Unlock manchester guide 2016 17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Welcome to Manchester

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A warm welcome from Manchester’s Lord Mayor As Lord Mayor of Manchester I’m delighted to offer you a warm welcome to our city. I wish you a most pleasant and entertaining stay and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Manchester boasts a wealth of attractions and exploring the city you’re sure to discover it has a bit of something for everyone.

You can bask in culture at Manchester’s theatres, galleries, libraries, museums and concert venues.

The city heavily advocates artistic innovation and hosts a biennial festival, Manchester International Festival, presenting new works from across the spectrum of performing arts, visual arts and popular culture.

Manchester is alive with sport and sees events held year-round. As well as being home to two of the worlds leading football teams, the city is the host to national Centre’s for cycling, lacrosse, squash, taekwondo and water polo.

After working up an appetite visiting the city’s bountiful shopping district, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries serving up a variety of delicious dishes inspired by recipes from Manchester and around the globe?

Foodies will be spoilt for choice with enough mouth-watering gastronomic delights on offer to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.

Manchester is a city that champions diversity and the world famous Gay Village is at the heart of the city’s thriving LGBT scene.

Visitors are welcomed to watch the world go by at Canal Street’s many waterside venues regardless of their sexual orientation.

The city’s bars, pubs and clubs provide a vibrant nightlife.

From venues serving traditional pints of real ale to exotic cocktails Manchester has the perfect place for you to unwind, relax and socialise.

With so much on offer let’s not forget Manchester’s people who really are the jewel in the city’s crown.

I’m sure they will heartily join me in offering you a warm welcome to our city.

Carl Austin-Behan Manchester Lord Mayor (2016-2017) — above The Lord Mayor of Manchester and the Lord Mayors consort (right)

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Manchester: A cultural renaissance “A city that thinks a table is for dancing on.”

This is how Mancunians describe their home. It’s long been an apt description for this Northern powerhouse but is truer than ever in the 21st century.

Put aside thoughts of a rainy city awash with smoking chimneys and grim vistas.

Today’s Manchester has reinvented itself as a vibrant cultural hub encompassing a dazzling array of art forms.

Gone are the grimy streets and matchstick men and matchstick cats and dogs. In their place are a multitude of galleries, theatres, music venues and festivals.

The past few years alone have seen the opening of HOME [homemcr.org], a brand spanking new £25 million custom-built arts and entertainment centre which includes five cinemas, two theatres and oodles of gallery walls.

And there’s also the regenerated and restored Whitworth Art Gallery [manchester.ac.uk], sister space to the much-loved Manchester Art Gallery.

The revamped Corn Exchange has opened its doors as a new foodie destination with a whole host of restaurants and bars.

Work has started on a £110 million arts centre, The Factory, which will serve as a permanent home for the lauded and globally acclaimed biannual Manchester International Festival which showcases new work from all over the world.

As for arts festivals, they are a-plenty in Manchester. From guerrilla gardening and jazz to theatre writing and independent film, there’s something for everybody in this town of ours.

These events include well-established, must-see enterprises and new and cutting edge initiatives. Creatives working in Manchester say the city feels alive, more so than at any time in its recent past.

Ticket sales to events are buoyant despite a tough economy and cuts to arts funding. Tourism is booming and hardly a week goes by without the opening of a new restaurant, bar or hotel.

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With so many successful arts initiatives and many exciting projects in the pipeline, it’s clear that Manchester’s cultural renaissance is here to stay.

This creative activity and investment has cemented Manchester’s reputation as a destination of choice for both business and leisure visitors.

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

— above London Road Bridge at night London Road, Manchester

Manchester Culture

Culture A heritage and culture offering an wealth of art, history and sport

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What springs to mind when you think of Manchester? More often than not it’s music, football and fashion.

But there’s a scene within the city that not only has a storied past, but is one growing at a tremendously fast rate - the art scene.

A who’s who of renowned artists have drawn inspiration from the city, with notable names such as Ford Madox Brown and architect Sir Norman Foster amongst the list.

However, perhaps no one is as synonymous with the region than Stretford-born L. S. Lowry. Revolutionised his field he left a long-lasting impact that is still revered to this day.

The Lowry, Salford Quays, has a large collection of his work on permanent display, complete with a biographical documentary film.

Despite its rich history, the city’s art scene has only recently begun to experience a renaissance of sorts, spearheaded by two leading events held annually.

The first of which is the Manchester Contemporary, a festival that captures just how much the region has developed into an artistic hub.

The occasion, which celebrates its sixth year in 2016, held in the old Granada Studios, thrives as a beacon for both artists and buyers alike.

Its popularity is matched further afield with the half-decade-old Bury Art Festival held at Bury Art Museum.

These two events alone (not to mention many other smaller gatherings) have been rapidly building momentum and breathing further life back into the art scene.

There appears to be no stopping the movement as locals and tourists submerge themselves into what’s on offer.

It’s therefore handy that the city is home to a number of acclaimed art galleries, each offering their own individual touch.

The grandiose Manchester Art Gallery, located just off Piccadilly Gardens on Mosley Street, certainly should not be overlooked.

Even the most artistic novice will surely appreciate the grandeur of the Grade II listed building before enjoying one of the rotating exhibitions on display.

Just a short journey across town is Whitworth Art Gallery, on the University of Manchester campus, and you find that quirky work is often on show here.

Over the years the building has even housed offerings from undisputed kings of their crafts, such as van Gogh and Picasso to name just a few.

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

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Manchester Culture

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Imperial War Museum

The northern counterpart of the Imperial War Museum was opened in 2002, and overlooks the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford Park.

Daniel Libeskind’s impressive building gives visitors the chance to discover powerful war stories through exhibitions exploring themes relating to modern conflict.

Catch the Metrolink out to Media City UK and check out this impressive museum in Salford Quays.

IWM North is open Daily 10am to 5pm Address Trafford Wharf Rd, Salford M17 1TZ

Manchester Art Gallery

Opened in 1824 and designed by Sir Charles Barry, Manchester Art Gallery is as spectacular on the outside as are the works exhibited inside.

The gallery has large spaces and halls that show off an array of work from the city’s art collection, famously including Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian paintings.

Its 2011 renovation saw the creation of three new galleries showcasing work from the 20th century including the Gallery of Craft and Design, hosting one of the best decorative art collections in the country.

The galleries top floor is a dedicated space used to display a rotating calendar of especially commissioned exhibitions from national and international artists.

Such as Lilocoptere that was part of Joana Vasconcelos installation displayed at the gallery in 2014.

The Galleries Cafe opens from 7.30am should you wish to be first in the queue...

We can also recommend its satellite Gallery of Costume in Platt Fields, south of the city centre.

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

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Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) merged with the National Science Museum in 2012.

It has since expanded its range of exhibitions now being considered one of the most fascinatingly diverse days out in the North West.

It offers extensive displays on science and experiment, air and space, transport and power, communications and computers, textiles and even Manchester’s murky sewerage and sanitation with a trip underground.

The museum sits on the world’s first inter-city passenger station, Liverpool Road, which was opened in 1830 as part of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway.

The quantity of things to see and do at the MSI means it can be enjoyed as day out for all the family.

Whether this is watching a show on moving seats, facing water spray and air blasts in the 4D theatre or experiencing the heat, sounds, sights and smells of the working engines and locomotives.

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

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

Manchester Culture

National Football Museum

In 2011 the National Football Museum moved to Manchester and now boasts more than 140,000 items – including the FIFA collection – in what is arguably the beautiful game’s greatest collection of memorabilia in the world.

England is the birthplace of ‘the people’s game’ and, as home to two of the country’s most successful teams.

Manchester makes for the perfect setting with the free-to-enter museum providing an exciting day out not just for football fanatics but for anyone who appreciates the sport’s cultural heritage.

This extensive archive of football relics attracts a global audience; with exhibitions on show currently include a history of the World Cup in 24 objects (think vuvuzela!) and ‘The Greater Game’, which looks at football and the First World War. Get down to Cathedral Gardens and check out the National Football Museum in the Urbis Building.

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

The Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, is housed in the campus Neo-Gothic Buildings on Oxford Road.

Its three floors of exhibition space examine the worlds Natural and cultural history.

Great for children as it has several ‘touch and feel’ events, interactive displays, exploration trails and a picnic area to mention just a few.

The Manchester Gallery looks at the links between the collection, the city’s history and its people.

The ‘Money’ exhibit contains a coinage collection of over 76,000 pieces including coins from the Greek, Roman and Medieval periods.

There are three Ancient World galleries revealing the civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Each have spectacular artefacts and possibly the most famous items are the Egyptian Mummies cases.

Natural history is an important part of the museum exhibits; visit the Vivarium to meet live frogs, other amphibians and reptiles.

The Earth Sciences gallery is home to pre-historic life, fossils, rocks and minerals with its popular draw being the full sized T.rex and Plesiousaur.

Other galleries provide insights into Birds and Insects, a Herbarium of plant life and the Zoology gallery with over 60,000 items including skeletons, stuffed animals, eggs and nests.

With free entry and so much to explorer you may need a whole day just to get round it [museum.manchester.ac.uk].

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

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The Peoples History Museum

The People’s History Museum in Manchester is the national museum of democracy, telling the dramatic story of the development of democracy in Britain over the last 200 years.

PHM aims to engage, inspire and inform diverse audiences by showing ‘there have always been ideas worth fighting for’.

Join a march through time at the People’s History Museum following Britain’s struggle for democracy over two centuries.

Meet the revolutionaries, reformers, workers, voters and citizens who fought our battle for the ballot.

Gather amongst their magnificent banners and discover how time off was won (and spent).

Enjoy the main galleries, Changing Exhibition Gallery and Community Gallery, along with interactives and activities for visitors of all ages.

Browse the museum shop for unique books and gifts and round off your day with a bite to eat in the The Left Bank cafe bar.

The PHM is open Daily from 10am to 5pm Address Left Bank, Spinningfields M3 3ER

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

Manchester Culture

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The Salford Museum

The Salford Museum and Art Gallery, housed in Lark Hill Mansion House, was originally opened in 1850 as the UK’s first free public library.

Today the Museum presents an exciting programme of events, permanent and temporary displays.

There is a full re-creation of a Victorian street, within the museum, called ‘Lark Hill Place’.

Peek at the interiors of shops and houses including a chemist, blacksmiths and a toy shop all furnished with authentic objects.

The museums other galleries are dedicated to contemporary art, local history, textiles and photography including photos from Victorian Photographers.

The Pilkington Tile & Pottery Company was founded in 1904 when it started to create ceramics in the Art Nouveau style.

The works finally closed in 2010 and the Salford museum acquired the entire archive including pattern books and documents.

Today the Pilkington gallery contains a large collection of the company’s decorative tiles and Art Nouveau pottery.

The Salford Museum is open Monday - Friday 10am to 4.45pm Saturday - Sunday Noon - 4pm Address Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER

The Whitworth Gallery

Following its recent £16 million transformation the Whitworth Gallery is England’s first ‘Gallery in the park’.

The restoration has added a third to its footprint and doubled the exhibition space and using the park for outdoor displays.

A glass promenade, on the rear of the gallery, stretches into Whitworth Park.

One side is home to ‘the cafe in the park’, while the other side is a glass and brick landscape gallery designed to recreate the weave of fabrics in the Whitworth’s vast collection.

The Grove House Mansion, opened as the Whitworth in 1908, with its large galleries and spaces with vaulted ceilings is an attraction in its own right.

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There are three central galleries which are flooded with light and feature sculptural pieces from the Macclesfield born artist Comelia Parker.

Whitworth park has seven outdoor sculptures to explore and the new large glass walls give visitors insights into the gallery and its exhibits.

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

Stockport - The Hat Works

The Hat Works is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, hats and headwear.

It is located in an old mill in Stockport where hat making was once one of the towns thriving industries.

The museum has some 20 working, fully restored, Victorian hat making machines accompanied by a collection of over 400 hats from around the world.

Well worth a visit if your are interested in ‘Haute Couture’ fashion and textile design.

The museum also has a Family Fun Zone and many of the displays are interactive.

It can be easily reached, on foot, from Stockport central railway station; a 10 minute journey from Manchester.

The Hat Works is open Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 11am - 5pm Address Wellington Rd, Stockport Sk3 0EU

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

Manchester Culture

Manchester Walking Tours

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Manchester has a long history from its Roman beginnings, through the Industrial Revolution and its latest incarnation in the 21st century as part of the Northern Powerhouse.

The city is packed with arts, culture, historical monuments and world firsts such as the twin track railway between Manchester and Liverpool.

Manchester’s centre is a fairly compact and one of the best ways to see it is on foot walking its streets and alleyways to discover its rich history.

Looking around you will find the importance of buildings, people and places that are marked by large circular commemorative plaques attached to buildings or displayed in open spaces.

With over 70 plaques the city celebrates the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragette, or the establishment of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1882.

One of the popular walking tours is the ‘Discover Manchester Walk’ starting daily from the Central Library, St Peters Square at 11am [manchesterguidedtours.com].

This two-hour tour is an immersive insight into the city’s history, architecture and culture.

The tour visits Manchester’s major sights including the Gothic Town Hall and the modern Royal Exchange Theatre.

One of Manchester’s best-known tour guides is Andrew Derbyshire ([ourmanchester.co.uk], and he can be often found leading some of the ‘DMW’ tours.

Almost every day he escorts visitors and business travellers around the city or provides commentary on regional sight seeing bus tours.

Andrew has a few suggestions of places to see before you leave Manchester if you are unable to take one of the many tours.

— above Albert Square, Manchester

1) Starting in Albert Square

Look at Alfred Waterhouse’s Victorian Town Hall completed in 1877.

Designed to look like a Medieval building its spire is a topped with a golden cotton ball, symbolising Manchester’s 19th century wealth derived from its world cotton trade.

Above the main entrance is a statue of the Roman General Agricola, who built the ‘Mamucium’ fort at Castlefield.

Inside the hall you find a statues of John Dalton and James Prescott, both famous Manchester scientists. Check out the ornate Sculpture Hall where you can enjoy an ‘Afternoon Tea’.

2) Walk to Castlefield

Here you can visit a partial reconstruction of the Roman Fort, just off Liverpool Rd. You could also pop into MOSI to see a replica of Stephenson’s ‘Planet’ (read more in the Quarters section of this guide).

3) Walk north along Deansgate

To visit the John Rylands Library, opened in 1900, it’s a memorial to Manchester’s wealthiest cotton merchant and it is a treasure trove of books and papers.

You will find the world’s oldest fragment of the ‘Gospel according to John’ in the Rylands Gallery.

Marvel at the beauty of the Reading Room and stop at the cafe for a refreshing drink while enjoying a slice of cake.

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

Manchester Culture

The Central Library

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Located on St Peter’s Square you’ll find the hard-to-miss Central Library.

The building has recently undergone four years of refurbishment and extension to secure its spot as a mecca for book readers.

With huge white columns signifying its imposing entrance, there are endless activities to do inside, from simply relaxing with your favourite book to getting stuck in with a writing workshop.

Today the library offers wealth of services, from its ‘state of the art’ digital media lounge to the North West Film Archive, a collection of diverse British film and television productions.

That’s without even mentioning the breathtaking architecture that has made it one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the country.

The sight of a newly-married couple being showered in confetti is not uncommon.

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

John Rylands Library

Only a brisk walk away from the Central Library, you,’ll find John Rylands Library located in Deansgate.

This gothic nineteenth-century structure is a testament to Victorian design and remains almost untouched since its completion in 1899.

Hours upon hours could be spent walking around these echoing halls, all the while in awe of its somewhat eerie character.

John Rylands Library is open Sunday - Monday Noon to 5pm Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm Address 150 Deansgate, Manchester M2 5PD

The Chetham’s Library

Founded in 1653, Chetham’s is the world oldest public library, in the Englishspeaking world.

Today it is a charity and remains open to the public.

It started to acquire books in 1655 and its collection has been growing ever since.

Its shelves hold a wealth of early printed books, manuscript diaries, letters, prints and even glass lantern slides.

The library is a regularly host to temporary exhibitions, often in conjunction with other educational foundations such as the Manchester Museum.

The library is attached to the Chetham’s School of Music catering for students from 8-18 years old.

It provides a comprehensive syllabus and specialist music training.

Chetham’s Library is open Monday - Friday 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm Address Long Millgate Manchester M3 1SB

— Above Adrift - John Cassidy (1907) outside The Central Library Peter St, Manchester

The North West Film Archive

Since 1977 the North West Film Archive has been the custodian of moving images made in England’s North West region.

It is part of Manchester Metropolitan University and is based in Archives+ on the ground floor of Manchester’s iconic Central Library, and now holds over 40,000 items of film and video about life in the region from the 1890s to the present day.

The Archive locates, preserves and catalogues films, and makes them available for researchers, news organisations, museums, film makers and members of the public interested in their region, family or local history.

You can use the ‘Viewing Pods’ on the ground floor of the Central Library to access over 700 films for free – just drop in.

Working closely with other organisations, it brings the Archive’s collection to the public by engaging with specialist events and festivals, from the Manchester Histories Festival, and the recent success of Gary James’ ‘The Boys in Blue’ looking at Manchester City Football Club footage from the collection, to a Channel 4 documentary on filmed messages home the Forgotten Army of the second world war.

In 2009 the NWFA launched the ‘Manchester Time Machine’ mobile App. This excellent free App merges modern day Manchester with the Archive’s films using GPS to create a virtual ‘live’ time machine.

It takes you back to the same point in space, but not time, and it has over 80 highlights with the earliest being ‘Whit Walk in Market Street’, from 1911.

Celebrate VE day in Piccadilly or Albert Square, watch Manchester City bringing home the 1934 FA Cup in Piccadilly and bathe in the Manchester sun in Piccadilly Gardens, from 1961.

Each film, and location, is described with background information and you can even create your own walking tour [try our Manchester walking tour on page 14 with the App].

The archive has a large collection of BBC ‘local interest’ films, made between 1966 and 1986, totalling over 16,000 stories. The collection contains documentaries and short films that were broadcast or featured in the daily Northwest Regional news programme.

This important historical archive shows the transformation in fashions and social and cultural attitudes.

The NWFA website is a mine of information; here you can view some of the huge collection and BBC archive for free.

The public screening page has a calendar of events that will be using the Archive’s material.

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

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

Manchester Culture

Manchester Built on Sport

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Eric Cantona once remarked: “On derby day in Manchester, the city is cut in two.

The Blues and the Reds invade the streets, and if your team wins the city belongs to you.”

Home to the National Football Museum and one of the biggest one-city rivalries in the world, football is undoubtedly Manchester’s biggest sport.

Visitors to the city centre museum can enjoy over 2,500 artefacts including historic kits, and can even get their hands on some famous silverware.

Old Trafford and the Etihad stadium are also easily accessible from the city centre and both hold regular guided tours.

Football is not the only sport Mancunians get passionate about, however. since the city held the Commonwealth Games in 2002, Manchester has become a destination hotspot for athletes across countless disciplines.

From boxing to basketball, Manchester has more to offer than just the beautiful game.

Basketball

One of city’s great comeback stories, the Manchester Giants made a return to professional basketball after a 10-year absence from the sport.

Originally founded in 1972, the team grew to attract crowds of up to 15,000 at the Manchester Arena during the height of their fame.

High renting costs forced the Giants to relocate to the then undeveloped Sport City zone during the 2000/2001 season, however, and poor transport links saw fan attendance dwindle.

The club, once the UK’s biggest, folded just nine games into that season. In 2012, former player and coach, Jeff Jones, took the name and launched a new team with a focus on finding local talent. The Manchester Giants are now once again the city’s premier professional basketball team and play at the Trafford Power League Arena.

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

Boxing

A city once associated only with football and music, Manchester is now the boxing capital of the United Kingdom.

With three world champions from Greater Manchester, Tyson Fury, Anthony Crolla and Terry Flanagan are leading the way for a new generation of fighters.

Boxing gyms have sprung up across the region and the Manchester Arena has hosted some of the sport’s biggest contests.

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Cricket

Opened as the home of the Manchester Cricket Club in 1857, Old Trafford is England’s second oldest test venue.

The club became Lancashire County Cricket club in 1864 and the venue is now one of the country’s most famous grounds.

Just a five minute walk from Old Trafford football stadium, the venue was the first to hold an Ashes test and plays host to one of the sport’s most famous rivalries in Lancashire vs Yorkshire.

Also used for concerts, the ground has undergone extensive redevelopment work since its humble beginnings and can now hold up to 65,000 people with additional seating.

Cycling

The National Cycling Centre was Britain’s first indoor Olympic biking facility when it opened in 1994.

From professional athletes to complete novices, the centre is used seven days a week and is one of the busiest in the world. With a velodrome, BMX arena and outdoor mountain bike trials, the centre is a must-see for all cycling enthusiasts in Manchester.

The 3,500 seater velodrome is regularly used for world championships and major races.

The BMX arena, which opened in 2011, is now used by both Team GB and local enthusiasts.

The professional track begins with the only eight metre start hill in the UK and has been described as one of the toughest in the world.

Olympian BMX rider Liam Phillips even relocated to Manchester just to be near the track.

Held in nearby Clayton Vale, the mountain bike trials are for riders of all abilities and there is even a Skills Zone to practice before you take to the great outdoors.

— above ONE-TWO FOOTBALL PLUS+ The National Football Museum

Manchester Culture

Athletics

The annual 10k through the city centre, Trafford and Salford is the biggest of its kind in Europe. In 2009, the Great City Games was added to the event.

Televised by the BBC, the event takes place on Deansgate in the heart of the city, and at a purpose built arena in Albert Square.

Elite athletes such as Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis-Hill have both competed in the competition.

Rugby

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One of Manchester’s most successful rugby clubs is also one of the oldest in the world.

Founded in 1861, Sale Sharks were in action over a decade before the formation of the Rugby Football Union – the sport’s governing body.

The club, who play at the A.J. Bell stadium in Salford, have been one of the leading names in northern rugby union throughout their history.

In the amateur division, the Manchester Village Spartans are also popular in the city.

The Spartans play at Sale Sports Club and were the UK’s first and world’s second gay rugby team.

Formed in 1998, the Spartans are one of the UK’s only standalone gay teams not to be affiliated with a professional club.

Speedway

Established in 1928, Belle Vue is home to one of the UK’s oldest speedway clubs.

