Jade's Guidebook
Good on a budget
Travelling can be expensive. Here are a couple of favourites that won’t break the bank.
Historic pub with Incredibly cheap booze in a central location Near the Arndale Shopping Centre.
It has a large suntrap of a beer garden too.
Be warned, there are some pretty antiquated rules in this pub (no swearing or use of electronic devices). A bit annoying but a fair price to pay for cheap booze.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sinclairs Oyster Bar
2 Cathedral GatesHistoric pub with Incredibly cheap booze in a central location Near the Arndale Shopping Centre.
It has a large suntrap of a beer garden too.
Be warned, there are some pretty antiquated rules in this pub (no swearing or use of electronic devices). A bit annoying but a fair price to pay for cheap booze.
This is a great place to get a delicious burrito on the go at a reasonable price. They have vegan options too.
Panchos Burritos Arndale Market
49 High StThis is a great place to get a delicious burrito on the go at a reasonable price. They have vegan options too.
Daytime activities
Aside from the vast choice of museums on offer, here are a couple of things you could do in the daytime.
Highly recommended if you are in Manchester as part of a group. If you are in a smaller group they will team you up with others so that you can still play. The Crystal Maze Live Experience is a must for any fans of the show. It can be pricey but it is a day you won’t forget.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, Manchester
Lower Byrom StreetHighly recommended if you are in Manchester as part of a group. If you are in a smaller group they will team you up with others so that you can still play. The Crystal Maze Live Experience is a must for any fans of the show. It can be pricey but it is a day you won’t forget.
Described as an 'Urban Narnia'. Hatch is a quirky area beneath a motorway sliproad, which sees shipping containers transformed into independent boutiques, food stands, and drinking venues. They also have live music from time to time. Hatch is fairly new to Manchester and it is still not widely known about. It feels very 'European' to me. and makes me proud to call Manchester my home.
Tip: I recommend getting a Chicken Parmo from Parmogeddon.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hatch
103 Oxford RdDescribed as an 'Urban Narnia'. Hatch is a quirky area beneath a motorway sliproad, which sees shipping containers transformed into independent boutiques, food stands, and drinking venues. They also have live music from time to time. Hatch is fairly new to Manchester and it is still not widely known about. It feels very 'European' to me. and makes me proud to call Manchester my home.
Tip: I recommend getting a Chicken Parmo from Parmogeddon.
A lovely little quirky tea rooms which is reminiscent of something from Alice in Wonderland. Set in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Richmond Tea Rooms
46 Sackville StA lovely little quirky tea rooms which is reminiscent of something from Alice in Wonderland. Set in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village.
Set at the site of an old rail depot, Escape to Freight Island is a casual dining / drinking experience to remember. With food offerings including the One Star Doner Bar - serving kebabs and by a Michelin Star chef!
There is live music, dancing and even a roller disco! This venue is a mellow, child friendly setting in the day, and lively and bustling at night.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Escape to Freight Island
11 Baring StSet at the site of an old rail depot, Escape to Freight Island is a casual dining / drinking experience to remember. With food offerings including the One Star Doner Bar - serving kebabs and by a Michelin Star chef!
There is live music, dancing and even a roller disco! This venue is a mellow, child friendly setting in the day, and lively and bustling at night.
Entertainment
Vibrant and stylish arthouse cinema / theatre / gallery. There is a cafe downstairs and a restaurant upstairs. The food is very good, as is the entertainment. Definitely worth checking out what’s on.
95 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
HOME Manchester
2 Tony Wilson PlVibrant and stylish arthouse cinema / theatre / gallery. There is a cafe downstairs and a restaurant upstairs. The food is very good, as is the entertainment. Definitely worth checking out what’s on.
Salford's Finest
Don’t fancy going into Manchester?
Salford has a lot to offer too, with all of these walking distance from the accomodation.
Decent pub in the heart of Media City. Good pub grub and a big screen to show sporting events.
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Dockyard
Decent pub in the heart of Media City. Good pub grub and a big screen to show sporting events.
Really swanky cocktail bar with stunning views of the water. Quite expensive, but a good location for a date. The cocktails are science-themed so they are often served in unique and breathtaking ways.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Alchemist Media City
MediaCity UKReally swanky cocktail bar with stunning views of the water. Quite expensive, but a good location for a date. The cocktails are science-themed so they are often served in unique and breathtaking ways.
A gorgeous little cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace. Cocktails are garden themed and often contain herbs - an acquired taste.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Botanist Media City
MediaCity UKA gorgeous little cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace. Cocktails are garden themed and often contain herbs - an acquired taste.
30 sheds and greenhouses have been painted by local artists and turned into private hospitality pods. Sit in one of the cubbies and enjoy table service from the Box on the Docks Bar & Grill. Outdoor picnic tables and deck chairs also available as it can get pretty hot in these things.
