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Welcome to Manchester

Across this incredible cluster of cities and towns you will find the most amazing range of things to explore and do. Whether that is the rich variety of our arts and cultural scene, exploring our incredible heritage or our worldclass sporting facilities. On top of all of that you will also enjoy some of the best eating, drinking and shopping experiences in the country! It’s a place of variety and diversity and that is what puts the GREAT into Greater Manchester. It is this that encourages people to return and discover Manchester time after time.

From the hustle and bustle of Manchester City Centre to the peaceful tranquillity of the Moors and from the medieval magnificence of the Shambles Square or Ordsall Hall, in Salford, to the UK’s leading digital hub at MediaCityUK. Manchester has several festivals which celebrate art, music and glorious food and drink. All of this and more is ready and waiting for you to experience. So, if you’re coming to meet up with a friend, watch your team play or to catch that amazing gig, I recommend that you stay a bit longer to enjoy this historic region of the UK.

If you do, take the time to get out and about and explore, you’ll not only see stunning architecture but meet amazing people and get the feel for the this fantastic place and the unmistakeable Mancunian atmosphere. Stephen Crocker Policy & Development Director The Lowry

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Welcome to Manchester An introduction to the city and its future development

Cultural Guide Manchester a hub for Culture and Art. Galleries, Museums, Sport and Theatre

Entertainment Guide Manchester a true ‘24 hour’ city alive with clubs, music, shows and film

Food & Drink Guide Dining Al Fresco, Real Ales and Food & Drink Festivals

Shopping Guide Huge shopping centres, discount outlets and independent retailers

Quarters Guide Manchester is a city of ‘Quarters’ made for exploring

Getting About Guide Manchester Airport, Tram Network, Buses, Trains and Taxis

UNLOCKMANCHESTER.com Your Guide to the City

Welcome to Manchester

Manchester - a city looking to the future

‘A city that thinks a table is for dancing on’. This is how Mancunians describe their home. It’s long been an apt description for this Northern powerhouse but is truer than ever in the 21st century. Put aside thoughts of a rainy city awash with smoking chimneys and grim vistas. Manchester has reinvented itself as a vibrant cultural hub encompassing a dazzling array of art forms. Gone are the grimy streets and matchstick men and matchstick cats and dogs. In their place are a multitude of galleries, theatres, music venues and festivals. This year alone has seen the opening of HOME (homemcr.org), a brand spanking new £25 million custom-built arts centre which includes five cinemas, two theatres and oodles of gallery walls. And there’s also the regenerated and restored Whitworth Art Gallery (manchester.ac.uk), sister space to the much-loved Manchester Art Gallery.

As for arts festivals, they are a-plenty in Manchester. From guerrilla gardening and jazz to new theatre writing and independent film, there’s something for everybody in this town of ours. Not to mention the biannual Manchester International Festival which showcases new work from all over the world.

Creatives working in Manchester say the city feels alive, more so than at any time in its recent past. Ticket sales to events are buoyant despite a tough economy and cuts to arts funding. Tourism is booming and hardly a week goes by without the opening of a new restaurant or hotel. Looking ahead, a revamped Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, is opening its doors as a new foodie destination with a whole host of restaurants, bars and shops. There are plans for a £78 million arts centre, The Factory, which would serve as a permanent home for the Manchester International Festival.

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With so many successful arts initiatives and many exciting projects in the pipeline, it’s clear that Manchester’s cultural renaissance is here to stay. This creative activity and investment is making Manchester a destination of choice for both business and the visitor.

Helen Nugent Helen is a Manchester-based freelance writer and journalist and Editor of Webzine: www.northernsoul.me.uk

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— 01 Piccadilly Station Footbridge London Road, Manchester

Manchester Culture

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Culture

Manchester’s heritage and culture offers an astonishing wealth of art, history, music, 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. The fine painter revolutionised his field and left a long-lasting impact that is still revered to this day. The Lowry, Salford Quays, has a large collection of his work on permanent display, complete with an 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, which celebrates its fifth year in 2015 by moving to the old Granada Studios, 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 Bury Art Museum. 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 offer. It’s therefore handy that the city is home to a number of acclaimed art galleries, each offering their own individual touch. Manchester Art Gallery, located just off Piccadilly Gardens on Mosley Street, certainly should not be overlooked. Even the most artistic novice will surely appreciate the grandeur of the Grade II listed building before enjoying one of the rotating exhibitions that choose the site as home.

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Just a short journey across town is Whitworth Art Gallery. Situated within the University of Manchester campus, a selection of quirky work is often on show here. Over the years the building has even housed offerings from undisputed kings of their crafts, such as van Gogh and Picasso.

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 01 LS Lowry Contemplating Stockport 1962 (cc) Crispin Eurich

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Imperial War Museum

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 reopened in 2011 after a £35million makeover and now has twice as much space to show off an array of work from the city’s art collection, famously including PreRaphaelite and Victorian paintings. Since the renovation, three new galleries are available to showcase work from the 20th century including the Gallery of Craft and Design, hosting one of the best decorative art collections in the country.

The CIS Manchester Gallery, which gives visitors a visual history of the city’s art and design. The galleries top floor is a dedicated space used to display a rotating calendar of especially commissioned exhibitions from national and international artists. Such as, picture (01), was part of Joana Vasconcelos installation displayed at the gallery in 2014. Manchester Art Gallery is open: Monday - Sunday 10am to 5pm Late Night Thursday 9pm Address Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL

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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, as home to two of the country’s most successful teams, Manchester makes for the perfect setting with the free-to-enter 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 on show currently include a history of the World Cup in 24 objects (think vuvuzela!) and ‘The Greater Game’, which looks at football and the First World War. Get down to Cathedral Gardens and check out the National Football Museum in the Urbis Building..

Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) merged with the National Science Museum in 2012 and 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. Some of the latest exhibitions even include 3d modelling printing and a 4d theatre.

The museum sits on the world’s first ever railway station, Liverpool Road, which was opened in 1830 as part of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway. The quantity of things to see and do at the MOSI means it can be enjoyed as day out for all the family. Whether this is watching a show on moving seats, facing water spray and air blasts in the 4D theatre or experiencing the heat, sounds, sights and smells of the working engines and locomotives.

MOSI is open: Daily 10am to 5pm Address Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP

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

— 01 Joana Vasconcelos - Lilocoptere Exhibition Manchester Art Gallery 2011 (cc) Unidada Infinita Projectos — 02 Imperial War Mueum (North) Quay West, Salford M17 1TZ (cc) Paul Hermans — 03 Avro Shackleton - MOSI (cc) Paul Hermans

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The Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, is housed in the campus 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 have 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. 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 explorer you may need a whole day just to get round it (www.museum. manchester.ac.uk). Manchester Museum is open: Daily 10am to 5pm Address Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL

The Salford Museum

The Salford Museum and Art Gallery, housed in Lark Hill Mansion House, 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. There is 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. The museums other galleries are dedicated to contemporary art, local history, textiles and photography.

The Pilkington Tile & Pottery Company was founded in 1904 when it started to create ceramics in the Art Nouveau style. The works finally 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 - Friday 10am to 4.45pm Saturday - Sunday Noon - 4pm Address Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER

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The Whitworth Gallery

Following its recent £16 million transformation the Whitworth Gallery is England’s first ‘Gallery in the park’. The restoration has added a third to its footprint and doubled the exhibition space. A glass promenade, on the rear of the gallery, stretches into Whitworth Park. 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. There are three central galleries 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 - Wednesday 10am to 5pm Thursday 10am - 9pm Address Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER

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— 01 Mummy Portrait From Fayum Region, Roman Eygpt (cc) Manchester Museum — 02 Lark Hill Place Salford Museum, Salford M5 4WU

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Manchester’s Libraries

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 British Film Institute, 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. Central Library is open: Monday - 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 its echoing halls, all the while in awe of it somewhat eerie character. John Rylands Library is open: Sunday - Monday Noon to 5pm Tuesday - 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 English-speaking 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. On 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.

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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 - Friday 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm Address Long Millgate Manchester M3 1SB

— 01 Central Library St Peters Square - (cc) Mark Waugh — 02 John Rylands Library Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH

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Manchester All about music and perfomance

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. For some a sell-out show at a 20,000 seater arena is the best way to watch live music. You could be part of the audience that attends the huge Parklife festival, held in Heaton Park, where wellington boots are essential, or the emerging Summer in the City at the Castlefield Bowl. Yet while The Stone Roses may be able to sell out Heaton Park for three nights on the trot, 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 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.

The biennial Manchester Band on the Wall International Festival, a true world Situated on Swan Street in the event, is helping to put the city on Northern Quarter, Band on the the global stage or the Manchester Wall caters to all musical tastes, Jazz Festival, held in July, which uses showcasing the best music from all venues across the city to deliver live over the world. Jazz; Manchester is never quiet. The club name dates back to the Let’s not forget that Manchester 1930’s when landlord Ernie Tyson has a very successful classical music created a stage for musicians high up scene, read the article further on, on the far wall. and is home to world renown Royal It was built as a flagship pub in Northern College of Music and the 1862, and was a popular sport for Halle Orchestra. World War Two soldiers, before being Read on to discover some of the converted into a jazz club in 1975. best live music venues any music Nowadays, it is a not-for-profit fan would be mad to miss if they’re venue which was voted the Best spending some time in one of the Night Spot at the 2010 Manchester world’s great cities of music. Tourism Awards.

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Some of the names coming up this year include Manchester DJ-legend Mr Scruff, the local sonic explorers The Earlies and even a show from the remaining Blockheads. 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.

Deaf Institute

And if you catching the newest Just around the corner from acts around, or even don’t mind Manchester Metropolitan University, performing yourself, Deaf Institute Deaf Institute comes from the hosts an open mic night every Sunday. people behind Gorilla, and shares Address much of its distinct features. 135 Grosvenor Street, M1 7HE And in case you were wondering, yes, the venue got its name as the grade II-listed building was indeed previously used as an institute for the deaf. — 01 Its three tiers include a Ground Bonobodo - Band on the Wall Floor Cafe Bar, a Basement Bar and Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ Upstairs Music Hall. — 02 Gigs are predominantly held in the The Deaf Institute Music Hall, a venue with a capacity Address of 260 people. However, on club 135 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HE 25 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ nights it can hold as many as 500. (cc) Jaipreet Virdi-Dhesi

Manchester Culture

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.

Sound Control

This legendary venue on New Wakefield Street is steeped in musical folklore, and has earned its reputation as one of Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular music homes. In 1984 the drummer Mani of a little-known 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. A1 sold guitars and other musical instruments, with its clientele Address including the likes of Johnny Marr 54 Whitworth Street West, M1 5WW and Noel Gallagher.

Since then it has transformed into a three-floor venue, featuring a 500-capacity live music room, with a bar and dressing room. Not just a venue for wellestablished artists, Sound Control is a fantastic place for unsigned acts to get their name out there as The Stone Roses discovered.

Address 1 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP

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Manchester Culture

Classical Music

Manchester is a remarkable hub for some of the world’s best classical musicians. The city is able to support three professional orchestras. The Hallé, founded back in 1857, is the UK’s second longest surviving orchestra and its home is the wonderful Bridgewater Hall. Where under its music director Sir Mark Elder, it continues to delight audiences with its commitment to hardcore repertoire, and in particular, British music. Based at Media City 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. Collaborating with BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music it produces orchestral sounds for modern artists such as Jarvis Cocker, The Pet Shop Boys. It presents performances of popular and well-known film scores for BBC Radio 2 and Radio 5Live. Since 1972 the chamber orchestra repertoire has been covered by the remarkable Manchester Camerata,. 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. The Bridgewater Hall plays host to some of the world’s leading touring orchestras and choirs, so you’re never many days away from a high-class 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. It teaches a comprehensive curriculum, but given it’s a specialist music school, the music tuition is of an exceptional standard. This provides young aspiring musicians an excellent step onto the ladder. 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 playing and hearing piano music. The RNCM caters for graduate and post-graduate students from all over the world. There’s nearly always something to tickle your aural fancy at the RNCM, like an orchestral event in the concert hall, one of the many excellent student recitals or a performance from the myriad of internationallyrenowned soloists and ensembles that perform in Manchester. Students from the RNCM stage at least two operas each year including recent productions of Mozart’s “Clemenza di Tito” and Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

Manchester doesn’t have its own opera company but The Lowry, in Salford, does play host to the Leedsbased Opera North, bringing their recent productions of Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West”, Verdi’s “Macbeth” and Smetana’s “Bartered Bride” to huge acclaim. The Lowry, along with the Opera House and Palace Theatre also welcomes a number of ballet companies throughout the year, such as Matthew Bourne’s with the irrepressible ‘Swan Lake’ or ‘The Car Man’ as well as Northern Ballet, the English National Ballet and the Russian State Ballet. Biennial - Manchester International Festival audiences are looking for something new and inspiring. MIF’s commitment to classical, contemporary artists and performers means there’s always something fresh and exciting to be seen. Even Manchester Pride, best known for its annual celebration of LGBT life, stages its own series of chamber music concerts. So, for the classical music lover, there’s something for everyone here in Manchester. 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!