Riders originally raced at Greyhound Stadium before moving to the purposebuilt Hyde Road track in 1929.

These days, the club boasts the £8million National Speedway Stadium which was completed in March 2016.

The 6,000 seat facility stages both national and international contests, and is home to the Belle Vue Aces and Colts.

Trafford Village

Trafford Quays Leisure Village could be the perfect place if you fancy trying something a little out of the ordinary when in Manchester.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Trafford Centre, the Leisure Village is packed with activities that can be enjoyed on a tight schedule.

Attractions include Chill Factore, Airkix and the Trafford Golf Centre. Chill Factore is the UK’s largest indoor ski slope and offers adrenaline junkies everything from novice taster lessons to longer advanced courses.

At Airkix, the UK’s biggest indoor skydiving tunnel, visitors can experience the feeling of a freefall in a 39ft air column.

If extreme sports aren’t for you, the Trafford Golf Centre is just around the corner.

Visitors can brush up on their technique with coaching sessions or simply enjoy the driving range.

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

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Get ready to bounce on the biggest expanse of trampolines the city has even seen! Plus there’s trick tracks for tumble practice, twin trampoline dodgeball courts, bounce basketball, battle beams, freestyle airbag zone, reaction wall, a dedicated jump arena for under 6s and a mini soft play for under 3s – so the whole family can stay and play!

Manchester Culture

Architecture in Manchester

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As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester has magnificent historic buildings in abundance.

Seamlessly blending the factories, viaducts and cottons mills of times gone by alongside ultra-modern pieces such as the Beetham Tower and even the potential future of architecture is the Co-operative building One Angel Square.

Here’s a few not to miss – prepare to gaze in wonder.

Manchester Central Library

Situated in St Peter’s Square, the domed structure lies at the heart of the city centre – situated next door to the gothic magnificence of the Town Hall.

It was built during the inter-war period and opened by King George V, it’s often thought to be much older due to its neoclassical architecture.

Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, its designer Vincent Harris produced a round building fronted by a large two-storey porch that instantly catches the eye.

The grade II listed building was recently renovated at the cost of £170million, and only reopened to the public in 2014.

Thankfully the vast reading room under the dome is still intact and perfectly equipped to while away an afternoon.

The Metrolink line runs past the library with St Peter’s Square tram stop sitting directly outside, providing a beautiful backdrop to the early commute.

Beetham Tower, Deansgate

Beetham Tower (Hilton Hotel) was completed in 2006 and standing at a whopping 551ft, is currently the tallest building in the UK outside of London.

Designed by renowned Manchester architect Ian Simpson, the glass tower, southern end of Deansgate, dominates the Manchester skyline. It is said to be visible from ten English counties on a clear day.

The combination of the thin and slender structure along with the over-hanging cantilever almost defies belief to the naked eye.

Despite its impressive nature many have questioned its defining presence over the city, particularly over the listed buildings on its doorstep.

Nevertheless, the tower remains an imposing figure and a stark yet impressive contrast to the rest of the city’s architecture.

On a windy day, listen out for the ‘moaning’ sound – a quirk in the design as the wind rushes around the structure.

One Angel Square

Completed in 2013, the One Angel Square is a stunning high-rise building situated on the edge of the Northern Quarter.

Serving as the head office of the CoOperative Group, it sits opposite the equally impressive Co-Op Bank on Miller Street.

It’s not just an aesthetically impressive structure; it’s also one of the most green and sustainable buildings in Europe.

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Manchester Town Hall

Because of its distinctive shape, the building has also been nicknamed ‘the sliced egg’.

It’s also part of a wider development scheme that will completely transform the area – it’s due to be completed in 2027. A million miles away from the slums that sat there in the 19th Century which were described by social scientist, Freidrich Engels as “Hell on earth”.

Lancaster House

Situated in Whitworth Street, Lancaster House is a former packing and shipping warehouse, built between 1905 and 1910.

It was constructed in the favoured Edwardian Baroque style and was made with red brick and orange terracotta giving

it a distinctive look.

Its sheer size along with the iconic tower that peers above the nearby skyline is typical of Manchester’s look.

The building was awarded a Grade II listing in 1974, and was designed by Harry S. Fairhust – an expert designer of warehouses.

He was also responsible for a number of neighbouring buildings, namely the Bridgewater House opposite and the India House next door.

If you’re near it, ensure you walk the length of Whitworth Street – one of the most impressive in the city for architecture.

Quite possibly the most beautiful place to visit in Manchester.

The Town Hall is typical of the majority of the city’s architecture given its Victorian and neo-gothic style.

Completed in 1877 after the old town hall, situated on nearby Cross Street, became too small to house the increasing size of local government needed as the city’s wealth and population increased.

A competition was held to choose the design of the new town hall and Alfred Waterhouse came out on top.

Some 14million bricks and the equivalent of up to £71million later, the town hall was officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Abel Heywood, on September 13 1877 – after Queen Victoria shunned the occasion.

Although a century and a half later, Queen Elizabeth was happy to look round the building and was even a surprise guest at a gobsmacked couple’s wedding.

The hall serves as the ceremonial headquarters of Manchester City Council as well as housing a number of local government departments.

With its long corridors, winding staircases and 280ft high clock tower it’s no wonder the building has captured the imagination of historians, film and TV producers alike.

Such is the uncanny resemblance to the capital’s seat of power, it was the backdrop to ‘The Iron Lady’ film with Meryl Streep.

And for those who want to delve further, don’t miss Manchester Central, Shambles Square, Urbis, London Road Fire Station, Royal Exchange and the Express Building.

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

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Manchester Culture

Country Parks and Woodland

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Escape the city to visit some of the North West’s best country houses, estates and parks.

In these woods and parks you will find relaxing walks, shops selling local produce and even the opportunity to participate in water skiing.

Some are accessible by public transport but others you will require your own transport to visit.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Dunham Massey’s Georgian House is full of stories and scandals of the past which sparks the imaginations of its visitors from the moment they step foot in the property.

Any Bambi fans will be delighted to see Dunham’s deer herd lazily grazing on the grass.

The reserve spans over five acres and is home to foxes, rabbits and almost 60 different species of bird, on top of the approximate 150 fallow deer roaming the grounds.

As a National Trust property the car park and walkways can become congested in the summer months but due to the huge span of the park there is plenty of room for all visitors.

The on-site ice cream shop is an excellent way to recover and cool down after a busy day exploring the grounds.

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

Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens, Didsbury

Situated in Didsbury, local alderman Fletcher Moss donated the park to Manchester in 1919.

With chances of captivation, the main feature is the picturesque rock garden, which is surrounded by much vegetation and even includes waterfalls.

Fletcher Moss Park also accommodates numerous facilities such as sport pitches, tennis courts and a café to satisfy the energetic as well as the easy-going.

So impressive is the standard of the park, the Green Flag Award has been granted to the area since 2000.

Address Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury

Heaton Park, Prestwich

At 600 acres, Heaton Park is the biggest park in Greater Manchester and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe.

Music fans will know it as the venue for epic music concerts including the Stone Roses legendary homecoming gigs as well as the annual Parklife Weekender.

But for those who like the quieter things in life there is plenty to see including a veritable menagerie of animals, an exciting programme of autumn events and the general splendour of the great outdoors.

Such attractions include the boating lake and the Orangery, but there is also the animal centre – open from 10:30 to 15:30 – where adults and children can meet the animals.

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Tatton Park, Knutsford

With over a 1000 acres of deer park, the Egerton family Mansion and a Tudor Hall all makes Tatton Park a thoroughly good day out.

Walk through the park enjoy the splendours of the stately home and its garden, visit the family friendly rare breed animals and relax with good food in the courtyard.

There is even a shop where you can buy locally farmed veal, great sausages, cheeses and jars of pickles and jams all very mouthwatering.

Take the train from Piccadilly, to Knutsford and the main park entrance is about a 10 minute walk along the pleasant High Street from the station.

Address Mereheath Drive, Knutsford

Wythenshawe Park

Prestwich Forest Park, Prestwich

Different from your usual open and grassy parks, Prestwich Forest Park is mostly 200 hectares of woodland.

The area incorporates Prestwich Clough, Mere Clough, Philips Park, Drinkwater Park and Waterdale Meadow and is a suitable place for joggers, cyclists and hikers.

Philips Park includes a visitor centre and children’s play area, while Drinkwater Park offers a football pitch and there is opportunity to fish at Waterdale Meadow.

Address Park Lane, Whitefield

Sale Water Park, Sale

Combining action-packed water sports with tranquil meadows and footpaths, Sale Water Park offers the best of both worlds for a summer day out.

Trafford Water Sports Centre borders the lake providing a variety of facilities and training in windsurfing and kayaking, among others.

The park is also perfect for anglers, the lake is chock-full of fresh water fish and there’s a fisherman’s tale that a 32kg catfish is lurking in its depths.

The Broad Ees Dole wetlands is the ideal spot for avid birdwatchers or those just wanting to experience the beauty of British wildlife. It’s home to a diverse range of birds including kingfishers and grey herons.

This park is full of history and boasts three Grade II buildings – North Lodge, the Statue of Oliver Cromwell and Wythenshawe Hall.

The Horticultural Centre is an attraction of free admission and includes the Safari Walk, which features tropical plants.

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

Address Wythenshaw Road, Wythenshaw

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

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Manchester Entertainment

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

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While Manchester actually has an average annual rainfall lower than the UK average, it’s not developed a reputation as the ‘rainy city’ for nothing.

When it does rain, it can be quite relentless and indoor entertainment will always come in handy.

Manchester on Film

Manchester is a popular destination for television production companies, Pinewood and Hollywood alike.

The streets of the Northern Quarter have featured in Guy Ritchie’s, ‘Sherlock’ movies and both Stevenson Square and Dale Street doubled up as New York districts for Marvel’s ‘Captain America’.

The now demolished terraces, in Openshaw, where the backdrop for the successful British comedy ‘East is East’.

In 2011 Manchester Town Hall doubled as the Houses of Parliament in biopic The Iron Lady, about Margaret Thatcher, with Meryl Streep.

Manchester’s buildings and back streets often become filming lots, so don’t be

surprised if you turn a corner to discover a full compliment of lights, camera and action.

If you are interested in film then check out the Manchester Central Library which is home to the North West Film Archive.

Its extensive collection focuses on the Northwest and has over 38,000 items from the 1890’s pioneer days of film to present day productions.

You can read more about accessing this remarkable collection and the calendar of special screenings by visiting nwfa.mmu. ac.uk

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The Stockport Plaza

In October 1932 a vision was born for Stockport and the Northwest in the form of a Super Cinema and Variety Theatre that would evoke the glamour of the era with its sumptuous surroundings.

The highest possible attention to detail in its customer care and an eclectic mix of screen and stage presentation, supported by the finest cafe restaurant dining experience in the region.

Over 80 years on and the Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre still hosts stage presentations including sensational family pantomimes, musicals, stage plays, comedians, concerts and family shows.

The Plaza screens the ‘classic film’ genre presenting them in their correct ratio and format ensuring the golden classics can be seen on the big screen as they should be enjoyed.

Address Mersey Sq, Stockport SK1 1SP

— centre Guy Ritchie’s - Sherlock Stevenson Square, Manchester — right Stockport Plaza High St, Stockport

Manchester Entertainment

Manchester’s Cinemas

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Heaton Savoy

If the IMAX is an indication of where cinema is going then the Savoy is a relic that reminds us of its humble beginnings.

Opened in 1923 the Savoy fast approaching its 100-year anniversary.

During its early years the Savoy screened silent movies with live musical accompaniment; it wasn’t until 1930 that it was fitted with sound technology and could begin to show ‘talkies’.

The cinema was threatened with closure 2006 when the Barracuda group made an offer for the site with plans to build a bar on the location.

Local uproar saved the cinema and it continues to run today, located just a 15 minutes train ride out of the city.

Theatres like the Savoy are now few and far between since the emergence of giant multiplexes, so if you’ve got a spare few hours on a wet day, hop on a bus or train and pay it a visit.

Address Heaton Moor Rd, Stockport SK4 4HY

HOME

Home, the coming together of two Manchester institutions Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre, will undoubtedly be many people’s number one choice.

It’s a cinema that, in a time when Hollywood has been known to churn out repetitive drivel, gives Manchester the opportunity to see progressive film-making on the big screen.

It’s so refreshing to have access to a cinema that places the artistic merits of a film before its prospective earnings.

In its event calendar you can expect to find quiz nights and director Q&As with many first showings.

HOME organises several film festivals, during the year, including the extremely

popular world Spanish speaking film festival called !Viva¡ As a multifaceted arts centre that houses two theatres, a huge gallery space, 5 cinemas along with digital production and broadcast services it offers visitors a wonderful alternative cinematic experience.

If you are a regular visitor to Manchester can we suggest buying the £30 annual membership. It offers two free cinema tickets, discounts on screenings and theatre tickets and 10% off in the restaurant.

All this and more makes a visit to HOME not to be missed.

Address 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN

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Printworks - IMAX Odeon

The Printworks is an odd place in itself. As you walk through there is a sense that you’re on a hyper-capitalist industrial movie set.

But within these unusual aesthetics, The Printworks is home to one of only four of the true Image Maximum (IMAX) screens in England.

IMAX uses 15/70mm film which allows for the capture and display of much larger images and higher resolutions.

Many theatres in the UK have taken to simply retro-fitting standard theatres with IMAX digital projectors – which are not the same size and do not have the same resolution capabilities as 70mm projectors.

Despite them slapping the IMAX name everywhere, it’s not quite the same as what The Printworks offers up.

Manchester Odeon uses a traditional IMAX film projector, which maintains the high resolution capabilities of IMAX image capture and projection.

The results are truly stunning – so a visit to Manchester’s IMAX is a must for any film lover.

Address Printworks, 27 Withy Grove Manchester M4 2BS

AMC - Great Northern

The AMC’s success lies in its ability to offer film-goers the latest releases in gloriously industrial surroundings for a competitive price.

Housed in the Mancunian Great Northern Warehouse, the cinema itself is fairly anonymous with the main entrance tucked away on first glance.

Despite being home to James Martin’s restaurant, a busy casino, a bowling alley, bars and a gym the AMC itself always has a remarkably peaceful air to it.

The quiet and dark ascent towards the box office gives way to a giant space with echoing arcade machines pinging in the distance.

While HOME offers you the opportunity to explore the artistic merits of film, the AMC offers blockbusters in a beautiful building with very reasonable prices.

Moreover, the offer of discounted parking for cinema goers in the complex’s own multi storey car park mean this cinema offers the best value for money in the city centre.

Address Great Northern Warehouse 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

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

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Nestled between the Corn Exchange and the Arndale is one of Manchester’s most iconic venues.

The Printworks is a buzzing, entertainment complex located in the heart of Manchester.

The fifteen-year-old leisure scheme houses a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema, fully equipped gym complete with a 20m swimming pool and sixteen bars and restaurants.

The restored publishing house was once the hustle and bustle of the newspaper scene and operated for over 100 years printing the likes of the Evening Chronicle and the Daily Mirror.

Now, instead of pulling all-nighters for looming deadlines, the scheme is a place to relax and have fun.

From 6am until 3am the scheme is alive with activity. Visitors can take a spinning class before work, pop in for lunch, watch the latest blockbuster or meet friends for a drink after work.

Thanks to the newly opened Exchange Square Metrolink stop and the recently renovated Manchester Victoria station visitors can be at the scheme in minutes.

The Shudehill Interchange is across the road and only a fifteen minute walk to Piccadilly train station.

Recent additions include eateries Busaba Eathai and family favourite Frankie and Benny’s as well as a Yates bar.

The Printworks is lucky enough to have only one of four true IMAX cinemas in England and is the second biggest screen in Europe! IMAX uses 15/70mm film which allows for the capture and display of much larger and higher resolution images which therefore means better quality films.

With a great line-up of Blockbusters for 2016/17 including Suicide Squad, Independence Day and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Printworks Odeon and their VIP gallery area is the perfect place to watch!

The Odeon have recently introduced their aptly named Limitless Card meaning a limitless number of films can be watched under the same package for only ÂŁ17.99 a month!

Not only does The Printworks have a great offering for food and drink but it also has a stellar event calendar.

Make space in your diary for all the sporting action and the Manchester Soul Festival as well as other events, guest appearances and competitions.

Make The Printworks your one-stop shop for entertainment in Manchester!

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

Manchester Entertainment

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 Chorlton Irish Club is the place where laughing isn’t a chore but a ‘c-ho’ okay, you get the point.

But in all seriousness, or lack of, in the circumstance of looking at comedy clubs, this venue celebrates the very best of local talent.

You can tram it there and back from Manchester city centre and in between you will be treated to a whole host of hilarity.

Address 17 High Lane, M21 9DJ chorltonirishclub.co.uk check website for programme details

Manford Comedy Club

The Bierkeller, in The Printworks, has brought this comedy event to Manchester.

It is the brain child of Salford’s own Jason Manford with the cleverly-titled ‘Manford Comedy Club’ and it happens in the centre of Manchester.

Jason has worked alongside brother Colin to bring this night to 30 venues across the country.

Held on the first Thursday of each month, it could soon become the biggest chuckle fest in town.

Hope Mill Theatre also host a Manford’s Comedy Night each month.

Address The Bierkeller, Printworks, M4 2BS manfordcomedyclub.com check website for programme details

The Frog & Bucket

Forget barrels of laughs, here you will have buckets, and why not chuck in a frog for good measure.

With shows four nights a week you are spoilt for choice and their ‘Beat the Frog’ night will help you fight off Monday melancholy.

Each month ten acts compete for your laughs at the open mic night.

One scouser by the name of John Bishop, yes him off the telly, happened to be watching here before he found himself on stage ‘completely by accident’.

He only had one joke, claims four laughed and described the feeling ‘like losing your virginity’.

Whatever floats your boat John…

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the top of their trade.

The club has it own large bar and restaurant space where you can enjoy such dishes as Cod Loin Baked with Savoy Cabbage or the Welsh Rarebit Pie. Address Deansgate Locks, M1 5LH thecomedystore.co.uk/manchester check website for programme details

XS Malarkey

Far from a load of nonsense, XS Malarkey is simply the best comedy night on a budget you could ask for.

With entrance at just £5, or £3 with a Malarkey Card if you’re stopping in the area a while, there is no better Tuesday night out than at the Pub/Zoo on Grosvenor Street.

The award-winning venue has welcomed Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard and Peter Kay through its doors so the next big stand-up comedian may play in front of your very eyes this year.

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 slection of pub food classics.

If you’re watching those purse strings then ‘Big Value Thursdays’ will accommodate but the showcase night is Friday.

With its large auditorium and the seated balcony all the chairs afford great views towards the performance stage and hopefully the funniest comedian in town, well that night...

Address 102 Oldham Street, M4 1LJ frogandbucket.com check website for programme details

The Comedy Store

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, The Comedy Store is a well-oiled machine creating laughter since 2000.

Situated on Deansgate Locks, this established venue offers a long weekend of fun and every 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.

With its four-day week, starting on Thursdays, it delivers Stand Up comedians by the truck load, often features comics at

Address Every Tuesday Pub/Zoo, Grosvenor Street, M1 7HL xsmalarkey.com check website for programme details

— 01 The Comedy Store Deansgate Locks, Manchester M1 (cc) The Comedy Store

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Manchester Entertainment

A city for music and perfomance

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From Oasis to Joy Division, The Smiths to The Stone Roses, the list of bands the city has spawned is endless and their impact on the world is immeasurable.

So if you’ve come to Manchester for its music scene, it’s impossible to be disappointed.

You could be part of the audience that attends the huge Parklife festival, held in Heaton Park, where wellington boots are essential, or the emerging Summer in the City at the Castlefield Bowl.

Yet while The Stone Roses may be able to sell out Heaton Park for three nights on the trot, and Oasis may be able to take over Manchester Arena or the Etihad Stadium, it wasn’t in packed arenas that these bands made their name.

It was intimate, sweaty clubs, pubs and venues across Manchester, crammed with people and character.

Want to experience some of that ‘indie’ or ‘underground’ scene?

Then try clubs like the infamous Warehouse Project (WHP), visit the tiny Ruby Lounge, a real rock venue, dance the night away at Sound Control or try the Gay Village for a ‘camp’ disco.

Manchester also has a very successful classical music scene and is home to world renown Royal Northern College of Music and the Halle Orchestra.

Read on to discover some of the best live music venues in one of the world’s great cities of music.

Band on the Wall

Situated on Swan Street in the Northern Quarter, Band on the Wall caters to all musical tastes, showcasing the best music from all over the world.

The club name dates back to the 1930’s when landlord Ernie Tyson created a stage for musicians high up on the far wall.

It was built as a flagship pub in 1862, and was a popular spot for World War Two soldiers, before being converted into a jazz club in 1975.

Nowadays, it is a not-for-profit venue which was voted the Best Night Spot at the 2010 Manchester Tourism Awards.

Some of the names coming up this year include Manchester DJ-legend Mr Scruff, the Yes guitarist Steve Howe and even a

show from the remaining members of the Ozzie legend that are Sticky Fingers.

Band on the Wall is also a music charity.

Its aims are to develop creative talent, train musicians, music and lighting engineers and encourage young people to learn about and discover music.

This community project has proved to be hugely successful and Band on the Wall is, once again, a staple of the Manchester music scene.

Address 25 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JZ

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Sound Control

This legendary venue on New Wakefield Street is steeped in musical folklore, and has earned its reputation as one of Manchester’s most popular music homes.

In 1984 the drummer Mani of a littleknown band read an advert, placed in A1 Music, as the venue was known then, and suggested they play there.

He persuaded the rest of The Stone Roses to gig there and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today it has been transformed into a three-floor venue, featuring a 500-capacity live music room, a large bar and is a fantastic place to discover unsigned acts.

Address 1 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP

The Live Room

The Deaf Institute

Just around the corner from Manchester Metropolitan University, The Deaf Institute comes from the people behind Gorilla, and shares much of its distinct features.

And in case you were wondering, yes, the venue got its name as the grade II-listed building was indeed previously used as an institute for the deaf.

Its three tiers include a Ground Floor Cafe Bar, a Basement Bar and Upstairs Music Hall.

