Although Manchester may not be the most awe-inspiring city in the world with its dingy alleyways and one of the highest percentages of homeless people in England its becoming a paradise for young creatives. Much like Leeds from where I hail, Manchester has a certain charm with plenty of cosy coffee shops to hide in on Winter days and a buzzing student community. The industrial city whose motif is a bee to celebrate their working class heritage is brimming with culture from their prominent art scene to their underground eateries and bars.
// Morning, Brunch and Afternoon //
If you're anything like me then when you visit a new city you probably stop for coffee at least three times in a full day. How else are you supposed to keep on exploring when you run out of fuel? With interesting cafes at every corner Northern Quarter gives you exponential choice from vegan lifestyle coffee shops to stripped back co-working tea houses. Northern Tea Power on Tib Street is exactly the latter with communal benches perfect for university students and collaborators alike while their unique brand of tea is sold here exclusively.
Fig and Sparrow is an example of the former containing a similar communal cafe experience however crossed over with a lifestyle store, selling beautifully designed cards and wrapping paper. They also have an Airbnb loft apartment which used to be the residence of the cafes two owners in case you're looking for somewhere cool to spend the night.
If you're looking for something a bit more substantial Infamous Diner next to the Arndale shopping centre on the fringes of Northern Quarter is an instant favourite. Walking in you're transported into a traditional American diner with lots of red and white. They sell the typical thick burgers and cheese covered fries as well as boasting a rather swanky bar area when the Manchester smog is starting to get to you.
// Late Morning //
Bit of a reader? Magma should be on top of your list. The little store sells interesting magazines (you won't find vogue or GQ in there), travel guides, books on how to foster your creativity, unique kids books and random trinkets such as your very own bee nest making kit. It's a bit of a favourite for residents and tourists, and right next to Fig and Sparrow!
If you're willing to stray a little out of Northern Quarter you'll find Paramount Books opposite Arndale. It's your typical neighborhood bookstore, with shelves upon shelves of obscure fiction titles, a Sherlock Holmes shrine harboring a chunky collection, dusty piles of National Geographic and mounds of comics from Marvel to Doctor Who. It's a neat little place to hide out if you don't mind listening to the owners singing once in a while.
// Afternoon //
Maybe you don't get your creative kick from reading. Not to worry, the Manchester Art Gallery is there to feed your hungry eyes. During my visit I had an eclectic mix of exhibitions to choose from; Japanese fashion, minimalist home wares and the reigning kings of medieval art. Lets not forget the gift shop, a kick-ass store in its own right.
As a creative city Manchester has retained its working class work ethic and transformed it to open some unexpected heavens.The imagination of the city has injected itself into every street. Afflecks Palace, erected in 1981, is one of the veteran department stores found on Church St. Whereas in any other English city it would stand out like a sore thumb Afflecks molds perfectly in with the street, a catacomb of alternative shopping and unusual eateries. Once inside you'll find yourself in a labyrinth of three floors. Shops include fancy dress stores, a Henna stall, tattooists, plenty of illustration vendors from traditional to geometric styles, vintage video game places, Tarot readers, American candy sellers and clothing boutiques. There are also a few unique places to eat such as the cereal cafe and Ginger's Comfort Emporium, an ice-cream cafe with plush red velvet booths.
// Evening //
Yes Manchester is one creative (if not dusty) gem of a city but their nightlife is almost unparalleled, especially in the Northern Quarter. They have Old English bars, sports lounges up the wazoo, Japanese-style hangouts, vibrant venue spaces and modern music halls. Dive NQ, a basement bar situated next to Afflecks, hosts some of the best bands from Manchester and the surrounding county. One of my favorite gigs I've ever been to has been had here. Even though they were a small Sheffield band the bar quickly became packed with people purely there for a good time. The bar also is a popular place to watch live sport, if you're into that kind of thing.
Cane and Grain invites its visitors to drink in three different watering holes without even having to leave the building. The three floor bar consists of the ground floor New York-style restaurant, first floor Science and Industry and above that a secret bar, The Liar's Lounge. Each bar has its own unique vibe and that guarantees you a great night out.
Bit of a reader? Magma should be on top of your list. The little store sells interesting magazines (you won't find vogue or GQ in there), travel guides, books on how to foster your creativity, unique kids books and random trinkets such as your very own bee nest making kit. It's a bit of a favourite for residents and tourists, and right next to Fig and Sparrow!
If you're willing to stray a little out of Northern Quarter you'll find Paramount Books opposite Arndale. It's your typical neighborhood bookstore, with shelves upon shelves of obscure fiction titles, a Sherlock Holmes shrine harboring a chunky collection, dusty piles of National Geographic and mounds of comics from Marvel to Doctor Who. It's a neat little place to hide out if you don't mind listening to the owners singing once in a while.
// Afternoon //
Maybe you don't get your creative kick from reading. Not to worry, the Manchester Art Gallery is there to feed your hungry eyes. During my visit I had an eclectic mix of exhibitions to choose from; Japanese fashion, minimalist home wares and the reigning kings of medieval art. Lets not forget the gift shop, a kick-ass store in its own right.
As a creative city Manchester has retained its working class work ethic and transformed it to open some unexpected heavens.The imagination of the city has injected itself into every street. Afflecks Palace, erected in 1981, is one of the veteran department stores found on Church St. Whereas in any other English city it would stand out like a sore thumb Afflecks molds perfectly in with the street, a catacomb of alternative shopping and unusual eateries. Once inside you'll find yourself in a labyrinth of three floors. Shops include fancy dress stores, a Henna stall, tattooists, plenty of illustration vendors from traditional to geometric styles, vintage video game places, Tarot readers, American candy sellers and clothing boutiques. There are also a few unique places to eat such as the cereal cafe and Ginger's Comfort Emporium, an ice-cream cafe with plush red velvet booths.
// Evening //
Yes Manchester is one creative (if not dusty) gem of a city but their nightlife is almost unparalleled, especially in the Northern Quarter. They have Old English bars, sports lounges up the wazoo, Japanese-style hangouts, vibrant venue spaces and modern music halls. Dive NQ, a basement bar situated next to Afflecks, hosts some of the best bands from Manchester and the surrounding county. One of my favorite gigs I've ever been to has been had here. Even though they were a small Sheffield band the bar quickly became packed with people purely there for a good time. The bar also is a popular place to watch live sport, if you're into that kind of thing.
Cane and Grain invites its visitors to drink in three different watering holes without even having to leave the building. The three floor bar consists of the ground floor New York-style restaurant, first floor Science and Industry and above that a secret bar, The Liar's Lounge. Each bar has its own unique vibe and that guarantees you a great night out.
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