Box on the Docks
MediaCity UK30 sheds and greenhouses have been painted by local artists and turned into private hospitality pods. Sit in one of the cubbies and enjoy table service from the Box on the Docks Bar & Grill. Outdoor picnic tables and deck chairs also available as it can get pretty hot in these things.
Salford Museum often gets overlooked due to the bigger and more well-known museums of Manchester City Centre. Salford Museum is worth visiting however, if only to walk down 'Lark Hill Place' - a twee and adorable replica of a Victorian English street.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iziko lezibalo neGaleriya yaseSalford
CrescentSalford Museum often gets overlooked due to the bigger and more well-known museums of Manchester City Centre. Salford Museum is worth visiting however, if only to walk down 'Lark Hill Place' - a twee and adorable replica of a Victorian English street.
Salford's best craft beer bar. Try the Lost Verses Mead, which is made locally by my partner, Anthony!
Joule MCR
Salford's best craft beer bar. Try the Lost Verses Mead, which is made locally by my partner, Anthony!
Dining hall and bar showcasing the best in world cuisine. Ethiopian / Palestinian / Burmese / Italian / Korean / Caribbean / Vietnamese etc. I highly recommend Thatziki (Greek gyros).
This is new to Salford and we are so lucky to have it. Perfect for large groups or solo travellers.
Kargo MKT
Dining hall and bar showcasing the best in world cuisine. Ethiopian / Palestinian / Burmese / Italian / Korean / Caribbean / Vietnamese etc. I highly recommend Thatziki (Greek gyros).
This is new to Salford and we are so lucky to have it. Perfect for large groups or solo travellers.
Art Gallery & Theatre named after Salford's own L.S. Lowry.
There are shows here for everyone: plays, musicals, ballet, stand-up comedy & celebrity talks.
At a lovely waterfront location.
122 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Lowry
8 The QuaysArt Gallery & Theatre named after Salford's own L.S. Lowry.
There are shows here for everyone: plays, musicals, ballet, stand-up comedy & celebrity talks.
At a lovely waterfront location.
A bakery, brewery, brunch hotspot and Sri Lankan food vendor all in one.
Set in a converted fire station, this place is good at any time of the day.
Selling brunch and coffee in the mornings (with artisanal bread and baked goods to take home with you).
Later on, you can enjoy craft beer from the resident Lark Hill brewery, and curries and loaded fries from their Sri Lankan food vendor. This place is so versatile and worth the walk!
The Old Fire Station Bakery
A bakery, brewery, brunch hotspot and Sri Lankan food vendor all in one.
Set in a converted fire station, this place is good at any time of the day.
Selling brunch and coffee in the mornings (with artisanal bread and baked goods to take home with you).
Later on, you can enjoy craft beer from the resident Lark Hill brewery, and curries and loaded fries from their Sri Lankan food vendor. This place is so versatile and worth the walk!
Nightlife
This place has wine vending machines! Top up a pre-paid card, arm yourself with a glass and go wild.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Salut Wines
11 Cooper StThis place has wine vending machines! Top up a pre-paid card, arm yourself with a glass and go wild.
A nightclub that plays punk/metal/alternative. The toilets are pretty grim but it’s worth it if you like that kind of music. The decor is great.
Satan's Hollow
101 Princess StA nightclub that plays punk/metal/alternative. The toilets are pretty grim but it’s worth it if you like that kind of music. The decor is great.
Pizza served until 4am in a lively bar setting! They have many unusual combinations such as 'chips & gravy' pizza and 'blueberry' pizza. Buy whole or by the slice.
Crazy Pedro's NQ
Short StreetPizza served until 4am in a lively bar setting! They have many unusual combinations such as 'chips & gravy' pizza and 'blueberry' pizza. Buy whole or by the slice.
Just a nice, relaxed, traditional pub that serves craft beer. I go for the Scrabble, but it also has a darts board and a billiards table!
The Smithfield Market Tavern
37 Swan StJust a nice, relaxed, traditional pub that serves craft beer. I go for the Scrabble, but it also has a darts board and a billiards table!
Retro videogames bar with a couple of locations across the city. Stock up on tokens at the bar and go wild. video game themed cocktails available too.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
NQ64
12 Short StRetro videogames bar with a couple of locations across the city. Stock up on tokens at the bar and go wild. video game themed cocktails available too.
Crazy golf with a twist. This is a licensed premises so please check age restrictions if you are planning on taking under 18s.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Junkyard Golf Club
2 First StCrazy golf with a twist. This is a licensed premises so please check age restrictions if you are planning on taking under 18s.
Canal Street AKA Manchester's Gay Village is a great place to go for a night out. Many venues offer free shots and drinks vouchers to get you in there and many are open til 6am or later! G-A-Y is a lively place to start, and Via has some fantastically ornate chairs. There are plenty of drag and cabaret performances and even a musicals/showtunes themed bar. If you're looking for something a bit more chilled, The Molly House is a nice pub that does food.