Gigs are predominantly held in the Music Hall, a venue with a capacity of 260 people. However, on club nights it can hold as many as 500.

Address 135 Grosvenor Street, M1 7HE

Gorilla

A spot arguably as renowned for its bar and kitchen as its music, Gorilla certainly stands out from the rest.

With its eye-catching glass arch, Gorilla is just as quirky inside as out, featuring a stunning retro dining area with a mezzanine design.

Notable acts such as Mercury-nominated rapper Ghostpoet and the American indie rock band We Are Scientists have recently performed at the 600-capacity venue.

Gorilla also boasts a gin parlour and a pretty mean burger.

Gorilla’s sister venue is The Albert Hall on Peter Street.

Address 54 Whitworth Street West, M1 5WW

The Live room is about a ten minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens and it can be found just off Oxford Road, in the main student district of Manchester.

It is housed in a large basement that has large comfortable bench like seating and a large open space ensuring a good experience of seeing the artist playing live.

Its calendar mostly focuses on modern music including a wide range of genres including everything from classically trained singers through to rock.

Check the website for full details and opening times.

Address 94 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HL

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

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Manchester Entertainment

A slice of Manchester Music

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If you were hunting for the authentic Mancunian live music experience, then there are many options on the table and you could be easily overwhelmed.

Manchester’s live music venues have jam-packed bills featuring local and international touring talent for your entertainment.

However, it has two places that have consistently brandished the torch of the undying Mancunian passion for live music.

Just off Piccadilly, where you can bump into people from every nationality and a fair few oddball characters, is Oldham St. Walking north along it, for a minute or so, you arrive in the beating heart of Manchester’s music, art and creativity district, the self-styled Northern Quarter.

On your right is The Night & Day Café established in 1991, by a mad Dutchman, it is right next to Dry Bar (itself a part of Mancunian music folklore from the Madchester era).

This is a music venue of world renown with a laid back, unpretentious yet quirky ambience.

Here, you could say, every decent band of the last 3 decades have performed there at some point and even the odd Hollywood movie star such as Keanu Reeves.

Having played host to tens of thousands of musicians in all genre’s from indie to folk, jazz to electronica, the Night & Day stage has had real international stars performing on it such as; Arctic Monkeys, MGMT and Mumford & Sons each on their rise to the top of the music hierarchy.

It is also the local haunt of the established Manchester superstars such as Guy Garvey, Johnny Marr and Liam Fray.

For an authentic look at what’s going on in the Manchester music scene, often very out of step with the rest of the commercial pop world, head to Night & Day Café.

Oldham Street is also home to The Castle and Gullivers, both music venue bars, charmingly unique of character and enthusiastic about their live music. Each are likely to be presenting a night of great new music.

You may even be lucky enough to catch one of the infamous ‘Big Slice’ events hosted by local TV and radio presenter Paul Owen.

His fledgling record label ‘Slice of Nice’ [sliceofnicemusic.com] presents showcases of the cream of Manchester’s new talent and it’s all served up with free cake.

Fancy something more traditional?

Then Matt & Phred’s could be right up your alley, located only a stone’s throw away from Night & Day on Tibb St. It is a dimly lit, dive style Jazz club with a small black curtained stage and red painted walls giving the place a certain intimate romanticism.

It boasts live music six nights a week and like Night & Day it has also had its fair share of star performers such as Adele and Jamie Cullum.

Mainly a Jazz club its events calendar can also include Blues, gypsy, swing, soul, folk, electro and funk depending on the night.

Some nights Matt & Phred’s can get packed so booking a table in advance could be a wise move. Cocktails and Pizza are the specialities of the house, food is served until midnight; try The Charley Parker pizza.

— above Night & Day Café Oldham Street, Manchester (c) Billy Seagrave

Manchester Entertainment

RED DOOR

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Changing the world one drink at a time.

Red Door’s your third place, your home from home; great service and extraordinary drinks to a soundtrack of classic tunes.

Servin’ cocktails created and mastered in New York’s speakeasies, swanky London hotels, Californian beaches and shanties, sipped in style and spilt on dancefloors; these are drinks that have defined generations, toasted revolutions and started a million love stories.

Anything that will start a party pretty much defines our soundtrack.

Drop by for late night cocktails, misbehavin’ and live music each Thursday and Friday. reddoor.uk.com RedDoorMCR @RedDoorMCR Address 78 Deansgate, M3 2FW tel: +44 (0) 161 832 2808 Opening hours Sun to Wed - From 7pm Thurs to Sat - From 5pm

The place has a real style about it; while it does take music very seriously it is not elitist or pretentious in so much as the only pipe smoking, waistcoat over a t-shirt, flat cap wearers are usually the musicians themselves.

Its audiences are normally a mixed range of ages, testament to its popularity, and on busy nights’ people simply bunch their chairs together to get cosy.

These are some of the foundations that Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter has been built on.

If you think that Manchester’s most popular cultural exports, of the modern age, are music and football then you can step into any of these aforementioned venues and get a real up close and personal

taste of the ever bubbling Manchester musical melting pot.

You may even rub shoulders with a great or two or possibly even the rock and roll stars of the future.

Check our events listings to find out what’s on in Manchester tonight [unlockmanchester.com/whats-on].

Denis Ferige Denis is one of the directors of Slice of Nice Music & Events — above Matt & Phreds Tib Street, Manchester (c) RNCM

Manchester Entertainment

Dancing the night away

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If you’ve come to Manchester to party, then you’ve come to the right place.

From staples such as the Warehouse Project and Sankeys, to more low-key and under-the-radar nights, there’s plenty to tickle a clubber’s fancy.

Ever since the Hacienda began welcoming revellers in 1982, Manchester has led the way when it comes to partying and clubbing.

The venue, which gave birth to the ‘Madchester’ scene, finally shut its doors in 1997 after almost two decades of success.

Despite its untimely closing, its legendary nights put the city on the map and paved the way for the clubbing scene that lives today.

One of Manchester’s greatest exports is Sankeys. With franchises now in Ibiza and New York, the original venue, which has been located on Radium Street in Ancoats since 1994, still has people queuing on a nightly basis to experience the rave-like atmosphere.

Tons of famous DJs have completed sets to a sold-out crowd, including Moby, The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk.

Even after several episodes of inactivity, not to mention the ‘permanent’ closure in 2013, today Sankeys remains as popular as ever.

Sometimes, however, bigger is better.

Especially when bigger means the Warehouse Project.

Since 2006 the clubber’s paradise has been running each year from September to New Year and shifts tickets like no other event.

The current venue, tucked away on Store Street, now has a huge capacity of 5000.

Music genre ranges from house and techno to trance and electro depending on which DJ is gracing the stage.

Annie Mac, Pete Tong and Armand Van Helden are just a few of the industry trailblazers who have completed sets there.

Clubbing isn’t always as cut as dry as to say ‘the more the merrier’ – especially when the underground scene is just as rockin’.

So for those partial to something a little less mainstream, then rest-assured that there’s a place for you. Gorilla, situated on

Whitworth Street West, or The Live Room, on Grosvenor St, [theliveroommcr.co.uk] both pride themselves on an intimate atmosphere.

Meanwhile Antwerp Mansion, located just off the Curry Mile in Rusholme, is a unique venue often packed with ravers.

Manchester Entertainment

Classical Music

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Manchester has produced some truly world-class rock & pop groups over the years: The Smiths, New Order, 10cc, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, Take That, The Charlatans, Simply Red, The Happy Mondays... the list goes on and on - but this city should be trumpeted as a remarkable hub for some of the world’s best classical musicians too.

Manchester is lucky enough to be able to support no fewer than three professional orchestras.

The Hallé - founded back in 1857 - is the UK’s second oldest surviving orchestra (the oldest being just down the road in Liverpool), and for more than a century it was based at the wonderful Free Trade Hall (now the Radisson Blu Hotel).

Since 1996 The Hallé has made its home at Manchester’s wonderful purpose-built concert venue - Bridgewater Hall, where, under its long-serving music director Sir Mark Elder, it continues to delight audiences with its commitment to hardcore repertoire, and in particular, British music.

Based at MediaCity UK, the BBC Philharmonic is one of the busiest orchestras in the country, with a popular annual concert season as well as countless recording sessions and live broadcasts for BBC Radio 3.

Anecdotally, the “BBC Phil” is known as the most adventurous of the BBC orchestras, and has always embraced contemporary music,

In recent times, it has performed new works by the likes of James MacMillan, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Anna Meredith, HK Gruber, Joby Talbot, Elena Kats-Chernin, Marc Yeats and Steve Pycroft.

The BBC Philharmonic has also collaborated with BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music producing orchestral sounds for modern artists such as Jarvis Cocker, The Pet Shop Boys, Elbow and Clean Bandit and with BBC Radio 2 and Radio 5Live for performances of popular and well-known film scores.

The chamber orchestra repertoire is covered by the remarkable Manchester Camerata - founded in the early 1970s.

Its versatility as an ensemble means it’s not only confined to performances in large-

scale concert halls, but can also be found playing everything from Bach to Burt Bacharach and Mozart to Joni Mitchell in some of the northwest’s quirkier venues.

The Bridgewater Hall is host to some of the world’s leading touring orchestras and choirs too, so you’re never many days away from a high-class classical concert.

Manchester is also the home of two of Britain’s finest music education establishments: Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music.

Chetham’s is the largest music school in the UK and currently has a role of 300 pupils aged from 8-18.

Its teaching staff covers the normal curriculum but given it’s a specialist music school, the music tuition is of an incredibly

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high standard, and it offers young aspiring musicians an excellent step onto the ladder.

During August, Chetham’s is also home to an International Piano Summer School, which brings some of the world’s best pianists and teachers to Manchester - a source of insight, inspiration, focus and fun for anyone who enjoys the piano and piano playing.

The Royal Northern College of Music caters to graduate and post-graduate students from all over the world.

There’s nearly always something to tickle your aural fancy at the RNCM - whether it be an orchestral event in their newly refurbished concert hall, one of the many excellent student recitals or a performance from the myriad of internationally-

renowned soloists and ensembles that stop off in Manchester as part of their busy schedules.

Students from the RNCM stage at least two operas each year as well; recent productions include Johann Strauss II “Die Fledermaus” and Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and December (2016) will see a new production of Offenbach’s lighthearted opera “La Vie Parisienne”.

While Manchester doesn’t have its own opera company as such, The Lowry in Salford does play host twice a year to the Leeds-based Opera North, who brought their recent productions of Wagner’s “The Ring Cycle”, Verdi’s “Macbeth” and Smetana’s “Bartered Bride” to huge acclaim.

— left RNCM Perform Die Fledermaus (c) RNCM — right RNCM Student of Brass (c) RNCM

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The Lowry, along with Manchester’s Opera House and Palace Theatre also welcome a number of ballet companies throughout the year, including Matthew Bourne’s irrepressible “Swan Lake” and his recent interpretation of “Sleeping Beauty” as well as Northern Ballet, the English National Ballet and the Russian State Ballet to name but a few.

Every two years the Manchester International Festival takes over the city and venues are packed with audiences looking for something new and inspiring.

MIF’s commitment to contemporary artists and performers means that there’s always something fresh and exciting to see, touch and hear - and classical music is no exception Estonian composer Arvo Pärt wrote a new choral piece which was a focal point of the 2015 Manchester International Festival, and there were performances of Damon Albarn’s musical “wonder.land” as well as the world première of young British composer Mark Simpson’s work for chorus and orchestra - “The Immortal”.

Even Manchester Pride - best known for its annual Big Weekend fundraiser and celebration of LGBT life - gets in on the classical music act.

Since 2007 it has staged its own series of chamber music concerts focusing on LGBT composers and performers.

It has attracted some of the world’s best-known artists such as the tenor John Mark Ainsley, baritone Roderick Williams, pianists Ashley Wass, Leslie Howard, Peter Donohoe and David Quigley, oboist Nicholas Daniel, the Heath Quartet and trans performer CN Lester, as well as young, local performers in the guise of the Manchester Pride Ensemble.

So, for the classical music lover, there’s something for everyone here in Manchester - and if you’re a classical music novice, why not dip your toe in and try the waters... there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy!

— above Concert Grand Piano (c) RNCM

Manchester Entertainment

The Manchester Theatre Scene

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Manchester has a long tradition of theatrical production, when the ‘Theatre Royal’ was established in 1775 in Spring Gardens, becoming the city’s first major theatre.

Over the coming centuries further venues were built and in 1908 the ‘Gaiety’ became Britain’s first regional repertory theatre, located on the corner of Peter Street and Mount Street.

During the early 20th century the ‘Manchester School’ was a term coined to describe a body of playwrights including the likes of Harold Brighouse and Stanley Houghton.

These writers where championed

by Annie Horniman, daughter of the influential Tea importer Fredrick Horniman, who owned the Gaiety theatre.

However, following the end of the First World War the ‘Gaiety rep company’ was disbanded and the theatre was eventually sold to a cinema company in 1921 before eventually being demolished in 1959.

Today, Manchester is alive with theatres, shows and productions. There are 4 main theatres The Lowry, in Salford Quays, The Opera House, The Palace Theatre and the Royal Exchange.

These theatres each host a wealth of touring stage shows as well as providing space for regional and local acting companies to present independent productions.

In 2015 these stalwarts where joined

by HOME, a merger of two established Manchester theatres: the Library Theatre and the independent cinema Cornerhouse.

This huge purpose built space, on Tony Wilson Street, includes 2 theatres, 5 cinema screens and a large exhibition space, proving beyond doubt that Manchester is still a cultural destination.

Further afield venues such as the Bury Met or Sale’s excellent Waterside Arts Centre calendar of events include theatre and music and again national touring shows and local companies productions.

Whereas the wonderful art deco Oldham Coliseum or the glamorous Stockport Plaza take us back to a time when the theatre was where you went to see and be seen.

Alongside these titans, Manchester has a strong independent theatre scene, boasting smaller venues such as the Three Minute Theatre, a 120 seat space in Afflecks, or the Hope Street Mill Theatre in Ancoats.

The community focused Contact Theatre whose aims are to engage with students and young people or the Dance House, a training and production theatre, dedicated to ballet and theatrical dance.

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Every two years, the Manchester International Festival, MIF, attracts worldwide talent to Manchester in some unusual locales, where else would you see Bjork perform in a market hall or Kenneth Branagh in Shakespeare’s Scottish play (ssssh) in a church in Ancoats?

The Greater Manchester Fringe, held in July, is a month long celebration of independent productions.

There are often 80 or more events happening during festival usually held in small theatres and spaces in Greater Manchester.

Looking into the future there are plans for a new large theatre to be built on the Old Granada Studios, which aims to become a permanent home for the MIF.

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

The only downside is choosing which one to go to.

— centre Wonder.land - Premier Manchester International Festival 2015 (cc) Brinkhoff Moegenburg — right Maxine Peake in The Striker play by Caryl Chirchill Manchester International Festival 2015

Manchester Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Manchester - A real attraction for gastronomists and drink lovers

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Manchester is a city that loves it food and drink. It celebrates this commitment with festivals such as the MFDF or through one of its many real beer events.

The city centre offers award wining restaurants, bars, food events and Michelin Guide recommendations.

Including Michelin Star winning chefs such as Aiden Bryne with his restaurant The Manchester House and James Martin at Manchester235, a casino, in the Great Northern Warehouse.

In fact if you are a foodie, gastronaut or a connoisseur of fine wines, quality beers and ales Manchester will not disappoint you.

Over the last decade the city has seen huge growth in the openings of quality food focused restaurants where many, if not all, the fresh ingredients are locally sourced.

Whether you are a fan of classic English cookery, Mediterranean cuisine, Indian cooking or far-east culture and food this city has many of the best restaurants and eating-houses in the country.

Manchester has several great tea, coffee and afternoon tea cafes.

There are amazing ales houses where you can sample real beers made by local breweries.

Streets and open squares are certainly full of such offerings looking to entice you in with comfortable seating zones, window displays of foodie delights, steaming hot tea pots and quaffable drinks.

It has many outdoor eating verandas with some attractively placed in historic spaces, next to green squares or by one of the city’s calm canals.

We have taken a good look at the city and would like to offer you our take on what we believe are some of the best places to relax and enjoy a hot drink, scrumptious cakes, refreshing beers and good food.

Read on to discover more about this city’s exciting and diverse food and drink specialists.

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Dining Al Fresco

Manchester may have a reputation for rain, but the so-called ‘rainy city’ actually receives less annual rainfall than Sydney – and is lower than the UK average. That said, we all know there are lies, damn lies and then there’s statistics.

Many of Manchester’s cafes, restaurants and bars have alfresco seating, terraces and balconies, enticing you sit, eat and drink, given even a hint of a blue sky. You will find these relaxing spaces beside canals, in roof top gardens and on top of tower blocks, giving you the chance to soak up that glorious Manchester sunshine.

Ask anyone around here and they’ll tell you that you should make the most of a sunny day.

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

— above Alberts Shed Rochdale Canal, Lock 92, Castlefield

Manchester Food & Drink

Automatic Cafe

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With its relaxed feel and great streetside seating in the heart of Bury’s bustling town centre, Automatic Restaurant and Cafe Bar has a definite European feel.

If you arrive for a lazy lunch, don’t be surprised if you’re still here come dinner time.

‘Suitable for all occasions’ is a term which many eateries claim and few achieve, but Automatic is one of them.

Their extensive menu has a wide range of dishes, featuring classic mains and hearty home comforts as well as varied sharing platters and a range of tapas style dishes.

The Automatic makes some good cocktails too and these can be sipped at and enjoyed from only £8 for two!

Automatic is also extremely family friendly by day. It was voted the number one place to eat with kids in Bury and Rochdale by Netmums.

You can read more about Bury Town by turning to page 76.

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

Dukes 92

Dukes 92’s, situated in the Castlefield Basin, has decor that combines the old and the new, pulling off a contemporary look whilst flirting with antique flair.

Offering various nooks and crannies to hide away in, Dukes is also famous for its spacious, often sun adorned, canal side patio.

A favourite with groups of girls chatting over a bottle (or three) of wine and couples alike.

Here you can enjoy the gentle lull of the nearby canal boats on quiet days and the bustle of the its outside barbeque when the sun comes out.

Dukes remains a popular venue throughout the year due to its eclectic collection of grub, from huge sharing pizzas to its legendary cheeses and pates.

With an average price for a main course around £10 it has something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.

With all this, combined with its sister restaurant Alberts Shed (next door) ,under one roof - and one Mancunian sky - it is well worth a visit.

Address 18 Castle St, Manchester M3 4LZ dukes92.com tel: + 44 (0) 161 839 3522

Mr Thomas’s Chop House

This classic of English fayre and dining experience is housed in a grade II listed building, on Cross Street, that opened as a public house in 1870.

The building alone is worth a look at with its terracotta blocks displaying Art Nouveau motifs.

It internal fitment is just as appealing with green and cream style tiling and its Manchester focused artwork.

However, almost unseen from any of the surrounding streets is the large-ish Thomas Patio, tucked behind St Ann’s church in Saint Ann’s Square.

Here, during the brighter months of the year, are tables and chairs for you to enjoy the excellent food and drink from a classic British menu.

Enjoy the tasty delight that is the Steak & Kidney Pudding, the 8oz Bacon Chop or the classic Lancashire Cheese and Onion pie.

When the sun shines you may prefer to try the Thomas Salads including cheese, Sea Bream or the staple Caesar Salad.

Address 52 Cross St, Manchester M2 7AR tomschophouse.com tel: + 44 (0) 161 832 2245

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Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

With a range of beers at extremely reasonable prices and a fantastic location on Exchange Square, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar is a very popular place.

When you throw in the fact Sinclair’s and the Shambles Square was moved, brick-bybrick, 300 metres following the 1996 IRA Manchester bombing.

That attack spurned a new city centre public space called Exchange Square and since Sinclair’s has become a veritable Manchester institution.

You won’t find a menu online, or even a website - how quaint. When you do get arrive there is at least basic outdoor bench seating.

But with six oysters for £12 the cheap prices are enough to ensure Sinclair’s is heaving on a sunny day.

For those daunted by slimy sea treats like oysters, there is a fair range of bar snacks and meals ranging from £3-£10 in price.

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

The NQ Restaurant

The NQ is a very established restaurant, in the Northern Quarter, with its own following of patrons.

Unsurprising as the Michelin Guide has recommended it since 2010.

Its chefs and dishes are consistently winners, or runner-ups, in both local and national restaurant awards, since opening in 2005.

The stylish and simple fitment is an insight into its menus. Its chefs source the finest local ingredients to create mouthwatering fish, meat and vegetarian dishes.

The wine list has an excellent selection of French, Italian and Australian wines, sold by the measure or bottle.

The patio, across the road next to the old Fish Market, has a very sunny aspect until early evening.

This is a roadside space, but the road in question is a cobbled street and is little used by traffic.

We recommend pre-booking, as this is a popular diner destination with its special lunch menus and evening meal dining.

Address 108 High St Manchester M4 1HQ tnq.co.uk tel: + 44 (0) 161 832 7115

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

Zouk, off Oxford Road, is part of the new generation of Indian and Pakistani restaurants and they opened their doors in 2009.

The two tier 250-cover restaurant has an outside dining area which is adorned with heated parasols, should, it become a little chillier when the sun sets.

This outdoor seating also doubles as an authentic sheesha lounge, offering the ubiquitous Egyptian tobaccos in four flavours.

Zouk’s most popular dish is the sea bass special, in which the fish is marinated in herbs and spices and gently grilled over a Pani Sigri.

A regularly changing specials menu, several lobster dishes for a cool £34.95 each and a range of exotic healthy options, bog standard chicken korma and pilau rice Zouk is most definitely not.

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

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Manchester Food & Drink

9INE

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Independent bar cafe 9ine opened in 2016 near the Town Hall.

Offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can work over a locally roasted coffee, or alternatively relax with an expertly crafted cocktail, a wine or beer.

Priding itself on making every customer feel like a regular and as comfortable as possible, 9ine has a chilled atmosphere that can ease the dullest of Mondays or spark the liveliest Friday.

Be sure to check out this hidden gem to be found just off Albert Sq and St Peters Sq.

Chez

9inemcr.com facebook.com/9inemcr @ninemcr Address 9 Cooper St Manchester M2 2FW tel: +44 (0) 161 228 2277 Opening hours Monday to Friday - from 8am Saturday - 11am to 11pm

Chez opened it doors in 2016 and has already become something of a hidden gem.

