Free Walking Tour Manchester
Insider handbook to manchester 2024
Joe Feeley
Chapter 1
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Chapter 1: Iconic. Historic. Gastronomic.
Welcome to Manchester! A city of history and modernity, a unique blend of the old and the new. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia or a thrill for your appetite, we have the perfect experience in store for you.
Manchester’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage and modern culinary innovation. From traditional British fare to international cuisines, there’s something to satisfy every palate!
In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets of this metropolis. If you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this guide provides an exclusive glimpse into the best culinary experiences, hidden gems, and must-visit spots that make this city truly unique.
Let’s dive in and discover why Manchester is celebrated as a cultural and gastronomic hub, with something extraordinary to offer everyone.
Best Coffee Spots in Town
Ancoats Coffee Co.
The staff here are very polite, professional, and welcoming. It’s a very cosy place with good music and a good selection of items in their menu. Truly recommended if you want to go for a good and simple breakfast or during the day for a snack or a regular drink.
Address: 9, Royal Mill, 17 Redhill Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BA
Grindsmith
Highly recommended if you’re interested in an aesthetically pleasing place to grab some awesome coffee.
They also have their own branded whole bean bags to grab too if you want the great taste to follow you home!
Address: Unit 5 & 6, Off Broadway, Salford, Media City UK, Manchester M50 2BS
Idle Hands
One of Manchester’s top coffee house picks! Delicious food & coffee – everything highly recommend. Great music playing & an open kitchen so you can see everything being attentively taken care of. Excellent and vibey spot for brunch. And has one of the better flat whites in Manchester.
Address: 35 Dale Street, Manchester M1 2HF
Takk
A cool little hidden spot on the edge of the Northern Quarter, that is definitely worth a visit! Hands down the best French toast ever with a nice combination of flavours with lemon curd as the highlight of the dish! Plus a perfect cappuccino, pleasant, efficient staff, and a lovely arty crowd made for a buzzing atmosphere.
Addresses:
- Takk NQ, Tariff Street, Manchester M1 2FF
- Takk UG, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9GP
Knoops
It’s where you can find the best hot chocolate in town! As it’s lovely, rich, creamy, and smooth there’s not a trace of bitter aftertaste. They have a great and diverse selection of dark chocolate flakes as well showing a combination of strength and flavours.
Address: 68 Cross Street, Manchester M2 4JQ
Top Brunch Destinations
Pot Kettle Black
A perfect spot for brunch with their fantastic eggs benedict. You can find this spacious seating, airy with natural light cafe in the north of the centre with excellent coffees and a gorgeous selection of fresh bread and pastries.
Addresses:
- Barton Arcade, Manchester M3 2BW
- Angel Gardens, 1 Rochdale Road, Manchester M4 4G
Federal Café & Bar
It is a gorgeous little venue with a vintage botanical atmosphere. Everything tastes fresh as they get their produce and goods delivered fresh daily. Serving delicious food and don’t be surprised if there’s a queue outside on weekends!
Address: 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY
Laco Café & Bistro
Their menu offers plenty of absolutely delicious choices with a relaxed atmosphere and a first class friendly service, even to your lovely pet! When you want the best coffee in Stockport with outstanding breakfast and brunch, this little gem is your spot.
Address: 32 Little Underbank, Stockport SK1 1JT
Off The Wheaten Track Deli
A place where everything you see is gluten-free including the whole hot food menu. So great that you would not know that it is gluten-free in the best way. This is where you can dine with absolutely no fear of cross contamination with a friendly and relaxed setting.
Address: 8/10 Oxford Road, Altrincham WA14 2DY
Must-Try Restaurants for Every Occasion
Hawksmoor
Reputedly serving the best steak in Manchester. A place of delicious food that is cooked to perfection. With outstanding service, you can have wine tastes, an extra with your meal, and a menu recommendation. Plus, all the staff are very child friendly so you need not worry if you have your little ones with you.
Address: 184, 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
El Gato Negro
A good place to stumble upon where you can take your seat at the chef’s table! -overlooking the cooks, seeing and hearing how the food was made, which is full of flavours! They have exceptional service which is a credit to the team!
