UNLOCK MANCHESTER - Winter 2021/22
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Welcome
Contents
Unlock Manchester City Guide
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Welcome
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Top 10 Manchester Must-Sees
22 Christmas Highlights 26 Laugh Out Loud Comedy 32 High Street & Indie Shopping 42 Ales, Beers & Cocktails 44 Music Events - See & Do 46 Exhibitions - See & Do 48 Theatre Productions - See & Do It is very exciting to be back after almost two years of well, Manchester basically being closed. And we have returned with a new look guide containing more information about events and happenings in the city that we can thoroughly recommend for visitors. Our guide is also available online for free and there is more to read about Greater Manchester and its attractions [visit unlockmanchester.com or scan our eGuide QR code]. Right now, the city is in the gips of its huge Christmas celebrations and you will not be able to miss the markets. Visit Piccadilly Gardens to start your exploration of the trinkets, food and drink cabins that sprawl across the city. In this issue you can discover our Top 10 Manchester must-sees, some of our favourite bars and cocktail mixologists, how to shop like a Mancunian, both main-stream and indie, and where to see some the very best comedy in Manchester.
Looking for something else to get your teeth into? Then check out our ‘See & Do’ recommendations. Getting about the city has always been easy and last year the new Metrolink extension to Trafford was opened providing better access to Imperial War Museum, Salford and Old Trafford Football ground. We welcome you to our city and we are confident that you will enjoy your trip, with a little help from Unlock Manchester.
50 Guided Tours - See & Do 52 Local Markets - See & Do 54 Getting About the City
Nick Coulthurst - Editor City Guide No.16 November 2021 unlockmanchester.com
- Above: Hardman Square, Spinningfields Photo: Wam Bam Photography
Our eGuide
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Manchester Top 10 Must-Sees
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Manchester Jewish Museum The newly reopened Museum calls itself ‘a place to experience how we are different, together’
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his mission is felt throughout the new building; from its welcoming vegetarian café to the year round programme of events and activities that share the diverse history of Manchester’s Jewish communities and bring people together. The building itself is a beautiful fusion of Victorian and contemporary architecture as the past and present complement each other, with the historic Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue at its heart, making it one of Manchester’s true hidden gems. The museum first opened in 1984, housed in the Grade II* listed 1874 (former) Spanish and Portuguese synagogue in Cheetham Hill; one of the most diverse areas in Manchester and the city’s historic Jewish quarter. Manchester today is home to the UK’s second largest Jewish population, and it’s still growing! Following a £6m redevelopment and extension that doubles the size of the museum, the new building boasts a new gallery, vegetarian café, shop and learning studio kitchen as well as complete restoration of the synagogue.
The museum’s new Corten-clad façade lights up at night like a beacon on Cheetham Hill Rd, with the light shining through the intricate patterns that mirror the designs by the synagogue’s original architect, Edward Salomons. The synagogue has been restored to its original decorative glory, following intensive research undertaken by a team of conservation experts, historic painters and stained glass specialists. Alongside the beautiful stained-glass windows and magnificent ark, oral history pods sharing the memories of former members of the synagogue congregation contribute to creating a space that really transports visitors back to the synagogue’s bustling history as the heart of the city’s Sephardi Jewish population. As well as being a living artefact at the heart of the museum, the synagogue also serves as a stunning performance space in which the museum will host a year-long programme of events and performances.
- Left: Manchester Jewish Museum Photo: Joel Chester Fildes 190 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester M8 8LW manchesterjewishmuseum.com @mcrjewismuseum
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Manchester Top 10 Must-Sees
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The museum’s new gallery takes you on a journey through the history of Jewish Manchester through the universal themes of journeys, communities, and identities; allowing visitors of all backgrounds to connect to the stories on display. It is these personal stories and oral histories that are the foundation of what makes the museum special – the ordinary and extraordinary stories of Jewish Mancunians from all backgrounds. The gallery’s final section celebrates these Jewish identities in all their diversity as oral history recordings and large quotation tablets. These personal stories could not be more different, but their collective identity as Jewish Mancunians unites them. The museums collection is in excess of 31,000 items, including over 530 oral histories.
The collection is considered by historians to be of national and international significance and the synagogue has been described by Historic England as “one of the highlights of Victorian Gothic architecture in the country”.
The Museum Café Completing the experience is the museum’s new vegetarian café serving a contemporary vegetarian menu using local kosher ingredients. The menu is a discovery of the traditional meeting the innovative, with vegetarian twists on traditional Jewish dishes. The café is a welcoming invitation to visitors to take a moment to gather round a table, reflect on their visit and to connect with one another. It is accompanied by a small shop including an excellent selection of books including novels, lifestyles and Jewish cookbooks.
The museum exists to connect Jewish stories to the world and to our society to explore both our differences and similarities, celebrating the things that make us unique and the things which connects us all. In doing so they look make a change and to make real the knowledge that there is more that binds us together than separates us. They make connections to make things better. Manchester Jewish Museum is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, and later for evening events.
- Above: Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue Photo: Joel Chester Fildes
Royal Northern College of Music 124 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RD rncm.ac.uk
Manchester Top 10 Must-Sees
People’s History Museum
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Proudly proclaiming itself as the national museum of democracy, the vibrant surroundings of the People’s History Museum explores the fight for our past, present and future, furthering Manchester’s significance as a cauldron of ideas and radical figures. Challenging visitors to consider their place in society, the museum’s exhibits ask visitors who they are, the impact of their choice to vote and to consider world-changing ideas such as workers rights to fair pay, women’s right to vote and equality for all. All are welcome to explore these ideas in a safe and connecting environment. Displays cover trade unionism (the museum is the holder of the largest collection of trade union banners), the women’s suffrage movement, the cooperative movement, the 1945 general election and football. Digital interactives and period displays bring the museum’s unique collections and stories to life. To give an idea of the diversity of the items held by the museum, they range from Hayley Cropper’s red anorak from Coronation Street which highlights the rights and changes to the representation of the LGBT+ community through to a Suffragette banner used by Emmeline Pankhurst during some of her most significant speeches in Manchester. As well as tackling current ideological theory, the museum looks to the past and has within its collection items relating to the Peterloo Massacre, the infamous meeting at St. Peter’s Field (now the Central Library) which turned into a disaster when the local Yeomanry were ordered to contain the 60,000 strong crowd, killing 15 and wounding over 600 in the process.
An exciting programme of public talks, performances and events add to the displays and take them further and entry is free to the museum, though donations are appreciated. Located at the edge of the Spinningfields district of the city, you could combine a visit to the museum with a visit to the restaurants and pubs there, or take a wander down Deansgate’s shopping area. Should you fancy delving deeper into Manchester’s Social History and its nation impact we can recommend visiting: Working Class Movement Library 51 Crescent, Salford, M5 4WX You’ll find the walls not just full of books but covered in posters, paintings and other visual material to represent the diverse voices of the working classes. The Central Library St. Peter’s Square, M2 5PD The library holds a unique archive of documents relating to the event which you could explore in the surroundings of the incredible domed Wolfson Reading Room. The Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street, M13 9WP The only museum dedicated to telling the story of women’s right to vote and the Suffragette movement. People’s History Museum Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER phm.org.uk Open: Wed - Sun 10am-4pm free entry, suggested donation £5 Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours
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Quayside Media:City UK
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At one time, the docklands at Salford Quays were the third busiest port in Britain, and since their decline in the 1970s they have been redeveloped as the jewel in the North West’s crown becoming a world class destination for culture, entertainment and leisure. With the rise of Salford Quays as a tourist destination and an urban regeneration project, it needs to be seen to be believed. Expanding from the construction of the Lowry Theatre in 2000, the site now houses some of the most advanced television and film production facilities in the UK, leading museums, Manchester’s only outlet shopping centre, outdoor sports facilities and its most recent addition, the I’m A Celebrity Jungle Challenge. The Quays host one of the UK’s largest bases of creative industries, with both major UK TV channels having significant bases at the Quays.
Tours of the BBC buildings are due to resume in 2022, and include a look behind the scenes of Britain’s most famous broadcasting institution, allowing visitors to explore the history of the BBC and see some of the TV and radio studios famous for hosting shows as varied as Countdown, The Voice and Blue Peter. Soap fans will enjoy the chance to walk down the cobbles of ITV’s exterior Coronation Street set, the site of the world’s longest running soap opera. A visitor centre containing props, a cafe and a Street-themed shop is due to open in 2022 as part of the resumption of the tours. In 2021, ITV opened the I’m A Celebrity Jungle Challenge spearheading development of the Quayside Mall. The adventure-based challenges in the vein of the popular show are ideal for the family to take on in search of elusive stars for the chance to be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle!
Culture vultures will appreciate the options that the Lowry Theatre (Pier 8, The Quays, Salford) offers. The Lowry hosts a wide variety of musical events, plays, comedians and theatre shows with regular touring productions and local companies staging events in the 1730 seater Lyric Theatre. There is also the chance to see the largest collection in the world of Lowry’s work in their dedicated gallery. Take a stroll across the Media City Footbridge to visit the ITV studios and IWM. Imperial War Museum North Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, M17 1TZ Quayside Media:City UK The Quays, Salford, M50 3AH quaysidemedaicityuk.co.uk Recommended visit time: Minimum half/all-day
Manchester Top 10 Must-Sees
John Rylands Library
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The gothic interior of the John Rylands Library is an often overlooked gem located between Manchester’s bustling Deansgate and stylish Spinningfields areas containing one of the world’s finest collections of rare books and manuscripts. Researchers will find the collections essential, and for visitors it’s a magnificent architectural triumph and a portal to another time. Founded in 1888, the library opened in 1900, becoming part of the University of Manchester in 1972. John Rylands was one of the most successful businessmen in Victorian England, becoming Manchester’s first multi-millionaire on the back of the textile industry the city would become famous for. The library founded in his name is home to one of the world’s richest and most unique collections of books and manuscripts, with objects dating back as far as the 1500s.
Harry Potter fans may feel as if they have tumbled into the magical world of Hogwarts such is the classical styling of the building. And don’t forget to look up as you marvel at the building - the vast, ornate ceilings are often overlooked by visitors. The iconic Historic Reading Room with its high vaulted roof and private alcoves has the stylings of a cathedral. The spectacular window floods the room with light creating an atmospheric and absorbing space. Nowadays, the alcoves allow for private study and visitor displays in the Reading Room encourage you to relax, take in and be inspired by the amazing surroundings. Another must see is the original staircase that would have been used by readers to enter the library. With its impressive stonework, this staircase affords stunning views of the building and its Neo-Gothic architecture.