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Manchester is alive with sport

You can’t escape football in Manchester; whether it’s being televised in bars or witnessed in the street, the sport is one of the most popular pastimes for Mancunians. From August to May there’s at least a handful of professional games being played each weekend, and more often than not there’s one during the week. Basically, the city is a sanctuary for soccer fans. Manchester truly is a tale of two cities when Derby Day swings around. Twice a year the dueling clubs meet at their respective stadiums for the most hotly-anticipated game of the football season. Over the years the rivals have faced off in a number of nail-biting encounters, whether it be for league position, a trophy, or simply pride. Despite Man United and Man City routinely dominating the Premier League, other teams have managed to achieve their own success. The Greater Manchester region has an extensive number of football clubs, including Bury, Oldham Athletic, Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers. Each boasting their own stadium, the smaller squads offer a change from the ‘big two’ while playing just as often.

A legacy for success

Hosting the Commonwealth Games 2002, left Manchester a powerful sporting legacy. Today it is now home to some of the world’s leading football, athletics, cricket, netball, rugby, squash, swimming and water polo clubs and the ‘all conquering’ British Cycling team. It boasts National Centres for Cycling, Lacrosse, Squash, Taekwondo and Water Polo. And in East Manchester, SportCity has the largest concentration of sporting venues in Europe and is less than two miles from Manchester City Centre.

Indeed, it is now the chosen venue for over 400 events each year and receives over 4,500,000 visits annually, and this is just one of dozens of sporting centres across the City.

— 01 Lizzie Armistead leading Manchester Velodrome (cc) John the Scone — 02 Football Derby Day Scarfs

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Manchester United FC

Manchester City FC

Manchester United ‘The Reds’ are arguably the world’s most famous football team. Which is only fair since they’ve bagged more titles and accolades than any other club. Known as the Red Devils, the squad has been home to the finest athletes ever to play the beautiful game. The list includes George Best, David Beckham, and their current captain, Wayne Rooney. Man U’s stadium, Old Trafford, is the second largest in the country and is regularly open for tours.

Every sports team needs a staunch rival and Manchester City ‘The Blues’ have been a suitable foe for more than a century. Having lived their fair share of ups and downs, the Blues have experienced a resurgence of success after a string of high profile victories. The squad originally played at Maine Road, Moss Side for more than 80 years before moving to the impressive Etihad Stadium, in 2003. Like Old Trafford, the huge Etihad campus also offers tours.

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Manchester’s history on foot

Manchester has a long history from its Roman beginnings through the Industrial Revolution and to its latest incarnation in the 21st century as 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 a 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 by spotting the large circular commemorative plaques attached to buildings. You will find over 70 of them across the city celebrating the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragette, or the establishment of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1882. We recommend taking a walking tour and one of the most popular 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 modern Royal Exchange Theatre. One of Manchester’s best-known tour guides is Andrew Derbyshire (www.tour-manchester.co.uk), who guides some of the ‘DMW’ tours. He can normally found escorting visitors and business travellers around the city or providing 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.

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 a 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 ‘Mamucium’ 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’.

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2) Walk to Castlefield Here you can visit a partial reconstruction of the Roman Fort, just off Liverpool Rd. You could also pop into MOSI to see a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket (read more in the Quarters section of this guide). 3) Walk north along Deansgate To visit the John Rylands Library, opened in 1900, it’s a memorial to Manchester’s wealthiest cotton merchant and 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 while enjoying a slice of cake. Discover more To help you explore the city and its history we have created a list of other sights worth a visiting over the following pages. Should you have a little more time there are further a field stately estates, parks and woodlands to see, some of which are accessible via public transport and a short walk.

— 01 Manchester Town Hall Christmas Markets - Albert Square — 02 Mamucium - Roman Gate House Castlefield, Manchester

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Architecture in Manchester

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 like Beetham Tower and even the potential future of architecture like the new Co-operative building One Angel Square. Here’s a few not to miss – prepare to gaze in wonder. Manchester Central Library Situated in St Peter’s Square, the domed structure lies at the heart of the city centre – situated next door to the Town Hall. It was built during the inter-war period, but 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 two-storey porch that instantly catches the eye. The grade II listed building was reopen in 2014 following a £170million renovation.. 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 (The Hilton) Beetham Tower was completed in the autumn of 2006 and standing at a whopping 551ft, is currently the tallest building in the UK outside of London. Situated in Deansgate, the strikingly-tall skyscraper dominates the Manchester skyline and is said to be visible from ten English counties on a clear day. The tower is multi-functional with residential dwellings, the Cloud23 cocktail bar and the Hilton Hotel. The combination of the thin and slender structure along with the over-hanging cantilever almost defies belief to the naked eye.

Despite its impressive nature many have questioned its dominant appearance 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.

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He was also responsible for a number of neighbouring buildings, namely the Bridgewater House opposite and the India House next door. If you’re near it, ensure you walk the length of Whitworth Street – one of the most impressive in the city for architecture.

One Angel Square Completed in 2013, the One Angel Square is a stunning high-rise building situated in 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. It’s not just an aesthetically impressive structure, it’s also one of the most green and sustainable in Europe. The buildings distinctive shape has been nicknamed ‘the sliced egg’. It’s also part of a wider development scheme that will completely transform the area – it’s due to be completed in 2027.

Lancaster House Situated in Whitworth Street, Lancaster House is a former warehouse used for packing and shipping, built between 1905 and 1910. It was constructed in the favoured Edwardian Baroque style and was made with 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 – an expert designer of warehouses.

Manchester Town Hall Quite possibly the most beautiful place to visit in Manchester. The Town Hall is typical of the majority of the city’s architecture given its Victorian ‘neo-gothic’ style. Completed in 1877 after the old town hall became too small to house the increasing size of local government 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. 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 alike.

— 01 Beetham Tower 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ (cc) Mike Kniec — 02 Co-operative Head Office One Angel Square, Manchester M4 4PR (cc) The Co-operative

Manchester Culture

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Country Parks and Woodland 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 others you will require a car to visit.

Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens, Didsbury Situated in 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.

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 and the Orangery, but Heaton Park, Prestwich there is also the animal centre – open At 600 acres, Heaton Park is the from 10:30 to 15:30 – where adults biggest park in Greater Manchester and children can meet the animals. and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. Wythenshawe Park, Wythenshawe Music fans will know it as the venue This park is full of history and for epic music concerts including the boasts three Grade II buildings – Stone Roses legendary homecoming North Lodge, the Statue of Oliver gigs as well as the annual Parklife Cromwell and Wythenshawe Hall. Weekender. The Horticultural Centre is an But for those who like the quieter attraction of free admission and things in life there is plenty to see includes the Safari Walk, which

features tropical plants. Appropriate for youngsters, there is also the community farm, which teaches children about where food comes from, and an adjacent play area. 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

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Sale Water Park, Sale 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. The Broad Ees Dole wetlands is the ideal spot for avid birdwatchers or those just wanting to experience the beauty of British wildlife as the nature reserve is home to a diverse range of birds including kingfishers and grey herons. Easily accessed by the M60, the park makes an excellent family trip.

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 grounds. Enjoy food and drink at the Stables Restaurant – open daily from 10:30am to 4pm.

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 enjoy the splendours of the stately home and its garden, visit the family friendly Prestwich Forest Park, Prestwich rare breed animals and relax with Different from your usual open good food in the courtyard. and grassy parks, Prestwich Forest There is even a shop where you Park is mostly 200 hectares of can buy locally farmed veal, great woodland. sausages, cheeses and jars of pickles The area incorporates Prestwich and jams all very mouth-watering. Clough, Mere Clough, Philips Park, Take the train from Piccadilly, Drinkwater Park and Waterdale to Knutsford and the main park Meadow and is a suitable place for entrance is about a 10 minute walk joggers, cyclists and hikers. along the pleasant High Street from Philips Park includes a visitor the station. centre and children’s play area, while Drinkwater Park offers a football pitch and there is opportunity to fish at Waterdale Meadow. — 01 Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN (cc) The Curio Blog

Manchester Entertainment

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Entertainment Manchester’s cinema, clubbing, comedy and theatre scene

While Manchester actually has an average annual rainfall lower than the UK average, it’s not developed a reputation as the ‘rainy city’ for nothing. When it does rain, it can be quite relentless and indoor entertainment will always come in handy.

Manchester on Film

Manchester is a popular destination for television production companies, Pinewood and Hollywood alike. The streets of the Northern Quarter have featured in Guy Ritchie’s, ‘Sherlock’ movies and both Stevenson Square and Dale Street doubled up as New York districts for Marvel’s ‘Captain America’. The now demolished terraces, in Openshaw, where the backdrop for the successful British comedy ‘East is East’. In 2011 Manchester Town Hall doubled as the Houses of Parliament in biopic The Iron Lady, about Margret Thatcher, with Meryl Streep.

Manchester’s buildings and back streets often become filming lots, so don’t be surprised if you turn a corner to discover a full compliment of lights, camera and action. If you are interested in film then check out the Manchester Metropolitan University which is home to the North West Film Archive. Its extensive collection focuses on the Northwest and has over 38,000 items from the 1890’s pioneer days of film to present day productions. You can read more about accessing this remarkable collection and the calendar of special screenings by visiting www.nwfa.mmu.ac.uk

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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 in its customer care and an eclectic mix of screen and stage presentation, supported by the finest Cafe Restaurant dining experience in the region. Over 80 years on and the Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre still hosts stage presentations including sensational family pantomimes, musicals, stage plays, comedians, concerts and family shows.

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

— 01 Guy Ritchie’s - Sherlock Stevenson Square, Manchester — 02 Stockport Plaza High St, Stockport

Manchester Entertainment

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Manchester’s Cinemas

Heaton Savoy 32

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 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.

HOME

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 film-making 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 Address director Q&As with many first Heaton Moor Rd, Stockport SK4 4HY 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. All this and more makes a visit to HOME not to be missed.

Address 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN

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Printworks - IMAX Odeon

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.

AMC - Great Northern

The AMC’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 also housing a busy casino, a bowling alley, bars, and a gym, the AMC 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.

While the HOME offers you the opportunity to explore the artistic merits of film, the AMC 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 Great Northern Warehouse 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

Address Printworks, 27 Withy Grove Manchester M4 2BS

— 01 HOME MCR 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN — 02 The Printworks Whity Grove, Manchester M4 2BS

Manchester Entertainment

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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 bestloved 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.

Laugh Local, Chorlton

Where better to chortle than Chorlton? For all your chortling needs then Chorlton 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. Address check website for programme details www.chorltonirishclub.co.uk 17 High Lane, M21 9DJ

Manford Comedy Club

The Bierkeller has brought this comedy event to Manchester. It is the brain child of Salford’s own Jason Manford with the cleverlytitled ‘Manford Comedy Club’ and it happens in the centre of Manchester. Jason has worked alongside brother Colin to bring this night to 30 venues across the country. Held the first weekend of each month, it could soon become the biggest chuckle fest in town. Address check website for programme details www.manfordcomedyclub.com The Bierkeller, Printworks, M4 2BS

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’.