Offering a good selection of teas and coffees, in large mugs, or classic individual tea pots nicely warming when poured.

If you are looking for a pleasant cafe where you can enjoy excellent dishes with a strong emphasis on ethically sourced produce then Chez is it.

Decked out in a cheery light blue colour and it makes use of classic 1960’s and 1970’s tables and chairs.

Chez also carries small bottles of wine and a good selection of craft ales to whet your whistle.

36 Whitwort St, Manchester M1 3NR

North Tea Power

The clue is in the name and this laid-back, atmospheric cafe. It is better known for its wide range of loose-leaf artesian teas, but the coffee isn’t half bad either.

Tucked up off Tib Street, in the Northern Quarter, under the covered arcade, NTP is run by a couple of guys who know their tea and coffee.

Inside you will discover an eclectic mix of furniture, stripped wood paired with industrial light fittings. Its shelves are adorned with well-thumbed Penguin books and often fresh flowers.

This could be the perfect place to take a breather and enjoy an espresso with a slice of cake.

36 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LA

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GRINDSMITH

Sugar Junction (cc) Lisahh Jayne

The Koffee Pot

This café has now entered into legend on the streets of Manchester.

Moving, in 2015, to its new home on Oldham Street it took the ‘trademark’ garish orange decor with it, as well as that ‘classy’ red leather diner seating.

The best news is that there’s more space at the new location – it’s twice as big in fact.

The menu still boasts all the old favourites, including the incredibly tasty haggis, spinach, eggs and potato cakes, as well as their legendary ‘classic’ and ‘Irish’ breakfasts.

You haven’t had breakfast in Manchester until you’ve eaten here.

84 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE

Takk

Takk brings a little bit of Nordic charm into the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, but in a Mancunian way, if you can picture that.

Meaning ‘thanks’ in Icelandic, Takk combines its odd wooden furniture with walls hung with art from its home country, but still is just as hip as its NQ neighbours.

A key element of this tea room/coffee house is to cater for those who wish to conduct their business outside of a normal office, whether that is for a meeting or simply a space in which to work.

In this cosy den you’ll find the finest imported coffee and chocolate bars sitting comfortably alongside cakes 6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF

Specialists in crafting coffee, offering locally roasted coffees and specialty teas.

With three sites across the city, Grindsmiths on Deansgate and at Media City with the original Pod in Greengate Square.

The Deansgate shop is a hub of activity, offering the perfect space to meet and work, or to wind down into the evening.

Here too you can enjoy sandwiches, cakes and a range of beer and wines.

Visit Media City to sample their lunch or brunch menu, complemented with great cocktails, wines and beer taking Grindsmith from day into night.

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

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Manchester Food & Drink

Afternoon Teas

It is thought that the ‘Afternoon Tea’ ritual was started by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford.

Living in the early 19th Century meals amounted to two a day, an early breakfast and a late dinner. Anna was irritated by hunger pangs each day and she decided to schedule a snack each afternoon.

Today it has become the staple of a good day out and Manchester’s hotels, restaurants and tea rooms welcome guests to enjoy this truly British indulgence.

We have rounded up some of favorite places to enjoy this quaint tradition; all serve excellent food and many offer location experiences including views across the city or are in buildings important to Manchester’s history.

Grand Pacific Bar

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Served in the Australasia’s swanky sister bar, Grand Pacific, this afternoon tea is unlike anything else you’ll find in the city. It is something of a secret and far from what you may expect…

Served in two waves; first being a savory delight of sushi, spring rolls and Asian seafood accompanied by glorious spicy side salads.

The second wave, unlike its traditional rivals, delivers off beat treats with punch and exotic twists. The selections include: a decadent Panna Cotta, Chocolate & Coconut Roll and Sweet Spring Rolls.

High Tea at Grand Pacific is delivered in style and is unique in the city. It should be on your list of things to do when in town.

The Avenue, Spinningfields

Cloud 23

It was something of coup that when the Beetham Tower opened and had the great idea of opening a stylish bar on the 23 floor.

Thus Cloud 23 was born, with its wide and uninterrupted views across Manchester and much of the surrounding counties.

To compliment this view you can enjoy a beautifully presented afternoon tea, complete with that essential glass of fizz.

Nicely presented cut sandwiches, scones with sticky thick jam are accompanied by deliciously sweet treats. If you stay a little longer it is worth trying the cocktails…

You could say that this is literarily high tea as you gaze out of the floor to ceiling windows; even in the rain Manchester presents a great view.

The Beetham Tower, Deansgate

Gingers Comfort Emporium

It may not be quiet an afternoon tea, but at Gingers’ you certainly get delights created to help quell that sweet tooth.

Housed in the fabulous Afflecks, Ginger’s take ice cream flavours to another level with Chai Spices, Gin and Plum, Apple Pie Sorbet or the rum laced Dark N’ Stormy.

The restaurant takes up a huge corner of the 1st floor and has large windows illuminating these fancies turning them into amazing treats for your taste buds.

This is ice cream for the grown ups, an after dark treat to enjoy on your day in the city shopping or before going out ‘on the town’; that’s if you make it out without trying just one more flavour. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Afflecks, Church Street

The Midland Hotel

Looking for the ultimate in old school glamour? Then the Midland Hotel with its Victorian gothic stylising is the place to head.

Inside this landmark building, slap bang in the heart of Manchester, they have been serving afternoon teas for over a century.

Definitely they know their stuff delivering plate full’s of dainty sandwiches, scones, cakes complimented by Vimto Jelly (yes the drink originated just down the road in Salford).

All this is presented in beautiful surroundings, ensuring that this is an afternoon tea to remember as you step into the shoes of Manchester’s hoi polloi before you, after all this is where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce.

Peter Street, Manchester

Radisson Blu Edwardian

Manchester’s iconinc Free Trade Hall, is part of the history book of Britain.

The hall was built to commemorate the Peterloo Massacre, a major protest against the Corn Laws, and it opened in 1856.

On 17th May 1966 here Bob Dylan was heckled with the famous cry of ‘Judas’ (refering to his adoption of the electric guitar) and in the 1970s it became renown for famous gigs from the likes of the Sex Pistols and Joy Division.

Today it is the home of the 5 star hotel Radisson Blu and they really want to deliver you an experience when it comes to ‘Afternoon Tea’.

You should certainly try the interesting Gentleman’s afternoon tea which has a cheese scone, rustic sandwiches, mini burgers, beef filled mini Yorkshire puddings, mini fish and chips and of course a selection of cakes.

Free Trade Hall, Peter Street

Sculpture Hall Café

Immerse yourself in the history of the of the worlds first industrial city.

Relax amongst statues of the great and the good including conductor Charles Hallé, anti-corn law league campaigners Richard Cobden and John Bright, and the remarkable Hallé orchestra conductor, Sir John Barbirolli.

The Sculpture Hall Café has put a regional twist on the afternoon tea classic to create a real delight.

Made up of locally inspired sandwiches, savoury bites and sweet treats including the homemade Vimto Delice and the Manchester Sponge Cake - a sumptuous modernisation of the infamous Manchester tart.

Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square

- opposite Afternoon Tea, Cloud 23 (cc) wolfinthecity

Manchester Food & Drink

Hidden Bars and Real Beers

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When it comes to craft ale, Manchester is thriving. The city has become a hub of microbreweries and cask ale pubs in which beer lovers are flocking to try.

With many Mancunian pubs boasting an impressive selection of new ales every day from across UK, we take a look at some of the hidden gems you may not find in the usual guide book.

When you think of Manchester’s trendiest nightspot The Northern Quarter you may be fooled into thinking it’s a cocktail-lovers paradise.

Yet nestled between Stevenson’s Square and Great Ancoats Street is Pie and Ale which has an impressive six rotating casks sampling some of the best ales Manchester has to offer.

Also not one for missing out on some of the best beers from London, the fridges stock a selection of Beavertown ales such as Gamma Ray, a stunning American pale ale, and Smog Rocket, a smoked porter, to mention just a few, yet it is the local Manchester tipples which the bar reserves for the hand pulls.

Some of their favourite city breweries include Track Brewery with their stunning golden Sonoma ale and rich Toba stout as well as Cloudwater Brewery’s Double Dipa IPA - a 9% ale sure to knock your socks off.

‘When it’s gone it’s gone’ – giving the typical ale lover a new beer every time they visit this CAMRA approved pub with new beers being showcased here every day.

Another fan of Manchester made beer is the alternative brewery First Chop, located within Salford’s aqueduct which is occasionally open to the public.

These brewer events are a good experience offering street food, a full bar and djs playing certainly a change of pace if you’re tired of quiet bars and pub food.

First Chop’s beers, many now gluten free, are all brewed in house and the team are becoming a powerhouse in the world of craft ale. Try the Hop - their classic golden hoppy ale, or their new creation POP, a refreshing twist on an IPA made with fruity Hops, US yeast yeast and orange oil.

Moving further toward Ancoats, and further South with its beers choices, is the Crown and Kettle on Oldham Road.

It is a Grade II listed building complete tih a very ornate and decorative ceiling which is an original feature.

Recently it has offered a delicious golden ale Sundowner by Wild Weather ales, better known for their Sour peach ale and the Prince Ale Kiss. Big fans of Somerset brewery Wild Beer and Shrewsbury ale makers Siren whose Oatmeal pale Undercurrent is a common sight in many a bar fridge across Manchester.

The Crown and Kettle host occasional London beer festivals with favourites from breweries such as Kernal, BBNo and Siren whose recent creation Vermont Tea Party ale really hits the spot with its floral notes and hoppy earl grey tea and lemon taste.

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THE OAST HOUSE

Once used to roast hops in the 16th Century; The Oast House offers world famous beer & ale, Champagne and wine and cocktails served from the tap.

Food from the deli, rotisserie and outdoor BBQ to the soundtrack of live music every night.

Discover a vintage escape in the cosmopolitan Spinningfields.

Come rain or shine, The Oast House is an adventure like no other!

Yet fans of the Southern tipple will be glad to know that it is not only The Crown and Kettle to have such an impressive selection.

Cafe Beermoth is tucked away on Spring Gardens very close to the Arndale Centre yet is often missed by ale trail enthusiasts.

The bar, which began as a small specialist beer shop in the Northern Quarter selling Belgian, American and UK craft ales, soon grew and boasts a huge range of cask and bottles worldwide.

Like the Crown and Kettle, they too are big fans of Siren and Wild Beer brewery.

In particular the rich Millionaire stout, which describes itself as Millionaire Shortbread in liquid form with lashings of salted caramel and chocolate, and the

better-known Bibble, an American amber session ale full of hops and flavour.

Cafe Beermoth present regular ale talks and tasting sessions to anyone who wants to know more about the world of microbreweries; this is a great way to spend an afternoon with your mates.

theoasthouse.uk.com oasthouse.manchester @theoasthousemcr

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

Address The Avenue Courtyard Spinningfields M3 3AY tel: +44 (0) 161 829 3830 Opening hours Daily - From Midday

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Manchester Food & Drink

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Venturing back toward the Northern Quarter, The Smithfield Tavern, located close to The Crown and Kettle, owned by Blackjack Brewery, who are creators of The Pokies ale.

This quiet night-time haunt is only open in the evenings but makes up for it with its low prices and an impressive mix of UK craft ales.

Never one to miss out on a good ale, it selects its tipple from all across the UK. The pub will more often than not be selling an ale from its famous Mancunian brewery as well as some other gems such as Brewed by Number’s Motueka and Lime Saison (this one is a little sour), or Wild Beer’s hoppy Pogo.

Their ever-changing ale selection is testament to the variety of the beers that they select carefully based on popularity and price. There is always a beer to suit everyone here.

But if it is big city lights and a crowded ale house you’re after you can still enjoy traditional ales in Brink Bar located close to Spinningfields, a basement bar which only showcases beers within a 25 mile radius - a promise it has made since it opened.

The cosy pub is bright and quiet but fiercely proud of its Manchester microbreweries.

It is easy to miss as it is not well signposted but when you do you will often find a Beer Nouveau favourite such as their simply named Pale - a beautifully crafted 5% session ale or their darker and smokier Satanic Mills.

If you’re keen to move on, up the stairs and across the road from this white modern ale house is The Gas Lamp, a complete opposite from Brink with its dimly-lit Victorian decor and shabby chic furniture.

This subterranean drink den, an afterwork favourite offers both cocktails and great beer - it is rare not to find a favourite from Track or Blackjack here.

And finally the list would not be complete without featuring the recently crowned Greater Manchester Pub of the year at the National Pub and Bar Awards, The Marble Arch.

Like its newly-refurbished sister pub at 57 Thomas Street in the NQ, The Marble Arch has become legendary on the ale trail circuit, and is better known for its Earl Grey IPA, a 6.8% stunner which may not taste as much as the tea as some may think, but is smoother than the ABV suggests.

Stocking its own brews, with many priced at under £4 a pint, and you should sample its great food and an even greater beer garden. We recommend you get down early if you fancy a pint on a sunny afternoon here.

So there you have it, our definitive list of some of the great hidden Manchester pubs housing some of the UK’s best craft ales.

From Spinningfields to the Northern Quarter, the industry is booming and it is exciting to wonder where it will be in the coming years.

Danielle Wainwright

— above The Gas Lamp 50A Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BW

Sassy Cocktails

Manchester has never been one to shy away from the demon drink, earning quite the reputation as the city was booming in the late victorian period.

Today exciting drinking establishments are still never in short supply, with new joints opening regularly, when it comes to a night on the tiles in Manchester the place to explore try new things while having fun.

From the Northern Quarter’s quirky hipster joints to Oxford Road’s celebrity hotspots, thirsty punters don’t have to look far for a wide selection of boozy spirit delights.

But forget the cask ales, bottled beers and ciders because there’s a whole host of places serving up sweet and sassy cocktails just waiting to tickle your taste buds.

Many of Manchester’s bars are hidden away from the high street drinker and can be ‘hard’ to find, but trust us because the search is well worth it.

Whether you fancy a Cosmo or Caipirinha, Dry Martini or Daiquiri, here are some of our favourite cocktail bars serving up the best Mojitos and Margaritas in town.

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

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The Alchemist

In the centre of commercial district Spinningfields or close the centre shops on New York Street, The Alchemist is open all day every day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – as well its famous and groundbreaking selection of cocktails.

From meringue martinis to a cereal flavoured cocktail, here is the place to go for the budding cocktail connoisseur.

Try the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: indicative of their flamboyant edge, this two person sharer is served warm in tea cups and consists of vodka, elderflower liqueur, Cointreau, boiling water and fresh fruit.

Hardman St, Spinningfileds

Cloud 23

High above the city in the Beetham Tower, yes you guessed it 23 floors up to be precise, Cloud 23 in The Hilton Deansgate is the epitome of class.

The cocktails are jaw-dropping, the view is breath-taking, the décor tip-toes a fine balance between ultimate sophistication and moody modern.

You’ll want to dress up for this one and bring your bank card...

The Beetham Tower, Deansgate

Dusk ‘til Pawn

Tucked away on Stevenson Square, Dusk ‘til Pawn is a small, dimly-lit speak-easy-style bar serving up some of the most delicious and diverse cocktails in town.

It’s pawn shop disguise is executed so well that you could easily walk past it. Dark, barred windows filled with old guitars, televisions and a large neon “Pawn Shop” sign enough to deter the casual visitor.

Once you step inside though, it’s clear this place prides itself on the quality of its drinks and offers an exciting cocktail menu, which includes favourites like Pawn Star Martini, Hard Candy and Fool’s Gold.

But if you don’t fancy any of those, the talented bar staff are on hand to stir up an original and unique cocktail, and have a reputation for asking you what your favourite spirit is and whipping you up something original from that.

Try the Pawn Star Martini: it’s become a favourite in many a cocktail bar across the city, but Dusk’s manages to do something different with it.

Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter

If The Liars Club has got you in the mood for rum-based fun then head across town to Hula in the Northern Quarter a Tiki bar where the party is open ‘til late.

Back Bridge Street (nr Spinningfields)

The Fitzgerald

The Liquor Store

Perhaps not a surprise given that it’s named after the author of The Great Gatsby, The Fitzgerald is a prohibition era den of opulence and indulgence.

This Northern Quarter speakeasy commits fully to its theme, with flapper dresses, feathers and waistcoats as far as the eye can see.

Hard to find, it manages to maintain a sense of mysterious mischief while still providing an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Try the Aviatrix: this delightful cocktail epitomises everything good about The Fitzgerald. Made up of gin, violet liqueur and lemon, it comes served with dry ice inside a vintage leather suitcase.

Little Lever St, Northern Quarter

The Liars Club

This basement bar, on Back Bridge Street, combines an exotic Caribbean inspired Tiki bar with the best and most extensive collection of rum anywhere in Manchester.

Here the bar staff show off their most garish Hawaiian shirts, Liars Club treads a fine line between tacky and enjoyable but always come out on the right side of the divide.

You can kick back with a chilled reggae soundtrack or choose to dance the night away, supplemented by a creative and colourful cocktail menu.

Try the Zombie: a staple of any good Tiki bar, and at the Liars Club these are so sensational that they’re limited to just two per customer.

A combination of rum, absinthe and tropical fruit juice, these flaming delicacies will warm up your evening.

A true Manchester bar in every sense, this Blackfriars Street establishment has an entire wall devoted to iconic Mancunian figures: think Morrissey, Ian Brown, Tony Wilson, and Emmeline Pankhurst.

A cafe in the day, a bar in the night, it’s open until 3am, perfect for any Mancunian night owls wanting to unwind with a vintage Manchester-inspired soundtrack.

Manchester music infuses its way through the cocktail menu too, from the Sally Cinnamon to the simple but effective Oasis.

With cocktail classes and great drinks deal for the post-work crowd, The Liquor Store is the perfect spot for any revellers wanting to embrace their Northern Soul.

Try the Bette Lynchberg Lemonade: A Corrie twist on a well known classic, it combines gin, prosecco, apple juice, lemon juice and Salford’s finest export- Vimto.

Maybrook House, Blackfriars Street

Lounge on 12

Another key player in the cocktail scene is Lounge on 12, you be forgiven for thinking it another office block but nestled on the 12th floor this huge bar, a wonderfully laid back affair with cocktails classic and new.

From here you get a inspiring view of the city and this is venue where you want to look your best.

If you’re struggling to choose, go for the Rose and Grapefruit Margarita, a fantastically decadent twist on the fail safe cocktail. Luckily there’s a taxi rank downstairs.

Aiden Byrne’s The Manchester House is on the 4th Floor if you fancy some good grub.

Bridge Street, Spinningfields

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Manchester Food & Drink

Food & Drink Festivals

A city that loves to celebrate good food and great drink

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If it’s good food and drink you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.

Mancunians are hard to please; they know what food they like and they know when it’s done well.

Because of this, restaurants that are cheap imitations using low quality ingredients simply don’t get the customers.

Whether it’s cocktails mixed using ingredients you’d never thought of drinking by a bartender whose knowledge of the backbar is enough to boggle the mind.

Whether it’s fine dining searching for Michelin approval using only the finest ingredients or even if it’s finger-lickin’ good, street-style tasty morsels served up in newspaper, this city knows how to do food and drink.

Furthermore, Manchester is a city that likes to celebrate the abundance of high quality food and drink it has on offer.

Here’s a few of the food and drink festivals and regular food events that if you’re lucky enough to be in town for are simply not to be missed.

B.eat Street

Self-styled as a mad night of beats, eats, and booze, B.eat Street is the natural progression of the street food revolution.

It combines disco, funk, and soul music, with hipster food challenges and master classes, original cocktails and craft beers.

There is no actual dress code, but if you’re not wearing braces, a bowtie, or glasses with no lenses, you might get shunned from the crowd, and be left to eat your linguini alone.

Date: Fridays, 5pm until late Venue: Great Northern Tickets: Free but guest list available through Facebook to guarantee entry

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The Castlefield Food Festival

The Castlefield Food Festival is a celebration of local restaurants and street food traders.

It is a family focused event with comfortable seating areas and a programme of artists and live music performances to keep you entertained.

Held over 3 days in May, at the Castlefield Bowl, it presents a wealth of food, drink and cookery experts showcasing their culinary skills all washed down with excellent wines and beers.

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

Date: May 2017 Venue: The Castlefield Bowl Tickets: Free

— centre Manchester Food & Drink Festival Albert Sq, Manchester — right Castlefield Food Festival The Castlefield Bowl

Manchester Food & Drink

Manchester Food & Drink Festival

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MFDF, is the biggest of them all, celebrating its 19th year in 2016. This nationally acclaimed event boasts the very best Manchester has to offer.

The autumnal urban event is a vast, sprawling affair in which the entire city goes food and drink crazy for 11 straight days.

Centred upon Albert Square, free to attend, the public space sees street food traders, artisan bread makers, fine wines importers and a huge tent where you can sample something over 100 ales, beers and ciders.

The main festival stage plays host to a broad calendar of live entertainment events during extravaganza.

Beyond this dedicated space restaurants, bakers, cafes and even tea houses become part of the festival.

They create special menus, cakes and drinks to try, all as part of the diversity that is Manchester’s foodie scene.

The MFDF awards provide a benchmark for excellence and winners are often propelled into local stardom with their creations talked about by foodies and critics alike.

Winners are chosen from a mixture of public votes on the nominee lists and the judgment of a panel of food and drink experts.

Categories include Best Restaurant, Best Pop-Up and Best Street Food.

If you are in Manchester during the festival take advantage of this great opportunity to get your food and drink on.

Date: 29th Sept– 10th Oct 2016 Venue: Albert Square and beyond foodanddrinkfestival.com

Manchester Beer & Cider Festival

Held in January this CAMRA festival is a huge draw to the city and the event is always packed.

So be super-organised and plan ahead for the 2017 festival.

Each Beer and Cider Festival offers more than 500 different drinks; all served across several extremely long bars with more than 80,000 pints being comsumed over the four days.

If you love your beer then this is not worth missing.

Date: January 2017 Venue: Manchester Central Tickets: Free to CAMRA members or £4 after 5pm on Friday

Foodie Fridays at Stockport

So let’s say you like your food on a Friday, but in a slightly more relaxed suburban setting.