Located at the base of this staircase are the original 1900’s Victorian toilets - the oldest working Victorian toilets in Manchester. Regular exhibitions take in stimulating topics that delve into the library’s collection and make use of the warren of reading rooms, with evening discussion talks, readings and events also proving to be popular. A gift shop with literary, tasteful and quirky items and lovely food at the cafe make the John Rylands Library a peaceful diversion from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. The John Rylands Library 150 Deansgate. Manchester. M3 3EH library.manchester.ac.uk/rylands Open: Thurs to Sat 10am-12pm, 1.30pm-5pm Free to visit, but tickets must be pre-booked Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours Photo Above: Wam Bam Photography
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Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
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Located near to Manchester’s University Quarter, no trip to Manchester would be complete without walking in the footsteps of one of Manchester’s most famous writers. With the aim to celebrate the life and literature of Elizabeth Gaskell, the house celebrates one of the most important writers of the 19th century. Her work will be familiar to anyone immersed in the sweeping Sunday evening epics of North and South or Judi Dench’s portrayal in Cranford. Penning the novels Cranford, North and South and Wives and Daughters amongst others, Elizabeth Gaskell lived in this now Grade II listed building from 1850 to 1865. The house also played host to a who’s who of the 19th century literary sphere with Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte and Harriet Beecher Stowe visitors to the house.
Rooms in the house including the Drawing Room, Study, Dining Room and most recent addition Elizabeth’s bedroom have been restored to their 1857 look. Much of the inspiration for the likely style of the house comes from Elizabeth’s own letters with period furniture and even a rescued Victorian pattern for the carpets reused to bring the house to life. You are encouraged to immerse yourself in the period, stay and enjoy the house. Take a seat and unlock your inner muse where Elizabeth Gaskell wrote her novels, or explore the collection of novels in William Gaskell’s study for inspiration. The Tea Room also includes access to two rooms packed with second hand books, a must visit for literary lovers as the stock is replenished regularly.
There is also a dedicated Elizabeth Gaskell shop containing copies of Elizabeth’s novels and a range of Gaskell related gifts. If you are inspired by Manchester’s literary past, consider visiting: The International Anthony Burgess Foundation 3 Cambridge Street, M1 5BY Immerse yourself in regular screenings and discussions about literary works. Chill-out in the Café to consider the world of the Clockwork Orange writer. Elizabeth Gaskell’s House 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk Open: Wed, Thurs and Sun 11.00am – 4.30pm £5.50/£4.50 concessions, pre-booking essential Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
Manchester Top 10 Must-Sees
Manchester Art Gallery
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Manchester Art Gallery has been at the heart of the city for over 200 years, providing access and appreciation to a range of works of local, national and international significance. This historic building hosts a rotating display of special exhibitions, which have recently included Grayson’s Art Club, exhibits created by viewers of the hit Channel 4 show and Jarman: Protest! Celebrating the work of acclaimed director Derek Jarman. Recently the gallery has been transforming its spaces and has opened with ‘What is Manchester Art Gallery?’ Staff from across the gallery have delved into its archives to select objects that reflect its origins as the Royal Manchester Institution. Elsewhere within the building there are galleries celebrating work and showcasing key exhibits from the Pre-Raphaelities and Romantic
eras, and 18th, 19th and 20th centuries including works by Francis Bacon and George Stubbs. The gallery is proud to feature displays of contemporary art. Pieces on display include fine art, glass, ceramic, costume and more from its collection of over 25,000 items. There are also pieces of local interest on display including Lowry and his mentor Valette, with the chance to get close to iconic artworks. Valette’s evocative misty landscapes of Manchester at the turn of the 20th century bring the area to life, whilst Lowry’s matchstick representations of Manchester’s people continue to speak down the generations. The gallery’s cafe and shop provide the perfect rest shop to perhaps engage in a spot of urban sketching, or the chance to delve deeper into your favourite artist.
We also recommend The Whitworth Gallery: It has a dynamic programme of exhibitions make it a culturally relevant place that exposes the relevance of art against the backdrop of modern day society. The museum is an ideal companion for an arty day out. Works on display include historical fine art, contemporary and modern art and an unrivalled textile collection. Whitworth Art Gallery Oxford Road, M15 6ER Manchester Art Gallery Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL manchesterartgallery.org Open: Wed-Sun 10am–5pm Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours Photo Above: Wam Bam Photography
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Manchester Police Museum
Located in the heart of Manchester’s eclectic Northern Quarter is this gem of a museum looking back over the history of policing and the monumental changes faced to ensure safe policing in the 21st century. The story of law enforcement is traced through historic photos, old weapons and uniforms and other artefacts. The former Newton Street police station, built in 1879 and in use up to 1979 has been restored to reflect its Victorian roots. This Grade II listed building vividly brings to life what the Victorian and modern policemen encounter to protect the public.
The first part of the museum has on display uniforms, truncheons, and memorabilia tracing the history of policing. Some of the more gruesome aspects of what the police have had to deal with in Manchester’s history are also on display in the formidable ‘weapon room’, along with some artefacts relating to the Strangeways riots at the infamous Mancunian prison. The story of Manchester’s most notorious counterfeiter is also retraced, including displays of some of his tools. You can discover how he evaded authorities for years until a slight imperfection on a forged bank note unravelled his schemes!
Not to be missed are the restored Victorian charge office where you can compare how policing has changed between then and now as well as imagine what it might have been like for criminals to face the judge in the courtroom restored to how it would have appeared in 1895. The courtroom was actually rescued from the nearby Denton police station and is an atmospheric glimpse into how justice was meted out. And if you dare, you can get ‘banged up’ in one of the original prison cells, complete with extra comfortable wooden pillows! In the museum’s courtyard, a number of iconic police vehicles are on display and volunteers including ex-service personnel are on hand to tell you stories about the exhibits and life in Manchester. Elsewhere, displays bring the changes to policing to life, reflecting on Manchester’s past, from the times of the Scuttlers, young gangs who roamed the maze of streets in Manchester’s slums, through to the challenges represented by terrorism. The museum has been used as a filming location for a number of television series and films, and fans of ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Heartbeat’ may enjoy spotting the type of vehicle and uniforms used in those series.
Manchester Police Museum 57a Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1ET gmpmuseum.co.uk Open: Tuesdays only (occasional Thursdays for school holidays) free to visit with donations appreciated Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
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Manchester Top 10 Must-Sees
Manchester City Football Club Tour Manchester City celebrates its 125 year history with a stadium tour that takes you on the most immersive experience in football with a 360-degree cinema sharing the club’s history and the chance to field questions with a virtual Pep Guardiola in the Press Conference Room! The tour begins in the exhibition space including key historical artefacts, some of which have never been seen in public before. The exhibition takes you on a journey from the club’s beginnings in Manchester’s industrial past through holographic representations of the club’s crests through the years to the Fourmidable trophies from City’s phenomenal 2018/19 season. The tour uses immersive technology to enhance your experience of visiting the Etihad Stadium, including a 360-degree cinema screen - the first of its kind in the Premier League. Taking you on a journey of a player on matchday from arrival to kick-off, City’s tour will delight and amaze everyone. City’s informative and entertaining tour guides will guide you through hospitality areas within the stadium, including the Tunnel Club, you’ll visit the Away Team dressing room and experience match day in the Home Team dressing room with an immersive audio-visual show and walk down the glass players’ tunnel before getting the chance to sit in manager Pep Guardiola’s seat in the dugout. City’s meteoric rise has brought with it unrivalled success on the field over the last decade, and this is the chance for fans and visitors to walk in their favourite players’ footsteps including record-breaking signing Jack Grealish.
After the tour, you can shop in the City Store, and the Etihad Stadium is well connected by the Metrolink tram system and other transport links to the centre of Manchester. Across from the Etihad Stadium is the City Football Academy, home of Manchester City’s Womens team and their Elite Development Squad. The Etihad Campus also houses the Regional Athletics Arena, National Cycling Centre and Manchester Tennis and Football Centre, so it can truly become an active and sporty day for the family.
The Manchester City FC Tour Etihad Stadium, Etihad Campus, M11 3FF mancity.com/tickets Open: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm, pre-booking advised Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours Photo Left: Wam Bam Photography
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Manchester United Museum and Tour One of the great footballing rivalries is the age-old battle between the two Manchesters: City and United. Naturally, both are featured in this guide, and whether you are a football fan or not, both United’s Old Trafford ground and City’s Etihad Stadium are well worth your time visiting. United’s Old Trafford ground is known the world over as the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, the nickname given to it by former player Bobby Charlton. One of the largest in the country, the ground has a 74,000-strong capacity. Now you can walk in the footsteps of greatness and carry the roar of the crowd with you by taking a tour of the stadium and exploring the United museum containing over 2,500 artefacts ranging from the club’s humble beginnings in 1878, through to their unrivalled collection of silverware in the Trophy Room. The 70-minute tour of Old Trafford takes in the player’s tunnel, a chance to walk next to the world-famous pitch and visit the dugouts as well as the opportunity to sit in the seat of your favourite player in the home dressing room. United’s knowledgeable guides will be able to give you stories about the stadium, players and history of the club as well as answer any questions you might have. After the tour, you can visit the museum with historic jerseys and sporting memorabilia celebrating iconic moments from the club’s history. Displays about past and present managers including Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson and current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are on show, as well artefacts relating to the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
You’ll also be able to explore stories behind iconic players such as Sir Matt Busby, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, George Best and of course, returning legend Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s worth looking out for are special tours including Legends tours which see you take in the stadium accompanied by a former player giving their unique take on playing for the club and giving you insight into the life of a player. And there’s more to explore on the outside of the stadium, with statues of Ferguson, Bubsy and Best, Law and Charlton on display on the perimeter of the station as well as the Munich Clock and Memorial Plaque.
Manchester United Museum and Tour Sir Matt Bubsy Way, Old Trafford, Stretford M16 0RA manutd.com/en/visit-old-trafford Open: Mon-Sun, 10am-4.30pm pre-booking is advised Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours Photo Right: Manchester United
Manchester Top 10 Must-Sees
Science & Industry Museum
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Over two centuries of innovation are explored in one of Manchester’s best-loved museums. Activities for all-ages and some truly ground-breaking developments are explored in the galleries around the museum, as well as travelling exhibitions bringing culturally significant items for all to enjoy. Youngsters (and bigger kids) with enquiring minds will enjoy Experiment, the hands-on science gallery where you can test your strength to see if you can lift a Mini, send bubbles through different liquids to test viscosity and measure your reactions against the speed of light. The Textiles Gallery explores not only Manchester’s connection to the cotton trade, but the impact and creation of synthetic materials on the world. In the Revolution Manchester gallery, items such as the 1905 Rolls-Royce car, as used by
Henry Royce himself, spearheads a journey through Manchester’s impact on the science and technological world. Currently undergoing refurbishment are the Power Hall and 1830 Warehouse. The 1830 Warehouse is the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway. Globally significant, the building requires substantial renovation to ensure its continued survival for future generations. The Power Hall, due to reopen in 2023, has one of the largest collections of working steam engines in Europe and is filled with the sounds, scent and sight of the engines at work. Expert Explainers will be on hand to guide you through a series of science-related conundrums at designated ‘Science Stops’ around the museum, whilst there are regular talks and events that further the stories of the
exhibits on how they have shaped our society and beyond. The achievements of one of Manchester’s famous sons, codebreaker Alan Turing, are celebrated in the museum’s display of how computers have evolved over the years including a replica of ‘Baby’, the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine, the first computer to store and run a computer program. We recommend a visit to the Alan Turning memorial statue in Sackville Gardens, M1 3HB. Science and Industry Museum Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk Open: Wed-Sun 10.00-17.00 School Holidays - Mon and Tues Admission free Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours
LIVERPOOL ROAD, MANCHESTER M3 4FP SCIENCEANDINDUSTRYMUSEUM.ORG.UK
Christmas Highlights 2021
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Manchester Christmas Highlights 2021 Greater Manchester is gearing up for a busy festive season including all your seasonal favourites such as Ice Skating, Christmas Markets, Visiting Santa and even the odd mug of hot mulled wine. With so many Christmas events happening we have chosen to highlight a few to help keep you and your family entertained and possibly well feed too!