Address: 52 King Street, Manchester M2 4LY
Tampopo
Your perfect place of Far Eastern cuisines! With an extensive selection of dishes and a great range of drinks. They also have a menu for kids! So if you feel like eating Asian-inspired dishes, come over to Tampopo!
Addresses:
- 16 Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PF
- Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq, Manchester M4 3TR
- The Orient, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8EH
Las Iguanas
If you’re up for bottomless brunch, here’s the place for you in Deansgate. A Mexican-inspired restaurant with wonderful and efficient service with delicious out of this world food worth every penny!
Addresses:
- The Great Hall, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8
- 84 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2ER
Suburban Green
A modern restaurant and bar in Wilmslow town with delicious food freshly prepared and is of good quality with ample choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Their wine selection is carefully chosen to suit many palettes, and a good selection of tap beer. Wonderful laid-back and service here is first class.
Addresses:
- 4 Hawthorn Ln, Wilmslow SK9 1AA
- 88-90 Chestergate, Macclesfield SK11 6DU
Chill Spots for Casual Dining
Bundobust
They have a fantastic and varied menu of both beers and small plates with all sorts of Indian veggie options, all delivered with exceptionally friendly service. The food is incredibly flavourful and there isn’t a single dish that you cannot enjoy it with. It’s also great for allergens, including gluten free -also on beer!
Address: 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG
The Spärrows
This is a must visit insider tip when in Manchester. Under the railway arches in Manchester’s Green Quarter, there lies an Eastern Europe inspired restaurant with outstanding quality dishes being offered. Also, for you to go in, you’ve got to let the doorbell ring!
Address: 16 Red Bank , Manchester M4 4HF
The Blues Kitchen
If you’re in Manchester, this is a must. Great place for live soul music, excellent singers and musicians. Their service is top notch offering delicious food with a cosy and welcoming atmosphere from the friendly and attentive crew. Don’t forget to have a bite on their oreo doughnuts!
Address: Quay Street, Manchester M2
Hip Hop Chip Shop
Named second best Chip shop in the UK in 2023. An awesome place for Hip Hop junkies full of Hip Hop memorabilia, and great choices of beers/drinks. Known for their best fish and chips that are super crispy without any of the sogginess and the halloumi is to die for! This place has it all. What more could you want?
Address: 44 Blossom Street, Manchester M4 6BF
Local Food Halls and Street Eats
The Produce Hall
Brilliant place to meet friends or family for early evening dinner or lunch with plenty of choices and entertainment in a nice and relaxed atmosphere. Works for medium sized groups. The venue has a variety of food options where you get to order one from the various establishments and have it brought to you!
Address: 22 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1EU
Grub
If you fancy a lovely place to catch up with work colleagues in a more relaxed environment, this one’s for you. A perfect spot for a drink in the sun with lots of different food stalls outside from local traders, outdoor seating as well as a bar inside for indoor seating. Plenty of choice for vegans, too!
Address: 50 Red Bank, Manchester M4 4HF
Thaikhun
Thaikhun, pronounced ‘tycoon’, gives a wide range of options for veggies and non-veggies alike. This wholly rustic and traditional setting offers tasty Thai food at a reasonable price. Recommend to come along at Christmas time while they have the winter menu option. This place is not to be missed!
Address: The Avenue Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HF
Northern Soul
The UK’s first grilled cheese restaurant! An absolute banger of a place offering large portions of cheese sandwiches in which the chicken is a game changer leaving customers over the moon with happiness every time! Don’t forget to try their kim-cheese special as their menu rotations are always spot on.
Address: 20-21 Smithfield Building, Lower Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LA
Dessert Spots for Your Sweet Tooth
Pollen Bakery
Popular for a very good reason, this cozy spot in Ancoats is where you can relax and enjoy the best pastries and brunch in town, especially their croissants, which are light and airy, crisp on the outside, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet but not bland. It’s really busy, so be prepared to wait, but it’s definitely worth it!
Addresses:
- 42 Aytoun Street, Manchester M1 3GL
- Cotton Field Wharf, 8 New Union Street, Manchester M4 6FQ
Gooey
This is a viral brunch place in town. It gets crowded around lunchtime even on a weekday so best to get there by around 11am. The French toast is a must-try if you have a sweet tooth and one of the best around with crispy outer skin and has caramel fillings when cut open! It’s well worth a trip down to the cafe from anywhere in the city!