89 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Gay Village
Canal Street AKA Manchester's Gay Village is a great place to go for a night out. Many venues offer free shots and drinks vouchers to get you in there and many are open til 6am or later! G-A-Y is a lively place to start, and Via has some fantastically ornate chairs. There are plenty of drag and cabaret performances and even a musicals/showtunes themed bar. If you're looking for something a bit more chilled, The Molly House is a nice pub that does food.
Food scene
Indian street food & good beer. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, although it is not marketed as such. Try the Bhel Puri!
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bundobust
61 PiccadillyIndian street food & good beer. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, although it is not marketed as such. Try the Bhel Puri!
Greek Mezze / Tapas place on Deansgate. The staff are nice and the food is great.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dimitri's - Tapas Meze Bar & Restaurant
322-326 GreaterGreek Mezze / Tapas place on Deansgate. The staff are nice and the food is great.
A fine dining experience that doesn't break the bank. Want to make one night of your stay special? Then head to Six By Nico. Award Winning Scottish chef Nico Simeone presents you with six courses from a rotating themed menu that changes every six weeks. Past menu themes have included 'The Chippie', 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party', and 'New York'. (You can choose from the standard menu, or the vegetarian equivalent). This place can be a little pricey but it is cheap compared to other tasting menus. Book in advance. Despite being posh food, the dress code is relaxed, so don't fret if you haven't packed your tux!
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Six by Nico Manchester
60 Spring GardensA fine dining experience that doesn't break the bank. Want to make one night of your stay special? Then head to Six By Nico. Award Winning Scottish chef Nico Simeone presents you with six courses from a rotating themed menu that changes every six weeks. Past menu themes have included 'The Chippie', 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party', and 'New York'. (You can choose from the standard menu, or the vegetarian equivalent). This place can be a little pricey but it is cheap compared to other tasting menus. Book in advance. Despite being posh food, the dress code is relaxed, so don't fret if you haven't packed your tux!
Indie music themed tapas place with the best margaritas in Manchester. If you are on a budget, go on Wing Wednesday - all-you-can-eat chicken wings for £10. Also, ask the bar staff for the 'Secret Bar'.
Sandinista
2 Old Bank StIndie music themed tapas place with the best margaritas in Manchester. If you are on a budget, go on Wing Wednesday - all-you-can-eat chicken wings for £10. Also, ask the bar staff for the 'Secret Bar'.
This fish restaurant switches its menu up frequently, making the most of seasonal fresh produce. There are also delicious non-fish options for those in your party who fancy something different.
I recommend the frickles (deep-fried pickles).
Street Urchin
72 Great Ancoats StThis fish restaurant switches its menu up frequently, making the most of seasonal fresh produce. There are also delicious non-fish options for those in your party who fancy something different.
I recommend the frickles (deep-fried pickles).
Okay, another tapas restaurant. What can I say? I love tapas. Set in a quiet square off the busy main street where Salford meets Manchester, this place does the best tortilla!
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Porta Tapas Bar
50 Greenwood StOkay, another tapas restaurant. What can I say? I love tapas. Set in a quiet square off the busy main street where Salford meets Manchester, this place does the best tortilla!
A by-the-slice Detroit-style pizza place. Great outdoor seating area with fire pit.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ramona
40 Swan StreetA by-the-slice Detroit-style pizza place. Great outdoor seating area with fire pit.
This one is based a few miles out of the city centre so might be difficult to get to if you don’t drive (but it is possible by 2 trams!).
Delicious BBQ food served out of an American school bus. They play great music and sometimes have live country acts to give it that real USA feel. I just love this place!
The Old School BBQ Bus
Alford StreetThis one is based a few miles out of the city centre so might be difficult to get to if you don’t drive (but it is possible by 2 trams!).
Delicious BBQ food served out of an American school bus. They play great music and sometimes have live country acts to give it that real USA feel. I just love this place!
Communal dining from resident food vendors. Lots of cuisine to choose from and they usually have lunchtime deals. Good selection of beer and a nice waterside location.
Society
Communal dining from resident food vendors. Lots of cuisine to choose from and they usually have lunchtime deals. Good selection of beer and a nice waterside location.
okay, so this restaurant started as a pop-up and it has moved more times than I can count so I'd check the location before setting off. The menu is fairly small but the chicken is to die for 🤤
Kong's NQ
okay, so this restaurant started as a pop-up and it has moved more times than I can count so I'd check the location before setting off. The menu is fairly small but the chicken is to die for 🤤
If you are looking to impress, the food here is a work of art! Middle Eastern small plates and sharing platters. The disco cauliflower is MASSIVE.
Maray Manchester
If you are looking to impress, the food here is a work of art! Middle Eastern small plates and sharing platters. The disco cauliflower is MASSIVE.