Manchester Christmas Markets
Skate Manchester
Returning to the city centre, at its new home in Piccadilly Gardens, the ever-popular markets will again fill the streets with festive cheer. You will find stalls in Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, King Street and on Market Street. The busy market lanes are full of traders selling everything from dazzling Christmas bubbles to tasty German sausages. They are also great social opportunities for families and friends; discovering new ideas for presents, tucking into foodie delights and chilling out in the bars.
The Manchester Ice Rink has proved so popular that have doubled its size and added a roof, so at least the rain (maybe snow?) should keep off! We recommend pre-booking, especially if you are planning on visiting during a weekend. Your ticket includes the cost of skate hire and there are fun skate aids for children under 10 (pre-booking essential). Tickets available are child, adult, family and season passes, check website for full details. Your Skate Manchester session lasts up to 45 minutes. Until 3rd Jan ‘22 Cathedral Gardens M4 3BG Skatemanchester.com
Until 22nd December ‘21 Piccadilly Gardens and across the city centre
- Picture: Manchester Christmas Markets Photo: Wam Bam Photography
Christmas Highlights 2021
East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials Your Christmas Steam adventure starts at Bolton Street Station transformed into festive Grotto with Christmas trees, sparkling lights, Elves and a bustling Stream Train. Ideal for all the family, you can enjoy the comfort of your carriage while Santa’s helpers keep your little ones entertained and they get a personal visit from Santa bearing a gift! Tickets from £20 check website for full details.
Weekends from 27th Nov until 24th Dec ‘21 Bury Bolton Street Station, Bolton BL9 0EY Eastlancashirerailway.org.uk 24
One Snowy Night: A Christmas Tale Tatton Park’s winter gardens are host to a magical event for families this Christmas. Inspired by ‘One Snowy Night’ from renowned children’s author, Nick Butterworth, the gardens bring to life the tale of friendship and kindness. Let the beautiful wintery scenes and tasty treat & gift from Percy make you feel festive and full of cheer. General Admission £8.00 | Family Ticket £27.00 (2 Adults & 3 Children) check website for full details 27th Nov until 3rd Jan ‘22 Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG Tattonpark.org.uk
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Christmas at Dunham Massey Dunham Massey’s gardens are transformed into a huge illuminated celebration. Tour the trails and discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterfalls reflections and trees drenched in jewel like colour a real winter spectacular. Independent food and drink vendors add to the experience as you complete your walk through the gardens with warming snacks, maybe even a glimpse of a busy Father Christmas. General Admission tickets (pre-booking essential) 19th Nov until 2nd Jan ‘22 (closed Mon/Tues) Dunham Massey, Altringham WA14 4SJ 25
Christmas Treasures at Lyme Park Explore the house and discover the rooms that have been beautifully transformed with festive splendour. Here you will find many of the traditions and treasures of Christmases past. Join Percy’s Park Keeper winter wander trail, ideal for families. Working with Percy’s animal friends, doing some winter tasks and following clues and notes to find lost items and get jobs done. There will be plenty of fun and games. General admission applies. Trail packs £2.00
3rd Dec until 24th Dec ’21 Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR
Comedy in the City
Laugh Out Loud Our Guide to Manchester’s Comedy Clubs Laughter - A cure for all
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An under-qualified doctor once told me that laughter was best medicine - and perhaps he was right. Greater Manchester is the birth place to some of the country’s best-loved comedians, from the Peter Kay to Steve Coogan, from Victoria Wood to Bernard Manning. While you may be familiar with most of these names from the TV, before they were on screen most cut their teeth on the comedy circuit, starting out in Manchester. You can visit the very clubs that the greats started out in. So here’s your chance to swap the settee for the real thing, you never know, you might just be the first to see the next Victoria Wood. Here’s some places around the city not to miss.
Comedy @ Chorlton Irish Club
Where better to chortle than Chorlton? For all your chortling needs then Irish Club is the place where laughing isn’t a chore but a ‘c-ho’ okay, you get the point. But in all seriousness, or lack of, in the circumstance of looking at comedy clubs, this venue celebrates the very best of local talent. You can tram it there and back from Manchester city centre and in between you will be treated to a whole host of hilarity. Held every first Friday of the month. Address 17 High Lane, M21 9DJ chorltonirishclub.co.uk
ComedySportz
ComedySports is something of an unknown gem and has been making audiences laugh since first staged outing in 2001. Sort of an improvised competitive comedy show; where two teams battle it with quickwitted gags, games, sketches and even songs inspired by the audience. The ‘matches’ referee has their work cut-out trying to keep it all in order and issues penalties for bad behaviour or bad jokes.
Held at the Waterside Arts Centre this extremely funny event is usually run twice a month, check website for full details. The team behind this madness also offer regular workshops on stand-up comedy, improvisation sketching writing and even how to clown about! Address The Waterside Art Centre watersidearts.org.uk Waterside Plaza, Trafford M33 7ZF
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The club has it own large bar and restaurant space where you can enjoy such dishes as Cod Loin Baked with Savoy Cabbage or the Welsh Rarebit Pie. Address Deansgate Locks, M1 5LH thecomedystore.co.uk/manchester
The Frog & Bucket
The Comedy Store
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, The Comedy Store is a well-oiled machine creating laughter in the city since 2000. It is huge venue but it’s theatre styled seating and wide stage makes even the furthest seats feel surprisingly intimate. With its trademark ‘Long weekends of fun’. Friday and Saturday are ‘Best in Stand Up’ and very first Sunday of the month for the open mic night ‘King Gong’.
These wannabe funnies will have to beat the gong and win the audience over with their unheard quips and quibbles. Though this club is somewhat pricier, the side-splitting atmosphere amongst the 500-strong crowd is contagious and it is easy to see why revellers head in their droves. Opening it’s doors weekly on Thursdays, it delivers Stand Up comedians by the truck load, often featuring comics at the top of their trade.
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 John Bishop, yes him off the telly, happened to be watching here before he found himself on stage ‘completely by accident’. He only had one joke, claims four laughed and described the feeling ‘like losing your virginity’. Whatever floats your boat John… If you’re watching those purse strings then ‘Thursday Night Live’ will accommodate but the showcase nights are Friday and Saturday. Should you feel pekish then the Frog’s Pizza and Burgers will certainly help to keep your energy levels up for more laughter. With its large auditorium and the seated balcony, all the chairs afford great views towards the performance stage and hopefully the funniest comedian in town, well that night... Address 102 Oldham Street, M4 1LJ frogandbucket.com - Centre: The Comedy Store Deansgate Locks, Manchester M1 Photo: The Comedy Store
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Comedy in the City
The Laughienda Comedy Club
A relative new-comer to the Manchester comedy scene ‘Laughienda’ is held at the Lions Den Bar within the Great Northern Complex Deansgate every Thursday, plus free entry too! Even though the venue is somewhat small it still holds 80 people without much elbowing required, so getting there early is a good idea. The club mostly focusses on new and emerging talent, honestly with such a small audience space you’re unlikely to see big names there. That said it is well worth checking out and the bar has a good selection of beers and spirits too, this normally helps if let’s say the stand is really new… Address Lions Den Bar 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN
XS Malarkey 28
Far from a load of nonsense, XS Malarkey is simply the best comedy night on a budget you could ask for. Held on Tuesday and an entrance fee of just £5, or £3 with a Malarkey Card if you’re stopping in the area a while, there is no better Tuesday night out than at The Bread Shed on Grosvenor Street. The award-winning venue has welcomed Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard and Peter Kay through its doors so the next big stand-up comedian may play in front of your very eyes this year. XS Malarkey has won the Chortle Award for Best Comedy Club more times than anyone else! While that will entice you in, the extensive menu will keep you satisfied with its selection of pub food classics. Address The Bread Shed Grosvenor Street, M1 7HL xsmalarkey.com
- Above: COMEDYSPORTZ - Are there really rules? Photo: ComedySportz
MANCHESTER’S ORIGINAL COMEDY CLUB IN THE HEART OF THE NORTHERN QUARTER EST. 1994 ONE MIC • ONE STAGE • ONE FROG
FROGANDBUCKET.COM : 0161 236 9805 : 102 OLDHAM ST M4 1LJ : OPEN MOST NIGHTS
A M U ST V I S I T DE ST I NAT I O N I N THE H E A RT O F M AN C H E STE R
@gnwmanchester @GreatNorthernWarehouseManchester
www.thegreatnorthern.com
THE WAREHOUSE
THE SQUARE
An iconic warehouse steeped in history and activity
Pause in a city centre oasis
Odeon The Gym Manchester235 James Martin Manchester
Almost Famous Alex’s Bakery Impossible Lane 7 Bar Hutte South Manny Flavaz Platzki Cibo
www.thegreatnorthern.com
An escape in the city Another Hand Butcher’s Quarter Dormouse Chocolates Holy Grain and 3 Hands Lions Den Low Four Siam Smiles The Mews Bar Whistle Punks
Manchester Shopping Guide
Manchester Shopping Guide There’s a reason that Manchester is known as the second city With an almost endless list of activities, the metropolitan area has solidified itself as a commercial hot spot to rival any other in the UK. A big part of what makes it a favourite for both tourists and locals alike is the shopping experience. From top to bottom you’ll be spoilt for choice, with the city centre boasting almost every conceivable fancy for even the most insatiable shopper. From high-end designer fashion to vintage stores bursting with character, from bargains on the high street to unearthing unique gems in an independent boutique on a back street, Manchester has it all.