Address: 103 High Street, Manchester M4 1HQ
Slattery
A great place to come for a special occasion and especially if you have a sweet tooth!
Cakes and chocolates are sensationally wonderful and so many choices of sweet stuff! Their chocolate is to die for!
Address: 197 Bury New Road, Manchester M45 6GE
My Cookie Dough
Cookie doughs here are cooked to perfection. With exceptional customer service as they’re incredibly knowledgeable about their products and take time to explain the menu.
The way they craft and showcase the cookie dough is excellent, and you can savour every bite!
Address: UMC05 The Orient Intu, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8EH
BuPang Yogurt
The first fruit-mixing dessert shop in the UK. A game-changer in the world of desserts! Their menu is incredibly diverse, offering something for everyone. The yogurt itself is velvety smooth, rich and creamy. A must-visit place for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious healthy treat!
Address: 102, The Arthouse, 43 George Street, Manchester M1 4AB
Bars for an Unforgettable Night Out
Albert’s Schloss
Your 1-minute walk from St. Peter’s tram stop serves great food and great beer! They offer a Bavarian-style beer cellar for traditional German tastes and pilsner beers on tap and in bottles. Fantastic atmosphere, exceptional staff, and deemed the most fun bar in Manchester!
Address: 27 Peter Street, Manchester M2 5QR
20 stories
An impressive bar in a stunning rooftop location with panoramic city view where the menu is very British ranging from creative cocktails to exotic wines and champagne. Well-spaced sitting, friendly staff, upscale atmosphere and food is deliciously good.
Address: No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3EB
Ducie Street Warehouse
A well-stocked bar near Piccadilly station with a very spacious room to this old warehouse in a vintage ambiance with a hint of modernity. Definitely a good spot if you plan a nice and peaceful evening with fancy, light, or strong drinks of your choice!
Address: Ducie Street, Manchester M1 2TP
Temple Bar
One of the coolest places to hang out in Manchester. A fantastically beautiful hidden bar with a great collection of beers from around the world and a cracking jukebox! A small one in size but large when it comes to character!
Address: 100 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5JW
Washhouse
A fantastic speakeasy style cocktail bar as they deliver its reputation with a unique concept based around conspiracy theories. The novelty factor alone makes it a must-visit that is filled with quirky and mysterious charm. It’s a great spot to enjoy a night out with friends. Definitely worth its hype!
Address: 19 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF
Rain Bar
A former warehouse and umbrella factory now an award-winning pub in Manchester! And also known as the best beer garden in the city just off Bridgewater Street serving cask ales, lagers and an array of wines & spirits from around the world.
Address: 80 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5JG
53two
Manchester’s newest, biggest and most versatile Arts Venue, and a charity dedicated bar & cafe supporting diversity & equality in the arts. Their bar serves keg beers from Brightside which are gluten-free and vegan!
Address: Arch 19 Watson Street, Manchester M3 4LP
Retro Bar
If you’re looking for a decent live music venue, this is your place. Ideal for young up and coming local bands serving great drinks and great gigs!
Address: 78 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3NJ
Joshua Brooks
Joshua Brooks has a good selection of drinks, delicious food, great music and a fabulous atmosphere.
Also a top spot to watch live football!
Address: 106 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6NG
Whiskey Jar
A beautifully restored old textile mill with its upstairs bar offering one of the best Open Mic nights in town including a state-of-the-art sound system, brick walls and leather sofas. Great selection of whiskey as you would expect with a great aesthetic and live music.
Address: 14 Tariff Street, Manchester M1 2FF
Cozy Pubs with Unique Characters
Tib Street tavern
A good pub for watching sports in the heart of Manchester. Good food and good beer with big-screen football matches and acoustic sessions, with quiz nights and booths.
Address: 74 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LG
Britons protection
One of the last traditional real ale pubs in Manchester with a wide range of whiskies, plus open fires and a beer garden. Grade II listed. One of the best pubs in Manchester with a massive amount of history.
Address: 50 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5LE
Old Wellington
A very busy town centre pub with a very good draught drinks selection. Location can’t be beaten on a sunny day just a stone’s throw away from Victoria Station and bar service is good with reasonable prices.