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With its four-day week, starting on Thursdays, it delivers Stand Up comedians by the truck load, often features 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 check website for programme details www..thecomedystore.co.uk/manchester Deansgate Locks, M1 5LH

XS Malarkey

Whatever floats your boat John… If you’re watching those purse strings then ‘Big Value Thursdays’ will accommodate but the showcase night is Friday. 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 check website for programme details www.frogandbucket.com 102 Oldham Street, M4 1LJ

Far from a load of nonsense, XS Malarkey is simply the best comedy night on a budget you could ask for. With entrance at 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 Pub/ Zoo 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. The Comedy Store While that will entice you in, the Doing exactly what it says on the tin, extensive menu will keep you satisfied The Comedy Store is a well-oiled – with two meals for £7.45 featuring machine creating laughter since 2000. some pub classics. Situated on Deansgate Locks, this established venue offers a long Address weekend of fun and every first Every Tuesday Sunday of the month for the open check website for programme details mic night ‘King Gong’. www.xsmalarkey.com These wannabe funnies will have Pub/Zoo, Grosvenor Street, M1 7HL 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 — 01 amongst the 500-strong crowd is The Comedy Store contagious and it is easy to see why Deansgate Locks, Manchester M1 revellers head in their droves. (cc) The Comedy Store

Manchester Entertainment

Underground clubs & dancing the night away

If you’ve come to Manchester to party, then you’ve come to the right place. From staples such as the Warehouse Project and Sankeys, to more low-key and under-the-radar nights, there’s plenty to tickle a clubber’s fancy. Ever since the Hacienda began welcoming revellers in 1982, Manchester has led the way when it comes to clubbing. The venue, which gave birth to the ‘Madchester’ scene, finally shut its doors in 1997 after almost two decades of success. Despite its untimely closing, its legendary nights put the city on the map and paved the way for the clubbing scene that lives today. One of Manchester’s greatest exports is Sankeys. With franchises now in Ibiza and New York, the original venue, which has been located on Radium Street in Ancoats since 1994, still has people queuing on a nightly basis to experience the rave-like atmosphere. Tons of famous DJs have completed sets to a sold-out crowd, including Moby, The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk. Even after several periods of inactivity, not to mention a ‘permanent’ closure in 2013, Sankeys remains as popular as ever.

Sometimes, however, bigger is better. Especially when bigger means the Warehouse Project. Since 2006 the clubber’s paradise has been running each year from September to December and shifts tickets like no other event. The current venue, tucked away on Store Street, now has a huge capacity of 5000. Music genre ranges from house and techno to trance and electro depending on which DJ is gracing the stage. Annie Mac, Pete Tong and Armand Van Helden are just a few of the industry trailblazers who have completed sets there.

Clubbing isn’t always as cut as dry as to say ‘the more the merrier’ – especially when the underground scene is just as rockin’. So for those partial to something a little less mainstream, then restassured that there’s a place for you. Gorilla, situated on Whitworth Street West, or the Milton Club, on Deansgate, both pride themselves on an intimate atmosphere. Meanwhile Antwerp Mansion, located just off the Curry Mile in Rusholme, is a unique venue often packed with ravers.

Manchester Entertainment

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Manchester’s Theatre scene

Manchester has a long tradition of theatrical production and the ‘Theatre Royal’, established in 1775, was the city’s first major theatre. Over the coming centuries more theatres where built and in 1908 the ‘Gaiety’ became Britain’s first regional repertory theatre, located on the corner of Peter St and Mount St. In the early 20th century the ‘Manchester School’ term was coined to describe a body of playwrights including the likes of Harold Brighouse and Stanley Houghton. These writers where championed by Annie Horniman owner of the Gaiety and daughter of the influential Tea importer Fredrick Horniman. 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. Today, Manchester is alive with theatres, shows and productions. It has 4 main theatres The Lowry, in Salford Quays, The Opera House, The Palace Theatre and the Royal Exchange Theatre and its additional compact theatre space called ‘The Studio’ These theatres host a wealth of touring stage shows and provide space for regional and local acting companies independent productions.

In 2015 this clutch of theatres was joined by HOME, a merger of two Manchester stalwarts the Library Theatre and the independent cinema Cornerhouse. This purpose built space, on Tony Wilson Street, includes 2 theatres, 5 cinema screens and a large exhibition space, all adding to Manchester’s cultural scene. Further afield venues such as the Bury Met or Sale’s excellent Waterside Arts Centre calendar of events include theatre, music, national touring shows and local companies productions.

Manchester has a strong independent theatre scene, with smaller venues such as the small Three Minute Theatre, in Afflecks. The Dance House, on Oxford Road, is a training and production theatre, dedicated to ballet and theatrical dance. The Contact Theatre, on Oxford Rd, is at the forefront of nurturing young peoples enthusiasm for theatre and acting. Working with local groups and communities to develop the creative leaders, artists and the audiences of tomorrow.

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The Manchester International Festival (MIF) attracts worldwide talent to Manchester stages often seeing world premier performances. The Greater Manchester Fringe, held during July, is a celebration of independent productions. Within its calendar there are normally more than 80 events happening during the festival held in small venues, theatres and spaces in Greater Manchester. Looking into the future there are plans for a modern theatre to be built on the current site of the Old Granada Studios. This new theatre will become a permanent home for the MIF.

With so much activity Manchester offers a huge calendar of shows, dance and independent productions to keep you busy every night of the week.

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— 01 Royal Exchange Theatre Cross Street, Manchester M2 7DH (cc) Mike Peel — 02 The Lowry Theatre Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford M50 3AZ

Manchester Food & Drink

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Food & Drink Manchester - A real attraction for gastronomists and drink lovers

Manchester is a city that loves it food and drink. The city centre offers award wining restaurants, bars, food events and Michelin Guide recommendations. Including Michelin Star winning chefs such as Aiden Bryne with his restaurant in the Great Northern Warehouse. 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 eatinghouses in the country. Read on to discover more about this city’s exciting and diverse food and drink specialists.

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 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.

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Ask anyone around here and they’ll tell you that you should make the most of a sunny day. 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. Here’s Unlock Manchester’s selection of places you may choose to do it.

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— 01 Alberts Shed & Dukes 92 Castle St, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4LZ

Manchester Food & Drink

Automatic Restaurant

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. Automatic’s early dining menu, which is available Sunday to Wednesday from 5pm - 7pm, offers a selection of their popular starters and mains at £10 for two courses. 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.

Address Market St, Bury, Lancashire BL9 0BW www.automaticcafe.com 0161 763 9399

Dukes 92

Dukes 92’s, 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. 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 barbeque 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 pates. With an average price for a main course around £10 it has something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. With all this under one roof - and one Mancunian sky - it is well worth a visit. Address 18 Castle St, Manchester M3 4LZ www.dukes92.com 0161 839 3522

Mr Thomas’s Chop House

This classic of English farye and dinning experience is housed in a grade II listed building, on Cross Street, that opened as a public house in 1870. The building alone is worth a look at with its terracotta blocks displaying Art Nouveau motifs. It internal fitment is just as appealing with green and cream style tiling and its Manchester focused artwork. However, almost unseen from any of the surrounding streets is the large-ish Thomas Patio, tucked behind St Ann’s church in Saint Ann’s Square. Here, during the brighter months of the year, are tables and chairs for you to enjoy the excellent food and drink from a classic British menu. Enjoy the tasty delight that is the Steak & Kidney Pudding, the 8oz Bacon Chop or the classic Lancashire Cheese and Onion pie. When the sun shines you may prefer to try the Thomas Salads including cheese, Sea Bream or the staple Caesar Salad. Address 52 Cross St, Manchester M2 7AR www.tomschophouse.com 0161 832 2245

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Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

The NQ Restaurant

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. When 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 Sinclair’s has become a veritable Manchester institution. You won’t find a menu online, or even a website - how quaint. When you do get 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.

The NQ is a very established restaurant, in the Northern Quarter, with its own following of patrons. Unsurprising as the Michelin Guide has recommended since 2010. Its chefs and dishes are consistently winners, or runner-ups, in both local and national restaurant awards, since opening in 2005. Its 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. Its patio, across the road next to the old Fish Market, has a very sunny aspect until early evening. It 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 diner destination with its special lunch menus and evening meal dining.

Address 2 Cathedral Approach Manchester M3 1SW 0161 834 0430

Address 108 High St Manchester M4 1HQ www.tnq.co.uk 0161 832 7115

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

Zouk, off Oxford Road, is part of the new generation of Indian and Pakistani restaurants opening in February 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. Pani Sigri is a water grill for those of you who aren’t down on your Indian culinary lingo, and this dish is priced at £10.95. A regularly changing specials menu, several lobster dishes for a cool £34.95 each and a range of exotic healthy options, bog standard chicken korma and pilau rice Zouk is most definitely not. Address Chester St, Manchester M1 5QS www.zoukteabar.co.uk 0161 233 1090

Manchester Food & Drink

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Manchester Coffee & Tea Culture

What makes a great coffee shop, when so many seem to pop-up everyday? We think it’s about great coffee and that added flair for specialism, so missing from the chains. Manchester, like many other cities, has seen a dearth of new coffee houses. So maybe trying to pick, from one of these, to get your fix might prove difficult. However, here to help you relax and enjoy some treats with your brew is our selection of some of the city’s best independent coffee cafes.

— 01 Northern Quarter Cupcakes (cc) Dixie Bell — 02 Grindsmith Pod Greengate Square, Manchester M3 5AS

Koffee Pot

This café has now entered into legend on the streets of Manchester. Moving, in 2015, to its new home on Oldham Street it took the ‘trademark’ garish orange decor with it, as well as that ‘classy’ red leather diner seating. The best news is that there’s more space at the new location – it’s twice as big in fact. The menu still boasts all the old favourites, including the incredibly tasty haggis, spinach, eggs and potato cakes, as well as their legendary ‘classic’ and ‘Irish’ breakfasts. You haven’t had breakfast in Manchester until you’ve eaten here.

Address 84 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE

MCR4/2 and TEA4/2

Offering its guests a venue to relax in and enjoy quality food and drink in plush environments. Both restaurants are well designed to carry off a modern feel, stylish presentation of its farye and deliver a quality approach to customer service. Good tea and coffee are its watchwords; complete with their own fresh twist on ‘Afternoon Tea’. This attention to detail is seen in its ability to please the adventurous foodie or should you be seeking gluten-free food or a good vegetarian selection. MCR 4/2, on Richmond Street, has ground level and basement spaces ideal for its calendar of live entertainment. MCR4/2 Address 16 Chorlton St, Manchester, M1 3HW TEA4/2 Address 58 High St, Manchester M1 1EF

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North Tea Power

The clue is in the name and this laidback, atmospheric cafe. It is better known for its wide range of loose-leaf artesian teas, but the coffee isn’t half bad either. Tucked up off Tib Street, in the Northern Quarter, under the covered arcade, NTP is run by a couple of guys who know their tea and coffee. Inside you will discover an eclectic mix of furniture, stripped wood paired with industrial light fittings. On its shelves are adorned with well-thumbed Penguin books and often fresh flowers. This could be the perfect place to take a breather and enjoy an espresso with a slice of cake.