You may want to check out the eclectic collection of stalls in Afflecks or gaze at the designer fashion on New Cathedral Street, home to Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Worrying about how you’ll take it all in? One of the most celebrated features of Manchester’s shopping experience is just how compact it is. There is little need for public transport and within a short walk you can find yourself hopping from the cheap and cheerful stores to the upmarket outlets. Whether it’s the latest electronic gadget or the perfect addition to your wardrobe, whatever you had in mind, Manchester is the place to find it.
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What comes to mind when, or if, you’re asked to picture Manchester style - a Liam Gallagher trench coat complete with sideburns? OK, well it’s not the 1990s anymore, so don’t hold your breath. But that’s not to say the city’s not managed to nurture and preserve several distinct trends. And the cocksure Gallagher’s style is still alive and well in the city, with the Oasis frontman’s own store Pretty Green residing in the heart of Manchester’s most exclusive shopping district, King Street. The star’s childhood haunts across the city are still used in the label’s photoshoots and to inspire their latest ranges. The inimitable Henri Lloyd, who somehow took ‘technical sailing clothing’ and made it both supremely fashionable while unparalleled in its functionality, has multiple stores across the city, from St Annes Square to the Trafford Centre. The iconic sport brand Umbro was born and still resides in the city - making its debut on a Manchester City kit in the 1934 FA cup final and even sponsoring the Blues when they snatched Premier League glory in 2012. Manchester is both a fashion conscious city as well as one proud in accepting self-expression, sometimes weird and wonderful, which is hard to miss when walking around the city. So don’t be surprised to see a few alternative looks as you go about your shopping. And if something catches your eye, you can be sure there’ll be a shop stocking it close by. Before you do anything though, you might want to get your hands on an umbrella. Because when it does rain, it can be quite relentless. While the city actually has an average annual rainfall lower than the rest of the UK, it’s not developed a reputation as the ‘rainy city’ for nothing.
The Northern Quarter is bursting with quirky independent outlets capable of satisfying the alternative shopper. For the music lover Oldham Street is somewhat of a mecca, with Piccadilly Records and Vinyl Exchange while Afflecks is an inimitable warren of goodies and stalls, all great for browsing. If you’re in that part of town, don’t miss Fred Aldous, opened in 1886, it is an art and hobby supply shop that is crammed with character. A short walk away is King Street; a street renowned for its high-end offerings such as Pretty Green, DKNY and the stunning Vivienne Westwood. Likewise, Exchange Square just around the corner boasts a similar up-market shopping experience. It is home to one of the UK’s four Selfridges stores as well as the absolutely fabulous designer led shopping experience Harvey Nichols. For many, Market Street will be the obvious place to start with and in particular the Arndale Centre. The street is also lined with dozens of other established outlets and the Metrolink stops right at the heart of it. Further afield there are local markets where you can not only get your hands on something one-of-a-kind, but also soak in the atmosphere of a small community. But fear not if none of those tickle your fancy. A quick jump up a few tram stops and you can find yourself at the Lowry Outlet (Salford Quays) or a short bus ride and you’ll find yourself in the Trafford Centre (buses X50 or 250 from Piccadilly Gardens).
- Left: OKLAHOMA 74-76 High Street, Manchester, M4 1ES
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Manchester Shopping Guide
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The Arndale Centre
The Arndale Centre opened in 1975 and has since come to attract a whopping 41 million visitors each year. You’ll only need to spend five minutes in there to understand exactly why it’s so popular. Spread over three floors, the mall boasts more than 210 outlets with a hefty amount of choice. For a more relaxed experience it’s probably best to hold your shopping spree on a weekday or outside of the school holidays. - Left: The Arndale Centre Market Street, Manchester M4 1AZ - Right: The Great Hall, Trafford Centre The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AA
With that in mind though, the mall is extremely family friendly and well equipped to meet the needs of different ages so don’t be deterred if you’re not a solitary shopper. The Arndale has a wonderful food market too with a dazzling fish stall and unusual eateries. There’s also a food court meaning that if you’re the type of person who works up an appetite while hitting the shops you can grab some takeaway style food and rest your feet before getting stuck right back in.
Opening times Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sunday: 11.30am to 5.30pm
The Lowry Outlet Mall
Situated in Manchester’s twin city, Salford, the Lowry Outlet is easy to get to and worth a visit for even for tourists on a flying visit. This shopping gem is located less than 3 minutes from the Media City complex in Salford Quays. Public transport links include bus services and the tram. Take the trams heading towards Eccles and disembark at Media City. If you are driving then its large multi-story car park is right next door to the outlet. Packed full of stores offering prices slashed by as much as 70%, this is the place where you want to be if you’re a keen bargain hunter. In its malls you will find major High Street brands such as Marks and Spencer, Clarks and GAP.
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There is a food court, if you are feeling hungry and a multi-screen VUE Cinema adding to the entertainment. The large square outside the centre is used to host regular markets and themed events throughout the year. Other attractions at Salford Quays, include the The Lowry Theatre, the Imperial War Museum North and the excellent Salford Watersports Centre.
The Lowry Outlet is open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 7pm Sunday 11am to 5pm
The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre has built a solid reputation for impressing both locals and tourists alike - and with good reason too. Having opened its doors in 1998, the complex has consistently pulled in huge numbers of visitors on a day-to-day basis. Many 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 the impressive Classical-inspired entrance, so ostentatious that it would be more befitting of an Roman Emperor’s palace than a shopping centre.
Perhaps its most charming feature is the shipshaped food court known as the Orient, which takes the visitor to the decks of a boat of Titaniclike proportions. There’s a vast array of restaurants and fast food outlets to sit in and rest those tired feet as well as a massive 20-screen cinema complex, featuring an Odeon IMAX screen, should you fancy spending a few hours watching a new film. Getting there by the X50 or 250 buses, from Piccadilly Gardens, plus it has space for 11,500 vehicles to park.
The Trafford Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm Saturday 10am to 9pm Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Manchester Indie Shopping Guide
Shop Indie! Our Guide to Manchester’s Independent Shops Eclectic, Diverse and Fun
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Who doesn’t like a bit of retail therapy from time to time? From department stores to huge shopping centres, it’s safe to say that every high street brand worth its salt is represented here. But for many people, what really makes Manchester stand out from other cities is the abundance of independent shops. There’s something very appealing about independent shops. For a start the owner is generally much more involved in the day to day running of the place, and the staff will often feel more invested too, leading to a much more personal feel. They can feel more carefully curated, and have a more specialist feel than your average high street shop, often focussing on one particular retail area. Overall, they’re the best place to head to if you’re looking for something a little different. With a few honourable exceptions, most independent shops aren’t based directly in the city centre (high rents and the desire for a more bohemian feel to a neighbourhood put paid to this). But the good news is that you tend to find them clustered together, so you’ll never have too far to walk. Head to the suburbs and Chorlton’s Beech Road or Didsbury’s Burton Road for some fascinating independent shops. These two streets are always good for a poke around and you’ll always leave with something unexpected.
If you’re in the city centre then head immediately to the Northern Quarter, where you’ll find one of the UK’s highest concentrations of independent shops. Handily the NQ has many independent bars and cafes, meaning that you can rest your weary feet from time to time without leaving your independent bubble. We’ve divided this guide of independent shopping needs into themed sections (but we couldn’t include everything). However, there are a couple of institutions which stand alone, the like of which are both pretty much unique to Manchester, and both of which can lay claim to being at the centre of the city’s independent shopping scene.
First: Afflecks, 52 Church St, if this place isn’t listed yet, then it should be, for services to all Northern teenagers and vintage-loving adults. Afflecks houses over 70 independent shops, with wares ranging from new and vintage clothes to fancy dress, beads, skateboards, a tattooist You name it, and if it’s ‘not on the high street’ then it’s probably in here. Then there’s Manchester Craft and Design Centre, housed in a former Victorian fish and poultry market. With its glass-topped atrium constantly flooding it with light, this stunning building is now home to more than 30 designers and makers, selling the likes of art, jewellery and other accessories and greeting cards.
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The beauty of this place is that each studio doubles as their workshop and a retail outlet. Here you can often meet the makers themselves, see them in action and browse their goods. The MCDC is hands down one of the best places in Manchester to discover perfect gifts.
- Above: Vinyl Resting Place - Afflecks - Right: Studio 3 - Linzi Ramsden ceramics at MCDC
Manchester Indie Shopping Guide
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Also ideal for gift shopping is the Royal Exchange Theatre Shop, St Anne’s Sq, that specialises in handmade pieces and original craft by British makers. Another top independent pick when searching for gifts is Oklahoma, 74 High Street, just a couple of minutes’ walk away from the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Oklahoma specialises in bright, colourful and often kitsch homewares and ornaments, quirky gifts and unusual jewellery. This is THE place for stocking fillers or smaller gifts: think Mexicana, badges, tin retro robots and small popping plastic aliens and you’ll get the idea. The Real Camera Co, 7 Dale Street, is a haven of used classic and retro photography. Its shelves are lined with roll-film cameras and thousands of photographic accessories.
Moving onto clothing, and let’s start with the chaps. Oi Polloi, 63 Thomas St, opened in 2002, and sells contemporary classics with higher end labels. It is literally impossible to leave this shop without becoming a style icon. The best thing about Oi Polloi is that while its focus is on quality garments, the vibe is a long, long way from the likes of Chelsea. This place is quintessentially Mancunian, and all the better for it. Meanwhile Rockers England, 89 Oldham Street, caters for the ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and rockabilly enthusiast among us (skulls, leather and attitude). Thunder Egg, in Afflecks, specialises in women’s vintage-inspired clothing: it’s shreds are bright, colourful and quirky.
Barton Arcade, on Deansgate, and accessible from St Anne’s Square, is a vast iron and glass building, a masterpiece of Victorian grandeur. With its jaunty tiled floors, iron railings and wide balconies, this is where you’ll find men’s shoe emporium Jeffery West. The Northamptonshire owners have a rich shoe manufacturing history and they’ve made a great success of combining it with craftsmanship to create a twist on traditional footwear. The shop’s interior has a kind of macabre Alice in Wonderland feel to it; set foot inside and you can’t quite work out if you’ve stepped back in time or fallen down a rabbit hole into another dimension. - Above: King Street Photo: Wam Bam Photography
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Here too is where you’ll find Barber Barber, a traditional barbers shop ‘for scoundrels and gentlemen’. Out of town, head to Chorlton’s Beech Road for McQueen Independent, established in 1994, with its sister branch in Didsbury, is warmly regarded as a fashion necessity for the over thirties, working in media, with its focus on British and Scandinavian labels. Didsbury’s Steranko similarly caters for the discerning suburb dweller, and they have some cracking sales, both in store and online. Onto food and drink: the foodie among you is amply catered for in this fine city, not least at the wide range of farmers’ markets and permanent markets that have sprung up or upped their game in recent years. When it comes to independent food and drink shops, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are some top picks: The Arndale Market is full of excellent fruit and vegetable produce stalls and its fish market is well-worth a good sniff too... On Deansgate is wine merchant Spirited Wines, we can also recommend Solita on Turner St, both are great for sampling wines and make for a very pleasant evening. The Northern Quarter similarly offers the Butcher’s Quarter for fine meat and deli goods, Beermoth for drinks to wash it down with. Other foodie hotspots are once again Burton Road with the Taste of Honey delicatessen and The Epicurean craft beer and cider bottle shop. Pollen is a busy hipster bakery, 2 Sheffield St, it only bakes 5 different breads but you’ll need to get there early! While Chorlton is amply catered for with the Unicorn co-operative: a vegan food shop and deli, there is also the Barbakan delicatessen: a shop whose often-chaotic queuing and ticketing system is worth the wait for the myriad delights on offer once do actually you reach the front of the queue.