Address: 4 Cathedral Gates, Manchester M3 1SW
Peveril of the Peak
One of the oldest pubs in Manchester dated around 1820. It’s a small pub situated in between 2 roads of Deansgate railway station. Cosy, unpretentious pub with a classic, green-tiled exterior and a beautiful interior offering beer, pool, darts & a jukebox.
Address: 127 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5JQ
English Lounge
If you fancy a bar with leather sofas and bookshelves and a cracking selection of ales and spirits, then this is your spot. They offer plenty of high quality TV’s to watch a game & the food and drink are top quality.
Address: 64 -66 High Street, Manchester M4 1EA
The Waldorf
A traditional British pub in the heart of Manchester serving a range of food and drinks. If you want a hearty pub meal and a pint without the fuss, this one’s for you!
Address: 12 Gore Street, Manchester M1 3AQ
Abel Heywood
A famous gin pub and also a stylish boutique hotel located in Manchester City Centre. Simply one of the best pubs in the Northern Quarter with impressive gin choices!
Address: 38 Turner Street, Manchester M4 1DZ
Sir Ralph Abercromby
One of the great and famous traditional pubs in the heart of Manchester city centre with a good range of ales and lagers, sky sports, and live weekend entertainment. What’s not to like?
Address: 35 Bootle Street, Manchester M2 5GU
Old Nags Head
A favourite of Manchester United fans on match days. Northern Soul nights are great here. Your spot for traditional boozer in the heart of Manchester. Great selection of drinks and great position just off Deansgate. So much Manchester history inside plus a noteworthy visit to the rooftop garden!
Address: 19 Jackson’s Row, Manchester M2 5WD
Sam’s Chophouse
One of the most-loved pubs in Manchester as it’s the most go-to location for Mancunians. Home of the famous corned beef hash and a bronze L. S. Lowry!
Address: Chapel Walks, Manchester M2 1HN
Mr. Thomas' Chop House
A former pub now also a restaurant and a bar serving classic comfort food with a modern twist. The place is first class with some of the best original features in Manchester. Well worth a visit.
Address: 52 Cross Street, Manchester M2 7AR
Bull’s Head
@thebullsheadpiccadillyoficial
A good old-fashioned pub with an excellent selection of beers. It’s a regular stop by on the way to or from Piccadilly railway station and their real ale is always spot on and reasonably priced!
Address: 84 London Road, Manchester M1 2PN
The Marble Arch
A fantastically majestic pub with extremely well kept cask beer. One of the best independent brew pubs and you can sense the history of this pub as you get closer. Great little pub! Don’t forget to check out the lovely beer garden out back, too!
Address: 73 Rochdale Road, Manchester M4 4HY
The Wharf
A wonderful oasis on the side of the Canal in the heart of Manchester. Huge, rustic yet modern space indoors with a large outdoor patio. It has plenty of draft beer to choose from and several cask ale options and the menu is extensive with both traditional and seasonal options. A top notch modern pub!
Address: 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST
The Gay Village Pubs, Clubs and Bars
Lively Gay Bars to Check Out
Via Fossa
This pub has a lovely Canal-side beer garden. They have a large seating area at the rear which looks onto the Canal which is great to sit by and have a drink on a hot summer’s day with good priced drinks and a large selection of wines.
Address: 44 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH
On Bar Manchester
Manchester’s number one LGBTQ+ spot. An energetic bar with live performances, dancing & DJ shows alongside cocktails & hearty pub grub.
Address: 46 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3WD
Gay
A good place to go if you want a fun night! A vibrant and active lesbian and gay bar and club on Canal Street playing pop tunes until the early hours!
Address: 63 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3WB
Company Bar
Out of all the venues in Manchester’s Gay Village, this has to be the GAYEST. One of Manchester’s established bars in the Gay Village. It’s a small gay bar, but an underground hidden gem. A men-only bar with a cosy atmosphere and some good music and authenticity.
Address: 26 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3NB
Friendly Gay Pubs for a Chill Night
The Thompsons arms
One of the original LGBTQ+ bars located within Manchester’s Gay Village. DJs play everything going and are always open to requests with friendly bar staff! If you want a good night out with cheap drinks and lots of fun and dancing then this is the place to go!
