Manchester’s branch of Selfridges extends glossily back from Exchange Square, with wide glass windows on its street-facing front and polished floors inside. It’s home to designer brands and two different eateries – San Carlo Bottega on the second floor and Farmacia del Dolce on the lower ground. The former does Italian small plates, while the latter is a tempting sugar haven for weary shoppers.
You can get the behind the bar and mix with the best of them in a cocktail making masterclass from The Botanist on Deansgate.
from £39.95
Kate Feld has a book out and we couldn’t be happier – Deeryard is a new pamphlet of prose poetry and photographs, published by Manchester independent press Death of Workers Whilst Building Skyscrapers.
from £0.00
Let your imagination run wild in a magical world of music and stories.
from £14.00
Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.
free entry
Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.
free entry
London-based songwriter Tourist brings his yearning, bittersweet electronica to New Century in support of his new album, Memory Morning.
from £20.59
Whether you’re a high-fashion fanatic or just couture curious, Unpicking Couture gets up close and personal with pivotal moments in fashion history.
free entry
Take a deeper look into Manchester Art Gallery’s collection with their regular, informative and fascinating gallery tours.
free entry
San Carlo Bottega brings its Italian small-plate menu to Selfridges
Like steak? Like gin? This could be just the place for you.
Harvey Nichols department store showcases a range of designer brands; be guided to the perfect outfit (or wardrobe) by a style concierge. The second floor brasserie is rather good.
A high-end eatery and bar housed on the second floor of department store Harvey Nichols
Banyan Bar & Kitchen is a smart modern restaurant in Manchester’s Corn Exchange, serving up a wide range of dishes and drinks.
The Corn Exchange is a collection of modern restaurants in one Grade II-listed, 19th century building. A dining destination – Mughli, Banyan Bar & Kitchen and Tampopo stand out.
A Joseph Holt’s pub in Manchester’s Shambles Square.
Proper Tea sits opposite Manchester Cathedral, serving up artisanal teas (with instructions on how long to leave them brewing), sandwiches, soups and excellent cake.
High-quality food and wine in the in-house restaurant for the Royal Exchange Theatre on St Anne’s Square
This authentic Berlin kebab and bier haus is the latest addition to the ever-growing Corn Exchange food family.
The Tampopo cooking school specialises in appealing East Asian cuisine for all.
Pizzaluxe serves up luxury artisan pizza served at Manchester Arndale’s stylish new food court, including some impressive vegan options.
From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.