Look no further than Stockport, where on the last Friday of every month you can dig into wood-fired pizzas, pulled pork, jerk chicken and many more delicacies, as the rotating line-up of vendors and seasonal goods means you can never be sure of what you might come across in the centre of Stockport.

There’s also music, as local Stopfordians wheel out their instruments to give you something to munch in time with.

Date: Last Friday Monthly from 6pm Venue: Stockport Market Square Tickets: Free

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Manchester Christmas Markets

Its time to don that Christmas hat and head down to Albert Square to experience the Manchester Christmas Markets.

This annual festival, of all things Xmas, is presided over by a huge Farther Christmas atop the Town Halls front door.

The market expands right across the city centre and you will find stalls on Deansgate, in St Anns Square, along New Cathedral Street and up to Victoria Station.

The stallholders are mostly European and bring many delights from their country Choose from tempting European foods, including cheeses, meats and amazing cakes, right through to handmade crafts and even 3ft high wicker reindeers, often adorned with a cheery festive scarf.

Food and drink makes up much of the social aspect of this event. Enjoy a mulled wine or a good German bier in one of the beer houses.

Get your tuck on with Spanish paella, cooked in six-foot wide pans, grab a sweet and sticky Dutch pancake. laden with syrup. or revive your body warmth with a Hungarian goulash.

With something approaching 350 stalls, in beautifully festooned wooden chalets, you are likely to find excellent seasonal gifts.

Date: Late Nov-Dec Venue: Manchester Town Hall, St Anne’s Square and across the city Tickets: Free

— left Manchester Food & Drink Festival Held in Albert Sq, Manchester — right Manchester Christmas Market Albert Sq, Manchester

Manchester Shopping

City Shopping

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

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With an almost endless list of activities, the metropolitan area has solidified itself as a commercial hotspot to rival any other in the UK. A big part of what makes it a favorite 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 fit a modest budget, to the upmarket outlets if you’re wanting to splash some cash.

Whether it’s the latest electronic gadget, the perfect addition to your wardrobe or even just an afternoon browsing – whatever you had in mind, Manchester is the place to find it.

The Manchester Style

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

But that’s not to say the city’s not managed to nuture and preserve several distinct trends.

And the cocksure Gallagher’s style is still alive and well in the city, with the Oasis frontman’s own store Pretty Green residing in the heart of Manchester’s most exclusive shopping district – King Street.

The star’s childhood haunts across the city are still used in the label’s 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 Ann’s Square to the Trafford Centre.

The iconic sport brand Umbro was born and still resides in the city – making its

debut on a Manchester City kit in the 1934 FA cup final and even sponsoring the Blues when they snatched Premier League glory in 2012.

Manchester is both a fashion conscious city as well as one proud in accepting of self-expression, as weird and wonderful as this needs to be.

So don’t be surprised to see a few alternative looks as you go about your shopping. And if something catches your eye, you can be sure there’ll be a shop stocking it close by.

Before you do anything though, you might want to get your hands on an umbrella. Because when it does rain, it can be quite relentless.

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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 History of Shopping

The story of Manchester’s role at the forefront of the industrial revolution that helped shape the face of the both modern Britain and Western world as we know it is one that will be familiar to most.

But less well-known is the city’s role from the 18th century onwards as a key player in paving the way for the modern day shopping experience.

While traditionally goods were exchanged mainly through market stalls, trades such as dry-salters and hat-block

makers set up permanent bases here in the 1700s and in turn provided the roots of shopping that still exist today.

This model steadily evolved over several hundred years with Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter becoming one of the most prolific areas where trades set up shop.

Oldham Street is now at the centre of the NQ’s diverse array of alternative shops, vintage stores and the inimitable warren of goodies that is Afflecks.

However the most notable development took place in the 1970s with the construction of the Arndale Centre.

More than 30 years later the Arndale Centre was joined by the Trafford Centre in 1998 creating the first out of city shopping experience of its kind in Manchester.

— centre top Piccadilly Gardens Street Market Markets Street, Manchester — centre bottom Piccadilly Gardens Street Market Markets Street, Manchester — right Burberry Store New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square

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Getting around the shops

One of the best, not to mention most convenient, aspects of Manchester shopping is its compact-ish layout.

While there’s always the option of trams, taxis, buses and trains to get you from A to B, and it is more than possible to get to where you want to be with only a short walk required.

Depending on your style and what you’re after will surely influence your destination for the day and it’s important to know that particular areas accommodate for different types of shoppers.

Take the Northern Quarter, for example, which is bursting with quirky independent outlets capable of satisfying a more alternative shopping appetite.

From the Pop Boutique or Retro Rehab both on Oldham St, where you can fritter away hours rummaging through rack up rack of vintage attire, to the fancy Oi Polloi on Thomas Street, an independent menswear boutique.

If you’re in that part of town, don’t miss Fred Aldous, an art and hobby supply shop that is crammed with character and has become a Northern Quarter institution – having been open for almost 130 years.

Manchester has always had a synergy with music, where would the world be without The Smiths, Happy Mondays, Stone Roses or the club sound that originated here.

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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. To put it simply, it’s hard not to find exactly what you’re looking for between its walls.

For a more relaxed experience it’s probably best to hold your shopping spree on a weekday or outside of the school holidays.

With that in mind though, the mall is extremely family friendly and well equipped to meet the needs of different ages so don’t be deterred if you’re not a solitary shopper.

You could even go to the Lego shop if all that clothes shopping leaves you cold.

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.

For this reason alone you might find yourself not venturing far from the Arndale Centre during your Manchester visit.

For the music lover, Oldham Street is somewhat of a mecca with Piccadilly Records, Eastern Bloc and Vinyl Exchange catering for those of us who still like to thumb through potential purchases.

Minutes away is King Street; a street renowned for its high-end offerings. Joining the likes or Pretty Green, DKNY and Hermés is the ‘sexiest shop in Manchester’ – the lingerie store Agent Provocateur – 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 Harvey Nichols.

For many, Market Street will be the obvious place to start with 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 or a short bus ride and you’ll find yourself in the Trafford Centre.

Opening times Monday – Friday: 9am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sunday: 11.30am to 5.30pm

— centre The Arndale Centre Market Street, Manchester

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Manchester Shopping

The Lowry Outlet Mall

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Situated in Manchester’s twin city, Salford, the Lowry Outlet is easy to get to and worth a visit for even tourists on a flying visit.

This shopping gem is located less than 3 minutes from the Media City complex in Salford Quays.

Public transport links include bus services and the tram. Take the trams heading towards Eccles and disembark at Media City.

If you are driving then its large multistory car park is right next door to the outlet.

Packed full of stores offering prices slashed by as much as 70%, this is the place where you want to be if you’re a keen bargain hunter.

In its malls you will find major High Street brands such as Marks and Spencer, Clarks and GAP. There is a food court, if you are feeling hungry and a multi-screen VUE Cinema adding to the entertainment.

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 of which have found themselves attracted not only by the quantity of retail options, but also by the building’s aweinspiring 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 the entrance to a Roman Emperor’s palace than a shopping centre.

Perhaps its most charming feature is the ship-shaped food court known as the Orient, which takes the visitor to the decks of a boat on Titanic-like proportions.

There’s a vast array of restaurants and fast food outlets to enjoy in here as well as a massive 20-screen cinema and IMAX complex if you fancy spending a few hours watching a new film.

While it’s possible to get there by bus, the complex is well equipped for those travelling by car and has space for 11,500 vehicles to park.

The Trafford Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm Saturday 10am to 9pm Sunday 12pm to 6pm

— top The Great Hall, Trafford Centre The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AA — below The Lowry Outlet Salford Quays, Salford M50 3AH

Love great food, art, design, music and street food?

Then join us at one of our monthly weekend markets in Manchester Northern Quarter Makers Market 2nd Sundays - Stevenson Square, Mcr Spinningfields Makers Market 3rd weekend, Spinningfields Sq, Mcr West Didsbury Makers Market Last Sunday, Nell Lane/Barton Road, Mcr

themakersmarket.co.uk - @_makersmarket

Manchester Shopping

Afflecks

An emporium of eclectisim and indie commerce

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Nestled in the heart of the city centre, this emporium of all things eclectic sits as a beacon to those looking for the chic, dramatic, classic, vintage, handmade, unusual and sometimes - downright strange.

There are three entrances in to Afflecks, one on Oldham Street, a second on Church Street and on the corner of Tib Street.

It is hard to miss the corner entrance on Tib Street with its wonderful, famous mosaic artwork outside stating ‘And on the sixth day God created MANchester’.

Gaze upwards and be inspired by the unique silver tree sculpture that adorns the side wall and the Manchester related mosaic art work sitting in the window frames below it.

Take in the blend of bohemian glam, burlesque sassy, vintage mystery, startling attire or simply savour the friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

There are boutiques of all tastes down every corridor that spread across the emporiums 4 floors.

It is a shopping paradise, a labyrinth of discovery, intrigue and mystery through each and every doorway.

Play out your fantasies with fancy dress from sellers such as American Graffiti and that’s not all these fabulous stallholders sell either.

Specialist T-shirt printing enables one to design their own – ‘Made for It’ don’t just print on to t-shirts either!

Before you pay top high street prices for that average ‘special dress’, take time to check out Strawberri Peach on the 1st floor, a gem of a boutique and made-to-measure glam perfectionists, often seen on TV. Wander into shops specialising in retro gaming and find the most obscure games and items from times past; Star Wars collectables and much more.

Looking for body piercing and tattoos?

You cannot go wrong with the experienced The Tattoo Studio or Shiva. Piercing jewellery galore is available at Extreme Largeness and Abacus.

There are several jewellery stores throughout Afflecks, selling beautiful handcrafted wonders you will not find anywhere else.

Afflecks has great food and beverage cafes helping to sustain visitors during their exploration of this vast building and its wares from a traditional café to an adult ice cream parlour serving absinth flavoured delights and a fantastic Cereal Café!

There are specialist shops including one dedicated to fudge of all flavours, retro and American sweets and an artisan bakery.

With a wonderful wealth of over 70 shops and stalls visiting Afflecks is simply a full on shopping sensation.

All this, and more, gives shoppers the

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chance to walk out with clothing for any occasion, jewellery to die for, tattoo’s to be proud of and fabulous artwork to adorn ones walls.

Great for buying goodies and presents that are so unusual Afflecks makes every visitor’s recommendation list for things to do when in Manchester.

Afflecks – The Thorn in the side of the High Street.

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

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

Manchester Shopping

Three Minute Theatre (3MT)

“Part of the city’s vibrant theatre and music scene” The Three Minute Theatre, also know as the 3MT​​​,​the only purposebuilt recycled boutique theatre in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Working closely with Pulse Productions, Manchester Shakespeare Co and Square Circle Community Theatre, they bring an eclectic menu of exciting and innovative performances in theatre, music, comedy, poetry and film.

“One of the most important small venues in the country” - Frost Magazine Ground Floor - tel: 0161 834 4517 facebook.com/TheThreeMinuteTheatre

Vinyl Resting Place

“A busy and compact 2nd hand record and cd shop” Tucked away, next to the café on the 3rd floor, this hidden gem has jam-packed shelves of 2nd hand records that will have you spinning.

Flick through albums, singles and cd’s from American Blues artists to Zydeco and almost every other genre in-between.

Searching for records is great fun, relive your youth or simply find something you’ve never heard. While most of the stock is vinyl there is normally over 1500 cd’s in stock to rummage through.

3rd Floor facebook.com/VinylRestingPlaceManchester

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Freaks Emporium

“Alternative Goth Fashion and Accessories” Step inside Freak’s Emporium and find a magicial and mystical zone, right next to the cafe on the 3rd floor.

In this emporium you will find pagan gifts, a well stocked witches apothecary and a huge array of incense.

It also stocks the very best in alternative fashion and accessories, wigs and they even have their very own Tarot Reader & Medium bookings are not necessary/walk in appointments available every day.

3rd Floor freakboutique.co.uk facebook/freakboutique

The Barker Baker - An Artisan Baker

“Honest food inspires honest living” Best known for creating amazingly scrumptious breads. The Barker Baker has opened in Afflecks to bring her tasty wears to the people of Manchester.

All her breads are hand-made using organically sourced flour from Marriages Millers and other ingredients from local producers.

Fancy something really unusual then try the Dark Chocolate Orange Soda Bread or the Stout & Oat Soda Bread and we didn’t even mention the wonderful cake creations!

2nd Floor thebarkerbaker.co.uk twitter.com/thebarkerbaker

‘A hidden gem at the heart of the Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter.’

A former Victorian fishmarket building, Manchester Craft & Design Centre is an unforgettable place to experience contemporary craft & design in the North West.

In the 18 unique studios you can expect to meet some of the region’s most talented artists, designers and makers and see them work creating textiles, jewellery, ceramics, prints, fine art, sculpture and more. Discover their stories, hear about their materials and processes, or learn a new skill yourself by taking part in a workshop.

And don’t miss our exciting programme of free contemporary craft exhibitions and events and our on-site café bar which serves delicious homemade fare.

17 Oak Street Northern Quarter Manchester M4 5JD

craftanddesign.com

Opening Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5.30pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm* *Oak St, Café Bar & select studios Please note café serving times before ordering

Greater Manchester - Bury Town

Bury Town

A historic Lancashire town with entertainment, markets and museums

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Bury Town is a suburb in Greater Manchester and is easily reached from Manchester city centre in less than 30 minutes on the tram or by car.

A trip to Bury can be very rewarding there are many attractions that should visited and certainly experienced such as the beautifully restored East Lancs’ Railway.

Its 12-miles of track explores the stunning local scenery, other local towns such as Summerseat and passes some great real-beer pubs.

There are three excellent museums, the Art and Sculpture Centre in which its galleries you will discover pieces from Victorian artists such as William Turner right through to modern art pieces by the likes of Lawrence Weiner and Jane Dyer.

The Fusilier Museum, next door, delves into over 300 years of regimental military history. This interesting museum is home to the collections of the XX Lancashire Fusiliers, renamed to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1968.

The regiment was established in 1688 and the museum tells its story right up to the present day.

The third is the Bury Transport Museum and in its halls you will discover the industrial heritage of the northwest, brought to life before your very eyes.

With its collection of lovingly restored vehicles, original artefacts and interactive exhibits you can explore the working lives of people from the early 20th century.

You may be surprised to learn that Robert Peel, who formed The London Metropolitan Police Force, was born in Bury. He was also the founder of the British Conservative Party and was twice British Prime Minister.

Outside St Mary’s, the towns parish church, you will find an attractive square, which was originally home to the village market, with a large statue of Robert Peel.

This 3.5m high bronze was created by Edward Hodges Bailey, who is best known for his sculpture of Lord Nelson on Nelsons Column, Trafalgar Square in London.

This is the highest point in the town and there has been a church on this site for over 1000 years.

The present church is Victorian in date and is worth peeking into to have a gaze at the highly decorative floor.

Take a short walk around the gardens that will reveal large memorial slabs that have been repurposed as flagstones.

Reading these will give you an insight into the history of the people in Bury,

Summer is a lovely time to visit Bury as you will find it decked out with ornamental flower displays and hanging baskets galore.

The town is a multiple time winner of the coveted ‘Britain in Bloom’ award.

An evening in Bury can be very appealing with several good pubs serving quality food and drink.

The Clarence, on Silver Street, offers good fayre and for those real beers enthusiasts they should try the Silver Street ‘Session’ pale ale. This, and a few other tipples, is brewed in the pubs basement.

Once you are fed and watered you may choose to attend a performance at The Met. This is the performance heart of the Town and its stage is home to touring shows and local productions alike.

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During 2016 The Met started on a £4.6 million refurbishment (reopens November 2016) making it one of the best theatres in Greater Manchester. With improved access, an enlarge auditorium and a new bar. What’s not to like?

Bury has a world famous, not to mention very popular, market that is open from Monday to Saturday. It has been voted ‘Market of the Year’ four times.

A huge fire engulfed the old buildings in 1968, totally destroying them, but this didn’t stop the traders though and in 1971 the present building was opened.

Today in it you will find fresh local produce, a hall specialising in Fish and Meat and an outdoor open market with over 300 stalls to tempt you.

The Rock is the main shopping centre that offers shoppers several high street brands. At night it becomes a playground with restaurants, a 24-lane bowling alley and multi-screen cinema to keep you entertained.

Read on to learn more about this remarkable town and why it’s worth the short trip out of the city centre.

— centre Bury Fusiliers Museum Bury in Bloom 2016 — right Peel Statue and Parish Church Market Square, Bury

Greater Manchester - Bury Town

The Bury Art Museum

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Bury Art Museum opened in 1901 as a purpose-built gallery to house and display a collection of Victorian oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, drawings, sculpture and Wedgwood plaques formed by local paper manufacturer, Thomas Wrigley.

In 1897 Wrigley’s children had donated this collection to the people of Bury. In 1907 a social history museum was added to complement the Art Gallery.

Over the last century, Bury’s art collection has developed, but its outstanding strength remains the collection of 19th century British art, including works by Turner, Constable, Landseer and Clausen.

Since 2000 the Gallery has embarked on an ambitious programme of commissioning contemporary art. The building itself is now a grade II listed building and regarded as the finest in the town.

In 2014 a sculpture gallery was added and allows the Gallery to continue to develop its ambitious programming and further its portfolio of International work; exhibitors include Lawrence Weiner, Auke de Vries and Jayne Dyer.

Through its temporary exhibition programme, Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre is developing a reputation as a leading player in showing contemporary art in the North West of England.

The gallery’s aim is to show high quality art in new contexts and to make it understandable for people of all ages, no matter what their background.

The Gallery broadens its appeal to new audiences through its programme of workshops and educational activities.

The continually changing exhibitions at the Gallery, along with the fruitful working relationships that have been developed are establishing Bury as a significant venue for experiencing art.

It is also fast becoming a place for international exchange in the visual arts, facilitating a mind-broadening encounter with art from diverse sources.

As well as the excellent progamme of exhibitions and events, visitors to Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre can also enjoy

a unique shopping experience in Bury Art Shop and relax with lovely refreshments at Tina’s Tearoom.

Bury Art Shop stocks contemporary arts and crafts by local and national artists and craft makers selected for their quality and beauty.

The gallery is part of the ‘Own Art’ which is a scheme supported by the Arts Council England and makes buying contemporary art more affordable for all.

Tina’s Tearoom is a welcome addition to Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre, found on the beautiful ring balcony of the central building.

Serving coffee, a selection of teas, soup, freshly made sandwiches and a tempting selection of cakes and afternoon tea.

The gallery is located in the town centre and it is 50 yards from the bus and Metrolink interchange.

Address Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DR BuryArtMuseum.co.uk tel: +44 (0)161 253 5878 Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00 & Sat 10:00-16:30

— above The Bury Art Museum Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DR — opposite The East Lancashire Railway Bolton Street Station, Bury BL9 0EY

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The East Lancashire Railway is the North West’s premier heritage railway, located in the heart of Bury and is easily accessible by public transport.

The award winning railway spans a twelve mile line through the beautiful Irwell Valley, from Heywood in the east to Rawtenstall in the north, passing through Bury, Summerseat, Ramsbottom and Irwell Vale along the way.

There are plenty of things to see and do around the line and stations are well equipped with cafés, real ale pubs, gift shops and a dedicated Transport Museum, which houses vintage vehicles, transport memorabilia and interactive exhibits.

Looking for something different when visiting the city? Well how about a trip

back in time to sample the sophistication of dining by steam train?

The railway runs regular steam engine hauled luxury dining excursions where passengers can relax in the opulent surrounds of Orient Express style carriages and indulge in a fine dining experience.

Choose from a range of menus; from a four course, silver service evening diner to a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. If fine ale is more your thing well you are in luck as the railway boasts two CAMRA award winning real ale pubs.

‘The Trackside’ is located on Platform 2 at Bury Bolton Street Station and has a large beer garden overlooking the line with up to twelve real ales and twelve ciders ready to try.

‘Buffer Stops’ is a cosy bar at Rawtenstall Station and is great place to try out some of the area’s most popular real ales whilst watching the engines run round.

Those looking to sample a range of ales from the local area should hop aboard the “Rail Ale Trail” for a guided tour through the area’s history and most excellent pubs, it even includes a steam train ride.

The railway also has a busy calendar of events, whether you’re looking to entertain the little ones with a visit to see Thomas the Tank Engine or Peppa Pig or fancy soaking up a bit of nostalgia with the railway’s mighty steam galas or award winning 1940’s Weekend. eastlancsrailway.org.uk tel: +44 (0) 161 764 7790

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Bury Market

This is one of the busiest markets in the country and it is open from 9am Monday to Saturday serving the people of Bury.

Well worth a stroll around, as a visitor, to gaze at the sheer variety of produce, fish and meats for sale.

The New Market Hall is a very striking building with its ‘bird-wing’ roof. It is home to over 60 indoor stalls offering a wide selection of services and goods.

Experiencing the Fish & Meat Market in full ‘theatre’ mode is quite something with stall holders shouting their wares and deals of the day!

Address Murray Road, Bury BL9 0BJ burymarket.com

The Met Theatre

The Met’s performances spaces are used to bring live music and theatre productions to enthusiastic audiences.

There are two spaces the main theatre and the more intimate studio. These are complemented with a full service restaurant called The Automatic and a recording studio on Edwin Street.

The £4.6million investment plan is bringing new facilities for the audience and performers alike.

This is a major refurbishment of the Victorian building enabling them to present a bigger programme of events.

The Met re-opens on 31st October 2016 with a 21-day festival of festival of live music, theatre, comedy and special guests.

One of the spin-off events that The Met organise is the successful Ramsbottom Festival, held annually in September.

This 3-day music festival sees its stages packed with music groups and artists.

There are markets stalls and many other fun activities to dive into during the weekend.

Address Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW themet.biz tickets: +44 (0) 161 761 2216 — Above Bury Market Fish & Meat Hall (cc) Northern Soul

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Arcade Club

Long before the time of the PlayStation and Xbox, back when handheld consoles were still in their testing stages, game-loving teenagers would save their ten pence pieces for the much-anticipated weekend trip to the arcade where games such as Donkey Kong, Tapper, and Pac Man were the latest in technological advancement.

Today you’re more likely to see these retro games in a collector’s basement as the era of home consoles and virtual reality have taken over.