Address: 23 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3NJ
Molly House
A great Manchester pub for a relaxing environment just about 10 minutes walk from Piccadilly Station. It’s a spot in Gay Village for tea, cocktails, and more. They are known for their best Tapas!
Address: 26 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3
New York, New York
A fabulous bar in Manchester’s gay village with brilliant staff and great service. It’s a great bar that also leads into a club with cocktails in the glam Queens Bar, live cabaret, DJ sets and dancing until late in the club.
Address: 94 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3LY
Napoleons
Describes itself as The oldest gay venue in Europe and provides a safe space for transvestites, trans, crossdressers and drag queens.
Address: 35 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3LY
The Church
Formerly Churchills, it is an outstanding bar with brilliant staff and service! A buzzing venue offering cocktails, DJs & regular entertainment in the heart of the Gay Village.
Address: 37 Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3HN
REM Bar
An iconic spot in the village – always served fast and at good prices. Their food is outstanding and you get fabulous service. If you’re on Canal Street, pop in and experience REM for yourself!
Address: 33 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3LZ
Clubs for All-Night Dancing
Cruz 101
Great club nights in a large space – staff speedy at what they do and the prices are not bad. Good mix of 90’s, 2000’s and current tracks
Address: 101 Princess Street, The, Manchester M1 6DD
Vanilla
Best bar for queer women in Canal street. Great atmosphere and music with stylish and vibrant contemporary photographic art, and DJs, club nights and events. VANILLA — WHERE THE GIRLS ARE!
Address: 50 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3WF
Highlighted Gay Events
Sparkle
Initially a small gathering organised by the local trans community, Sparkle is best known for organising the annual Sparkle Weekend in Manchester, which aims to celebrate the transgender community. The event claims to be the world’s largest transgender event.
Venue: Sackville Gardens, located in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, will host events from Friday, July 12th to Sunday, July 14th, 2024. (Next year’s date is to be announced.)
Manbears
Organising events and activities in Greater Manchester and the North West of England, they cater to bears, cubs, chubs, otters, pups and chasers. Their events welcome members from across the UK and further afield. ManBears aims to provide a range of friendly, inviting content – from club nights and event weekends, to quieter socials and quizzes – for the whole gay bear community.
Venue: They keep it exciting with new venues and dates, so stay tuned for updates on their socials and website.
Manchester Pride
Colourful kaleidoscope of LGBT folk enjoying time together. A fun weekend for everyone young and old. The atmosphere is magical, friendly and memorable.
Venue: Within the heart of Manchester City Centre.
Note: The Manchester Pride Festival offers a packed programme of events over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Local Breweries and Gin Distilleries
Manchester Gin
One of the UK’s “most popular gin brands” and Manchester’s award-winning range of handcrafted Manchester-made gin and distillery for tours and gin making.
Address: 10-15 Watson Street, Manchester M3 4LP
Seven Bro7hers
A large and family-run bar selling a very good selection of their own beers and ciders on draught, and in bottles and cans. All are top notch!
Addresses:
- 63 Waybridge Enterprise Centre, Daniel Adamson Road, Salford, Greater Manchester, M50 1DS
- 39 Blossom Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5AF
- Media City, Orange Building, Salford, M50 2HE
- Lockside Lane, Salford, M5 4YP
Cloudwater Brewery Taproom
One of the original and best craft beer taprooms in Manchester. They offer a truly exceptional experience for beer enthusiasts. They also host a variety of events and tastings. If you’re seeking an unforgettable beer experience in Manchester, this is a must-visit destination.
Address: Unit 9 Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP
The Salford
The pride of Salfordians. The rums here are excellent with presentations from the host that are informative and engaging while learning about the history of rum and about the passion behind their product. Treat yourself to a bottle, you won’t be disappointed! Cheers!
Address: 33 Viaduct Street, Salford M3 7WX
Robinson’s
One of a few family-owned breweries left. A brewery with a lot of history to it – a part of Stockport heritage as they’re brewing since 1838! They serve award-winning British ales and have been satisfying our taste buds for over 185 years!
Address: Unicorn Brewery, Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK11JJ
3 little words
A hip bar & pub grub with a noteworthy venue under old railroad/bridge arches. They have an absolutely brilliant gin-making experience worth a try! Great drinks, food, and distillery. Definitely worth a visit!
Address: Watson Street, Manchester M3 4LP
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