you land at Manchester International Airport or arrive at Piccadilly Station, the national railway connection, you will find that Manchester has a superb public transportation service. Extending from the city centre there are bus routes, local train services and the excellent tram service, or even WAXI the water taxi service that will get you where you need to be with little fuss. Of course if you are staying in the city then these same services will enable you to visit further afield places and generally make your visit easier when travelling around the city or out to its suburbs. Want to get about the city centre? Then the ‘Free’, yes free, bus services numbers 1, 2 and 3 are ‘hop-on hop-off’ and operate circular routes throughout the city. The city is also well served by its bus operators who run services from the city centre out to Greater Manchester and the entire North West region. The central bus station, in Piccadilly Gardens, is the main hub for most of the bus services. Take the express X50 to get to the Trafford Centre, in double quick time, or head into deepest Yorkshire on the Witch Way (well actually, from Chorlton Street).

Around the corner from Piccadilly Gardens is the National Coach Station on Chorlton Street, and from here you can get a seat going to Liverpool, London, Leeds or even Glasgow to mention just a few. A recent addition to city is the MT1 open top ‘hop-on-hop’ off tour bus. Its route circles the city and reaches out to Salford Quays in a 1hour and 20 minutes journey with 15 stopping points on the way. The service start/stopping point is on Albert Square opposite the Town Hall and tickets are valid for 24 hours and tickets starting at £6 with a family ticket available for £25 (two adults and three children). Manchester’s ever-growing tram network, known as Metrolink, is a modern wonder as it seamlessly moves you around the city. Its network of 91 destinations on 57 miles of track include places such as Media City, in Salford Quays, great for visiting the Lowry Centre, travelling to Bury or connecting you to directly to Manchester Airport.

Free Buses and Tickets

The Free bus routes 1,2, and 3 do not require any tickets simply get on and off where you want. The Metrolink tram services require tickets and these can be purchased on each station platform via the electronic ticketing machine, either a single or return ticket as you need. These machines accept UK Sterling coins, notes and credit or debit cards. There is a minor restriction on the tram tickets and it is that ‘You must start your journey within 120 minutes’ of buying your ticket, this is not applied to your return journey. Bus and Metrolink tickets do not need validating.

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You can find ticket and service information by visiting the Metrolink website [metrolink.co.uk]. Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) offer a huge selection of tickets to suit group or single travellers. For an individual the £13.00 Day Wayfarer Adult Ticket, or the £23 Group Wayfarer Ticket (up to two adults and two children) lets you travel on Trams, Trains and Buses (from participating providers) throughout Manchester and parts of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and the Peak District. The bus operators have specific fares covering journeys you may want to take.

If you travel using Stagecoach, or the Magic Bus, services the ‘Dayrider’ individual ticket is just £4.30, the ‘Dayrider Plus’ Adult and Child is £5.50 and the ‘Group Dayrider’, up to two adults and up to three children, is only £8.50. Transport for Greater Manchester website [tfgm.com] has a good journey planner service and has transport updates should timetables be altered or affected by maintenance. Additionally it provides good information about all travel, ticketing and highway information in the Greater Manchester region. All ticket prices correct at time of going to print.

Useful links Metrolink - metrolink.co.uk National Railways - nationalrail.co.uk Stagecoach - stagecoach.com Transport for Greater Manchester - tfgm.co.uk WAXI - manchesterwatertaxis.com Sightseeing Manchester - sightseeingmanchester.com

— above Manchester Metrolink Trams St Peters Square

Manchester Transportation

Manchester Transport Maps

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★★★★★

‘An Entertainment Phenomenon.’ Daily Telegraph

Wed 13 - Sat 30 June 2018 thelowry.com