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Now that you’ve filled your belly, it’s time to expand your mind. Until recently, the city centre was suffering from a dearth of decent independent bookshops, with the exception of Magma, 22 Oldham St, which has long been catering for the design-led book and magazine needs of the city’s creative types.
But now there’s the magnificent Chapter One, with carefully selected books, armchairs, a running fountain, bookshop and café. Out of town, Urmston Bookshop is a gem of a shop, on a rather unprepossessing strip of Urmston town centre, and Chorlton Bookshop continues to delight. - Above: Skull Art Piece C.J Taylord - NQ Gallery
Manchester Indie Shopping Guide
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If, like so many people, you’ve been drawn to Manchester because of its musical heritage, you won’t be disappointed by the wide range of independent record shops. Piccadilly Records, Oldham Street, is the quintessential independent music shop, opened in 1978, it prides itself on a friendly service. Dance music specialists Eastern Bloc, Stevenson Square, aren’t far behind in terms of longevity, having been trading since 1985. The compact and highly packed Vinyl Resting Place, 3rd floor Afflecks, is heaving with boxes of secondhand vinyl albums, 7” singles and cds just ripe for hours of flicking through! Vinyl Exchange, Oldham Street, is the largest seller and buyer of secondhand cds, records and DVDs in the North West, and Chorlton’s Kingbee record shop is highly regarded by those in the know. So, you’re now sorted for your gifts, clothes, food drink, books and music.
Let’s move onto your design and interior needs. Once again, independent Manchester caters fantastically for you. Fig and Sparrow sells limited edition, affordable homewares, household gifts. Its coffee shop is great to consider your purchases over a drink or snack. The stylish Object in Chorlton also prides itself on craftsmanship, quality and simplicity. The owners demonstrate some seriously good taste in selecting both décor and clothing. Urbansuite, Trafford Park, aims to bring the best in contemporary furniture, lighting and designer goods at sensible prices. If you like your home furnishings to have a mid-century or other vintage vein, don’t miss out on a visit to Pear Mill. This massive vintage emporium, just outside Stockport, has more than 100 traders and is a bit of a hidden gem, meaning that you’re likely to come away with some unexpected treasures.
Finally, no house is a home without a plant or two, and the Northern Quarter’s Frog Flowers sums up Manchester’s independent spirit perfectly. And need some art on your walls? Again, you’ve come to the right place. The NQ Gallery and Egoiste Gallery, both in the famous Afflecks, Church St, have walls adorned with Manchester artists and some amazing work stocked exclusively from international artists. Similarly the Saul Hay Gallery (in Castlefield) is certainly worth a peek at. Here you will find contemporary art and sculpture from emerging, established and some of the most progressive artists working today. As we started with Afflecks Manchester’s iconic independent venue let’s end this round up with another one: the glory that is Fred Aldous. Located on a corner of Stevenson Square, and opened in 1886, this enormous emporium continues its mission to ‘supply materials to people who make things’. Nowadays, it stocks more than 25,000 products and despite its burgeoning success it retains ‘independent spirit’, and provides the tools for many other independent makers to do their thing. So, there it is: Manchester’s independent retail scene is officially booming, and the shops mentioned are really just the tip of the iceberg. The best way to acquaint yourself with which ones are right up your street is to pop in and pay them a visit. You never know what you might find, but one thing’s for sure; it won’t be run of the mill.
- Left: Magma Bookshop 24 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN
AFFLECKS 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW afflecks.com
Manchester Drinks
Bar Fringe 10 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JN Located on the fringe (pun intended) of Manchester’s NQ. Bar Fringe is a Belgian inspired bar that offers a great option for drinkers keen on authenticity and a huge variety of quality drinks and is usually full of regulars quaffing. It’s down at hand styling feels marvellous and it has a real jukebox @barfringe1996
The City Arms 46-48 Kennedy St, Manchester M2 4BQ The City Arms was one of Manchester’s first ‘real ale’ pubs and it’s fast approaching its 200 anniversary. . Its atmosphere is very inviting as is the beer selection and its two smallish rooms feel very relaxed and snug with the appeal of an open fire to keep the winter cold at bay
Brink Bar 65 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BQ The Brink Bar celebrates craft beer and cider microbreweries within a 25 mile radius of this micropub. This basement bar has a modern feel, with bench seating and large tables, while the blackboards proffer what today’s beers selections. brinkmcr.co.uk | @BrinkMCR
The Crown & Anchor 41 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 2EE The Crown and Anchor has established itself as a must see on the real ale trail in Manchester. It’sworth a visit just for the amazing ceilings, however very quickly you’ll notice the carefully curated beer selection, which on sunny days is best enjoyed on its small roof terrace crownandanchormanchester.co.uk
Alberts Schloss 27 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR The Schloss is an Alpine inspired bar and restaurant and is a regular host to live music. Offering an up-market experience of a beer house where you will find quality European beers. The menus cover breakfast, lunch and dinner including classic crowd pleasing burgers albertsschloss.co.uk | @albertsschloss
Cask 29 Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4NQ Cask, Liverpool Rd, is a real find a small bar with a even small beer garden and their larger recent opening at Islington Wharf. It bar is stocking with an excellent selection of Europeans beers in pumps and the such a bottle collection to keep you busy for hours, oh and the juke box is great @caskmcr
The Gas Lamp 50A Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BW Housed the basement of a Victorian Children’s Missions building this quirky bar is an interesting experience. Its beer selection is formed from small and interesting breweries, many not seen at all in Manchester. With its ‘light dwell’ beer garden and long wide staircase this bar is a must see thegaslampmanchester.co.uk | @The_Gaslamp
Arcane 2 South King St, Manchester M2 6DQ Sort of hidden in an old Victorian basement this bar has style written across it with open brick work private tables and high bars seats. Here you will find a cosy, but lively late night bar serving great beers plus a handsome selection of cocktails too.
Port St Beer House 39-41 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQ PSBH was possibly one of Manchester first ‘new wave’ bars celebrating niche and artisan brewers. This fresh, clean and modern bar regularly offers over one hundred carefully selected bottled and cask ales from across the world for you to savour
The Temple 100 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JW A converted toilet you say? Well yes. This is the very definition of a ‘dive’ bar, even the beer garden is the Ladies loo steps... It’s super small, always busy and sometimes even has live music. But the attraction is its amazing selection of European beers both hand-pump and bottled – give it a go
Manchester Drinks Our Brief Guide to Manchester’s Beer, Real Ale and Cocktail Bars It seems unlikely that you have not spotted the huge growth brewing with so many small and specialist breweries creating amazing tipples to tantalise our taste buds. Hops are being drafted in from across the UK and further afield from places such as New Zealand and the Americas. Manchester brewing has exploded too rivalling the quality and number of breweries in London. It is not just contained to good quality beer or ale, but here too Gin is being distilled right under mainline railway arches! Have a peek around a few Manchester corners and visit some of our favourite and quirky bars. 42
cocktailbarmanchester.com | @arcanebar
portstreetbeerhouse.co.uk | @portstreetbeer
@cityarmsmcr
@unlockmcr
Manchester has some amazing bars, even some hidden ones, where you can discover the finest classic mixes and specially created Mixologist signature cocktails. The choice is, to say the least, astounding and in walking distance; possibly a good thing too! Cocktails make excellent ice-breaking social opportunities and are ideal for pre-dinner or theatre experiences. We recommend checking out the following places, if you have a spare hour on your hands. Get ready to indulge in some great tasting, visually enviable cocktails. The bars where you’ll find them are often a treat in themselves. Atlas Bar 376 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY Simply put Atlas Bar really is a Gin drinkers palace and here you will find over 500 specialist gins from around the world. The bar, at the end of Deansgate, is housed in a railway arch, it is a stylish place to be it even has a small garden atlasbarmanchester.com | @theatlasbar Banyan Exchange Square, High St, Manchester M3 1BD Nestled in the Corn Exchange by day Banyan is a coffee and cake refuge however, by night the vibe changes. Its modern styles transform the space into beacon for ambient drinking and dining which can be accompanied by cocktails from their mixologists banyanbar.co.uk | @Banyan_UK Cloud23 Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate M3 4LQ As cocktail bars go Cloud23 is slightly different. Not only are you in one of the city’s most stylish bars, not to mention the afternoon teas, as you relax with your drink you are presented with a vast vista across Manchester, all from the 23rd floor of the Hilton Hotel cloud23bar.com
Dirty Martini 1 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR Opened in 2018 Dirty Martini managed to create a real buzz just before the lockdowns hit. Designed for the glitterarty with its glamorous interiors, bespoke cocktails and even late DJ sets. Certainly one to dress smart for and be seen at dirtymartini.uk.com | @Dirtymartiniuk Dusk till Pawn Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DN Sort of hidden behind a Pawn Shop front, this small intimate bar has been on the list of best cocktails bars in Manchester for years. Honestly, it still deserves that accolade even if the fitment is a bit, well basic in comparison other venues, because the drinks are well just lush dusktilpawn.co.uk | @dusktilpawn
NQ64 9 Short St, Manchester M4 1AA Get your arcade head on at these bars, one in the NQ and the other on Peter Street, both have a large collection of great arcade machines (ideal first dates for sure). While your jumping, shooting or dancing you can try one of their many arcade themed cocktails, fun and great drinks all in one nq64.co.uk One Eight Six 186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB This is an odd one a Barbershop and Cocktail bar all in one! The bar is in the basement and is often host to live music. Take a stroll through the mirrored door and discover one the city’s most off-the-grid bars and some refreshing cocktails too oneeightsix.co.uk
Impossible 36 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR Impossible is all about theatre, glamour and style not to mention the cocktails. Always busy, always different, we recommend heading up stairs to balconied seating area. It is very luxurious and feels like a place to be on very cold snowy nights be-impossible.com | @IMPOSSIBLE_Mcr
Speak in Code 7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester M2 5ND Very New York Industrial is possibly the best way to describe this Cocktail Narnia. Sort of hidden on Jackson’s Row expect this drinking den to deliver some of the best cocktails creations around. Many mixers are homemade and they have worked hard to make new twists from classic cocktails
Menagerie Ground One, New Bailey St, Salford M3 5JL Look this place is not subtle, it has calmed down since its 2016 launch, even-so it is still on the Manchester Wow list. Popular with the famous and the food is good too. This could be the place to start your celebrity spotting sipping a great cocktail at one of its bars
The Alchemist 3 Hardman Street, Spinningfields M3 3HF Right in the heart of Spinningfields this well establish bar continues to deliver. From its classy fitment to the outdoor seating zone, it is home to some of the most stylish people in Manchester. Their signature cocktails are by far some the very best in the city
menagerierestaurant.co.uk | @menageriemcr
thealchemist.uk.com | @thealchemistuk - Picture: The Alchemist - Manchester
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See & Do - Music Events
Music Highlights Our Guide to Manchester’s Comprehensive Public Transport
Ariadne + The Medium - Double Bill RNCM, 124 Oxford Rd, M13 9RD 12th - 16th Dec Ariadne unveils the struggle between two theatrical groups who have been ordered to perform their different shows simultaneously. Menotti’s The Medium. A fraudulent psychic finds herself embroiled in the spiritual world and encounters a genuine ghostly presence rncm.ac.uk | @rncmlive
New Orleans Jam Matt & Phreds, 64 Tib Street, M4 1LW 20th Dec ‘21 (Every 2nd Mon monthly) The big sounds of New Orleans hosted by mighty house band The Nightcreatures. With a strong emphasis on the involvement of brass, these monthly Jam sessions are sure to make you feel like you’ve travelled over the Atlantic to Louisiana mattandphreds.com | @mattandphreds
RNCM Big Band Special RNCM, 124 Oxford Rd, M13 9RD 17th Dec The RNCM Autumn Big Band show features two guests who are inspirational, leading figures in the UK jazz scene. This performance features Liane Carroll and Josephine Davies under the baton of director Steve Berry
NYE: Cafe Mambo Albert Hall, 27 Peter St M2 5QR 31st Dec ‘21 Following on from their sell-out event in 2020, Cafe Mambo returns to the Albert Hall for a New Year’s Eve extravaganza with Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago and many more to be announced!
