48 hours in Manchester’s Northern Quarter

In the heart of vibrant and cosmopolitan Manchester lies the Northern Quarter. Representing culture, creativity and individuality this area has miraculously retained its appealing originality. With an eclectic mix of something old and something new, the Northern Quarter is an Aladdin’s cave waiting to be explored.

Day One

Begin your short stay by checking into the City Inn, situated right next to Piccadilly station. This is a stylish, welcoming hotel mirroring the vibrancy of the city, only a 5 minute walk from the Northern Quarter!

Stop off for breakfast at Cup, owned by the popular DJ, producer, cartoonist and tea drinker; Mr. Scruff. Cup offers a perfect fusion of great food, music and art. Why not try their magnificent porridge with raisins, sultanas and syrup with a good cup of tea.

Spend the morning in the heart and soul of the Northern Quarter – Affleck’s. Established in 1982, Affleck’s is still an emporium of eclecticism, full of interesting nooks and crannies brimming with vintage clothes, jewellery, furniture, food, hairdressers and tattooists. This is a must visit for retro lovers.

The streets of the Northern Quarter are quirky and round every corner you will discover art, sculptures and design. Tib and Oldham Street (2 minutes walk from Affleck’s) are both bursting with little quirks, not to mention the range of boutique shops, cafes, bars and vinyl shops.

Dine in The Market Restaurant on High Street, which serves delicious award winning modern British food in a cosy and cottagey style environment.

Once fed and watered, the area around High Street offers the perfect place for a good night out. From a tiki bar serving the finest rum cocktails, to TV 21 – a sci fi themed bar with live music, there is a bar for everyone…even a Walrus!

Day Two

Head to Trof (Thomas Street) for the ultimate all day breakfast complete with all the trimmings!

Across the road you will discover an oriental oasis in the Chinese Art Centre, which stages exhibitions, tours and festivals and serves exotic and wonderful teas.

Just around the corner is the Buddhist Centre, open to anyone interested in Buddhist principles. They offer meditation halls, a book shop and a vegetarian cafe that serves delicious veggie sausage rolls!

Behind High Street, you will find the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. The centre is home to 19 studio boutiques, where talented artists, sculptors and designers hand make, exhibit and sell their work.

If you enjoy people watching then stop off at the Northern Quarter Restaurant. Built on the corner of what was the Victorian Smithfield market, it still has as much hustle and bustle today. Great food, great location.

To top off your Northern Quarter experience you must taste the vast music scene with a trip to Matt & Phreds. While Jazz is its first love, there is a range of live music on every night of the week.