Cocktails, wine, beer and spirts, you will not be short of choice here. Renae is a ‘music-led bar’, designed to get you dancing. The space is simple but with a really open, breezy feel that you could place anywhere in mainland Europe.

On the very tip of the Northern Quarter is one of Manchester’s most cherished venues, which, with its 200 year history, underwent a major renovation and expansion recently. Band on the Wall now has a slicker bar (which doubles us a second gig space), extended capacity in the main room (without losing any of its soul), and a whole floor dedicated to the venue’s innovative World of Music learning programme.

The Grade II listed Mackie Mayor used to be one of Manchester’s most beautiful but neglected buildings. But a few years back this grand space reopened after a huge refurbishment and is now one of the key fixtures in the ever-growing Northern Quarter food and drink scene.

One of our favourite places in Manchester, Manchester Craft & Design Centre is hands down the most reliable one-stop-shop for unique, but not over-priced, gifts in the city. Welcome to the mecca of all things beautiful, handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Forever on the precipice of closure due to mystifying noise complaints from locals who have knowingly moved into a flat metres away from a music venue, Night & Day Cafe must be protected at all costs. This characterful and timelessly cool Oldham Street venue is a vital one for emerging bands and music lovers alike.

Is there a more well-liked Manchester boozer than this? The 200 year-old Castle has, like so many of the city’s drinking dens, a musical past. It was here, for example, that John Peel interviewed Ian Curtis for the Northern Lights ‘zine, and where for over 30 years local bands have played live gigs to 80-cap crowds.

Hidden under Turner Street, this subterranean café and alcohol-free bar is well worth hunting down. Go for the wholesome treats and stay for creative events spanning music, live literature and more.

Formerly Soup Kitchen. Now just Soup. Nestled in the corner of Stevenson Square, this place finds the right balance in everything. It’s cool but unpretentious, the food and drink menu is great but also pretty cheap, and the industrial-style basement earnestly nurtures Mancunian talent while also attracting international names.

If you’re looking for quality coffee and a decadent brunch in a setting that nails the Northern Quarter brief, you’d struggle to do better than ASAP Coffee, with Pot Kettle Black currently in charge of the kitchen.

Right at the heart of the Northern Quarter lies Smithfield social, not far from the historic Smithfield market. The Smithfield Social is a friendly, relaxing place to enjoy a wealth of well-executed dishes on a thoughtful, exciting menu. Catering to carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike, it’s a must-try brunch stop -especially if you plan on bringing a furry friend.

The viral Yorkshire cakery has found a second home in Manchester – and not just anywhere, but right in the middle of the Northern Quarter. Inside the Manchester shop, you’ll find brownies, soft serve, ice cream sandwiches, baked goods, coffee and more – all served with a hefty dose of attitude.

From household names like Taschen and Phaidon to locally made publications and small press titles, UNITOM is home to an extensive range of titles on contemporary art, design, fashion, photography and counterculture, alongside a vast number of independent magazines.

Tucked discreetly into the brickwork of Tib Street, next to a handful of excellent bars like Common, Matt and Phred’s hosts live jazz music every day of the week. It also wins happy hour: you literally get a free pizza when you buy two pints. Good God…

Yoga Soul is a people-driven hub of good vibes, which you can find on Newton Street in the Northern Quarter, providing a platform and a home for you to take part in Manchester’s yogi community, to help you grow your yoga practice in a way that is significant to you.

This is fast food that you can choose to be light on oil and fat – classic street food, served up in vibe-appropriate foldable boxes. And don’t stop there. Salt & Pepper’s menu has some of the best dine-and-dash dishes in Manchester. Try one, try them all.