rncm.ac.uk | @rncmlive
Music Events
Manchester Calling! The Deaf Institute 135 Grosvenor St M1 7HE 19th Dec ‘21 Featuring live performances by #1 tribute bands: The Total Stone Roses, The Smiths Presumably and Oays’s, if you’re keen to hear your favourite Manchester anthems performed LIVE by exceptional tribute acts, surrounded by like-minded music fans, this event is for you thedeafinstitute.co.uk | @DeafInstitute
Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Ardwick Green M12 6AP 18th Dec ‘21 Pianist, bandleader, singer, composer, television presenter and multi-platinum-selling recording artist Jools Holland will bring his sensational Rhythm & Blues Orchestra back to the Royal Albert Hall as part of their much-loved annual tour academymusicgroup.com | @o2apollomanc
alberthallmanchester.com | @Alberthallmcr Fleetmac Wood Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth St M1 5WW 19thFeb ‘22 Blame it on my wild heart. After a painful separation we are heading back to our beloved dance floors of the world with renewed love and perspective for our passion and collective need to connect through music thisisgorilla.com | @thisisgorilla
@unlockmcr
Babybird - Ugly Beautiful 25th Anniversary The Deaf Institute 135 Grosvenor St M1 7HE 24th Feb ‘22 The pioneers of the critical pop lens take to the stage and deliver their charming wit and innovative soun. At a time where the music industry is changing more than ever, it is the artists reasoned takes on current music that has never been more topical thedeafinstitute.co.uk | @DeafInstitute
Jeffrey Hewer Quartet Matt & Phreds, 64 Tib Street, M4 1LW 27th Jan ‘22 The Jeffrey Hewer Quartet is a Leeds-based band exploring the limitless soundscapes of contemporary jazz. This incisive young group of musicians from the cityís thriving jazz scene play mainly original material composed specifically for this line up mattandphreds.com | @mattandphreds
Peter Hook & The Light: Joy Division A Celebration O2 Apollo, Stockport Rd, Ardwick Green M12 6AP 14th Jan ‘22 Commemorating four decades of Joy Division’s and Ian Curtis’ continuing influence, Peter Hook & The Light perform the Unknown Pleasures and Closer albums in full with more from the group’s distinguished catalogue academymusicgroup.com | @o2apollomanc
Sambroso All Stars: The Buena Vista Band on the Wall, 27-29 Swan St, M4 5JZ 28th Jan ‘22 Sambroso All Stars showcases one of the most iconic albums in living memory. The 7-piece all star band promise to mesmerise the crowd once again with their combination of Cuban Son, Latin Jazz and Rumba bandonthewall.org | @bandonthewall
Ingrid Andress Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth St M1 5WW 22nd Jan ‘22 Rising country artist Ingrid Andress is coming to Manchester. In 2020 the singer/songwriter released her debut album, Lady Like and with previous success penning tracks for big-name artists, such as Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX, and Dove Cameron thisisgorilla.com | @thisisgorilla
Strictly Come Dancing Live AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach M3 1AR 29th-30th Jan 22 Strictly Come Dancing fans are in for a FAB-U-LOUS treat there will be not one, not two, but THREE incredible live Strictly shows touring the UK to keep the country dancing featuring a host of the celebs and professional dancers from the BBC One TV series will waltz around the country performing
Jean Genie - The Best of David Bowie The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW 22nd Jan ‘22 Jean Genie was created by John Mainwaring and John Ford in 1993 and he is an original recording artist in his own right. In the 1980s David Bowieís world famous producer Tony Visconti produced some of Johnís songs when he was signed to WEA themet.org.uk | @themet
ao-arena.com | @AOArena
- Left: Night & Day Café Oldham Street, Manchester Photo: Billy Seagravel
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Manchester Exhibitions
Exhibition Highlights Our Guide to Manchester’s Current Exhibitions
2020 - 2021 Banner Exhibition PHM, Left Bank, Spinningfields M3 3ER until 9th Jan ‘22 A selection of historic and contemporary banners – some on public display for the first time, all specially conserved by the museum’s expert Conservation Team phm.org.uk | @phmmcr
Exhibitions
The Lowry Collection The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ Permanent Exhibition There are over 400 works in the collection, 57 of which are oil paintings. Alongside the works of art is an archive containing thousands of items ranging from photographs to press cuttings and exhibition catalogues. This Lowry collection was formed in 2000 thelowry.com | @the_lowry
Gorton Visual Arts: ‘OV GORTON’ HOME, Tony Wilson Place M15 4FN until 9th Jan ‘22 Bringing together textiles, paintings and prints celebrating the rich history of Gorton. It explores the rich social history, drawing inspiration from the Whit Walks, the Munitions Workers, Peterloo, Bradford Pit, the 53-bus route, the pubs of Hyde Road homemcr.org | @home_mcr
Use Hearing Protection S&IM, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP until 3rd Jan ‘22 This special exhibition tells the story of Factory Records’ formative years from 1978 to 1982, and how their innovative work in music, technology and design gave Manchester an authentic voice and distinctive identity scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk @sim_manchester
Towards MEMORIAL and MO(NU)MENTARIES BAM, Moss st, Bury BL9 0DR until 22nd Jan ‘22 In a period of political and social uncertainty, how can what you wear help to express your beliefs? What you stand for, and importantly, when and where?
Postman Pat: Welcome to Greendale Waterside Arts, Waterside Plaza, Trafford M33 7ZF until 8th Jan ‘22 Escape to the heart of the Lake District as we celebrate the animated series Postman Pat. The exhibition will follow Pat, his black and white cat, Jess, and the inhabitants of the sleepy village of Greendale, showcasing original set pieces from the animated series watersidearts.org | @WatersideArts
Art of Place and Displacement StockportArt Gallery, Wellington Rd South SK3 8AB 27th Nov - 23rd Jan ‘22 How important is nature when so many of us by necessity live in cities? Victoria King’s paintings celebrate the extraordinary life force in nature and her love of art history. This exhibition is a 40-year retrospective of paintings & sculptures stockport.gov.uk | @
buryartmuseum.co.uk
@unlockmcr
Van Gogh Live The Piazza, Salford Quays M50 until 23rd Jan ‘22 Van Gogh Alive has embarked on its groundbreaking tour of the UK. Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh at our stunning, Covid-safe Greater Manchester venue vangoghaliveuk.com | @VanGoghAliveUK Jock McFadyen at the Lowry The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ until 27th Feb ‘22 Bringing together a range of works spanning 45 years, the exhibition highlights McFadyen’s passion for painting the overlooked margins of the modern city and its inhabitants as well as huge panoramic views of the natural world thelowry.com | @the_lowry Support Your Local Artists Salford Museum & Art Gallery, The Crescent M5 4WU until 20th March ‘22 The exhibition places no restrictions on subject matter or medium, allowing the artists free rein to create, meaning that the pieces exhibited will range from portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract
Suzzanne Lacy - What kind of city? The Whitworth, Oxford Rd M15 6ER Until 10th April ‘22 The Whitworth presents the first major UK presentation of multiple works of US artist Suzanne Lacy, a pioneer of social practice and community organising for almost five decades. In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, What kind of city? whitworth.manchester.ac.uk | @whitworthart Derek Jarman: Protest! Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St M2 3JL 2nd Dec - 10 April ‘22 Focusing on the diverse strands of Jarman’s practice as a painter, film maker, writer, setdesigner, gardener and political activist. This is the first time that all of these strands of his practice will be brought together in over 20 years manchesterartgallery.org | @mcrartgallery
salfordmuseum.com | @SalfordMuseum
Constellations: Care & Resistance Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St M2 3JL until 5th June ‘22 Jade Montserrat creates works on paper and performances exploring race, the body and language. Part gallery and part studio, we also present her notebooks, research, and art materials, giving us a unique insight into her artistic process manchesterartgallery.org | @mcrartgallery
Cancer Revolution S&IM, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP Until March ‘22 Created by the Science Museum Group with support from expert partner Cancer Research UK, the exhibition explores how, at a pivotal moment when one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk @sim_manchester
- Left: Van Gogh Live The Piazza, Salford Quays
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Manchester Theatre & Shows
Theatre Highlights Our Guide to Manchester’s Forthcoming Theatre Shows Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ 23rd Nov - 4th Dec ‘21 Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s delectable sets and costumes combine with Bourne’s dazzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the classic. Expect a sprinkling of delicious new surprises in this reinvented ‘21 production thelowry.com | @the_lowry
The Not So Ugly Sisters Waterside Arts, Waterside Plaza, Trafford M33 7ZF until 1st Jan ‘22 Dolly rests on her broom counting the passersby outside the salon window, whilst her sister Barb watches the phone that never rings. A brand new musical re-telling of Cinderella from the perspective of the ‘Not So’ Ugly Sisters for the whole family watersidearts.org | @WatersideArts
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Sq M2 7DH 4th Dec - 15th Jan ‘22 A wild musical play that sees Scottish folk songs collide with decadent karaoke. Oozing with wit, passion, seduction and sambucas, this show is a riotous mix of rhyming couplets, live music and a glimpse of the underworld
Aladdin Opera House, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP 11th Dec - 2nd Jan ‘22 Join the notorious powerhouse Alexandra Burke, the fabulous Ceri Dupree, the hilarious Ben Nickless and musical theatre sensation Matthew Croke in this year’s pantomime Aladdin at Manchester Opera House this Christmas atgtickets.com | @atgtickets
royalexchange.co.uk | @rxtheatre
Theatre & Shows
The Garrick Express Stockport Garrick Theatre, Exchange St SK3 0EJ 15th - 17th Dec ‘21 What happens when the elves go on strike? Will Santa get the presents delivered on time? How will everyone get home for Christmas? Jump on board THE GARRICK EXPRESS and all will be revealed! stockportgarrick.co.uk | @GarrickTweet
Little Red Riding Hood Waterside Arts, Waterside Plaza, Trafford M33 7ZF 13th - 17th Dec ‘21 A wolf in granny’s clothing knows all about what fun dressing-up can be, and in Little Red Riding Hood our magical wardrobe opens its doors to a fantastic display of gorgeous garments watersidearts.org | @WatersideArts
Aladdin Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom St, OL1 3SW until 8th Jan ‘22 Aladdin dreams of a better life for himself and his mother, and when he finds the magic lamp it seems that his wishes have been granted. But hiding in the shadows the evil villain will stop at nothing to get hold of the magic lamp and rule the land coliseum.org.uk
@unlockmcr
Christmas at HOME 2021 HOME, Tony Wilson Place M15 4FN until 9th Jan ‘22 A festive celebration of Christmas cabaret, music, comedy and a reimagined family favourite. Including Sh!t Theatre, Duckie, Mr Wilsons Second Liners and Manchester favourites Bourgeois & Maurice homemcr.org | @home_mcr
ComedySportz Waterside Arts, Waterside Plaza, Trafford M33 7ZF 29th Jan ‘22 You’ve seen football. You’ve seen tennis. But have you seen Comedy as a sport? Then you don’t want to miss this all ages, all action, all improvised competitive comedy show!