Address 36 Tibb St, Manchester M4 1LA

Takk

Takk brings a little bit of Nordic charm into the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, but in a Mancunian way, if you can picture that. Meaning ‘thanks’ in Icelandic, Takk combines its odd wooden furniture with walls hung with art from its home country, but still is just as hip as its NQ neighbours. A key element of this tea room/ coffee house is to cater for those who wish to conduct their business outside of a normal office, whether that is for a meeting or simply a space in which to work. In this cosy den you’ll find the finest imported coffee and chocolate bars sitting comfortably alongside cakes baked by a lady who lives down the road. Address 6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF

Grindsmith

Grindsmith is a specialty Coffee House, on Deansgate and its ‘Pod’ on Greengate Square Here you can enjoy high quality coffee and tea with plenty of space to work or just to take time out. Your beverage, and if you like accompanying sandwich, meal or cake, is hand delivered on a wooden board that reflects the café’s clean and simple décor. The Deansgate cafe carries a range of craft ales, wines, cocktails, coffee and tea brewing equipment and take-a-away 250g bags of coffee beans. This bright and airy café, with its easy approach, is where great value awaits the thirsty visitor.

grindsmith.com grindsmith @grindsmiths Address Cafe: 233 Deansgate, M3 4EN Monday - Saturday: 8am - 8pm Sunday: 9am - 6pm Pod: Greengate Sq, M3 5AS Monday - Saturday: 8am - 6pm Sunday: 9am - 5pm

Manchester Food & Drink

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Beer, Cider and Cocktails for the thirsty

Manchester is not short of exciting drinking establishments whenever you fancy a ‘night on the tiles’. From the Northern Quarters quirky hipster joints to Oxford Road’s Celebrity hotspots and bars on top of high-rise buildings, thirsty visitors don’t have to look very far to find a wide selection of boozy delights. Depending on your chosen tipple you will find Manchester full of real beers, brewed by local microbreweries, ciders imported from the West Country and sweet and sassy cocktails created by some of the UK’s best mixologists. Of course we like the choice offered by the independents rather than the ‘brands’ full of say, Carlsberg. These bars and pubs outlooks exclaim ‘change is a good thing’, so expect to find the new and unusual crossing the bar. Manchester has so much choice of where to drink, it can be bewildering, so we suggest you check out some of our favourite watering holes. — 01 Cask Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4NQ — 02 Tickety Brew - Rose Wheat Beer (cc) Simon Wiiliams

Cask

Just along the road from the MOSI in Castlefield, Cask is a small corner bar that offers a wide selection of continental beers and a great jukebox. It does have a reasonable selection of imported pump cask ales but the real appeal is the array of imported bottles and in particular the Belgium beers. Here you can easily spend a whole day just sampling the drink and you can even bring in fish & chips from the chippy next door. Address 29 Liverpool Road, M3 4NQ

Port Street Beer House

Doing what is says on the bottle this beer house on Port Street is a must visit. Its simple fitment and almost G-Plan furniture harks back to the 1970’s but don’t be dissuaded. Here you will find not only a excellent offering from some of Manchester’s finest micro-breweries but a bewildering choice of internationally sourced ‘real beers’. Try the fabulous American, yes American, Odell bottled beers or the Five-Oh Brew Co seasonal beers. Address 39 Port Street, M1 2EQ

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The Britons Protection

This homely and inviting pub has 6 rooms, 2 even have open fireplaces, to enjoy your chosen tipple in. The main entrance hall wall is adorned with a huge mural that commemorates the ‘Peterloo’ massacre that happened during a protest about parliamentary reform in 1819, just outside its front door. The bar is stocked with local and guest ales. Fancy a JD? Then ask about the exclusive ‘Manchester’ JD Whiskey. Certainly worth a visit for its history, atmosphere and great beers.

Address 50 Great Bridgewater Street, M1 5LE

The Marble & Thomas St

These two bars are both owned by Manchester’s Marble Brewery. The Marble, on Manchester Rd, is a real beer drinker’s pub, complete with full Victorian tilting. Whereas, the Northern Quarter bar, located at 57 Thomas Street, is a modern small trendy bar with a large communal table. Within their walls you will find Marbles own beers, such as the Lagonda or the Boheme Pilsner, a good selection of Belgium beers and beers from local micro breweries. Addresses 57 Manchester Road, M21 9PW 57 Thomas Street, M4 1NA

The Vine

Tucked away on Kennedy Street, near the Town Hall, the Vine is a small pub with wooden floors, high tables and some table seating. Although small it is almost always packed, so make sure you breathe in before entering It is a consistent winner of CAMRA awards for its environment and careful selection of ‘real’ ales and on a cool winter day this bar feels very warm and inviting. Should they have any left, try a pie with your chosen pint. Address 46 Kennedy Street, M2 4BQ

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Bar Fringe

Located on Swan Street, Fringe is possibly best known for its wide selection of continental draft beers, but it also carries a good cider accompaniment. The bar is decorated with a collection of eclectic posters, cardboard cut-outs and even a Honda Motorbike, plus a large beer garden. Find great ciders such as the Thatchers Gold, Moonshine, not that kind, and the oddly ‘Fanta’ looking Cheddar Valley and a choice of bottled ciders like the brilliantlynamed ‘Summat Else’ Address 8 Swan Street, M4 5JN

Font Bar

Located in Fallowfield, the heart of Manchester’s student quarter, the Font Bar presents an ever changing selection of ciders. In fact they appear to go out of their way to source as many different brews as possible, including new ciders. Boxes of cider, hand pumps and bottles are all available; try the Breakwells Seedling or the more modern Ross-on-Wye Rubric. It will make a good afternoon of sampling. Address 7 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP

Micro Bar

Located in the Arndale Food Market, Micro Bar has one small bar and is devoid of seating. However, its size defies it stock of cider, usually offering at least one cider hand pump and a nice selection of bottles in its fridge. The real attraction is the wide variety of unchilled bottles on its shelves. One big advantage of Micro Bar’s location is that if you are feeling peckish then there is huge choice in the food market to snack on. Address Arndale Food Market, M4 3AH

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The Angel

Located just North of the Northern Quarters rough boundaries, 3 minutes from Shudehill Metro Station. The Angel stocks at least two hand pumped ciders, a range of ‘real’ beers and as a bonus a bar menu verging on fine-dining. Covering two floors, both with cherry open fireplaces, great on winter days, and a pleasant courtyard when the sun shines. Even with its highly attractive offering The Angel is still one of the less well known pubs in the city. Address 6 Angel Street, M4 4BQ

Beermoth - Off licence

Maybe all this talk of real ales, beers and ciders has got you wondering ‘What else is out there?’ Then we recommend you make some space in your luggage or car boot and visit the Northern Quarters Beermoth. It is an off-licence that specialises in stocking micro-brewery beers and ciders. Its shelves are packed with a vast selection of beverages to keep even the most fervent beer drinker happy. Address 70 Tib Street, M4 1LG

— 01 Micro Bar Arndale Food Market, Manchester M4 3AH — 02 Marble Brewery Ales Available at Beermoth (cc) Barley Hops

Manchester Food & Drink

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Cloud 23

As the name suggests this bar is on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Hotel, in the Betham Tower, and to save you climbing it even has an express lift. Large and open comfortable lounges are surrounded with floor to ceiling windows giving an exclusive view across Manchester and the wider region. Known for creating fabulous cocktails this bar is extremely popular with guests and visitors alike. So get your glad rags on and try the unique Cloud 23 experience. Address 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ

Dusk til Pawn

This cocktail bar is cleverly disguised as a ‘Pawn Shop’ in Stevenson Square. With its dimly-lit speak-easy styling, coupled with ample seating, the bar serves some of the most delicious and diverse cocktails and infusions in town. Try the Pawn Star Martini, Hard Candy or Fools Gold cocktails. Even if the extensive menu doesn’t appeal tell them your favorite spirit and watch the whip up something just for you. Address Stevenson Square, M1 1FB

Lounge on the 12th

The Manchester House’s towertop bar, located in Spinningfields in Tower 12, is coupled with the excellent restaurant on the towers 2nd floor. The bar has open verandas, personal booths with music players and fabulous views across the city. Expert cocktail makers and the well stocked bar will make your visit memorable. Try the Manchester distilled ‘Thomas Dakin’ gin in a Bramble or the Aviator with added elderflower. Address Tower 12, Bridge St, M3 3BZ

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The Liars Club

This basement bar is a Caribbean styled Tiki Bar serving cocktails, rum and West Indies beers. Tucked away on a small alleyway it’s ‘hard to miss’ entrance adorned is with large bamboo sticks. Behind its bar and Hawaiian shirt attired bar-staff you will find Manchester’s biggest, and probably, best selection of imported rums The Zombie is the house cocktail and is limited to two per customer, so be warned. Sipping the rums is excellent try the English Harbour or either the El Dorado 15 or 21. Address 19A Back Bridge Street, M3 2PB

The Liquor Store

The Alchemist

In the centre of Spinningfields, The Alchemist is well known for its groundbreaking selection of cocktails. It is part of the Manchester based success story ‘Living Ventures’ whose ‘attention to detail’ restaurants and bars afford diners and drinkers a ‘top notch’ experience Try the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party a two-person sharer, indicative of their flamboyant edge, which is served in slightly warmed porcelain teacups. Address 3 Hardman Street, M3 3HF

Located in Blackfriars Street, by the river Irwell, it has a whole wall dedicated to Mancunian figures such as Morrissey, Tony Wilson and the suffragette Emily Pankhurst. Open till 3am, with a subtle nod towards American bar culture, its theme, soundtrack and cocktails are truly Manchester inspired. Try the Bette-Lynchberg, a Coronation Street twist on a well The Fitzgerald Named after the author of the Great known classic. It combines gin, Gastby, the Fitzgerald styled like a prosecco, apple juice, lemon juice prohibition era den of opulence and and the locally produced Vimto. indulgence. Address This Northern Quarter speakeasy 40 Blackfriars Street, M3 2EG commits fully to its theme with its splendid dark interior, flapper dresses and waistcoats everywhere. Its entrance, hard to find, is around the corner from Rosylee’s in Stevenson Square. — 01 Once inside try the Aviatrix made Dusk til Pawn, Stephenson Square with gin, violet liquor and lemon (cc) Dusk til Pawn served in a leather suitcase with dry — 02 ice. The House Manhattan Address 11 Stevenson Square, M1 1DB

Rye, Nocino, Sweet Vermouth and Bitters (cc) Gabriel Amadeus

Manchester Food & Drink

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Food & Drink Festivals If it ain’t good, then it won’t survive in this city

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. Due to this, restaurants that are cheap imitations using low quality ingredients simply don’t get the customers. If it ain’t good, then it Here are a few of the food and doesn’t survive in this city. drink festivals that if you’re lucky Whether it’s cocktails mixed using enough to be in town for are simply ingredients you’d never thought not to be missed. of drinking by a bartender whose knowledge of the backbar is enough to boggle the mind. Whether it’s fine dining searching for Michelin approval using only the finest ingredients or finger-lickin’ good ‘street-style’ tasty morsels at the Food Markets, Saturday’s on Market Street, this city knows how to enjoy — 01 its food and drink. Castlefield Food Festival Furthermore, Manchester is a city Castlefield Bowl 2015 that likes to celebrate the abundance — 02 of high quality food and drink it has Beer & Cider Festival on offer. Manchester Central 2015

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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. Street food stalls and pop up restaurants from the likes of Dukes

92, Dimitris and the Italian wine specialist Veeno, off Albert Sq, offer visitors great sampling menus and drinks to enjoy. Independent Farmer market stalls, where fresh and cured meats tempt you, through to the cocktail-making classes make this an exciting and interesting festival in Manchester’s busy events calendar.

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The Manchester Beer & Cider Festival January is not dry round these parts as the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival takes place in the heart of the city at Manchester Central exhibition centre. Organised by the local branches of CAMRA, the event grows every year with over 13,000 thirsty visitors expected. They will drink a vast 50,000 pints of Britain’s best cask ales and ciders over four days. Greater Manchester has over 60 breweries and this is your best change to sample their products under one huge ‘barrelled’ roof. The festival will feature over 500 different drinks making it by far the

biggest ‘pub crawl’ you are likely to experience. There is a specialist ‘Biere Sans Frontieres’ area, dedicated bringing you offerings from brewers of exciting draught and bottled beers from across around the world. So grab your drinking boots and head down to Manchester Central to discover your next favourite beer or cider. Held during January Venue: Manchester Central www.manchesterbeerfestival.org.uk Tickets: Free to CAMRA members

Manchester Food & Drink

Manchester Gin Festival

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Gin, also known as ‘Mother’s Ruin’ and seen a huge resurgence in recent years and the Manchester Gin Festival celebrates Britain’s favourite tipple in style. Appealing to everyone from Gin novices to connoisseurs Gin Fest will introduce you to over 100 gins. The festival offers you the chance to find your favourite Gin and to learn about its history from distillers and experts.. Held in Manchester’s opulent Victoria Baths, you will be able to enjoy your gin accompanied by an extensive programme of live music, entertainment and a lot of fun.

Held during March Venue: Victoria Baths www.ginfestival.co.uk 54

The Big Indie Wine Festival

Does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s big. It’s independent. It’s wine-y. Independent? Well in fact it is part of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival, which is one of the reasons it attracts many local exhibitors such as Epicerie Ludo. Held in the Town Hall’s, Great Hall tickets are sold for 3 hour time-slots and include a glass so you can taste to your heart’s content as vendors ply you with their produce. Visiting? Then we recommend a hearty meal to make sure that the second or tenth glass of merlot doesn’t tip you over the edge.