Yet in an old mill near Bury, a family of dedicated collectors have ensured the legacy of these games stay alive and have made their extensive collection available for the public to play.

At over 15,000 sq feet, across two floors of this old mill, Arcade Club is Europe’s largest gaming arena with over 400 games spanning an era from the 1970’s to the very latest machines. You can also enjoy playing a selection of classic pinball machines and more games are added weekly.

The games include driving games, beat ‘em ups such as Street Fighter and Killer Instinct, right through to gun toting shooter adventures like Time Crisis and Point Blank - there is even the original Simpsons Game and Michael Jacksons’ Moonwalker.

And if retro isn’t your thing, then try some of the more modern games including the much sought-after HTC Vive and Oculus Rift - the latest in virtual reality.

Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children, a bar and cafe serving burgers, hot dogs and snacks while you bash out your favourite games. All of the games are ‘free-play’ so there’s no need to scramble for that elusive change.

Address Ela Mill, Cork Street BL9 7BW arcadeclub.co.uk tel: +44 (0) 161 464 9796 Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday Check website for full details

Manchester Quarters

Manchester and its ‘Quarters’

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In AD 79, while Mount Vesuvius was entombing Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman Army established a fort, called Mancunium, on the banks of the river Medlock.

That fort, which you can visit a reconstruction of in Castlefield, is the foundation for modern day Manchester.

Through its long history Manchester has been at the centre of social, political and industrial movements and developments, all of which have left their mark on the world’s first truly Industrial City.

The city centre is relatively small, covering an area of about 2.5 square miles, however it packs huge punch making it Britain’s second city and is full of visitor attractions, great beers and restaurants.

The centre is divided into a series of nominal quarters each derived from their historical and modern day usage and offerings.

Exchange Sq and Market Street are the main shopping districts on them you will find major high brands and in the Arndale Shopping Centre is home to over 200 stores.

Many of the quarters are imbued with their own style and feel, such as the Northern Quarter.

Its industrial look has been embellished by the numerous converted warehouses which are now cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels.

Certainly the self styled ‘NQ’ is the entertainment and lifestyle quarter of the

city complete with its own independent and alternative shopping experiences at Afflecks or the Craft & Design Centre.

The Spinningfields district was developed as a business hub with its modern steel and glass buildings. It is home to some of the best restaurants in Manchester and the North West.

Castlefield borders Spinningfields and within its space is the open air Bowl, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Canal Dock basin.

The docks are part of the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals, leading to the vast Salford Quays on the Manchester Ship Canal and thereafter the World.

The Gay Village and Canal St became famous through the groundbreaking ‘Queer as Folk’ and has been described as the ‘party centre of the city’.

With its narrow streets and canal side aspect, great on a sunny day, the many close packed bars, restaurants and clubs are all out to offer you a good time.

Manchester’s Chinatown was originally the centre for the city’s laundries and employed many Chinese city residents.

Modern Chinatown was possibly first established when the Ping Hong opened, in 1948, on Mosley Street.

Today it is full of Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and shops with its centre marked with an attractive garden square and Chinese Archway.

Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University are both make-up the Student Quarter in and around Oxford Rd. This district tends to lean towards a student lifestyle, however here too is the excellent Manchester Museum and entertainment centre ‘The Academy’.

Read on to discover more about this remarkable city and its quarters each offering its unique experiences for visitors.

Manchester Quarters

Castlefield

History, museums and festivals

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Castlefield derives it name from the Roman fort called Mancunium, established in AD 79 and it is a distinct part of the modern city.

During Victorian times it came to the fore as a working set of docks for barges transporting goods, materials and essential resources on both the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals.

This is the point where the two meet before joining the Ship Canal.

Those busy canals carried Manchester’s goods, in particular cotton, out to Salford Quays where they would connect through the Manchester Ship Canal first to the port of Liverpool and then the World.

Today much of this infrastructure remains and it been turned into a great space to take a breather from the relentless city and enjoy everything from a pleasant walk to good beer and quality food.

Many of the venues have outdoor or canal-side aspects that are very enticing when the sun chooses to shine.

The Roman fort has been partly reconstructed and you can explore the gardens and buildings at your leisure.

You can even enjoy a drink, or some food, at the White Lion with the forts main entrance as the backdrop.

Castlefield has several good restaurants and we can recommend Dimiti’s, on Deansgate, for great Greek dishes, or Per Tutti for Italian fayre and Alberts Shed for classic dining.

Looking for something interesting to drink? Then try Cask, on Liverpool Rd, not only does it offer a huge range of beers and ales it also happens to have one of the best juke boxes in the city.

Castlefield is also home to ‘The Bowl’ a large open theatre, located on the old docks, and it is regularly used to host concerts, events and other public events.

Just up the road you will find the Old Granada Studios, these where vacated when the station moved to its new home in Media City, Salford Quays.

This is where the long running British soap ‘Coronation Street’ was filmed and today it is evolving into a space for theatre, exhibitions and the occasional club night held on its vast stages.

There are plans to build a new theatre on the site that will eventually become the permanent home of the much acclaimed Manchester International Festival.

Across the road is the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). The Museums extensive galleries and collections celebrate Manchester as the world’s first Industrial City.

This is very much a hands on sort of museum where you can take a ride on a replica of Stephensons ‘Planet’, explore huge industrial machines, marvel at some the amazing fabric making machinery or learn about some of the earliest computers.

Part of the museum is the original Liverpool Road Railway station that connected through to Liverpool.

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It was the world’s first twin track railway and much of the tunnelling is still transporting trains between these two cities.

The Air and Space Hall is huge, a former market built in 1882, it exhibits focus mainly on aviation achievements.

Here you will a replica of the Roe Triplane 1, which first flew in 1909 or drink in the sight of the Avro Shackleton; a search and rescue plane that could fly for 24 hours straight.

Exploring the hall further will reveal some gems of the MSI transport collection including the 1905 Rolls Royce used by Henry Royce himself.

Rolls and Royce met in the Midland Hotel and started their world famous company here in Manchester.

Castlefield is certainly set out to be more relaxing than most of the rest of city with its large open spaces and quiet walkways.

However, it offers visitors plenty to engage them and the MSI is a must for a family day out.

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

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

Bars serving Food 1: Ark, Deansgate Locks - E3 2: Atlas Bar, Deangate - D3 3: Barca, Catalan Sq - B3 4: Dukes 92, Castle St - C3 5: Knott Bar, Deansgate - D3 6: Lock 91, Deansgate Locks - E3

7: Revolution, Deansgate Locks - E3 8: The Ox Noble, Liverpool Rd - C2 9: The Wharf, Slate Wharf - B3 10: White Lion, Liverpool Rd - D2

Entertainment 1: Castlefield Bowl, Castlefield - C2 2: Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks - E3 3: Rebellion, Whitworth St West - E3

Hotels 1: The Castlefield Hotel, Liverpool Rd - B2 2: The Hilton, Deansgate - E2 3: YHA Hostel, Potato Wharf - A2

Restaurants 1: Akbar’s, Liverpool Rd - C1 2: Alberts Shed, Castle St - C3 3: Bollywood Masala, Liverpool Rd - D2 4: Dimitris, Deansgate - E2 5: Don Marco, Deansgate - E2 6: Khan Ba Ba, Liverpool Rd - C1 7: Per Tutti, Liverpool Rd - D2 8: Sapporo Teppanyaki, Liverpool Rd - C1 9: The Fish Hut, Liverpool Rd - D2 10: The Salt & Pepper, Liverpool Rd - C2

Manchester Quarters

Canal Street

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

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Diversity is such an important part of what makes Manchester so special. This is the main reason why the city’s heart beats from the Gay Village.

Always bursting with life and celebrating individualism, Canal Street and its surrounding areas has really come to epitomise what the city is truly about.

Situated just off Portland Street, the space is home to everything gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.

The location has been expanding rapidly since the early 1990’s when the first bar, Mantos, opened its doors on Canal Street and welcomed in the LGBT community.

Since then the spot has grown to include nearby streets such as Sackville Street and Richmond Street.

2016 sees the start of two major developments in the area. Kampus, will be an entertainment and residential space, located at the top end of Canal Street.

Whereas the southern end will have a new canal-side shopping and residential zone developed by Urban & Civic.

The place is a gem, not just in Manchester, but in the whole of the UK. So it’s no surprise that it’s managed to seep into pop culture in more ways than one.

Queer As Folk, Channel 4’s ground breaking show, was set and filmed in the Gay Village later making waves on American television.

The UK’s longest-running soap, Coronation Street, has also filmed scenes around the area to advance some of their most high-profile storylines.

It’s even rumoured that The Smiths single ‘How Soon Is Now’ is about lead singer Morrissey’s experience in the Village.

Experience the Village

There’s never a bad time to visit the Gay Village.

Day and night from spring to winter there’s generally something going on.

In fact, it’s possibly the one spot in the city where you’re guaranteed fun regardless of the time or season.

It’s not uncommon for crowds to head there from the early afternoon, especially during the summer months.

Often the tiniest bit of sun will bring revellers meeting by the dozen to socialise by the waterside.

You can’t go wrong by following the rainbow flags.

But by the time dusk sets in a number of the streets are illuminated by fairy lights.

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These bulbs go hand in hand with some of the city’s most colourful characters who strut below them on a nightly basis.

While being LGBT inclusive, the Village makes a point not to be exclusive. People from all walks of life pop by, no matter their age, sex or ethnicity.

It’s true that different sections may cater towards a certain clientele - such as Vanilla that has a female-inclined door policy, or the strict male-only policy at Company Bar on Richmond Street.

Other venues, like The Molly House on Richmond Street, tend to fill up with less rambunctious punters.

With so many options it’s simply a matter of preference.

Looking to find out more about Manchester’s Gay Village?

Then try ‘canal-st.co.uk’ for its maps, information and news features.

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

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It’s not an overstatement to say that the Village has everything.

Thirsty? There’s too many bars and cafes to try in one visit.

Hungry? Well sit yourself down at one of the many restaurants.

Tired? Check-in to a hotel or B&B and rest comfortably.

That’s without even mentioning the sex shops and saunas that are sure to arouse the curiosity of any passerby.

Without question it’s the nightlife that brings the majority of people into the area.

Canal Street alone is lined with clubs open until the early hours of the morning.

One staple, G-A-Y, is perhaps the most recognisable thanks to the London version.

It has a unique balcony with views along the

street, across the canal and in the summer it is packed with drinkers.

Inside it is a dimly lit hotspot that gets going early on thanks to its bargain drink prices that run throughout the week.

Meanwhile, further along the strip you’ll find View.

This club boasts a basement disco that is unmatched by any other in town and one usually at maximum capacity.

Varied opening times keep the crowds coming all night long. On select dates some of the venues keep their doors open until the early hours of the morning, including Bar Pop and Void, which has been known to kick people out at 10am.

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

The Canal Street Spirit

The Gay Village was built in response to the LGBT struggle - and to this day there is a prevalent community spirit.

Throughout the year this manifests itself in numerous ways. The most prominent way that it exists is through Manchester Pride.

Held annually every August, this fourday event, celebrates sexuality with an outrageous parade spiralling through the city streets, a carnival atmosphere, live music performance stages, exhibitions and stallholders fair.

The festival stems from movements in the late 80’s and early 90’s and now attracts tens of thousands of people over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

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Tickets to the whole event can cost over £20, whereas individual day tickets come in a little cheaper.

A proportion of the funds raised benefit local charities with issues relevant to the GAY community.

While Pride only comes once a year, the community is known to react to issues, both on a regional and international level.

In February 2014 the Village made world headlines as they staged a mock Olympic Opening Ceremony.

This was in response to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, stance on LGBT representation and groups attending the Sochi Winter Olympics.

People came from near and far to have their voice heard while opposing anti-gay legislation by marching through the streets.

This was repeated in the wake of 2016’s Orlando shootings as part of the ’We Stand Together’ campaign.

— left Manchester Pride

Canal Street, Manchester — right top Socchi Winter Games Protest Bloom Street, Gay Village, Manchester — right Manchester Pride Parade Deansgate, Manchester (cc) Tony Woolf

Manchester Quarters

Bars

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Three floors of bars and entertainment await you behind the large and welcoming doors of Bar Pop. John Hamilton’s long running Manchester nightclub, called ‘Poptastic’, was the inspiration for the name of his Canal St bar.

Open late every night Bar Pop has a wide calendar of events with something for everyone including the popular Sunday night Drag Roulette to the Rock Disco night.

If this isn’t enough then the bar prices are certainly another attraction with pints at £2.00.

As John says it’s a IndieDiscoElectroHomoMadHiphopBritPopFunkyKindaShagtasticQueerThing...

LOVE POP : LOVE BEER : LOVE YOU BarPopOffical @BarPopMCR Address 10 Canal St Manchester M1 3EZ Opening hours Daily - From 2pm till very late

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

Bars serving Food 1: Chez, Whitworth St - C4 2: Delicatezze, Brazil St (Over Bridge) - C4 3: Kiki, Canal St - D2 4: On Bar, Canal St - B4 5: Richmond Tea Rooms, Richmond St - C3 6: Sackville Lounge, Sackville St - C4 7: Taurus Bar, Canal St - D2 8: The Goose, Bloom St - C3 9: The Molly House, Richmond St - C3 10: Tribeca, Sackville St - C4 12: Velvet, Canal St - D2 13: Via, Canal St - C3

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

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

Restaurants 1: Arnero, Sackville St - B3 2: Villagio, Canal St - B4

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

Manchester Quarters

The City Centre Food, shopping and transport

Piccadilly Gardens

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Every city needs an epicentre; London has Trafalgar Square, New York has Central Park. Undoubtedly, Manchester’s is Piccadilly Gardens.

The spot, located at the top of Market Street, has transformed many times over the years.

However since 1914 it’s etched a reputation as the most popular green space within the concrete jungle.

Its current set-up now sees it boasting an impressive fountain in the middle.

Despite skirting controversy throughout the decades, in due part to the erection of the Berlin Wall-esque structure which lines the gardens, locals are yet to fall out of love with this particular urban gem.

Today there’s plenty in store for any visitor and it only takes the slightest glimmer of sunlight for people to flock to the gardens.

Admittedly during the summer months it’s a much more alluring attraction.

Piccadilly Gardens has several food and drink venues to choose from.

Chain restaurants such as Byron, Pizza Express and Ask Italian have bagged prominent spots, whereas pop-up markets offering everything from Caribbean cuisine to handmade cupcakes are held at its edges.

Piccadilly Gardens also serves as the central bus and tram station with the mainline Piccadilly Station a few minutes walk away.

This transport hub provides excellent connections across the city, into Greater Manchester and the Airport.

Market Street, off Piccadilly Gardens, is the city’s main shopping district lined with well-known retailers and the Arndale Shopping Centre.

Here you can marvel at the amazing £1 bargain shops through to top end brands such as Harvey Nichols on New Cathedral Street and the vast Selfridges on Exchange Square.

We recommend trying the newly refurbished Corn Exchange for somewhere to eat as it offers an extremely diverse choice of cuisines [see our Exchange Square section].

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Chinatown

Whether you’re hungry, curious, or just after a good ol’ fashioned sing-along, you’ll want to get down to Chinatown.

Chinatown traces its roots from launderettes that opened at the beginning of the twentieth-century on Mosley Street.

Little did these businesses know at the time that they’d be paving the way for a thriving oriental community.

Mid-century migration saw an influx of Chinese immigrants who settled in the area and turned the nearby Faulkner Street into an epicentre of trade with an added community feel.

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

It would be a good idea to stop by Chinatown, if only for a bite to eat. But be warned, you’re best going in with a hefty appetite.

Many of the restaurants offer an ‘all you can eat’ option while others pride themselves on serving a selection of courses.

If far east delicacies are not your thing then fear not because there’ll be something for you. The Supermarkets and gift shops are plentiful, as are karaoke bars and casinos.

The area booms throughout the year but is particularly busy with tourists and locals between January and February depending on when Chinese New Year is celebrated.

In anticipation of the event the streets of Manchester become lined with red lanterns before a raucous dragon parade is held.

— centre Chinese Arch Chinatown, Faulkner Street — 02 Picadilly Gardens (cc) Etiennetheplanner

Manchester Quarters

Deansgate

Ancient and modern in harmony on this historic road

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Deansgate is a mile long stretch of road that connects pretty much every part of the city centre.

If you are ever lost in our fair city, ask anyone the way to Deansgate and you will soon pick up your trail.

It starts (or ends whichever way you look at it) with the Cathedral and ends at the dominating Beetham Tower with a cross section of most central streets in between.

Deansgate is the focal point for many of Manchester’s civic celebrations be it Manchester United bringing home the treble, Gay Pride or Manchester Day parades.

It has seen Jenson Button roar up it in a Formula One racing car and Usain Bolt set a world speed record. Yes, you are walking in the footsteps of giants.

It wasn’t always like this however, in the late 1800s, Deansgate was such a hotbed of vice and crime that many police officers flatly refused to set foot in the locality but thankfully today it has got around to cleaning its act up.

Rising up past the cathedral and marking the start of Deansgate is the uber modern Number One Deansgate complex with swanky apartments that overlook the city centre and it is home to Harvey Nichols (accessed from New Cathedral Street).

Designed by local architect Ian Simpson the building was the helm of the redevelopment project following the IRA bomb of 1996 which obliterated most of the area and came to represent Manchester recovering from this terrible event.

As you walk down Deansgate, cast your eyes up at the buildings above the modern shop fronts and it isn’t difficult to imagine the street of yesteryear, only the shop names have been changed.

At this end of Deansgate a crop of bars make it a destination for weekends with venues such as Living Room, The Botanist and Moon under the Water (possibly the biggest pub in England).

Barton Arcade is opposite, this lovely Victorian shopping arcade housing high end stores and eateries as well as hairdressers and bars, everything you need for a night out basically. It is worth visiting and taking in the beautiful Italian influenced cast iron work and large glass ceiling.

If you ask someone in Manchester where the House of Fraser is they may look at you blankly, but if you ask where Kendal’s is, their face will light up and they will point the way down Deansgate towards a beautiful art deco building.

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Its famous name may be long gone but the ultimate Manchester department store will always be named after the original Kendal Milne & Co who brought the leisure pursuit of shopping to the streets of Manchester.

It is said that in World War 2, they even had an air raid shelter underneath where coffee was served and gowns displayed, so the ladies of Manchester didn’t have to let a little thing like the Luftwaffe stop them from shopping.

You’re hitting the halfway mark of Deansgate now so why not nip across the road to Patisserie Valerie, on the corner of King Street, for a well-deserved cake or pop next door to the huge Waterstones and do some light reading.

In a world of sterile airport style book shops, this branch of Waterstones is everything a book shop should be with shelves that seemingly go on for miles and comfy sofas were you can sit and weigh up your Austen versus your Asimov.

There is even a coffee shop here if you can’t wait to get home to launch straight into your new purchase. The store has an exciting calendar of events including book signings and talks from major authors, quiz nights and ‘story time’ for the little ones.

— left House of Fraser 98 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2QG — right John Rylands Library 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH

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Back on Deansgate and things are starting to focus on eating out as we walk down the road and away from the shopping centre of Manchester.

Here there are tapas bars, Brazilian buffets and high end burger joints, nestling next to shops specialising in outdoor pursuits and exercise, an irony not lost on many Mancunians.

As you pass John Rylands library to your right is Spinningfields [read the Spinningfields section] and here a space age construction announces Armani’s Manchester HQ and to its side is a glass pyramid that is the entrance to Australasia, a subterranean glamorous restaurant which A-list stars can frequently be seen going in and out of.

Further along the Great Northern Warehouse dominates the street. Formerly a railway warehouse, it is now a leisure complex which contains a multi screen cinema, restaurants, car park, bowling alley and a junkyard crazy golf course (highly recommended).

Below the building lie vast tunnels which connect the Rochdale Canal to the River Irwell and occasionally these are open to the public.

On the Deansgate side of the warehouse, the building houses a long line of shops, primarily estate agents, so if you have fallen in love with our city and can’t bear to tear yourself away, this would be the place to find your ‘pied a terre’ and then you will never have to leave...

Passing the warehouse, you are over shadowed by another Manchester giant the Beetham Tower, designed by architect Ian Simpson.

It stands almost shoulder to shoulder with the Great Northern Warehouse, symbolising Manchester’s past and present.

As you look up at Manchester’s biggest building, it is shocking at just how little street space the building takes up and it was slotted in most impressively. In the tower is the Hilton Hotel, Cloud 23 Bar and an exclusive spa if your feet are aching.

You are now approaching the southern end of Deansgate.

To your left are Deansgate Locks, a vibrant drinking destination that is never quiet with six bars and a comedy club.

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GUSTO

Opposite you is the award winning Atlas Bar, a Manchester stalwart, which offers over 250 different gins to tired shoppers or eager clubbers.

Opposite this is the Knott Bar known for good selection of real ales, beers and some good pub grub.

To your right is Castlefield with the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), the Roman Fort and the refurbished pub and restaurants Dukes 92 and Albert’s Shed [read the Castlefield section].

Gusto draws inspiration from the traditional grand cafes of Europe, accessible and welcoming, with a hint of decadence and a touch of luxury.

Its tall ceilings, glamorous island bar and collection of fabulous seating areas, this is a restaurant for every occasion.

Enjoy their cocktails for only £4.95, weekdays 5pm - 7pm, try the delicious a la carte, lunch, pre-theatre and exquisite specials menus.

So, whether it’s a business lunch or a family celebration, Gusto offers great meeting and dining experiences to suit all tastes. gustorestaurants.uk.com gusto.manchester @gustomanchester

— left Barton Arcade Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BW — right Great Northern Warehouse 235 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

Address 4 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5AB tel: +44 (0) 161 832 2866 Opening hours Daily - Midday till Midnight Food service from Midday Bookings recommend

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Manchester Quarters

Bars

AUSTRALASIA

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A stylish yet laid back slice of modern Australian life, downunder in Manchester.

Its cuisine combines Pacific Rim flavours underpinned by European cooking tradition, a blend of Indonesian, Southeast Asian influences and Australia’s strong ties with Japan also help determine the taste and style.

The Bar boasts a unique list of expertly crafted, exclusive cocktails alongside all the classics and a wine list of impressive proportions.

