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Maybe Manchester, a priori, sounds to you like soccer, rain and other clichés that the English drag along -the same as Spain with paella, sangria and flamenco-. But you should know that the city known as the capital of the north of England is a box of surprises and has become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, with endless possibilities at your fingertips: from history to culture, trends, architecture, nature, leisure and, of course, gastronomy.
Although all this is not new because Manchester has always been at the forefront of everything. It became the first industrialized urban center – especially highlighting the cotton mills -, pioneered the suffragette movement in Europe, launched the first passenger railway line and was even the birthplace of the vegetarian movement. With all this, it is not surprising that Manchester is living a moment of splendor, having found the perfect balance between history and roots, and innovation and freshness.
As if we were just another Mancunian -that’s the city’s nickname-, in Tapas we have made a 48-hour express tour of different hotspots in Manchester, with food as the common thread. We assure you that you’ll want to come back. But don’t worry, because with airlines like Iberia Express you have it very easy: 4 weekly frequencies (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) and you get there in just 2 hours and a half, with guaranteed punctuality. So, if you are stung by curiosity -or the Mancunian bee, symbol of the city and representing the industry and work ethic-, take note of what to do and, above all, where to eat in Manchester.
Let’s start in the Roman heart of the city
To keep up with the frenetic pace that awaits us, we start the day with a good caffeine kick at Haunt MCR (58 Peter St), an Italian-inspired specialty coffee shop by day and wine bar in the evening that will recharge your batteries. Plus, the place also has space to work, in case you need free wifi. It is located on the border between the Civic Quarter and Petersfield neighborhoods, and during the walk to our first stop you can visit such emblematic buildings as the Central Library, the City Hall, the Bridgewater Hall -main concert hall-, the Manchester Central Convention Complex -an old train station converted into an exhibition and conference center-, or the Opera House.
We headed to the Castlefield area, a little further away from the city center, to take a trip back in time to the year 79 AD, when the first Roman settlement was created, which at that time was called Mamucium. Today, you can still see remains of that time such as the fortification or the granary. It is also ideal for strolling because it is located on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal, which is full of bars and entertainment venues (*As an anecdote, there is a tapas bar called Barça, in honor of our soccer team).
But one of the jewels of the neighborhood is undoubtedly the Castlefield Viaduct (Catalan Square, Duke St), a spectacular sky park built on an old railway viaduct from the Victorian era. It is an urban garden in the heights, in the historic center of the city, which is part of a pilot project that will only be open to the public until the summer of 2024 -in principle-. Here, in addition to being able to enjoy curious species of plants and shrubs, it is also a meeting point for activities as diverse as concerts, talks, events, yoga sessions, games, or simply disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of the world. You can book a free visit through the National Trust website.
Food for all tastes
To refuel, we have several options in other parts of the city, but all within 20-30 minutes walking distance at most. If you prefer a more relaxed meal, where you can try different stalls, the ideal place is Freight Island (11 Baring St), a market located in the old Mayfield station, which has plenty of food and drink outlets, as well as entertainment activities. For those who want to stay more in the downtown area, an alternative is Exhibition (St George’s House, 56 Peter St), an establishment that also has several fusion and exotic food stalls: from British to Scandinavian, Brazilian, Italian and even Basque cuisine. It is located opposite the Haunt MCR café.
And as we are in the cradle of vegetarianism, the last choice for lunch is Bundobust, a fusion of Indian street food totally vegetarian, which you can accompany with some of their craft beers. They have two locations in the city, but in this case it is more recommendable the one in Piccadilly Gardens (61 Piccadilly), because our express tour will continue right there.
Mandatory walk through the most creative neighborhood
The afternoon is also expected to be busy, but there is time for a relaxed stroll through the Northern Quarter, the most modern and creative neighborhood of the city. Ideal for getting lost among art galleries, street art, clothing stores, bars or markets. A good option is to visit Afflecks (52 Church Street), an independent market where you can find everything from iconic vinyl, vintage clothing, jewelry and handmade pieces, to tattoo studio or barbershop and even eat dumplings or ice cream. On the way out, you can sneak into the Night & Day (26 Oldham St), a classic pub with live music.
For the real foodies, a good plan can be to take a gastronomic tour with Scranchester, a company headed by Rob Kelly, which is dedicated to take you bite by bite through the most outstanding gastro points of the city, while he teaches you curious aspects of the history of Manchester. They cost around 70 € per person and, although the schedule is usually from noon, they also give the option of organizing private tours.
The cultural explosion…
At this point of the day, the best thing to do is to opt for a cultural activity. Undoubtedly, Aviva Studios (Water St) is a must. It is a new mega cultural space that opened its doors in October and is already a reference in the art world. And no wonder, because this colossal project, which has been in the making for 8 years, has involved a total investment of almost 270 million euros, the largest cultural investment in the UK since the Tate Modern (and that was in 2000).
Aviva Studios is the home of Factory International, a multidisciplinary company whose projects combine renowned figures with emerging artists from Manchester. The starting signal for Aviva Studios was given by the show Free Your Mind directed by the Mancunian Danny Boyle, director of such well-known films as Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire. It is an ambitious Matrix-style production in which dance, acting, music and lights are intermingled with a strong critique of today’s society. Lost and Found, a magical theatrical show that alternates puppets and video projections with a cast of characters that will entertain all audiences, not only the youngest. The ticket price is around 23 €.
…and the culinary explosion
A show of such magnitude deserves a gastronomic tribute to close our first day in Manchester. A safe bet is Higher Ground (Faulkner House, New York St). After less than a year since its opening, this modern and sober, but very cozy place has already become one of the best restaurants in the city. In fact, it has been included among the 100 best restaurants in the UK and recommended by the Michelin Guide. This bistro places great value on products, always seasonal and from small local producers or grown on its farm in Cheshire.
