Manchester is not only my hometown, it is one of my favourite places in the world. I love how unique and interesting the city is and even though I am biased growing up so close, it is definitely one of the most amazing cities that I have ever known.
I love nothing more than championing my city and in this post I have decided to share with you the best hidden gems and my favourite things to do in the city which will hopefully become your faves too next time you visit!
The Northern Quarter is definitely my favourite area of Manchester. It has got to be one of the coolest places in the UK - kind of like Manchester's version of London's Camden but better! Street after street of independent shops, cool cafes, quirky bars and the best street art it's an area not to be missed whilst visiting Manchester.
Afflecks Palace
There are so many cool and unique places in the Northern Quarter but you cannot make a trip to the streets without visiting Afflecks Palace. Afflecks is a massive indoor 'market' home to dozens of independant stalls, small shops, and boutiques. It is a fantastic place to shop for anything from fancy dress, alternative clothing, jewellery, records and so much more. You can even get a tattoo, hair cut and eat some cereal whilst visiting!
One particular store in Afflecks that I love is a jewellery boutique on the second floor called 'Abacus'
Here you will find gorgeous silver jewellery, body piercing jewellery and so much more. I love to wear dainty rings and this is the best place to buy real silver gems for a great price.
Fred Aldous Art Supplies
Fred Aldous Art Supplies is a fantastic art, craft and gift shop located in Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter. This is any creatives dream and I love to wander around the massive store.
On the ground floor you are sure to find a unique gift or pull some silly poses in the photo booth. Take the steps downstairs and spot aisles filled with hundreds of craft supplies providing the materials and inspiration to help you get creative.
The Northern Quarter is well known for it's sensational street art and Stevenson Square is the heart of it all. The well known square is made up of great cafes and bars whilst the main attraction is always the latest art piece in the centre of the square.
Over time there have been some amazing pieces of art in the centre of the square including a portrait of the legendary David Bowie and currently there is a touching memorial of the 22 lives lost in the tragic Manchester bombing a few months ago.
Castlefield
Once a hub of industrial activity, Castlefield is now one of the city's most tranquil spots. Whilst being only a short minute walk from the hustle of the city, Castlefield is a relaxing area of Manchester located along the canal and being home to several bars and resturants which are particulary popular during the summer months when people flock the area to enjoy the large outdoor drinking areas and regular live music events.
With patches of grass and large pub beer gardens, it's like being in an unsually bustling countryside within the city. As you can imagine, Castlefield really comes alive in the summer months when the beer gardens open and music and food festivals pop up almost every weekend.
Bars
Manchester is well known for it's electric night life and there are some fantastic bars across the city offering great music, drink and atmosphere. I particularly love the smaller bars in the Northern Quarter and I have noted down a few of my favourites which I particullary love and think you will too.
Cord bar
Cord Bar is a small cocktail bar hidden in a small corner of Manchester's Northern Quarter just off Tib Street. Cord bar serves up the best cocktails in town. The cocktails are unique, strong and you'd be silly to leave without trying the 'Jungle Boojie' - it's my favourite.
The bar can get very busy on a Saturday night but I love the atmosphere and great music.
The Blue Pig
If you're in town on a Friday night then you must call in the Blue Pig for a drink or two. Happy Hour runs all day Friday 12noon- close and most cocktails are priced at just £5 which is simply too good to resist! Evenings and weekends are hosted by some of Manchester's finest DJ's so the music is always great.
The food is not to be sniffed at either, The Blue Pig's Sunday Roasts are the best in Manchester and are the perfect way to end a weekend in the city.
Jimmys
Jimmys was opened in January earlier this year by One Night Only bandmates and brothers George and Jimmy Craig. Manchester is and always has been known for it's great music and I think that the two brothers have done a great job of opening this hub for people to get together over 'good beer, good music, good times' .. as promised by the retro cinema style lightbox hanging over the door.
Downstairs from the main bar is a dark and dingy den, lit up with limited edition band posters, old pub tables, red comfy sofas, a pool table and pinball machine to play on. Down here you will often find to be the venue to be home to an electric programme of live music, comedy and spoken word.
Back upstairs, from the bar you can order a wide range of keg beers, great no-nonsence cocktails (all £7.50) and good wines.
Marble on 57 Thomas Street
If you're looking for a chilled environment to catch up with friends then Marble on 64 Thomas Street is the place to be. Downstairs is a beer lovers dream with the best of the best collection of draught and bottled beers whilst upstairs you can grab a unique well shaken cocktail.
If you're lucky to grab one of the seats outside on a hot day then you've got the best seat in the house for sure!
Coffee & Food
If you know me then you'll know that I'm a big coffee fan and I love nothing more than catching up with friends over a good cappuccino. I also find that a coffee shop is the perfect place to sit down with my laptop and write blog posts over a warm drink. In the Northern Quarter you will find lots of small independent coffee shops and I have picked out a few of my favourites to share with you.
Fig & Sparrow
The Fig & Sparrow is an independent lifestyle store and coffee house in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter selling unique gifts and handmade cards as well as serving up the best coffee in town. I love the chilled atmosphere and cool set up inside the store which makes an ideal environment for catching up with friends or settling down over a book or some work.
Along with serving a great flat white, the fig + sparrow also have a great breakfast and lunch menu. My favourite is the mozzarella, pesto and sundried tomato salad with wholemeal sourdough on the side ... lush!
They also have seats outside which makes the perfect hot spot when the sun makes a rare apperance in the city.
Ezra & Gil
If you've got a few hours to kill in town and are looking for a place to wind down over a good coffee then you've got to call in on Ezra and Gil.
Ezra- meaning 'Helper' & Gil- meaning 'Happiness, Ezra & Gil's ethos is all about creating a great experience with a relaxed mood and great coffee. This is my go to place in the city when I want to unwind and it is the most welcoming place to sit down in the corner with your laptop and get some work done.
Ezra & Gil have a large food menu along with plenty of tempting sweet treats on the counter. The smashed avocado with poached egg is a must try and the raspberry and coconut slice is delicious.
Federal
Looking for brunch? There's no other choice than Federal! It's THE best place in town to get breakfast/ brunch. Federal is an independent and locally owned coffee shop serving Ozone coffee and a fresh, locally sourced brunch menu in a cosy and friendly atmosphere.
The coffee is always great and the food is even better; you must try the mushrooms, I have no idea how they cook them but they are delcicious! (haha!)
Federal are also a fully licensed bar enabling you to enjoy a cheeky gin and tonic with your brunch or a Federal cocktail after work- the bloody mary's look amazing!
If you're not already tempted to visit, Federal offer 2 cocktails for £10 after 4pm every day!!
Whether you're a fellow Mancunian or not, I hope that i've helped tempt you to try out some of my favourite places in the city and if you have any different reccomendations then I'd love to hear them! Let me know in the comments :)