Service from the friendly and knowledgeable staff runs into the early hours against an eclectic backdrop of music created nightly by resident and guest DJs. The bar and terrace are an extension of Australasia - a contemporary colonial oasis in the heart of Spinningfields. australasia.uk.com Address The Avenue, Spinningfields M3 3AP tel: +44 (0) 161 831 0288 Opening hours Daily - Midday till Midnight

1: Arcane, South King St - C4 2: Be at One, Barton Arcade - C3 3: Brink Bar, Bridge St - A4 4: Corbieres, Half Moon St - E3 5: Gas Lamp, Bridge St - A4 6: Liars Club, Back Bridge St - A4 7: Mojo, Bridge St - A4 8: Sawyers Arms, Deansgate - B5 9: Suburbia Cocktail Co, Ridgefield - C5 10: The Ape & Apple, John Dalton St - D5 11: The Bridge, Bridge St - A4 12: The Liquor Store, Parsonage - C2 13: The Lost Dene, Deansgate - B5

Bars serving Food 1: Crazy Pedro’s, Bridge St - A4 2: Moon Under Water, Deansgate - C2 3: Mulligans, Southgate - B4 4: Revolution, Parsonage Gardens - B3 5: Sandinista, Old Bank St - D3 6: Slug & Lettuce, Deansgate - C2

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

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

Restaurants 1: 47 King St West, King St West - B4 2: Al Bacio, South King St - C4 3: Annies, Old Bank St - E3 4: Bella Italia, Deansgate - C3 5: Bem Brasil, King St West - B4 6: Bills, John Dalton St - C5 7: Byron, Deansgate - B5 8: Cicchetti, King St West - B4 9: Cote Brasserie, St Mary’s St - C3 10: Dogs ‘n’ Dough, Bow Lane - E5 11: Dom’s Tavola Calda, Deansgate - D2 12: East is East, Blackfriars St - B1 13: Elgate Negro Tapas, King St - D4 14: Gaucho, St Mary’s St - C3 15: Grill on the Alley, Ridgefield - C5 16: Koreana, King St West - B4 17: La Bandera, Ridgefield - C5 18: La Tasca, Deansgate - C3 19: La Vina, Deansgate - C4 20: Las Iguanas, Deansgate - C3 21: Mr Thomas’s Chop House Deansgate - E4 22: My Thai, John Dalton St - D5 23: Prezzo, Deansgate - C3 24: Red Hot Buffet, Deansgate - D2 25: Restaurant Bar & Grill John Dalton St - C5 26: San Carlo, King St West - B4 27: The Botanist, Deansgate - B2 28: The Living Room, Deansgate - C3 29: Wing’s (Dim Sum), King St West - B4

Manchester Quarters

The Botanist

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It started with a seed. An idea shared amongst friends.

They imagined a secret garden of food and drink, where all can enjoy the dizzying refreshments of nature.

Discover curious delights including a prized collection of the finest local gins, world famous beer & ale, Champagne and wine alongside a weird and wonderful botanical-infused cocktails.

Food from the deli, rotisserie and BBQ, with a range of daily specials and live music every night! Let the adventure begin.

Bars 1: Brew Dog Bar, Peter St - D3 2: Cloud 23, Beetham Tower Deansgate - B4 3: Eperny, Watson St - C3 4: Liquorice, Pall Mall - E1 5: No.1 Watson St, Watson St - C3 6: Panacea, Ridgefield - C1 7: Peveril of the Peak, Great Bridgewater St - D5 8: Salut Wines, Cooper St - E2 9: The Ape & Apple, John Dalton St - D1 10: The City Arms, Kennedy St - E2 11: The Deansgate, Deansgate - B5 12: The Odd Grapes, Little Quay St - B2 13: The Tiger Lounge, Cooper St - E2 14: The Vine, Kennedy St - E2 15: Veeno, Brazennose St - D2

Bars serving Food 1: Albert Sq Chop House, Albert Sq - D2 2: Alberts Schloss, Peter St - C3 3: All Star Lanes, GN Warehouse* - C3 4: Almost Famous, GN Warehouse* - C3 5: Atlas, Deansgate - B5 6: Beef & Pudding, Booth St - E2 7: Duttons, Albert Square - D2 8: Knott Bar, Deansgate - A5 9: Rain Bar, Great Bridgewater St - D5 10: Revolution Cuba, Peter St - C3 11: Slug & Lettuce, Albert Square - D2 12: The Waterhouse, Princess St - E2

Cafes thebotanist.uk.com thebotanistmcr @TheBotanistMCR Address 78 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3FW tel: +44 (0) 161 833 1878 Opening hours Daily - From Midday

1: 9ine, Cooper St - E2 2: Central Library Cafe, St Peter’s Sq - D3 3: Grindsmiths, Deansgate - B3 4: John Rylands Cafe, Deansgate - C1 5: Salvi’s Cucina, John Dalton St - C1 6: The Fish Hut, Liverpool Rd - A4 7: The Sculpture Hall Cafe Town Hall, Albert Sq - D2

Entertainment 1: 42nd Street, Bootle St - C2 2: Albert Hall, Peter St - C3 3: AMC, GN Warehouse* - C4 4: HOME, Whitworth St West - C5 5: Manchester235, GN Warehouse - C3 6: Opera House, Quay St - B2 7: The Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley St - C5 8: The Milton Club, Deansgate - B3

Restaurants 1: Asha’s, Peter St - D3 2: Australaisa, The Avenue - C2 3: Avalanche, Booth St - E1 4: Ban Di Bui, Princess St - E2 5: Bills, John Dalton St - C1 6: Byron, Deansgate - C1 7: Cafe Bragnde - Piccolino Princess St - D2 8: Croma, Clarence St - E1 9: Dimitris, Deansgate - B4 10: Don Marco, Deansgate - B4 11: El Rincon de Rafa Longworth St - B3 12: Evuna, Deansgate - B4 13: Gusto, Lloyd St - C2 14: Handmade Burger Co. Deansgate - C2 15: Hawksmoor, Deansgate - C2 16: James Martin, GN Warehouse - B3 17: Lal Qila, Deansgate - B4 18: My Thai, John Dalton St - D1 19: Per Tutti, Liverpool Rd - B4 20: Pizza Express, Peter St - D3 21: Podium, Deansgate - B4 22: Rajdoot, Albert Square - D2 23: Reds True BBQ, Lloyd St - D2 24: Restaurant Bar & Grill John Dalton St - C1 25: Rozafa, Princess St - E2 26: Sakana, Peter St - C3 27: Steak & Lobster, Windmill St - C3 28: Tampopo, Albert Square - D2 29: Zika, Watson St - C3 *GN Warehouse Great Northern Warehouse corner of Peter St & Deansgate

Manchester Quarters

Exchange Square

Manchester Catherdal, the Corn Exchange and Football Museum

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Manchester’s Exchange Square was created out of the ashes of the 1996 IRA bombing of the city centre.

Its reconstruction included a complete structural relocation, some 300 meters, of Shambles Square, home to Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, The Wellington Pub and now The Mitre Hotel, to its current location within Exchange Square.

The Square has tiered walkways that are used for audience seating and standing when events are held in the space.

There is a large free following water feature, cutting east and west across the square, and the space is adorned with two huge metal sunflower like sculptures and coal wagon structures.

The Square serves as access to many key attractions in the city centre. Selfridges, The Arndale (one of the most visited shopping centres in the United Kingdom) and St Anne’s Square all offer great high street and designer shopping experiences.

New Cathedral Street offers high-end luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Burberry.

The newly re-opened Corn Exchange offers a wide variety of quality dining including Tampopo, Salvi’s, Cabana, Mowgli and Pho. No matter what cuisine you are in the mood for, the Corn Exchange is going to try it’s best to help.

Once a newspaper publishing house, The Printworks is packed with fun and entertainment venues serving food and drink before visiting the huge IMAX cinema in the Odeon.

Next door to the Printworks is the National Football Museum in the Urbis Building, a serpent like glass and steel edifice soaring into the sky.

Its three floors of exhibition space celebrate Britain’s national game and it has the world’s finest collection of football memorabilia and artefacts along with many interactive displays [nationfootballmuseum.com].

Behind the Corn Exchange is Manchester Cathedral, started in the early 15th century, it became a Cathedral for the

newly formed Manchester Diocese in 1847 and it was extensively renovated in 1882.

The latest major work was to install underfloor heating in 2013.

The cathedral is in regular use today and is often host to music performances from both classical and pop artists while its gardens are particularly attractive during the summer.

Just beyond the Cathedral is another new refurbishment, Victoria Station, it’s worth popping in to view the large railway map wall mural.

Greengate Square is an open public space used for outdoor entertainment and home to the Grindsmith coffee pod.

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On your way, look at the Chetham’s School of music who’s history dates back to 1420s as a building which housed priests from the nearby Cathedral before Humphrey Chetham founded a charity school in 1653.

The building became the independent music school it is today in 1969.

The new school building, completed in 2015, was built to address the growing demand on space within the old complex.

This new build is a huge and £31million was spent on its development.

2016 sees the continuation of the project with major renovation work on historic site to remove the somewhat ugly modern buildings. This is likely to reveal parts of Manchester not seen in centuries.

The Manchester Metrolink has been expnded with the new second city crossing and new stop in Exchange Square.

From here visitors can catch connections out of the city to Oldham and Rochdale with the complete city crossing route due to open in 2016.

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

In March 1996 on the anniversary of John Dee’s death in 1609 a local paranormal group attempted to levitate Manchester Corn Exchange.

The group believed alchemist, mathematician and some say, magician, John Dee, had lived for several years on the site of the Corn Exchange while exercising his duty as the Warden of the town in the Medieval buildings (today Chetham’s).

Manchester can claim to very many marvellous facts but this is the only one that involves modern magic. But then again prior to 1996 the Corn Exchange had hosted a rich assortment of strange and curious retailers, poets and low-rent offices.

Down on the former trading floor you could in half an hour buy a rare bootleg album by cult-Manchester band Magazine, have your tarot read, buy an obscure antiquarian book, a pair of tartan platform shoes and wait for that tattoo you’d always wanted. You could then cycle home on a top of the range bike from Harry Hall Cycles.

Upstairs Carcanet Press had their offices, one of the UK’s best-known poetry publishers and a labour of love from Mexican Michael Schmidt. Schmidt and Carcanet are still going strong after more than 45 years of rhyme and reason.

Yet the eccentric Corn Exchange as an ‘alternative’ market was just one episode in its history. The name gives the game away, it was mostly connected with food, either the trade in corn or wholesale grocery.

In 1834 several Manchester food merchants decided to create a covered market. They advertised for property to be sold and converted between Hanging Ditch and Fennel Street. Previously the market was held in all weathers on the corner of Cathedral Street and Fennel Street.

Less than three years later, on January 6th 1837, a grand dinner was given to celebrate the opening of the Corn Exchange.

The Manchester Guardian (now The Guardian) wrote, “We congratulate the promoters of the new edifice on at length possessing a corn exchange worthy of the importance of this great and flourishing town.”

It was a beauty too, although occupying only a fraction of the present site. The architect was Richard Lane who also designed the Friends Meeting House on Mount Street close to the Town Hall. The columned Classical building provided a façade to an 80ft by 70ft trading hall.

The attractive nature of hall meant it could be rented out in the evenings for concerts and entertainment and extra revenue extracted for the Corn Exchange shareholders.

Political meetings took place there too, including appropriately a renowned AntiCorn Law rally. For a while it was even a Sunday chapel and here the celebrated Wesleyan minister Rev Dr Brammont delivered some of his lectures.

As the nineteenth century progressed it became apparent the building was way too small for the growth in the Manchester grocery and corn trade.

Plans were put in place and eventually the whole city block bought and converted into the Corn Exchange we know today.

Architects Ball & Elce were responsible for the brick part to Fennel Street and Potts, Son & Pickup the rest.

The vastly enlarged building was finished in 1903 with its trademark dome and familiar Renaissance style façade.

There were good and profitable years following opening but they couldn’t last. Different ways of doing business, the movement of the trade from central locations, the growth in technology led to the closure of the Corn Exchange in the decades that followed WWII. The large trading floor was used as rehearsal space for the Royal Exchange Theatre Company for a while, part of Brideshead Revisited by Granada TV was filmed there and thereafter the eccentric market moved in.

Entertainment returned though. From the sixties to the nineties on the Fennel Street side of the building there’d been nightclubs with the two most well-known being Pips and Konspiracy, the latter following the other in the same space. Pips is remembered with complete affection.

It advertised ‘nine beautiful bars and eleven crowded dancefloors’ and with its Roxy and Bowie Rooms it was the city’s cool-glamour venue where extravagance was a la mode.

Despite having a room named in honour of his band, one story relates how the dapper Bryan Ferry was once refused admission for wearing jeans. Regulars from Manchester’s music scene included Joy Division/New Order boys, Ian Curtiss, Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook, The Smiths’ leaders Morrissey and Johnny Marr and Factory Records folk such as Tony Wilson and Peter Saville.

After the 1996 IRA bomb there was an attempt to turn the building into a shopping centre but the idea back-fired.

A return to food and drink, if not their wholesale provision, looks a far better bet.

This is a building of strong architecture married to rich history of trade and entertainment. It’s a building that elegantly locks down a strong central Manchester presence and should find it easy to rise again as a destination for food.

Of course it isn’t likely to levitate anytime soon despite the best efforts of the Manchester Area Psychogeographic but it will should provide a much more stable focus for Manchester life.

There’s lots of life in the 1834 institution yet.

Jonathan Schofield

Address The Corn Exchange Exchange Square, Manchester M4 3TR cornexchangemanchester.co.uk

6 2 VICTORIA STATION

CHETMAN’S LIBRARY

Exchange Square

1 Cathedral Gardens

Greengate Sq

Corporation St

8 7

9

3

3 2

PRINTWORKS 6

1

1 5

1 2 Cathedral Approach

10

4

HARVEY NICHOLS

3

4

Withy Grove

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5 11

Exchange Sq

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MANCHESTER ARNDALE

Deansgate

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

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

Cafes 1: Grindsmiths, Greengate Sq - A1 2: Harvey Nichols Brasserie, Cathedral Approach - B3 3: Proper Tea, Careatan St - B2 4: Selfridges Cafe, Exchange SQ - B3

Hotels 1: The Mitre Hotel, Cathedral App - B2

Manchester Quarters

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

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Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a district defined by its location, came into being in the early 1990’s.

A group of like minded people felt that the city needed a space where independent ventures could offer shopping experiences, entertainment, food and drink, thus the self styled ‘NQ’ was born.

The Northern Quarter’s borders fluctuate a little, depending on who you talk to, however it is generally accepted that they are Great Ancoats St to Piccadilly and the Rochdale Canal and Shudehill.

However, in 2015 a couple of entrepreneurs opened El Barrio, just north of Great Ancoats St, in Cutting Room Square and it looks like this is going to be a new hive of activity.

That has been joined by Rudy’s Pizzas, a general store and there are plans to open a Brewery, more bars and an ethical restaurant.

Prior to the NQ’s inception the area was a maze of disused warehouses and home to the Manchester ‘rag trade’, which in, recent years, has all but moved out to Cheetham Hill.

Other trade establishments included the ‘Smithfield Wholesale Fish Market’, on High St, and the ‘Fish and Poultry Market’, both opened in 1873.

Today the Fish Market is a residential space and the Manchester Craft and Design Centre occupies the old Fish and Poultry Market building on Oak Street.

Development of the Northern Quarter has, in the main, been very sensitive to the area’s heritage as an industrial zone.

Successful efforts have been made to retain the industrial look and feel of the area.

These, almost abandoned, red brick Victorian buildings and warehouses have proved to be ideal for developing into bars, cafes, entertainment centres, hotels and shopping units.

Many of the modern venues celebrate their history incorporating exposed original brickwork, iron columns and girders as part of their design and infrastructure. Take a look at Stage and Radio on Port Street.

Interestingly ‘Texture’, on Lever St, uses its brick walls to create some very clever 3D video modelling effects.

Today the ‘NQ’ offers visitors a cornucopia of attractions, such as independent retailers on Oldham St and Tib St, Craft Beer focused bars, afternoon tea shops, restaurants, dedicated music venues, bespoke Arts and Crafts and clubbing.

The ‘NQ’ streets and buildings even attract film makers from Hollywood, Pinewood and TV production companies.

Marvels ‘Captain America’ used Dale Street as a New York District and Guy Richie’s ‘Sherlock’ movies found ‘Old London town’ in local alleys and pathways.

So don’t be surprised if you turn a corner to discover a ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ scene happening, you might even find yourself in it; if your luck’s in.

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TARIFF & DALE

Shopping

The ‘NQ’ is a hive of independent retailers and specialist shops. Oldham St alone offers a tattoo and piercing parlour, retro and vintage clothing stores, vinyl record shops, and a vegan cafe.

Tib St has the excellent ‘Beermoth’ dedicated to craft beers and the bespoke clothing and corset maker Kiku. It is also home to several independent barbers and hairstylists, should you need one...

To celebrate your inner geek why not while away some time in comic haven Forbidden Planet or if you want to take a new skill away with you, Manchester craft supplies stalwart Fred Aldous, on Stephenson Square, has its own Ministry of Crafts school.

The infamous Afflecks, on Tib St, is an eclectic 4 floors containing over 70 specialist retailers and indie stall holders, making almost every visitors ‘must do’ list including Lady Gaga who couldn’t resist a visit when she recently performed in Manchester.

The fabulous Craft and Design Centre, Oak St, is home to over 30 independent designers’ studios crafting a variety of handmade work including ceramics, textiles and jewellery.

Voted one of the 25 coolest Restaurants in Britain by The Times.

Tariff & Dale is set out over two floors in a converted Cotton Spinner’s mill. It was created in the ‘New York Loft’ style with the bar and restaurant making use of the buildings authenticity.

The ground floor bar serves high quality drinks in a little bit of luxury and a democratic environment.

Classic cocktails are made with the Tariff & Dale creativity and the best of British craft beers are always on tap.

The basement restaurant has a stark elegance that sets the scene for classic cuisine with a modern influence.

Its menu is a straight tribute to good food and expert cooking with a deep appreciation of the best local produce. tariffanddale.com @tariffdale Address 2 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF tel: +44 (0) 161 710 2233 Opening hours Daily - From 10am

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Live Performance

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Long before the birth of the ’NQ’ live music was performed to appreciative audiences.

Band on the Wall, Swan St, so named because a landlord in 1930’s installed a band stage halfway up an inside wall, is home to not-for-profit ‘Inner City Music’ charity.

Within its walls you find a full diary of live music and education programmes created to help young and aspiring musicians.

Dry Bar, Oldham St, originally opened

by Tony Wilson’s Factory Records and New Order now houses Dry Bar Live in the basement. Next door the Night and Day Pub hosts a full diary of live music from touring and local bands.

Meanwhile back on Tib St, Matt & Phreds is the city’s premier Jazz venue with saloon like seating, a long bar and raised stage where you will see the very best Jazz performers and touring artists.

It is a key venue for the hugely successful Manchester Jazz Festival, 10 days of live music across the city annually during July.

If music isn’t your thing The Frog and Bucket, on Oldham St, is a Manchester comedy hotspot which launched the careers of Peter Kay, Jason Mansford and Sarah Millican.

It has a full calendar of events including supporting up and coming talent and is it stage is on the touring schedule for established comedians.

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

Dancing and Clubs

Many of the Northern Quarters bars have DJ’s spinning the decks into the early hours, especially across the long Thursday – Sunday weekend.

Some of the venues are dedicated clubs and you may need to book tickets to get in.

Mint, Oldham St, is a basement nightclub open Fridays and Saturdays until 4am and is home to the ‘Funkademia’ club.

If you feel like stretching your legs, just on the outskirts of the Northern Quarter is Band on Wall, Swan St. This is a popular live music venue and once a month it hosts the popular Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club.

Try to get tickets for the long running club Sankeys, Beehive Mill, Jersey St, or

The Warehouse Project, Store St, which runs weekly from late September to New Years Eve.

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Food and Drink

The Northern Quarter is perhaps most famous for its drinking and eating establishments, in fact the choice can be bewildering.

Tariff St with a length of a mere 100 meters has 6 venues on one side. This kind of dense packing of bars, restaurants and other venues is the ‘NQ’ norm.

Almost every bar offers a selection of cocktails, however we like the choices proffered by Walrus, High St, such as the ‘321 Boom’ or the choices at the American ‘speak-easy’ styled ‘Dusk till Porn’, Stevenson Sq. Real ales and beers are the staple drinks of the ‘NQ’, we can recommend Port St Beer House, on Port St or Pie & Ale, on

Oldham St, with its vast selection of bottles and its changing selection of hand pulled Manchester brewed beers.

Marble Brewery , 57 Thomas St, drinkers can enjoy beers from one of Manchesters best known brewers with offerings such as the eponymously named ‘Pint’ or the ‘Lagonda’ plus a large selection of Belgium Beers. If you’re a fan of the dark stuff, try the delicious Chocolate Marble.

Find ‘Beermoth’ on Tib St and you enter a beer drinker’s heaven. This off licence is small but packed with such an array of imported and specialist ales, beers and ciders you will need a truck to get even a small selection home [for more ideas look in the Food & Drink section].

El Capo is not your average Mexican joint that brings together traditional Mexican and South American design.

Yeah, they serve up delicious tortillas full of flavor, life-altering South American tapas, and wings that make you scream so loud the windows might shatter.

They also boast an epic happy hour, daily specials, and the best damn margaritas in town!

The ground floor bar offers over 120 tequilas and 80 mezcals, 18 cocktails and a great collection of bottled beers.

The hedonistic cellar cantina offers South American and Mexican food so authentic, you’d think it was flown over daily! elcaponq.co.uk facebook.com/ elcaponq @elcaponq Address 12 Tariff St, Manchester, M1 2FF tel: +44 (0) 161 237 3154 Opening hours Sunday to Wed - 12pm to 12am Thursday - 12pm to 1am Friday & Sat - 12pm to 2.30am

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It’s not all drink, for the Northern Quarter can quench your thirst and hunger for afternoon tea, cakes, coffee and handmade chocolates.

Try the ‘Tea Cup’, Thomas St, for afternoon tea, ‘North Tea Power’, Tib St, for great coffee and teas and artisan chocolates at ‘Bonbon Chocolate Boutique’, John St, but leave your diet behind...