Its gastronomic proposal is changing and original, designed especially for sharing and accompanied by its excellent wine list. You can perfectly let yourself be advised by their friendly team to try delicacies such as pea and cheddar cheese fritters Quicke or braised red cabbage with red wine and hot potatoes. On their menu there are also options like the Uchiki Kuri squash with goat curd and sea buckthorn or the Char-grilled leek with oyster mayonnaise. A plus is its open kitchen where you can even eat at the bar. Just 300 meters from this restaurant is also one of the premises of the media chef Gordon Ramsay, Lucky Cat (100 King St), Asian-inspired, located inside the old Midland Bank.
Ancoats: from the origin of the industrial revolution to the new cool district
If the first 24 hours in Manchester have seemed frenetic, during the second day the pace does not stop either. Returning to our scouting through the Northern Quarter, you can’t miss all the nooks and crannies hidden in its streets, full of street art and history. Also curious cafes like Siop Shop (53 Tib St), a cozy Lego-inspired place that is well known for its delicious donuts.
The less early risers or those who prefer to go directly to the appetizer or brunch, also have in this neighborhood options like Mackie Mayor (Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle St), a food hall inside a historic meat market of 1858. It has 9 stalls where you can enjoy pizzas, tacos, burgers, ramen or Thai food, among others.
A few meters from this market, you can move to one of the most emerging neighborhoods of Manchester: Ancoats. Considered the first industrial suburb of the world, its streets clearly reflect that past. Where once there were dozens of cotton and glass factories, or printing presses and mills, today it is occupied by restaurants, cultural venues and modern houses, which have ended up making this area the coolest in the city; when decades ago it dragged a dubious reputation.
The culinary and cultural effervescence that Manchester is experiencing in recent times is clearly reflected in this neighborhood. The gastro scene finds in Ancoats a perfect ally to enhance and settle an offer increasingly focused on haute cuisine. In fact, among its streets is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Manchester.
With a proposal of creative British cuisine, at Mana (42 Blossom St), chef Simon Martin highlights the value of local cuisine using the knowledge acquired in his travels around the world. His menu is full of creative elaborations, always seasonal. Eating at Mana is an experience that breaks down traditional barriers in the physical and reflexive senses, as his team affirms.
Practically on the same street, you will find another of the most outstanding restaurants in the city: Erst (9 Murray St). This modern wine bar with an industrial feel is perfect for a quiet evening with friends. Its highlights are the natural wines, which you can accompany with simple portions of beet, white garlic and chili; friggitelli peppers, ricotta, anchovies; or lamb carpaccio and pickled green tomatoes, among others.
You can’t leave the neighborhood without trying Ancoats Coffee (9, Royal Mill, 17 Redhill St) which, in addition to serving delicious coffee, the place is located inside a cotton mill, which makes the experience even more immersive in the history of the neighborhood.
The Mancunian tardeo
For the last hours in the city, we would have to enjoy the good evening that Manchester offers. In addition, there is something for all tastes and moments. In the heart of the Piccadilly neighborhood, it is a must to visit Diecast (51 Ducie St), in Piccadilly. Classified as the “new creative district”, this market in full expansion is located in a former metal factory, so the context is going to be totally innovative. Here you will find different places inside with casual proposals based on pizzas or cocktails. And all enlivened with live music, DJ’s, performances or different shows.
A more bohemian and relaxed moment can be found at Ducie Street Warehouse (Ducie St), also in the Picadilly neighborhood. During the day it is a coworking space where entrepreneurs and creatives meet. In the evening, it transforms into a bar where you can have a drink, enjoy live music or socialize in good company. On Saturdays they serve their Ducie Party Brunch menu, a real feast that you can enjoy with an open bar that costs 46 €, and includes beers, margaritas and Aperol.
Those who want to enjoy the most diverse and fun Mancunian night, can always go to Canal St, the LGTBIQ+ area par excellence, which has a multitude of bars where people enjoy with good vibes. And if your body is in the mood to party, you can check out the programming of The Warehouse Project, a regular session with the best DJ’s and electronic music producers. It takes place in Mayfield Depot (Mayfield Train Station), the old train station abandoned in 1960, which is now the headquarters of the party in capital letters. But check the dates very well, because the tickets are usually sold out very quickly.
Bonus track: unwind at RHS Garden Bridgewater
Once these 48 intense hours have passed, Manchester will surely move away from the impostor idea that you had of a boring, gray and routine city to become one of those recurring getaways that you will want to do as soon as the opportunity arises (or you find a cheap flight on Iberia Express).
But it’s not all hustle and bustle in the northern capital. Manchester and its surroundings also offer attractive green spaces such as RHS Garden Bridgewater (Occupation Rd, Worsley), an imposing 62-hectare garden, which boasts one of the largest walled gardens in the UK and is considered one of the most important gardening projects in Europe. It is also a meeting point for the Salford community. Ideal if you just want to take a walk and enjoy its different spaces, but also offers various activities for all audiences.
Additional information
Where to stay?
How to arrive?
- Iberia Express has tickets from 24 €. The low cost airline from Madrid has 4 weekly frequencies and departures every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. In addition to being the most punctual low cost airline in Europe, Iberia Exprés offers affordable prices with high quality standards.
More info: https://www.iberiaexpress.com/
If you need any additional information, you can find it at Visit Britain (www.visitbritain.com/es) and Visit Manchester (www.visitmanchester.com).