Dick Whittington Stockport Plaza, Mersey Sq, Stockport SK1 1SP 3rd Dec - 9th Jan ‘22 Family Pantomime is returning to The Plaza this Festive Season with the sensational production DICK WHITTINGTON starring BRIAN CAPRON supported by BRADLEY THOMPSON and full supporting cast
Pinocchio - Northern Ballet Oldham Coliseum, Fairbottom St, OL1 3SW 10th Feb ‘22 In a faraway land, a hard-working and lonely carpenter wishes for his puppet Pinocchio to come to life. By the magic of a wishing well his dream comes true! Pinocchio is playful and mischievous and must prove himself worthy of becoming a real boy coliseum.org.uk
stockportplaza.co.uk | @stockportplaza1 Stick Man The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ 30th Nov - 9th Jan ‘22 This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog, is a touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town! thelowry.com | @the_lowry School of Rock Palace Theatre, 97 Oxford St M1 6FT 4th - 15th Jan ‘22 Wannabe rock star Dewey Finn is cast out by his dive_bar bandmates and finds himself in desperate need of cash. Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, he exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind_ blowing rock band atgtickets.com | @atgtickets
watersidearts.org | @WatersideArts
IC HOUSE + RESTAU L B PU WI TH PRIVATE DINING Rising from the ashes having been lovingly restored, and with capacity for over 220 revellers, we’re on a pilgrimage to bring together friends to break bread and share a drink this festive season.
Blood Brothers Opera House, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP 15th - 26th Feb ‘22 Blood Brothers is the heart-breaking story of Mickey and Edward, two brothers separated at birth but brought together again through an unlikely friendship. With their familial relationship concealed by their parents, who have striven to keep them apart because of superstitious beliefs, the pair find themselves irreversibly intertwined
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atgtickets.com | @atgtickets
- Left: Matthew Bourne’s The Nut Cracker The Lowry, Salford Quays
41 Blackfriars Road, Salford M3 7DH enquiries@theblackfriarsalford.co.uk 0161 667 9555
WWW. EB CKFRIARSALFORD.CO.UK
Manchester Tours
Manchester Guided Tours Our Guide to some the best and most vibrant guided tours of the city. Focusing on its history and its lasting impact on the worlds social ideas Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour Hop-on Hop-off stops across the city Fri, Sat & Sun - Tours Starts from 10.30am Discover Manchester’s vibrant history from the top deck of the green Sightseeing opentop bus, as it takes you on a 90-minute trip around the city and the modern waterfront developments at Salford Quays. Taking in some of Manchester’s key sights, including the National Football Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, Old Trafford football stadium and The Lowry. Lord of the Rings and Lost actor Dominic Monaghan, provides the commentary aboard the bus sightseeingmanchester.com
City Tours
Rock & Goal Manchester Tour Starts: Mercure Piccadilly Hotel M1 4PH Tues to Sun - starts 11am Join Joe for a fun walking tour of Manchester. Learn some of the hidden gems and secrets of Manchester! See Hollywood & Netflix sets and incredible street art. You’ll learn how Manchester gave the world ice cream, The Premier League, women voting rights, vegetarianism, policemen and much more!
rockandgoalmanchester.com
Manchester Bites Starts: Northern Quarter Wed, Fri & Sats - starts 11.30am The Manchester Guided Tour for Foodies. Explore the city with a local guide, hearing the stories of the communities that make Manchester unique and meeting some of the local characters in the food and drink industry. This tour offers a unique way to explore this amazing city, from the Arancini rice balls of our Italian community, to the spicy Caribbean patties of our West Indian friends manchesterbites.com Afternoon Walking Tour Starts: Central Library Mon to Fri - starts 2pm As the first Industrial City in the World, Manchester has always been at the forefront of social change, as Disraeli reportedly said ìWhat Manchester does today, the rest of the World does tomorrow. We will discover the Mancunians who fought for worker’ s rights, women’s liberation and LGBT freedom, as well as looking at how Manchester helped lead to the formation of new political ideologies simanchester.com Free Manchester Tour Starts: Central Library Everyday from 10.30am Manchester is the key City where the Industrial Revolution was borned but also where the modern world began. Come to our Free Tour to discover the past, the present and the future of a city shaped by Revolutions, Music, Football, Freedom and much More. Donations gratefully accepted
simanchester.com
@unlockmcr
The Manchester Cheese Crawl Starts: Richard Cobden Statue, St Annís Square 12pm & 3pm - Dates & times when booking Calling all curd nerds and turophiles - yep there’s a word for your love of cheese. Manchester’s finest cheeses are being wrapped up into one 2 hour walking tour. You have not truly explored Manchester until you tour as a turophile. Get involved in Manchester’s first and grate-est cheese crawl!
Street Art: A Modern History of the NQ Central meeting points Dates & times when booking Presenting a few different Manchester tours these informal but informative ‘anti-tours’, and the only northern tours to feature in The Telegraph Travel’s Incredible Street Art Tours, and iTravel’s Offbeat City Tours. 2020 winner of Lux’s Best Alternative Walking Tours - North West England. Alternative and independent walking tours of Manchester since 2012
seeyour.city
theskyliner.org
Eat the City - A Manchester Tour City Centre Starts 11.30am - Dates & times when booking A gastronomic adventure, sample some of the best food and drink the Britain’s greatest industrial city has to offer and learn how our food and drink offers an insight into the city’s past, present and future. Manchester’s food and drink scene is booming and this tour will show you why
Manchester’s Music Scene Central meeting points Dates & times when booking Join one of our Manchester hosts to get to the bottom of a musical legacy intertwined with industrial roots. And the best way to do this? Visit the spots where music history went down, like the Free Trade Hall where the Sex Pistols held their infamous gig that inspired members of Joy Division, The Smiths and the Buzzcocks, and Salford Lads’ Club - youíll recognize it from one of The Smiths’ album covers
scranchestertours.com
cityunscripted.com
Silent Disco - Manchester Tour Starts: Banyan, Corn Exchange Dates & times when booking A ‘sight-singing’ disco adventure youíll never forget through the iconic, dance-drenched streets of Manchester instead! Say bye bye to all of your fears and inhibitions as you don our hi-tech headphones ahead of hitting the streets, where you’ll get a chance to show off your dazzling dance moves and sublime singing voices! silentadventures.co.uk
- Left: Salford Lads’ Club St Ignatus Walk, Salford M5 3RX
BAR
RESTAURANT
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Manchester Markets
Manchester Markets Our Guide to Greater Manchester’s Best Seasonal and All Year-round Arts, Crafts and Food Markets
Bolton Artisan Market Heaton Fold Garden Centre, Overdale Dr, Bolton BL1 5BU Returning in July ‘22 Visitors will find an exciting range of high quality and locally sourced food, drink and crafts from specialist producers and suppliers. There is free parking on site as well as a gift shop and self-service café. The market is held under cover in bad weather heatonfold.co.uk | @BoltonArtisan Bury Market The Fish Market, Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ Weekly Monday - Saturday Bury’s World Famous Market is a multi award winning market and was voted Best Market Attraction in 2015. It’s one of the most popular shopping destinations in the north of England attracting thousands of visitors each week with over 370 stalls drawing in the crowds burymarket.com | @BuryMarket
Markets
Manchester Christmas Markets Piccadilly Gardens and across the city centre First opened in 1999 the Manchester Christmas Markets is possibly the best in the UK. With over 300 stalls to tempted you with gifts, Christmas trinkets, food and some great drink. All this Yuletide festivity makes the lanes of this huge market buzz! @MancXmasMarkets
Heaton Moor Producers &Art Market Shaw Road, Heaton Moor, SK4 4NZ Stockport 1st Sunday monthly It focuses on bringing local, independent producers’ and artists together offering a wide range of products, including fresh produce, gift items and crafts
Altrincham Market Greenwood Street, Altringham WA14 1SA Tuesday - Sunday Weekly Quality food traders from fresh fish to fruit & veg, from regional cheese to prime meat cuts, from crafters to jewellers, from makers to vintage retailers and beyond. Showcasing the talent, skill, passion and creativity of the finest Northwest makers and some amazing food
Levenshulme Market Stockport Rd, Levenshulme (behind the Station) Every Saturday (March-December) Since its March 2013 launch Levenshumle Markets delivers a diverse range of high quality traders and at every market you can expect an ever changing roster of 50 artisan traders selling produce, street food, plants, gifts, vintage clothing and homeware
altrinchammarket.co.uk | @altrinchammkt
heatonmoormarket.com | @HMoorMarket
levymarket.com | @levymarket
@unlockmcr
Piccadilly Gardens Street Food Market Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Centre Weekly - Thurs - Sun from 11am The Street Food Market features stalls selling delicious food from around the globe. With dishes ranging from Middle Eastern wraps, dim sum and to chow mien noodles to Italian pasta, ostrich burgers and African cuisine manchester.gov.uk
The Wilmslow Artisan Market Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1PB 3rd Saturday Monthly (10am-4pm) The market consists of over 120 of the very finest artisan market traders and is the flagship of The Market Cous events. In its alleyways you will find high-quality range of authentic goods with an emphasis on all that is local, ethical and original from traders who are all super-talented themarketco.co.uk | @_TheMarketCo