And after ‘all that’ if you’re still feeling hungry? Never fear the ’NQ’ comes to the rescue, yet again. Looking for quality food then head to ‘The Northern Quarter’ restaurant (TNQ), High St, with its locally sourced fish, meat and vegetables you’re assured of a fine dining experience.

Trof, 8 Thomas St, offers good pub food, in its nice comfortable spaces, and their traditional Sunday Lunch is always in high demand.

Chicken your thing? Then check out ‘Yard and Coop’, Edge St, its chicken with a ‘secret’ crumb-coating combined with its ‘Chip Shop Chic’.

The ‘NQ’ has a good choice of international cuisines with several Middle Eastern Cafes on Thomas St or the ‘This and That’, a simple curry cafe, hidden round the corner from Trof.

El Capo, Tariff St, is a Mexicans delight and will re-invigorate even the most tired Bandito with its authentic Tacos and Mexican beer and eye-boggling selection of imported tequila.

Tariff & Dale on Tariff St is another popular haunt serving up good food, swish cocktails and a must try is the Meantime breweries Yakima Red. Ning is a Malaysian cuisine restaurant, at the north end of Oldham St. Its menu is a true flavour of Thailand cooking, created by the Formula 1 and Thai television cooking presenter chef Norman Musa.

Pizzas maybe ‘a run of the mill’ choice, however Ply, Lever St, or Rudy’s, Cutting Room Square, create great pizzas cooked in a traditional pizza ovens.

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Not the End

The ‘NQ’ offers a wealth of experiences and we cannot hope to cover them all, however, these last three are worth knowing about.

The Kraak gallery, tucked away around a corner on Stevenson Sq, has a calendar of special events and exhibitions.

Looking to hire a costume or outfit for a do? Then check out the Royal Exchange Theatres, little known, costume hire service sourced from its vast warehouse on Swan Street.

And finally the Center for Chinese Contemporary Art, on Thomas Street, celebrates its 30 years in 2016.

Working with Asia-based curators it aims to inform our understanding of developments in East Asia [cfcca.org.uk].

With so much going on in the Northern Quarter you may need to move here to experience it all.

Stage & Radio covers three floors of this historic Manchester building.

Regularly presenting ‘up and coming’ new live artists, intimate events, art exhibitions and much more.

The bar is sophisticated and offers 8 cask lines, 22 keg lines which have all been carefully selected from producers around the world.

The S&R classic cocktail menu has lots of special twists, there are premium spirits and a wine selection that will keep you happy all night.

Feeling hungry? Then try the amazing bar brunch menu or take a quick stroll up stairs to the first floor ‘New York’ style pizzeria. stageandradiomcr.co.uk gusto.manchester @stage_radio_mcr

— left Makers Market Stevenson Square, Manchester — right Tib Street Northern Quarter

Address 43 Port St, Manchester M1 2EQ Opening hours Daily - From Midday

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Manchester Quarters

Bars

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1: Almost Famous, High St - B2 2: Apotheca, Thomas St - B2 3: Bar21, Thomas St - B2 4: Burton Arms, Swan St - C1 5: Castle Hotel, Oldham St - D3 6: Cord, Dorsey St - C2 7: Crown & Kettle, Oldham Rd - D2 8: Dusk till Porn, Stevenson Sq - C3 9: Fringe Bar, Swan St - D1 10: Gullivers, Oldham St - D2 11: Hula Tikki Bar, Stevenson Sq - D3 12: Keno Moku, High St - B2 13: Lola’s Cocktail Bar, Tariff St - E4 14: Lost in Tokyo, Stevenson Sq - D4 15: Mother Macs, Little Lever St - C4 16: Night & Day, Oldham St - C3 17: NOHO, Stevenson Sq - C3 18: Port St Beer House, Port St - E4 19: Smithfield Market Tavern, Swan St - C1 20: Stage & Radio, Port St - E4 21: Texture, Lever St - D3 22: The City, Oldham St - D2 23: The Lower Turks Head, Shudehill - A2 24: The Northern, Tib St - C3 25: The Whiskey Jar, Tariff St - E4 26: Tusk, High St - B2 27: Twenty Two, Little Lever St - C4

Bars serving Food 1: Able Heywood, Turner St - B3 2: Affleck & Brown, Thomas St - C3 3: Allotment, Dale St - C4 4: B&G, Newton St - D4 5: Bakerie, Lever St - D3 6: Black Dog Ballroom, Tib St - B3 7: BLUU, High St - B2 8: Cane & Grain, Thomas St - B2 9: Common, Edge St - B2 10: Crafty Pig, Oldham St - B4 11: Crown & Anchor, Hilton St - D4 12: Dry Bar, Oldham St - C3 13: El Capo, Tariff St - D4 14: Hold Fast Cafe Bar, Hilton St - D4 15: Kosmonaut, Tariff St - D4 16: Lammars, Hilton St - E5 17: Odd Bar, Thomas St - B2 18: Pie & Ale, Lever St - D3 19: Ply, Stevenson Sq - D3

20: Q Bar, Newton St - D4 21: Rosy Lee, Stevenson Sq - D3 22: Shack, Hilton St - D4 23: Simple, Tib St - C3 24: Soup Kitchen, Spear St - C3 25: Tariff & Dale, Tariff St - D4 26: Terrace, Thomas St - B2 27: The Ancoats Lad, Oldham Rd - C2 28: The Bay Horse, Thomas St - B2 29: The Blue Pig, High St - B2 30: The English Lounge, High St - A2 31: The Millstone, Thomas St - C3 32: The Wheatsheaf, Oak St - C2 33: Thomas St Beer House, Thomas St - B2 34: Tib St Tavern, Tib St - C2 35: Trof, Thomas St - A2 36: Walrus, High St - B2 37: Yard & Coop, Edge St - B2

Cafes 1: Blue Daisy Cafe (vegan), Oldham St - C3 2: BonBon Chocolate, John St - B3 3: Chai Latte, Stevenson Sq - D3 4: Chapter One, Lever St - C4 5: Evelyns, Tib St - C3 6: Federal, High St - A2 7: Home Sweet Home, Edge St - C2 8: Kingfisher Fish & Chips, Tib St - C2 9: Koffee Pot, Oldham St - D2 10: Leos Fish Bar, Oldham St - B4 11: Maderia, Tib St - C3 12: Nexus Art Cafe, Dale St - C3 13: North Star Piccadilly, Dale St - D5 14: North Tea Power, Tib St - B3 15: Oklahoma, High St - A2 16: Pie Minister, Tib St - C3 17: Slice Pizzeria, Stevenson Sq - C3 18: Sugar Junction, Tib St - C3 19: Takk, Tariff St - D4 20: TEA 4/2, High St - A3 21: Teacup, Thomas St - B2 22: The Foudation Coffee Shop, Lever St - C4 23: The Mahabra, Back Piccadilly - C4 24: The Pen & Pencil, Tariff St - E4 25: This & That, Soap St - A2 26: V Revolution Cafe, Oldham St - D2 27: Ziefblat, Edge St - B2

Entertainment 1: Band on the Wall, Swan St - D1 2: Frog & Bucket, Oldham St - B2 3: Matt & Phreds, Tib St - C3 4: Mint, Oldham St - C3 5: Printworks, Withy Grove - A1 6: The Ruby Lounge, High St - A3

Galleries & Museums 1: Chinese Craft CCFA, Thomas St - B2 2: Kraak, Stevenson Sq - D3 3: Police Museum, Newton St - D4

Restaurants 1: {63}, High St - B2 2: Bem Brasil, Great Ancoats St - E2 3: Earth, Turner St - A1 4: Evuna, Thomas St - C3 5: Ning, Oldham St - D2 6: Solita, Turner St - B3 7: Sweet Mandarin, High St - B2 8: The Northern Quarter, High St - B2 9: Turtle Bay, Oldham St - C3

Shopping 1: Afflecks, Tib St - B3 2: Beer Moth, Tib St - C3 3: Black Sheep Manchester, Dale St - D4 4: Clampdon Records, Paton St - D5 5: Craft & Design Centre, Oak St - C2 6: Fred Aldus, Stevenson Sq - C3 7: Icognito, Stevenson Sq - D3 8: Kiku, Tib St - D2 9: Oxfam Emporium, Oldham St - B4 10: Oxfam Originals, Oldham St - C3 11: Piccadilly Records, Oldham St - C3 12: Real Camera Co., Lever St - C4 13: Richard Goodall Gallery, Thomas St - 2 14: Royal Exchange - Costume Hire, Swan St - C1 15: Spa Satori, High St - C1 16: Travelling Man Comics, Dale St - C4 17: Urban Exchange, Great Ancoats St - E4 18: Vinyl Revival, Thomas St - C3 19: Wobble you, Dale St - D5

Manchester Quarters

Spinningfields Cocktails, drinks, food and big brand Shopping

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Spinningfields is one Manchester’s must visit destinations and is nestled between Deansgate on the East and the river Irwell to the West.

Within it you will discover a busy world all set around large open spaces.

Spinningfields Square, next to the John Rylands Library, is a regular host to the Makers Market and is home to the underground restaurant Australasia (look for the glass pyramid).

Through day and night, the beating heart of the city’s most vibrant quarter combines world-class architecture, retail, offices and living spaces with the region’s best restaurants, creative outdoor spaces and more alfresco dining options than anywhere else in the region.

Discerning foodies will find solace at Aiden Byrne’s Manchester House or tapas restaurant, Iberica from Michelin Star Chef, Nacho Manzano.

Alternatively, a short walk toward to Gartside Street will take you to contemporary Chinese restaurant and celebrity favourite, Tattu whilst Spinningfields Square is home to the sophisticated subterranean Australasia.

On The Avenue, Brazilian restaurant, Fazenda and Comptior Libanais are only a stone’s throw from Manchester favourite, The Oast House.

Outside this rebuilt malting house is a large open space used for outdoor seating and it plays regular host to muisc and other entertainment.

The estate’s newest addition, Leftbank is home to The Garden, where casual and independent food and drink sit alongside a tranquil waterfront setting.

The inner-city oasis plays host to seasonal events, movie nights, supper clubs and is available for private hire, providing the Spinningfields community with the perfect place to while away the hours.

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THE ALCHEMIST

A cocktail bar & restaurant that celebrates molecular mixology, alchemy and craftsmanship.

Drinks are served in all manner of vessels with theatre and panache with food served morning, noon and night.

Changing colours, dry ice, hot and cold sensations and elements of nostalgia can all be found within the four walls of the menu.

The Leftbank is home to popular Indian restaurant, Scene as well as household names Zizzi, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Dockyard and Slug and Lettuce.

Alongside these venues are the critically acclaimed independent street food traders, Bangers & Bacon and Well Hung, now merged to create Beastro in The Kitchens.

If it’s a spot of shopping that you’re after, head straight to The Avenue where you’ll be spoilt for choice with fashion retailers including Flannels, Mulberry and Oliver Sweeney.

Emporio Armani has one of its flagship stores on Spinningfields Square, housed in an impressive modern edifice. This is next door to the John Rylands Library and Austrlasia’s pyyramid style entrance

There’s also the beautiful independent florist, David Wayman, who can create some of the most beautiful bouquets in the city.

Elsewhere, you’ll find the jeweler, Philip Stoner, whilst the monthly weekend Makers Markets bring some of Manchester’s best known independent traders to the estate.

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

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

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Manchester Quarters

Artisan

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Set in a vast 12,000 square foot, semi-industrial space on the first floor of The Avenue North in Spinningfields, Manchester.

Cooking goes back to basics in the fire, with pizzas, meat and fish it is casual dining at its best.

Think artist’s loft studio meets concrete warehouse: stripped back and raw. Showcasing sculptures, murals, art installations.

Open all day, everyday, serving brunch on weekends as well as lacing the city with music and drink into the night.

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

The Avenue with its many alfresco dining options; choose from the bustling Thaikun, The Oast House or Wahu each boast some of best outside terraces in the city.

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

Finally, take a look at ‘Through No. 3’, Spinningfields’ bespoke piece of public art created by Liz West, residing in Hardman Square will cloak Spinningfields in colour and allow visitors to see the estate transformed into a new light.

Spinningfields is a truly unique city quarter, providing Manchester with spectrum-wide innovation.

Food and drink, international retail, bespoke art and much sought after green space come together in the heart of the regions most exciting city quarter, making it the perfect place for visitors to explore and residents to call home.

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

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The Avenue

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

Cafes 1: Bagel & Nosh, Hardman St - C2 2: Carluccio’s, Hardman Square - C2 3: John Rylands Cafe, Deansgate - D2 4: Nudo - Sushi Box Spinningfields Sq - D3 5: Pret-a-Manger, Hardman Square - C2 6: The Kitchens, Leftbank - B2

Restaurants 1: Artisan, Avenue North - D2 2: Australaisa, The Avenue - E2 3: Comptoir Libanais, The Avenue - D2 4: Fazenda, The Avenue - D2 5: Gourmet Burger Co, Leftbank - B1 6: Grand Pacific, The Avenue - D2 7: Iberica, The Avenue - C2 8: Manchester House, Bridge St - C1 9: Nando’s, Hardman St - D3 10: Nieghbourhood, Avenue North - D2 11: Scene, Gartside St - B2 12: Tattu, Hardman St - B2 13: Thaikhun, The Avenue - D2 14: Wagmama, Spinningfields Sq - D2 15: Wahu, The Avenue - D2 16: Zizzi, Leftbank - B2

Manchester Quarters

Salford Quays

Art, shopping, theatre and Media City

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Salford Quays was originally part of the Victorian expansion of the Manchester Ship Canal.

It opened at the end of the 19th Century to provide improved cargo services and warehouse storage for the bustling world trade centre that was Manchester or Cottonopolis as it was known.

However, by the time that containerisation became the shipment method of choice, the Manchester Ship Canal simply was not deep enough to support the colossal new ships.

By the end of the 1970’s the docks were in decline and finally ceased operations in 1982.

Salford Council acquired the land in 1983 and with the help of new investment and a major redevelopment plan the space was rebranded ‘Salford Quays’ and ground was broken in 1985.

The docks were modified to create new internal waterways, bridges, roads and houses were built and the Lowry Arts Centre was established at the end of Pier 8.

Today the whole area is a major visitor attraction; within its spaces you will find the Lowry shopping mall complete with a cinema and bargains galore, the Imperial War Museum, the iconic Old Trafford, home to Manchester United, art galleries, bars, restaurants and the Lowry Theatre.

Further investment has brought the much-heralded Media City, the UK hub for television and radio, to the Quays.

Opened in 2011 it is now home to both of the UK’s national television broadcasters the BBC and ITV. The city centre Granada TV studios ceased television production in 2014, this required recreating the world famous Coronation Street in a purpose built waterside complex.

If you get a good vantage point, you can see the chimney pots poking over the top.

The BBC offers guided studio tours of their lots and facilities, you may even get the chance to make your own news or weather bulletin in an interactive studio [bbc.co.uk/showsandtours].

Shows such as The Voice and Countdown are also filmed here for which you can get free tickets if you apply in good time.

With this new lease of life, restaurants and bars seem to appear overnight with Grindsmiths, Damson and the Lowry’s Pier 8 currently leading the way.

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The Quays are full of contemporary architecture, with the Lowry Theatre or across the water the imposing Imperial War Museum and when dark falls the whole area looks like a massive Christmas tree.

Visitors can explore the permanent sculpture trail around the Quays. The art animates the rich industrial history and tells the stories of the men and women who lived and work on the docks [thelowryusq. com].

The Lowry Centre has a permanent display of local hero L.S Lowry’s work and hosts a calendar of rotating exhibitions.

Its 3 theatres are used for national and local touring shows and productions [thelowry.com].

The IWM looks at how war continues to shape people and their lives. Visit its huge galleries and watch the large video installations that focus on the historical impact of war on the nation.

You will be moved by the personal stories of the serving forces and their families left at home.

Sport is synonymous to the area with The Quays being home to Salford Watersports Centre, Manchester United Football Club and is a stone’s throw from Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

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

— above Media City Salford Quays

Manchester Quarters

Student & University

World class education and Noble Prize winning research

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Manchester is a world class centre for further education with its universities and higher education institutions focusing on a diverse range of disciplines.

Here you can study everything from English literature to physics and even musical training delivered by the world renowned Royal Northern College of Music.

The city centre University district is housed in and around Oxford Road.

Here you will find the Campuses of the University of Manchester, the Manchester Metropolitan University and the RNCM and the city plays host to over 85,000, 18+ year old, students each year.

In fact Manchester has over 14 higher education institutes including the popular University of Salford, just outside of the main city centre.

Given all this activity the huge body of students also find time to enjoy the city with many of its attractions, clubs and bars creating special nights, events and discounts to provide entertainment.

For example ‘The Academy’ is a music venue, run by the Students Union, where major international stars such as Kylie, Grace Jones and Prince have performed on its stages.

But it’s not all about partying; this is best reflected by the world class research that Manchester’s universities deliver and how they co-operate with other worldwide institutions and international private sector businesses.

For example since 1908, the University of Manchester has had 25 Noble Prize laureates among its staff.

And In 2010, Konstantin Novoselov and Andre Geim shared the Noble Prize for Physics for their research into the properties of Graphene.

With such successes Manchester continues to draw interest from across the world and its universities are changing to reflect the worldwide need for higher education.

The University of Manchester alone has just completed a 10 year investment plan of £350million to develop new facilities, teaching programmes and environments.

Many of the graduates of the Manchester’s universities are snapped up by worldwide research and development companies.

Engineering graduates can often be found working in the UK’s world leading North-West aeronautics industry.

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Students will follow in the footsteps of famous Manchester students such as Alex Garland, Jeanette Winterson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Elton, Alan Turing and The Chemical Brothers, success is never a stone’s throw away.

In a recent study by KPMG, Manchester was ranked as the most competitive location to do business beating Paris, Berlin and Rome, KPMG have put their money where their mouth is with a huge new office in St Peters Square.

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

— above Univeristy of Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL

Manchester Quarters

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Placed at the heart of campus, the University of Manchester Students’ Union is the hub of student life.

They understand better than anyone that student life isn’t just about studying.

It’s about supporting change; helping students make friends, gain vital skills for life, enjoy new experiences and campaign on something important.

As the largest Students’ Union in the country, it has been facilitating that for the last 155 years, and its purpose is to be the voice of 40,000 members, effecting change and enriching student life together.

The Students’ Union building was constructed in the 1950s when there were only 4,000 students studying at Manchester and it has grown a bit since then.

As part of the University Campus Masterplan, the University of Manchester Students’ Union has been granted funding to improve and increase the size of the Students’ Union, the first time since 1957.

Using invaluable feedback from both staff and students it will be extending the building and making some huge changes to the way that it operates and the services it deliver.

Supporting the students in getting the most from their time in Manchester, and there’s no better example of this than the 487 student societies.

Encouraging all manner of societies, and if a student can’t find the one, they’ll assist them every step of the way in setting one up themselves.

Its impact is far from just internally facing. Organising a range of volunteering and fundraising projects that raised £283,395 for causes both in Manchester and across the globe in 2015.

They also support students in getting their voices heard on the wider issues that matter to them. 2015’s Reclaim The Night campaign saw over 2,000 students and community members unite to say no to sexual violence against women.

They also support an LGBTQ society, BME students group and host Earth Week annually, highlighting our commitment to projecting the voices of the students.

With plans to host the 2016 Just-Fest, a festival championing social justice together with our Ethical Grand Challenge.

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Moving to a new city is never easy, which is why the Union invest so much time and resource in its independent and confidential Advice Service.

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

Of course, they also understand that students enjoy letting their hair down.

That’s why they work with them to deliver Pangaea Festival three times a year.

Pangaea is Europe’s largest student and volunteer led festival, with January’s festival hosting almost 6,000 students.

The Students’ Union is also home to the iconic Manchester Academy venues, including ‘The Academy’. Situated on Oxford Road, you’ll be hard pressed to think of any major music act which has not passed through these venues including Foo Fighters, Kylie, Pink Floyd, Oasis and Prince.

— left MMU Library Interior Manchester Metropolitan University (cc) Birely — right The Academy Oxford Road, Manchester M14 4PX

Manchester Transportation

Getting About Transportation in the city: Buses, trams and taxis

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Whether you land at Manchester International Airport or arrive at Piccadilly Station, the national railway connection, you will find that Manchester has a superb public transportation service.

Extending from the city centre there are bus routes, local train services and the excellent tram service that will get you where you need to be with little fuss.

Of course if you are staying the city then these same services will enable you visit further afield places and generally make your visit easier when travelling around the city or out to its suburbs.

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 or even Glasgow to mention just a few.

Manchester’s ever-growing tram network, known as Metrolink, is a modern wonder, it will seamlessly move you around the city.

Its network of 91 destinations on 57 miles of track include places such as Media City, in Salford Quays, great for visiting the Lowry Centre or connecting you to directly to Manchester Airport.

The Free bus routes 1,2, and 3 do not require any tickets simply get on and off where you want.

The Metrolink tram services require tickets and these can be purchased on each station platform via the electronic ticketing machine, either single or return ticket as you need.

These machines accept UK Sterling coins, notes and credit or debit cards.

There is a minor restriction on the tram tickets and it is that ‘You must start your journey within 120 minutes’ of buying your ticket, this is not applied to your return journey.

Bus and Metrolink tickets do not need validating.

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You can find ticket and service information by visiting the Metrolink website [metrolink.co.uk].

If you are travelling with your family, up to three children accompanied by one or two adults, you can travel anywhere on the network by purchasing a Family Day Travelcard for only £6.20 (off peak) or the unlimited Family Weekend Travelcard for only £8.00.

There is a single person ‘Weekend Travelcard’ for just £5.80 that enables travel anywhere on the network from 6pm Friday until the last tram on Sunday night.

The bus operators have specific fares covering journeys you may want to take.

If you travel using Stagecoach, or the Magic Bus, services the ‘Dayrider’ individual ticket is just £4.00, the ‘Dayrider Plus’ Adult and Child is £5.00 and the ‘Group Dayrider’, up to two adults and up to three children, is only £7.00.

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.

— above Manchester Tram Exchange Square

Manchester Transportation

Manchester Transport Maps

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