Held during September Venue: Manchester Town Hall www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

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The Manchester Christmas Markets As well as boasting a dazzling array of handmade crafts including gifts, jewellery, toys and more, the Christmas markets are also home to an astounding assortment of food and drink stalls. From Spanish paella cooked in a six-foot wide pan, to French cheeses you can smell from across the street, from sweet and sticky Dutch pancakes laden with syrup to Hungarian goulash to warm even on the coldest of days, the Christmas markets have it all. You will find Christmas stalls in many of the city’s open spaces a such as Albert Sq, St Ann’s Sq, Exchange

Sq, Market Street and New Cathedral Street. Actually from the end of November until mid December you cannot avoid it. So grab your scarf and mittens, some comfortable shoes and you’re all set. An extra pack of tissues wouldn’t go amiss – to catch the mustard dripping from that enormous bratwurst! Held during November & December Venue: Manchester City Centre www.manchester.gov.uk

— 01 Manchester Gin Festival Victoria Baths, Manchester (cc) Danny Payne — 02 The Big Indie Wine Fest Epicerie Ludo, 46 Beech Road Manchester M21 9EG (cc) Jon Parker Lee — 03 Manchester Christmas Markets Albert Sq, Manchester (cc) Donald Judge

Manchester Food & Drink

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The Food & Drink Festival

MFDF, is the biggest of them all, celebrating its 18th year in 2015. 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 wines 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 calendar of live entertainment events during extravaganza.

Beyond this dedicated space If you are in Manchester during restaurants, bakers, cafes and even tea the festival take advantage of this houses become part of the festival. great opportunity to get your food They create special menus, cakes and drink on. and drinks to try, all as part of the diversity that is Manchester’s foodie Held during September scene. Venue: Albert Square The MFDF awards provide www.foodanddrinkfestival.com a benchmark for excellence and winners are often propelled into local — 01 stardom with their creations talked Manchester Food & Drink Festival about by foodies and critics alike. — 02 Winners are chosen from a mixture Gingers Comfort Emporium of public votes on the nominee lists (cc) Gingers Emporium and the judgment of a panel of food — 03 and drink experts. Chaophraya - Thai Restaurant Categories include Best Restaurant, 19 Chapel Walks, Manchester M2 1HN Best Pop-Up and Best Street Food.

Manchester Shopping

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

With an almost endless list of activities, the metropolitan area of the city centre has solidified itself as a commercial hotspot 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 its arcades, streets, squares and shopping centres that boast almost every conceivable fancy for even the most insatiable shopper. From high end designer fashion brands to vintage stores bursting with character and surprises. From bargains on the high street to unearthing unique gems in an independent boutique on a back street – Manchester has it all. And before you waste even a moment 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 fit a modest budget, to the upmarket outlets if you’re wanting to splash some cash. Whether it’s the latest electronic gadget, the perfect addition to your wardrobe or even just an afternoon browsing. Whatever you had in mind, Manchester is the place to find it.

The Manchester style

What comes to mind when if you’re asked to picture Manchester style – a Liam Gallagher trench coat complete with sideburns? OK, well it’s not the 1990’s anymore, so don’t hold your breath. But that’s not to say the city’s not managed to nuture 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

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photoshoots and to inspire their latest ranges. The vast number of shops alone is evidence enough that Mancunians love a good spree from time to time, and some of the brand’s closest to their heart are homegrown. 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 Ann’s 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 of self-expression, as weird and wonderful as this needs to be. 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. Not only will it complete the outfit but it’ll come in handy - Trust us.

— 01 Piccadilly Records 53 Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JR — 02 COW 61 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PD — 03 Afflecks 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW

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Shopping A history

The story of Manchester’s role at the forefront of the industrial revolution that helped shape the face of the both modern Britain and Western world as we know it is one that will be familiar to most. But less well-known is the city’s role from the 18th century onwards as a key player in paving the way for the modern day shopping experience. While traditionally goods were exchanged mainly through market stalls, trades such as dry-salters and hat-block makers set up permanent bases here in the 1700s and in turn provided the roots of shopping that still exist today. This model steadily evolved over several hundred years with Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter becoming one of the most prolific areas where trades set up shop. Oldham Street has today been reborn as a shopping hub once again – now at the centre of the Northern Quarter’s diverse array of alternative shops, vintage stores and the inimitable warren of goodies that is Afflecks (More in the Northern Quarter section). However the most notable development took place in the 1970s with the construction of the Arndale Centre. This commercial mecca completely transformed the outlook of shopping in the city and set it off on a trajectory that makes it the place it is today. More than 30 years later the Arndale Centre was joined by the Trafford Centre in 1998 and this added the first out of city shopping experience of its kind in Manchester.

Shopping Today

One of the best (not to mention most convenient) aspects of shopping in Manchester is the layout. While there’s always the option of trams, taxis, buses and trains to get you from A to B, due to how compact the area is it’s more than possible to get to where you’re wanting to be with only a short walk. The only question is, where do you want to be? Depending on your style and what you’re after will surely influence your destination for the day and it’s important to know that particular areas accommodate for different types of shoppers.

Take the Northern Quarter, for example, which is bursting with quirky independent outlets capable of satisfying a more alternative shopping appetite. Here we suggest that you seek out Afflecks, for its eclectic traders, and the Craft & Design Centre for stylish jewellery and ceramics Only minutes away however is King Street; a street renowned for its high-end offerings. Likewise, Exchange Square just around the corner boasts a similar up-market shopping experience. It is also home to one of four legendary Selfridges stores in the UK as well as a Harvey Nichols.

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For many, Market Street will be the obvious place to start. Not only can you access the Arndale Centre from here, but the street is lined with dozens of other established outlets and the Metrolink stops right in the heart, so even if it’s raining there’s no need to get wet. In Piccadilly Gardens is the Street Food and Traders market open from Thursday to Sunday. Here delicious paella slowly cooks next to Middle Eastern wraps or you maybe tempted by one of the many independent clothing designer stalls.

Further afield there are a number of local markets where you can get your hands on a one-of-a-kind piece and soak in the atmosphere of many of the Greater Manchester small communities. In South Manchester alone you’ll find vibrant local enterprises selling a mixture of vintage goods, retro fashion and homemade street food. Levenshulme Market, Bury Market and Chorlton Art Market are some of the best. But fear not if none of those tickle your fancy. A quick tram ride and you can find yourself at the Lowry Outlet or a short bus ride and you’ll be at the Trafford Centre.

SCAN ME! for more information: unlockmanchester.com /shopping

— 01 Burberry Store New Cathedral Street Manchester M1 1AD — 02 & 03 Piccadilly Street Food Market Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester Weekly - Thursday to Sunday

Manchester Shopping

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Manchester Shopping Centres

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. To put it simply, it’s hard not to find exactly what you’re looking for between its walls. 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. 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. For this reason alone you might find yourself not venturing far from the Arndale Centre during your Manchester visit. The Arndale Centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm Saturday 9am to 7pm Sunday 11.30am to 5.30pm

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The Lowry Outlet

Situated in Manchester’s twin city, Salford, the Lowry Outlet is easy to get to and worth a visit for even 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, head towards Eccles and alight 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 multiscreen VUE Cinema adding to the entertainment. 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

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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 dayto-day 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.

And that’s without mentioning bus, the complex is well equipped for the impressive Classical-inspired those travelling by car and has space entrance, so ostentatious that it would for 11,500 vehicles to park. be more befitting of the entrance to a Roman Emperor’s palace than a The Trafford Centre is open shopping centre. Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm Perhaps its most charming feature Saturday 10am to 9pm is the ship-shaped food court known Sunday 12pm to 6pm as the Orient, which takes the visitor to the decks of a boat on Titanic-like — 01 proportions The Arndale Centre There’s a vast array of restaurants Market Street, Manchester M4 3AJ and fast food outlets to enjoy in here — 02 as well as a massive 20-screen cinema The Lowry Outlet and IMAX complex if you fancy Salford Quays, Salford M50 3AH spending a few hours watching a new — 03 film. The Great Hall, Trafford Centre While it’s possible to get there by The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AA

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Afflecks An emporium of eclectisim 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. On approach it is a rather unimposing red-brick building, however this is no pointer to the world of magic awaiting its visitors. It is hard to miss the corner doorway 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. Take in the blend of bohemian glam, burlesque sassy, vintage mystery or simply savour the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There are boutiques of all tastes down every corridor that spread across the emporiums 4 floors. It is a shopping paradise, a labyrinth of discovery, intrigue and mystery through each and every doorway. Goth or Punk to your taste? If so there is a wealth of choice and visits to Freak Boutique, Dark Light Gothic, Elysia, Punk’d Image and more will guarantee a unique outfit at that special gig.

A mecca of unequalled proportions for Vintage clothes and accessories fans and hunters. Milner & Son, Grin, Vagabond Vintage, Zeffa, American Graffiti and many other independent retailers and stall holders are able to respond to thy quest for Vintage and ‘Kit you out’. Play out your fantasies with fancy dress from sellers such as American Graffiti, Attic, Rubber Plantation and that’s not all these fabulous stall holders sell either. Before you pay top high street prices for that average ‘special dress’, take time to check out Strawberri Peach, 1st floor, a gem of a boutique and made-to-measure glam perfectionists, often seen on TV. Wander into Retro Play and find the most obscure games and items from times past; Atari games, typewriters, Top Trumps, Starwars characters. Your kids will love you. Looking for body piercing and tattoos? You cannot go wrong with the experienced The Tattoo Studio, Abacus or Shiva. There are several jewellery stores throughout Afflecks, such as the handmade wonders you will spy on Flowellery or the huge array of choice in Extreme Largeness.

Afflecks has great food and beverage cafes helping to sustain visitors during their exploration of this vast building and its wares. On the 3rd floor is the long established Cafe 3, creates milkshakes that are an absolute must try. The famous Blackmilk Cereal Kult and the renowned Gingers Comfort Emporium both offer tasty fayre ensuring that you don’t go hungry. With a wonderful wealth of over 70 shops and stalls such as Cyberdog, Pop Boutique, Biggabagga, Moloko, SWALK Creative Presents, The Bead Shop, Chocolate Ape 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, tattoo’s 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 is open Monday to Friday 10.30am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 6pm Sunday 11am to 5pm

Address 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW website: www.afflecks.com Entrances on Oldham Street, Church Street and on the corner of Tib Street.

— 01 Afflecks Entrance 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW — 02 Afflecks Promotional Flyers — 03 Afflecks Sign Tib Street

Manchester Shopping

Three Minute Theatre (3MT)

“Part of the city’s vibrant theatre and music scene” The Three Minute Theatre, also know as the 3MT,the only purposebuilt recycled boutique theatre in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Working closely with Pulse Productions, Manchester Shakespeare Co and Square Circle Community Theatre, they bring an eclectic menu of exciting and innovative performances in theatre, music, comedy, poetry and film. “One of the most important small venues in the country” - Frost Magazine Ground Floor - tel: 0161 834 4517 facebook.com/TheThreeMinuteTheatre

Attic Theatrical Fancy Dress

“Machester’s best fancy dress and theatrical shop” Attic stocks a massive range of fancy dress accessories, wigs, cosmetics and costumes to suit all shapes and sizes. Offering a fanstatic and elegant costume hire service including outfits from the 1920’s to the disco era of the 1970’s our wide range of costumes are ideal should you ber planning a ‘Murder Mystery’. Attic, a family business, has featured in several TV shows most notably ‘Hens Behaving Badly’ and it also provides costumes for BBC and ITV productions. 3rd Floor - tel: 0161 832 3839 info@atticfancydress.co.uk - atticfancydress.co.uk

Freak Boutique

“Alternative Goth Fashion and Accessories” Freak Boutique is the mystical zone, by the café, on the 3rd floor. Within its walls you will find the very best in alternative fashion and accessories, wigs, pagan related products and our very own Tarot Reader and Medium. Our shelves and rails carry the very best selection in alternative fashion and accessories. Browse, explore and discover.