The Arndale Market Upper Hall, The Arndale, 49 High St M4 3AQ Mon - Sat 8am-8pm / Sun 11.20-5.30pm From mouth-watering chicken combos to Thai cuisine, Turkish sweets and British favourites, you’ll beat hunger in a heartbeat. Prefer to cook storm at home? There’s plenty of fresh grub to pick up as well; visit the butchers, fishmongers, and fruit and veg sellers manchesterarndale.com | @manarndale
Vintage Village Market, Stockport Stockport Market Hall, Market Place SK1 1EU 2nd Sunday Monthly (March-December) Held in Stockports’ ‘Glass Umbrella’ and aims to deliver things might be rare or unique, beautiful, special, amusing, useful, bizarre or remarkable in some way. They are all intensely covetable - in the Markets considered opinion and most of them are cracking bargains too facebook: VintageVillageUK
The Makers Market Check the website for full details This monthly market brings together the finest and often award-winning food, drink, art & crafts producers in the area. The market is well known for presenting the very best of seasonal local farm produce, artisan breads, delicatessen and hand crafted cheeses themakersmarket.co.uk | @_makersmarket
Worker Bee Markets Bramhall, Marple Bridge, Reddish & Cheadle Hulme These artisan markets are open regular weekends across Greater Manchester. Here you will find established stall holders and many new makers dipping their toe into the artisan market scene. Passionate people who wish to make their talents a full-time career workerbeemarkets.wordpress.com
The Treacle Market Old Butter Market, St Michael’s, Macclesfield Last Sunday of the Month (March-Aug) The market started in 2010 and each month sees the handsome cobbled Marketplace and surrounding streets throng with visitors and over 150 stalls of unique crafts, exceptional lovingly produced food, drink and several vintage finds treaclemarket.co.uk | @treaclemarket
- Left: Northern Letters The Makers Markets
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Getting About the City
Getting About Our Guide to Manchester’s Comprehensive Public Transport
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Whether you land at Manchester International Airport or arrive at Piccadilly Station, the national railway connection, you will find that Manchester has a superb public transportation service. Extending from the city centre there are bus routes, local train services and the excellent Metrolink tram service. Of course if you are staying in the city then these same services will enable you to visit further afield places and generally make your visit easier when travelling around the city or out to its suburbs. Want to get about the city centre? Then the ‘Free’, yes free, bus services numbers 1, 2 and 3 are ‘hop-on hop-off ’ and operate circular routes throughout the city. The city is also well served by its bus operators who run services from the city centre out to Greater Manchester and the entire North West region. The central bus station, in Piccadilly Gardens, is the main hub for most of the bus services. Take the express X50 to get to the Trafford Centre, in double quick time, or head into deepest Yorkshire on the Witch Way (well actually, from Chorlton Street). Around the corner from Piccadilly Gardens is the National Coach Station on Chorlton Street, and from here you can get a seat going to Liverpool, London, Leeds or even Glasgow to mention just a few.
A recent addition to city is the MT1 open top ‘hop-on-hop’ off tour bus. Its route circles the city and reaches out to Salford Quays in a 1hour and 20 minutes journey with 15 stopping points on the way. The service start/stopping point is on Albert Square opposite the Town Hall and tickets are valid for 24 hours and tickets starting at £6 with a family ticket available for £25 (two adults and three children). Manchester’s ever-growing tram network, known as Metrolink, is a modern wonder as it seamlessly moves you around the city. Its network of 99 destinations on 64 miles of track include places such as Media City, in Salford Quays, great for visiting the Lowry Centre, travelling to Bury or connecting you to directly to Manchester Airport.
The Free Bus routes 1, 2 & 3 do not require any tickets simply get on and off where you want [check tfgm.com for service updates]. The Metrolink tram services require tickets and these can be purchased on each station platform via the electronic ticketing machine, either a single or return ticket as you need. These machines accept UK Sterling coins, notes and credit or debit cards. There is a minor restriction on the tram tickets and it is that ‘You must start your journey within 120 minutes’ of buying your ticket, this is not applied to your return journey. Bus and Metrolink tickets do not need validating. - Above: Manchester Metrolink Tram St Peters Square Photo: Wam Bam Photography
@unlockmcr
Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) offer a huge selection of tickets to suit group or single travellers. For an individual the £14.70 Day Wayfarer Adult Ticket, or the £29.40 Group Wayfarer Ticket (up to two adults and two children) lets you travel on Trams, Trains and Buses (from participating providers) throughout Manchester and parts of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire and the Peak District. The bus operators have specific fares covering journeys you may want to take. If you travel using Stagecoach, or the Magic Bus, services the ‘Dayrider’ individual ticket is just £5, the ‘Dayrider Plus’ Adult and Child is £6.80 and the ‘Group Dayrider’, up to two adults and up to three children, is only £10.50.
Transport for Greater Manchester website [tfgm.com] has a good journey planner service and has transport updates should timetables be altered or affected by maintenance. Additionally it provides good information about all travel, ticketing and highway information in the Greater Manchester region. All ticket prices correct at time of going to print (E&OE). Useful links Metrolink - metrolink.co.uk National Railways - nationalrail.co.uk Stagecoach - stagecoach.com Transport for Greater Manchester - tfgm.co.uk MT1 - Sightseeing Manchester - sightseeingmanchester.com
Located on the world famous Canal St the No.1 menu focuses on British locally sourced produce and a selection of mouth-watering Asian influenced dishes. These dishes are accompanied by a carefully curated wine list, craft beers and exciting cocktails to enjoy in this attractive and modern restaurant.
WINNERS BEST RESTAURANT MANCHESTER 2019
No.1 Canal Street, 1 Canal Street Manchester M1 3HE no1canalst.co.uk | 0161 228 7722
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Greater Getting Manchester About the City tram network map
Eccles
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P+R 250
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Langworthy Prestwich
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Metrolink Tram services generally run every 12 minutes. As most stations are serviced by two, or more routes trams usually arrive every 6 minutes or even more frequently.
Free Bus Route 1 - every 10 minutes Monday to Friday: 7am-7:15pm Saturday: 8:20am–7:15pm Sundays & Bank Holidays: 11am-6pm
Many of the services run from: Monday to Thursday: 6am-11:30pm Friday and Saturday: 6am-00:30am on Sundays and bank holidays: 7am-10:30pm
Free Bus Route 2 - every 10 minutes Monday to Friday: 6:30am-11.30pm Saturday: 8:30am–11:30pm Sundays and Bank Holidays: 9:54am-6:54pm (Every 12 minutes)
Early Morning Airport Services: Deansgate-Castlefield to Manchester Airport. 3am-6am Monday to Saturday, and 3am-7am Sunday and public holidays (This service runs every 20 minutes)
Free Bus Route 3 - every 20 minutes Monday to Friday: 7.25am-11:25pm Saturday: 7:28am–11:30pm (Every 15 minutes) tfgm.com - details of Bus & Tram service times
TGFM.COM
routes around the city centre
@unlockmcr
GREEN QUARTER Manchester Victoria
Manchester Arena
ST N
O
RA TI
l N TO W T NE S
GH
LA
UN
ST
RT PO
CH TO RL O ST
ST
N
CE SS
H
IN
ET
O W
RE
HI
ST
TW
H
ST
RT
ST
O
RD
TW
FO
ST
Piccadilly
RT
PR
OX
HI
THE GAY VILLAGE
W
Rochdale Canal
AYTOUN ST
E
Central Coach Station
Ashton Canal
N IO CH AT OA S T PR AP
ND
O
LY
ST
AY T
TT
St Peter’s Square
na
NORTHERN QUARTER
ST
IL
LO
Manchester Art Gallery
Central Library
LE
Ca
DA
le
ST
da
CO
RP
O ST
R
AD
AR
ST
W ES
Palace Theatre
T
Route 1 peak only Mon to Fri
Centre forChinese Contemporary Art
CC
R
Town Hall
CH
TE
AD
Manchester Central
Bridgewater Hall
HOME
VE
Craft & Design Centre
PI
PE
RO
Route 1
U S T RC H
CHINATOWN
Deansgate Locks
FIRST STREET
CH
Piccadilly Gardens
RK YO W ST
L
DeansgateÉáóôìåĢåìä
Deansgate
H
ST
ch
ET RE S OS
M W S T ER R E BY E T RO
CR
NE
ST
O
Albert Hall
Beetham Tower
CASTLEFIELD
SHUDEHILL
H IG
N
LO
O LT
O
Great Northern
E
RK YO S T
DA
ST
RP S
OV
LE
NG KI ST
HN
Y UA
VE AN
GR
Market Street
LI DE
TE GA
Shudehill HY
JO
Q
AN
IT
HI
ST
DE SI RT W ST NE AY U Q
DE
Manchester Arndale
ST
ST EL AP CH
GA
ST
ST
John Rylands Opera Library House
ST
L
Barton Arcade/ St Ann’s Square
SPINNINGFIELDS
T
GE
Royal Exchange
NOMA
The Printworks
Exchange Square
KE
E AT
AR
SG
W
M
N EA
ST Y ’S AR E M G AT
EL
ID
W
D
E AT SG
Museum
Cathedral Corn Exchange
BR
IR
People’s History Museum
DD TO S T
A RI T O S C T GE VI ID
BR
well River Ir
BA N IL E W EY ST
Salford Central
Science and Industry Museum
MEDIEVAL National QUARTER Football
Ro
CHAPEL ST Peak Free bus Route 1 via Salford Central not currently in operation due to roadworks
Victoria
A RI O ON H C T TI C VI TA OA S PR AP
Chetham’s School of Music
GREENGATE
University of Manchester Sackville Street Building
Manchester Piccadilly
WHITWORTH STREET WEST
Route 1 Saturday service Route 2 Route 3 evening service Metrolink line and stop
MMU All Saints Campus
Manchester Oxford Road
OXFORD ROAD CORRIDOR
Bus interchange Rail line and station Central Coach Station
Monday – Friday Every 10 minutes: 7am – 7:15pm
Monday – Friday Every 10 minutes: 6:30am – 7:10pm
Monday – Friday Every 20 minutes: 7:30pm – 11:30pm
57
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