Discover Manchester: A City of Culture and Flavor
It’s no Florentine oil painting, but there are moments of beauty in Manchester. A grapheneblack cormorant breaking the surface of the Irwell, the thick terracotta tiles of the Refuge building that you want to break off like toffee and eat. Earlier this year, I found a fresh view from the Castlefield Viaduct: a miniature High Line where clematis and ferns sprout amid the girders. Looking across, I could see both the ruins of the Roman fort and the four towers of Deansgate Square, flashing sunlight like beacons marking out new territory. Manchester’s a little greener these days, a little softer. In Mayfield Park, conjured from rail-yard dereliction, I walk over cast-iron beams, half-buried in the grass like fossils.
Getting to Manchester
Manchester has the UK’s third busiest airport, with flights to 199 destinations. Trains into the city centre run every 10 minutes, seven days a week and take around 20 minutes. Manchester Piccadilly is the city’s main train station, offering connections from most major train stations throughout the UK. Moreover, the city has good bus, train, and tram services.
The Best Hotels in Manchester
There are so many empty warehouses being transformed into vibrant places to stay. The recently opened Forty-Seven on Peter Street promises comfort and accessibility. Meanwhile, the Malmaison Manchester Deansgate boasts the best views over the refurbished Town Hall. Soho House is expected to open later in 2024 in the former Granada Studios, while Treehouse Manchester, a playful addition, is coming in the summer of 2024. It will feature a zero-waste restaurant led by Bury-born chef Mary-Ellen McTague and a rooftop pool for guests to enjoy.
What to Do in Manchester
Last summer, I attended a performance at New Century Hall, a restored mid-century venue that has hosted legendary acts. Manchester is also home to a flourishing number of live music venues, from intimate settings like the Blues Kitchen to the grand Aviva Studios. This £242-million facility is designed to accommodate various artistic expressions, continuing Manchester’s rich tradition of accessible culture.
The Best Street Food in Manchester
Manchester has transformed its culinary landscape with food-halls emerging amidst its historic industrial architecture. Freight Island sprawls across the Mayfield railway depot, combining the essence of fairground and festival culture, while Diecast recently emerged in a nearby metalworks, offering a unique dining experience. Other notable spots include the more compact Society and Kargo MKT, both located on Salford Quays.
The Best Restaurants in Manchester
Simon Martin’s Mana has made headlines as the city’s Michelin-star recipient. However, Erst remains a favorite among locals for its laid-back atmosphere and seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients. In 2023, Higher Ground opened, showcasing exciting flavor combinations and a commitment to using fresh produce from local farms. Meanwhile, Another Hand serves as a delightful café by day and a buzzing restaurant by night.
The Best Bars in Manchester
Arriving in Manchester, one must visit Schofield’s Bar, a cocktail haven where you can enjoy expertly crafted classic drinks. The Schofield brothers bring a wealth of experience, blending traditional techniques with modern flair. For natural wine enthusiasts, bars such as Flawd and The Jane Eyre offer an impressive selection of wines from around the world, showcasing Manchester’s evolving food and drink scene.