3rd Floor freakboutique.co.uk facebook/freakboutique

Ginger’s Comfort Emporium

“Ice creams, hot puddings and glorious milkshakes” Ginger’s serves a vast selection of ice cream flavours to enjoy in toasted brioche, with hot puddings, affogato style or milkshake. Let Ginger soothe you with her creamy, fruity, nutty, chocolatey, meringuey, spicy, boozy, crunchy, refreshing, comforting iced desserts. All ingredients sourced, where at all possible from producers local to Manchester. A great place to sit and enjoy a coffee and some great ice cream. 1st Floor gingerscomfortemporium.com facebook/gingerscomfortemporium

Manchester The Quarters

Manchester ‘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, all of which have left their mark on the world’s first truly Industrial city. The city centre is relatively small, covering about 2.5 square miles. The centre is divided into a series of nominal quarters each derived and named from their historical or modern day usage and offerings. Exchange Sq and Market Street are the main shopping districts on them you will find major high brands and in the Arndale Shopping Centre is home to over 200 stores. Many of the quarters are imbued with their own feel and style, such as the Northern Quarter. Its industrial look has been embellished by the numerous converted warehouses which are now cafes, 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 Craft & Design Centre. The Spinningfields district 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. Castlefield borders Spinningfields and within its space is the open air Bowl, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Canal Dock basin. The docks are part of the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals, leading to the vast Salford Quays on the Manchester Ship Canal and thereafter 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, the many close packed bars, restaurants and clubs out to offer a good time.

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 an attractive garden square and the Chinese Archway. Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University are both make-up the Student Quarter in and around Oxford Rd. This district tends to lean towards a student lifestyle, however there is the excellent Manchester Museum with its dinosaurs and Egyptian Mummies Mummies, on Oxford Road or the student music venue ‘The Academy’. Read on to discover more about this remarkable city and its quarters each offering unique experiences for visitors.

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The City Centre Food, shopping and transport

Piccadilly Gardens

Every city needs an epicentre; London has Trafalgar Square, New York has Central Park. Undoubtedly, Manchester’s is Piccadilly Gardens. The spot, located at the top of Market Street, has transformed many times over the years. However since 1914 it’s etched a reputation as the most popular green space within the concrete jungle. Its current set-up now sees it boasting an impressive fountain in the middle. Despite skirting controversy throughout the decades, in due part to the erection of the Berlin Wallesque structure which lines the gardens, locals are yet to fall out of love with this particular urban gem. Today there’s plenty in store for any visitor and it only takes the slightest glimmer of sunlight for people to flock to the gardens. Admittedly during the summer months it’s a much more alluring attraction. Piccadilly Gardens has several food and drink venues to choose from. Chains restaurants such as Byron, Pizza Express and Ask Italian have bagged prominent spots, whereas pop-up markets offering everything from Caribbean cuisine to handmade cupcakes can be found at its edges.

Piccadilly Gardens also serves as the central bus and tram station with the mainline Piccadilly Station a few minutes walk away. This transport hub provides excellent connections across the city, into Greater Manchester and the Airport. Market Street, off Piccadilly Gardens, is the city’s main shopping district lined with well-known retailers and the Arndale Shopping Centre. Here you can marvel at the amazing £1 bargain shops through to top end brands such as Harvey Nichols on New Cathedral Street and the vast Selfridges on Exchange Square.

Chinatown

Whether you’re hungry, curious, or just after a good ol’ fashioned singalong, 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.

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The first restaurant opened its doors in 1948 and the area has been prospering ever since. 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 selection of courses. 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 visited

between January and February depending on when Chinese New Year is celebrated. In anticipation of the event the streets of Manchester become lined with red lanterns before a raucous dragon parade is held. — 01 Chinese New Year (cc) Tim Brockley — 02 Chinese New Year (cc) Pete Birkinshaw — 03 Chinese Arch, Faulkner St (cc) Brian Barnett

GUSTO

Gusto draws inspiration from the traditional grand cafes of Europe, accessible and welcoming, with a hint of decadence and a touch of luxury. Its tall ceilings, glamorous island bar and collection of fabulous seating areas, this is a restaurant for every occasion. Enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails, weekdays 5pm - 7pm, try the delicious a la carte, lunch, pretheatre, exquisite specials menus or the weekend ‘Afternoon Tea’ available 12-5pm. So, whether it’s a business lunch or a family celebration, Gusto offers great meeting and dining experiences to suit all tastes. gustorestaurants.uk.com gusto.manchester @gustomanchester Address 4 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5AB Tel: 0161 832 2866 Opening hours Daily - Midday till Midnight

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Exchange Square

Entertainment, shopping and the 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 Wellington Pub and now The Mitre Hotel, to its current location within Exchange Square. The Square has 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 outsized coal wagons complete with axels and wheels. The Square serves as access to many key attractions in the city centre. Selfridges, The Arndale and New Cathedral Street all offer great high street and designer shopping experiences.

New Cathedral Street high-end designer fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Burberry. Following a major re-fit the historic Corn Exchange will re-open soon offering a wide variety of quality dinning restaurants, bars and shops. The Printworks, 30 metres away, is packed with fun and entertainment venues serving food and drink and there is even a huge IMAX cinema in the Odeon Cinema. Opposite the Printworks is the National Football Museum, housed 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. Address National Football Museum Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG nationfootballmuseum.com

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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. It was extensively renovated in 1882 and the latest major work was to install under-floor heating in 2013. Today the Cathedral is still in regular use and offers a quiet place to worship, reflect or simply take time out from a hectic city life. During the spring and summer months it has particularly attractive gardens. The Cathedral is often host to musicial performances from both classical and pop genres artists.

Just beyond the Cathedral is Victoria Station, worth popping into to view the large railway map wall mural, and Greengate Square is an open public space used for outdoor entertainment and home to the Grindsmith coffee pod. It might be possible to walk through Exchange Square and not realise that you are there. However, the attractive Tudor style buildings, in Shambles Square, and the modern artwork will reveal your location.

— 01 Manchester Cathedral Victoria Street Manchester M3 1SX — 02 National Football Museum Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG

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Canal Street The Gay Village is a world famous quarter

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 trans 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. 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.

Queer As Folk, Channel 4’s ground breaking show, was set and filmed in the Gay Village before 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 generally 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 bit of sun will bring revellers meeting by the dozen to socialise by the waterside. You can’t go wrong by following the rainbow flags.

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But by the time dusk sets in a number of the streets are illuminated by fairy lights. These bulbs 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 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. Looking to find out more about Manchester’s Gay Village? Then try ‘www.canal-st.co.uk’ for its maps, information and news features.

— 01 ONBar, Canal Street Manchester Pride Festival 2015

Three floors of bars and entertainment await you behind the large and welcoming doors of Bar Pop. John Hamilton’s long running Manchester nightclub, called ‘Poptastic’, was the inspiration for the name of his Canal St bar. Open late every night Bar Pop has a wide calendar of events with something for everyone including the popular Sunday night Drag Roulette to the Rock Disco night. If this isn’t enough then the bar prices are certainly another attraction with pints at £2.00. As John says it’s a IndieDiscoElectroHomoMadHiphopBritPopFunkyKindaShagtasticQueerThing… LOVE POP : LOVE BEER : LOVE YOU

BarPopOffical @BarPopMCR Address 10 Canal St Manchester M1 3EZ Opening hours Daily - 2pm till very late

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Gay Village. Its community, food, drink and busling nightlife

It’s not an overstatement to say that the Village has everything. Thirsty? There’s too many bars to name. Hungry? Well sit yourself down at one of the many restaurants. Tired? Check-in to a 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 that run throughout the week.

Meanwhile, further along the strip The Canal Street Spirit The Gay Village was built in response you’ll find View. This club boasts a basement disco to the LGBT struggle - and to this day that is unmatched by any other in there is a prevalent community spirit. town and one usually at maximum Throughout the year this manifests itself in numerous ways. capacity. The most prominent way that it Varied opening times keep the crowds coming all night long. On exists is through Manchester Pride. Held annually every August, this select dates some of the venues keep their doors open until the early hours four-day event, celebrates sexuality of the morning, including Bar Pop with an outrageous parade spiralling and Void, which has been known to through the city streets, a carnival atmosphere, live music, exhibitions kick people out at 10am. Obviously it’s not for the faint- and stallholders fayre. The festival stems from movements hearted - you’ve been warned. in the late 80’s and early 90’s and now attracts thousands of people over the Bank Holiday weekend.

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Tickets to the whole event can People came from near and far to cost over £20, whereas individual day have their voice heard while opposing tickets come in a little cheaper. anti-gay legislation by marching A proportion of the funds raised through the streets. benefit local charities with issues relevant to the GAY community. While Pride only comes once a year, the community is known to — 01 react to issues, both on a regional and The Gay Village international level. Canal Street, Manchester In February 2014 the Village made — 02 world headlines as they staged a mock Haus of Edwards Olympic Opening Ceremony. Holy Trannity 2015 This was in response to the (cc) Haus of Edwards President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, — 03 stance on LGBT representation and Pride House Manchester - Feb 2014 groups attending the Sochi Winter (cc) Paul Jones - Exposure Photographic Olympics.

The Molly House

The Molly House was the first ‘NQ’ styled bar in the Gay Village. The ground floor is a simple bar with large wooden tables and the well stocked bar serves a wide selection of real ales and beers from the bottle and cask. The first floor is styled to look like a bordello, with comfortable seating areas, large chesterfield settees, an open fireplace and there is even an outdoor balcony. The Bordello Bar is the place to sit at, relax and sample some of the excleusive house cocktails creations and the classics. The Molly House kitchen serves a gut-busting burger & chips and specialises in a range of Tapa’s dishes. themollyhouse.com @themollyhouse Address 26 Richmond Street Manchester M1 3NB Tel: 0161 237 9329 Opening hours Daily - Noon till Midnight

Manchester The Quarters

Royal Orchid

The Royal Orchid (map A3 no.2), in Bangkok Bar, has 25 years experience of producing high quality Thai food. The Thai chefs have created a classic menu that will tantalise your taste buds and excite your eyes with their flavoursome and attractive dishes. Their extensive menus offer fish, meat and vegetarian choices or try the great ÂŁ10 meal deal, a feast of favours. Should you be feeling more adventurous ask for the Street food menu for an authentic taste of this far-flung country. Bangkok Bar is also an entertainment hotspot that combines Thai Cultural events, live performances and specialist themed nights. bangkokbar.co.uk bangkokbarUK @bangkokbarUK Address 40 Princess Street Manchester M1 6DD Tel: 0161 714 0429 Opening hours Daily - 5pm till late

BARS 1: Baa Bar, Sackville St - B3 2: Bar Pop, Polari in Via - C3 3: Centre Stage, Bloom St - B3 4: Churchills, Chorlton St - C3 5: Company Bar, Richmond St - C3 6: Coyotes Bar, Chorlton St - C2 7: Eagle Bar, Bloom St - C3 8: G-A-Y, Canal St - B4 9: Iconic, Richmond St - C3 10: Napoleans, Bloom St - B3 11: New York New York, Bloom St - B3 12: Oscars, Canal St - C3 13: The New Union Hotel, Princess St - B4 14: The Rembrandt, Sackville St - C3 15: The Thompsons Arms, Sackville St - B3 16: Vanilla, Richmond St - B3 17: View on the Canal, Canal St - C3

BARS & FOOD 1: Delicatezze, Brazil St (Over Bridge) - C4 2: Kiki, Canal St - D2 3: MCR 4/2, Chorlton St - C3 4: On Bar, Canal St - B4 5: Richmond Tea Rooms, Richmond St - C3 6: Sackville Lounge, Sackville St - C4 7: Taurus Bar, Canal St - D2 8: The Goose, Bloom St - C3 9: The Molly House, Richmond St - C3 10: Tribeca, Sackville St - C4 11: Urban Cookhouse, Princess St - B4 12: Velvet, Canal St - D2 13: Via, Canal St - C3

CLUBS 1: Alter Ego, Princess St - B4 2: AXM, Bloom St - B3 3: Belinda Scandals, Bloom St - C3 4: CRUZ 101, Princess St - A3 5: VOID, Canal St - C2

HOTELS 1: Britannia Hotel, Chorlton St - B1 2: Double Tree, Auburn St - E2 3: Le Ville Hotel, Canal St - B3 4: MacDonald Town House, Princess St - A3 5: The Atrium Aparthotel, Princess St - B4 6: The Thistle, Portland St - C1 7: Velvet Hotel, Canal St - D2

RESTAURANTS 1: Arnero, Sackville St - B3 2: Royal Orchid & Bangkok Bar, Princess St - A3 3: Villagio, Canal St - B4

SHOPPING 1: Clone Zone, Sackville St - B3 2: H2O Sauna, Sackville St - B3 3: Manchester Cars, Bloom St - B3 4: Street Cars, Richmond St - C3 5: Village Hair & Shop, Bloom St - B3

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The Northern Quarter

Hip and trendy, boutiques, bars and restaurants

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 NQ’s borders fluctuate a little, however it is generally accepted that they are Great Ancoats St, Piccadilly, 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 being opened in 1873. Today the Fish Market is a residential space and the Craft and Design Centre occupies the Fish and Poultry Market building.

Development of the Northern Quarter has, in the main, been very sympathetic to the areas 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 proved ideal to be developed into bars, cafes, entertainment and shopping units. Modern fitments incorporate exposed original brickwork, iron columns and girders as part of their design and infrastructure. Interestingly ‘Texture’, on Lever St, uses its brick walls to create some very clever 3D video modelling effects. Today the ‘NQ’ offers visitors a cornucopia of attractions, such as independent retailers on Oldham St and Tib St, ‘Real Beer’ focused bars, afternoon tea shops, restaurants, dedicated music venues, bespoke Arts and Crafts and clubbing. The ‘NQ’ streets and buildings 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 its alley and pathways. So don’t be surprised if you turn a corner to discover a ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ scene happening.

— 01 Bon Bon Chocolate Boutique John St, Northern Quarter M4 1EQ — 02 Tib Street Tavern

Tib Street, Northern Quarter M4 1LG

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Food & Drink

The Northern Quarter is 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 5 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 the choices 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, with its vast selection of bottles and regularly changing hand pulled beers. At 57 Thomas St, the Marbles’ communal like small pub, drinkers can enjoy beers from one of Manchester breweries with offerings such as the eponymously named ‘Pint’ and the excellent ‘Lagonda’ plus a large selection of Belgium Beers. Find ‘Beer Moth’ 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.

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... Feeling hungry? Then again the ’NQ’ comes to the rescue. 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.

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Want to try something a bit more ‘dirty’ then Solita, Turner St, makes large and tasty hotdogs and burgers. Chicken your thing? Then check out ‘Yard and Coop’, Edge St, its chicken with a ‘secret’ crumb-coating combined with its ‘Chip Shop Chic’ tableware. The ‘NQ’ has a good choice of international cuisines. Montpelliers, Turner St, offers a French themed menu, with large sharing boards of meat and cheese. El Capo, Tariff St, is a Mexicans delight and will re-invigorate even the most tired Bandito with its authentic Tacos, excellent Mexican beers and tequilas. Ning is a Thai cuisine restaurant, at the north end of Oldham St. Its menu is a true flavour of Thailand cooking, created by the Forumla 1 and Thai television cooking presenter chef Norman Musa. Pizzas maybe ‘a run of the mill’ choice, however Ply, Lever St, create great pizzas cooked in a traditional Italian wood-fired clay oven.

Shopping - Retail Therapy

The ‘NQ’ is a hive of independent retailers and specialist shops. Oldham St alone has tattoo and piercing parlours, retro and vintage clothing stores, record shops and a vegan cafe. Tib St has the excellent ‘Beer Moth’ dedicated to real ales and beers and the bespoke corset maker Kiku. Afflecks, on Tib St, is an eclectic 4 floors with over 70 specialist retailers and indie stall holders. The 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.

Live Music and Venues

Long before the birth of the ’NQ’ live music was being performed to appreciative audiences. Band on the Wall, Swan St, acquired its named because a landlord in 1930’s installed a band performance stage halfway up an inside wall. Today it 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. Dry Bar, Oldham St, originally opened by Tony Wilson’s Factory Records and New Order now houses Dry Bar Live in the basement.

Next door the Night and Day Pub hosts a full diary of live music from touring and local bands. Meanwhile back on Tib St, Matt & Phreds is the city’s Jazz venue with saloon like seating, along 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 happening across the city annually during July. Kraak gallery, tucked away around a corner on Stevenson Sq, has a calendar of special events and exhibitions worth looking into.

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Clubbing and Nightclubs

Many of the Northern Quarters bars have DJ’s spinning the decks into the early hours, especially during the 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. Band on Wall, Swan St, once a month hosts the popular Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club. Try to get tickets for the long running success story that is Sankeys, in the northern quarters Beehive Mill on Jersey St.

Another popular event is the Warehouse Project, Store St, operating weekly from late September to New Years Eve. Totally different is the Cuban styled Cuba Cafe, Port St, where Salsa dance lessons are open to everyone, experienced or not, from 6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

— 01 Oklahoma Cafe & Gift Shop 74 High Street, Northern Quarter M4 1ES — 02 Northern Quarter Street Fate Stevenson Square, Manchester

Montpellier’s

Montpellier’s is located on a back street in the trendy Northern Quarter. It is best known for it’s French style cooking, try the tasty Beef Bourguignon. With its focus on delivering a peasant style cuisine, where taste is king and fancy thrills take a back seat; accompanied by a great selection of regional french wines or one of their specialist cocktails. Once inside it has a large and light dining area with booth style seating and a large open bar area in its basement. Montpellier’s is comfortable and relaxed space to enjoy lunch or dinner. montpelliers.co.uk montpelliers.cafebar @montpelliersNQ Address 42 Back Turner Street Manchester M4 1FR Tel: 0161 832 3146 Opening hours Sun to Thrs - Noon till 12am Fri & Sat - Noon till 1am

Manchester The Quarters

BARS

18: Montpelliers, Turner St - B2 19: Odd Bar, Thomas St - B2 1: Almost Famous, High St - B2 20: Pie & Ale, Lever St - D3 2: Apotheca, Thomas St - B2 21: Ply, Stevenson Sq - D3 3: Bar21, Thomas St - B2 22: Q Bar, Newton St - D4 4: Burton Arms, Swan St - C1 23: Rosy Lee, Stevenson Sq - D3 5: Castle Hotel, Oldham St - D3 24: Shack, Hilton St - D4 6: Cord, Dorsey St - C2 25: Simple, Tib St - C3 7: Crown & Kettle, Oldham Rd - D2 26: Soup Kitchen, Spear St - C3 8: Cuba Cafe Bar, Port St - E4 27: Tariff & Dale, Tariff St - D4 9: Dusk till Porn, Stevenson Sq - C3 28: Terrace, Thomas St - B2 10: Fringe Bar, Swan St - D1 29: The Bay Horse, Thomas St - B2 11: Gullivers, Oldham St - D2 30: The Blue Pig, High St - B2 12: Hula Tikki, Stevenson Sq - D3 31: The English Lounge, High St - A2 13: Keno Moku, High St - B2 32: The Millstone, Thomas St - C3 14: Lola’s Cocktail Bar, Tariff St - E4 33: The Wheatsheaf, Oak St - C2 15: Mother Macs, Little Lever St - C4 34: Tib St Tavern, Tib St - C2 16: Night & Day, Oldham St - C3 35: Trof, Thomas St - A2 17: NOHO, Stevenson Sq - C3 36: Walrus, High St - B2 18: Port St Beer House, Port St - E4 37: Yard & Coop, Edge St - B2 19: Smithfield Market, Swan St - C1 20: Texture, Lever St - D3 21: The City Pub, Oldham St - D2 CAFES 22: The Fitzgerald, Stevenson Sq - D3 23: The Northern, Tib St - C3 1: Blue Daisy Cafe, Oldham St - C3 24: The Whiskey Jar, Tariff St - E4 2: BonBon Chocolate, John St - B3 25: Tusk, High St - B2 3: Chapter One, Lever St - C4 26: Twenty Two, Little Lever St - C4 4: Home Sweet Home, Edge St - C2 5: Koffee Pot, Oldham St - D2 6: Leos Fish Bar, Oldham St - B4 BARS & FOOD 7: Nexus Art Cafe, Dale St - C3 8: North Star Piccadilly, Dale St - D5 1: The Marble - 57 Thomas St - B2 9: North Tea Power, Tib St - B3 2: Able Heywood, Turner St - B3 10: Oklahoma, High St - A2 3: Affleck & Brown, Thomas St - C3 11: Pie Minister, Tib St - C3 12: Sugar Junction, Tib St - C3 4: Allotment, Dale St - C4 13: Superstore, Tib St - C3 5: B&G, Newton St - D4 14: Takk, Tariff St - D4 6: Bakerie, Lever St - D3 15: TEA4/2, High St - A3 7: Black Dog Ballroom, Tib St - B3 16: Teacup, Thomas St - B2 8: BLUU, High St - B2 17: The Foudation, Lever St - C4 9: Cane & Grain, Thomas St - B2 18: The Mahabra, Back Piccadilly - C4 10: Common, Edge St - B2 19: The Pen & Pencil, Tariff St - E4 11: Crafty Pig, Oldham St - B4 12: Crown & Anchor, Hilton St - D4 20: V Revolution, Oldham St - D2 21: Wood, Tib St - C3 13: Dry Bar, Oldham St - C3 14: El Capo, Tariff St - D4 22: Ziefblat, Edge St - B2 15: Hold Fast, Hilton St - D4 16: Kosmonaut, Tariff St - D4 17: Lammars, Hilton St - E5

ENTERTAINMENT 1: Band on the Wall, Swan St - D1 2: Frog & Bucket, Oldham St - B2 3: Matt & Phreds, Tib St - C3 4: Mint, Oldham St - C3

GALLERIES 1: Chinese Crafts, Thomas St - B2 2: Kraak, Stevenson Sq - D3 3: Police Museum, Newton St - D4

RESTAURANTS 1: {63}, High St - B2 2: Bem Brasil, Great Ancoats St - E2 3: Earth, Turner St - A1 4: Evuna, Thomas St - C3 5: Ning, Oldham St - D2 6: Solita, Turner St - B3 7: Sweet Mandarin, High St - B2 8: The Northern Quarter Restuarant, High St - B2

SHOPPING 1: Afflecks, Tib St - B3 2: Beatin’ Rhythm, Tib St - B2 3: Beer Moth, Tib St - C3 4: Black Sheep, Dale St - D4 5: Clampdon Records, Paton St - D5 6: Craft & Design Centre, Oak St - C2 7: Fred Aldous, Stevenson Sq - C3 8: Icognito, Stevenson Sq - D3 9: Kiku, Tib St - D2 10: Oxfam Emp., Oldham St - B3 11: Oxfam Originals, Oldham St - C3 12: Piccadilly Recs, Oldham St - C3 13: Real Camera Co., Lever St - C4 14: Richard Goodall, Thomas St - B2 15: REX Costumes, Swan St - C1 16: Spa Satori, High St - C1 17: Travelling Man, Dale St - C4 18: Vinyl Revival, Thomas St - C3 19: Wobble you, Dale St - D5

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Castlefield & Spinningfields Festivals, food & drink, museums, shopping & theatre

Castlefield derives it name from the Roman fort called Mancunium, established in AD 79. Today its public gardens enclose this partly reconstructed fort. You can explore the buildings and walls and have lunch at the White Lion with the fort as your backdrop. Across the road is the world’s first twin track railway that serviced Manchester and Liverpool. The station is now part of the Museum of Science and Industry where you can journey on a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket. The Museums extensive galleries and collections celebrate Manchester as the world’s first Industrial City. The Castlefield Bowl is host to concerts and the annual Castlefield Food Festival. Behind it are the Old Granada Studios, soon to be a major Arts and Theatre Centre. Beyond the bowl is the Castlefield Basin, where canal barges used to dock with their cargos like coal or cloth.

Today this attractive space is used There is also the beautiful for leisure and is encircled by some independent florist, David Wayman, excellent restaurants and bars such as who creates some of the most Dukes 92. charming bouquets in the city. Elsewhere, you’ll find the impressive flagship Emporio Armani Spinningfields’ provides a vibrant mix store and jeweller, Phillip Stoner. of retail, business and leisure making The monthly Makers Markets it a popular visitor destination. Showcases some of Manchester’s best Prepare to lose yourself in the local food and drink, arts and crafts sparkling glass maze of towering along with live music performances buildings, home to a variety of world- and a whole lot more. class eateries and luxury retailers. The annual Spinningfields’ If it’s a spot of shopping you’re Manchester Duck Race, yes bright after, head straight to The Avenue yellow rubber ducks racing along where you’ll be spoilt for choice with the river, sees thousands flock to the fashion retailers, including Flannels, banks of the Irwell in support of the Mulberry and Oliver Sweeney. children’s charity, Brainwave.

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Spinningfields’ is home to an enormous variety of food and drink restaurants suitable for all tastes and budgets. The Avenue is popular with diners where you’ll find the Brazilian restaurant Fazenda and the hustling, bustling Asian-inspired Thaikhun. Fancy some tapas? Visit the Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano’s authentic restaurant Ibérica, which is the first to open outside of London. Manchester House, Tower 12, is Aiden Byrne’s internationally acclaimed second floor restaurant. Fancy a cocktail beforehand? Then Manchester House’s Lounge, on level

12, offers extravagant cocktails and great views across the city. Spinningfields’ Leftbank is home to outdoor dining experience The Kitchens, complimented by an outdoor communal dining area. Here six street food specialists are competing, during 2015, to receive an investment from the Spinningfields’ developer, Allied London. The Lawn Club on Hardman Square is an English garden bar in the city serving David Gales’ acclaimed menu. Next door, Rust & Stone caters for the health conscious foodie with a range of juices, smoothies and a large salad bar.

Castlefield with its history, space and visitor attractions combined with Spinningfields spectrum-wide innovations including architecture, retail and fine dining offer visitors truly exciting quarters to explore.

— 01 Bridgewater Canal Castlefield, Manchester — 02 Hardman Square, Spinningfields Hardman Street, Spinngfields M3 3EB — 03 Buildings on The Avenue The Avenue, Spinngfields M3 3FL

Manchester The Quarters

BARS 1: Baa Bar, Deansgate Locks - D5 2: Brew Dog Bar, Peter St - E3 3: Buddha, Deansgate Locks - D5 4: Cask, Liverpool Rd - C4 5: Cloud 23, The Hilton, Deansgate - C4 6: Eperny, Watson St - D3 7: Lola La, Deansgate Locks - D5 8: Mojo, Bridge St - D1 9: Mulligans, Southgate - D1 10: Sawyers Arms, Deansgate - D1 11: The Deansgate, Deansgate - C4 12: The Liars Club, Back Bridge St - D1 13: The Lost Dene, Deansgate - D1 14: The Mark Addy, Stanley St - B1 15: The Odd Grapes, Little Quay St - D2

BARS & FOOD

1: Alberts Schloss, Peter St - D3 2: All Star Lanes, GN Warehouse*- D3 3: Almost Famous, GN Warehouse*- D3 4: Ark, Deansgate Locks - D5 5: Atlas Bar, Deangate - C5 6: Barca, Catalan Sq - B5 7: City Road Inn, City Rd - D5 8: Crazy Pedro’s, Bridge St - D1 9: Dukes 92, Castle St - B5 10: El Rincon, Longworth St - D3 11: Grand Pacific, The Avenue - D2 12: Knott Bar, Deansgate - C5 13: Lock 91, Deansgate Locks - C5 14: Manchester House, Bridge St - C1 15: Revolution, Deansgate Locks - D5 16: Revolution Cuba, Peter St - D3 17: The Alchemist, The Avenue - B2 18: The Dockyard, Leftbank - B1 19: The Lawn Club, Hardman Sq - C2 20: The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard - C2 21: The Ox Noble, Liverpool Rd - B4 22: The Slug & Lettuce, Gartside St - B2 23: The Wharf, Slate Wharf - A5 24: Walkabout, Quay St - D3 25: White Lion, Liverpool Rd - C4

CAFES 1: Bagel & Nosh, Hardman St - C2 2: Carlo Cicchetti, King St West - D1 3: Carluccio’s, Hardman Square - C2 4: Giraffe, Hardman Square - C2 5: Grindsmiths, Deansgate - D3 6: Katsouris Deli, Deansgate - D2 7: Pret-a-Manger, Hardman Sq - C2 8: The Fish Hut, Liverpool Rd - C4 9: The Kitchens, Leftbank - B1 10: The Sculpture Hall Cafe, The Town Hall, Albert Sq - E2

ENTERTAINMENT 1: 42nd Street, Bootle St - D3 2: Albert Hall, Peter St - D3 3: AMC, GN Warehouse* - D3 4: Castlefield Bowl, Castlefield - B4 5: Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks - B5 6: HOME, Whitworth St West - E5 7: Manchester235, GN Warehouse* - D3 8: Opera House, Quay St - C2 9: Rebellion, Whitworth St West - C5 10: The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St - E4 11: The Milton Club, Deansgate - D3

HOTELS 1: Great John St, Great John St - B3 2: Castlefield Hotel (YHA), Liverpool Rd - A3 3: Innside - Whitworth St West - E5 4: The Hilton, Deansgate - D4

MUSEUMS 1: Roman Fort, Castlefield - B4 2: John Rylands Library, Deansgate - D2 3: Museum of Science & Industry, Liverpool Rd - B3 4: Peoples History Museum, Bridge St - C1

RESTAURANTS 1: 47 King St West, King St West - D1 2: Akbar’s, Liverpool Rd - B4 3: Alberts Shed, Castle st - B4 4: Australasia, The Avenue - D2 5: Bem Brazil, King St West - D1 6: Byron, Deansgate - D2 7: Comptoir Libanais, The Avenue - D2 8: Dimitris, Deansgate - C4 9: Don Marco, Deansgate - C4 10: Evuna, Deansgate - D4 11: Fazenda, The Avenue - C2 12: Gormet Burger Kitchen, Leftbank - C1 13: Gusto, Lloyd St - D2 14: Handmade Burger Co, Deansgate - D2 15: Hawksmoor, Deansgate - D3 16: Iberica, The Avenue - C2 17: James Martin, GN Warehouse* - D3 18: Khan Ba Ba, Liverpool Rd - B4 19: Koreana, King St West - D1 20: La Vina, Deansgate - D1 21: Lal Qila, Deansgate - C4 22: Nando’s, Hardman St - D2 23: Per Tutti, Liverpool Rd - C4 24: Podium, Deansgate - C4 25: Rust & Stone, Hardman Square - C2 26: Sakana, Peter St - D3 27: San Carlo, King St West - D1 28: Sapporo Teppanyaki, Liverpool Rd - B4 29: Scene , Gartside St - B2 30: Steak & Lobster, Peter St - E3 31: Tattu, Hardman Sq - C2 32: Thaikhun, The Avenue - C2 33: The Salt & Pepper, Liverpool Rd - B4 34: Wagmama, Spinningfields Sq - D2 35: Wahu, The Avenue - D2 36: Zika, Watson St - D3 37: Zizzi, Leftbank - C1 * GN Warehouse: Great Northern Warehouse - Peter St

Manchester The Quarters

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Salford Quays Art, shopping, theatre and Media City on the Ship Canal

Salford Quays was originally part of the Victorian expansion of the Manchester Ship Canal. The Docks opened at the end of the 19th Century to provide improved cargo services and warehouse storage for the bustling world centre that was Manchester. However, by the time that containerisation became the shipment method of choice, the Manchester Ship Canal simply was not deep enough to support the new ships. By the end on the 1970’s the docks where 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 where modified to create new internal waterways. Bridges, roads and houses where 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, the Imperial War Museum, Manchester United Football ground, 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 with Granada TV joining them in 2014. The BBC offers guided studio tours of their lots and facilities, on it you may even get the chance to make

your own news or weather bulletin in an interactive studio (www.bbc. co.uk/showsandtours). The Quays are full of contemporary architecture, gaze the Lowry Theatre or look across the water to 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 around the Quays. The art animates the rich industrial history and tells the stories of the men and women who lived and work on the docks (www.thelowryusq.com). The Lowry Centre has a permanent display of L.S Lowry’s work and hosts a calendar of rotating exhibitions.

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Stresa

Its 3 theatres are used for national All this is merely a 15 minute tram and local touring shows and ride from Manchester’s city centre, productions (www.thelowry.com). making it one of the top places to The IWM looks at how war visit while in Greater Manchester. 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 with The Quays being home to Salford Watersports Centre, Manchester United Football Club and a stone — 01 throws from Old Trafford Cricket Media City UK at night Ground. Salford Quays, Salford M50 2EQ

A contemporary Italian-inspired restaurant with an authentic Mediterranean experience in the heart of Salford. Culinary simplicity and sourcing the best local ingredients are the Chefs watch words. The Stresa menu is packed with choices of classic and modern Italian cuisine, pared with great wines. Stresa, in the Salford Ramada, is a stylish and comfortable restaurant and is a great space to enjoy lunch or your evening meal. Easily accessed on the Tram, disembark at Salford Quays and it’s across the road. ramadasalfordquays.co.uk ramadasalfordquays @ramadasalford Address 17 Trafford Road Salford Quays M5 3AW Tel: 0161 876 5305 Opening hours Monday to Sunday Noon till 10pm

Manchester The Quarters

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Student & University

World class education and Nobel Prize winning research

Manchester is a world class centre for further education with its universities and higher education institutions focusing on a diverse range of disciplines. Here you can study everything from English literature to physics and even musical training delivered by the renowned Royal Northern College of Music. The University district is housed in and around Oxford Road. The campuses of the University of Manchester, the Manchester Metropolitan University and the RNCM and the city plays host to over 85,000 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 with many of its attractions, 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 how they co-operative with other worldwide institutions and the private sector. For example since 1908, the University of Manchester has had 25 Noble 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 Manchester’s universities graduates are snapped up by worldwide research and development companies. Science and Engineering graduates can often be found working in the UK’s world leading North-West aeronautics industry.

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So the future is bright for graduates from what is now being referred to, by public and private sector business, as the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and it now benefiting from substantial investment from the both the European Union and the UK Government.

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— 01 Royal Northern College of Music Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RD (cc) RNCM — 02 The University of Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL (cc) Mike Peel

Manchester Getting About

Getting About Transportation in the city

Whether you land at Manchester International Airport or arrive at Piccadilly, the mainline railway station, 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 that will get you where you need to be with little fuss. Of course if you are staying the city then these same services will enable you visit further afield places and generally make your visit easier when travelling around the city or out to its suburbs. If you want to get about the city centre then the ‘Free’, yes free, bus services numbers 1, 2 and 3 are ‘hopon hop-off ’ and operate circular routes throughout the city. The city is also well served by its bus operators that run services from the city centre into Greater Manchester and the entire North West region. The central bus station, in Piccadilly Gardens, is the main hub for all 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 in Chorlton Street, and from here you can get a seat going to Liverpool, London or even Glasgow to mention just a few. Manchester’s ever-growing tram network, known as Metrolink, is a modern wonder, it will seamlessly move 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 or connecting you to directly to Manchester Airport.

Buying 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 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.

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Bus and Metrolink tickets do not need validating. You can find ticket and service information by visiting the Metrolink website (www.metrolink.co.uk). If you are travelling with your family, up to three children accompanied by one or two adults, you can travel anywhere on the network by purchasing a Family Day Travelcard for only £6.80 (off peak) or the unlimited Family Weekend Travelcard for only £8.00. There is a single person ‘Weekend Travelcard’ for just £5.80 that enables travel anywhere on the network from 6pm Friday until the last tram on Sunday night.

The bus operators have specific fares covering journeys you may want to take, or if you travel using Stagecoach services their ‘Dayrider’ individual ticket is just £4.10, the ‘Dayrider Plus’ Adult and Child is £6.00 and the ‘Group Dayrider’, up to two adults and three children, is £9.20.

Further Information

Transport for Greater Manchester website (www.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.

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for more information: unlockmanchester.com /transport-for-manchester

— 01 Manchester Piccadilly Station Hub for Free Shuttle Buses

Manchester Getting About

Transport Route Maps

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