Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
It’s May and at CT HQ, we’re all about those spring/summer days out. And if that means packing a bright green anorak to account for Manchester’s topsy-turvey weather system, so be it.
There’s no better time to explore the North than right now. Book a train to a nearby city and gaze out of the window at ducklings, lambs-a-leaping and tractors so gorgeous you won’t be able to resist checking them out on your phone while at work.
This month we have some top, top options for you, including a truly exceptional meal at Stuzzi in lovely Leeds and a stunning rooftop garden bar in equally lovely Liverpool.
But let’s not forget about the great places to visit in Manchester, including a new favourite, Rusholme’s The Giving Tree, a cafe which focuses just as much on giving back to the community as it does on creating top-tier baked goods and hot drinks.
And if you’re feeling carnivorous, Escape To Freight Island has come up trumps again, with a mind-blowing feast of earthy, meaty goodness, courtesy of one of the brains behind Hawksmoor.
As ever, eat, drink and be very happy to be out enjoying some of the best food and drink in the whole of the UK.
Here are our picks
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1. Carnival at Freight Island
Ian Jones Carnival at Freight Island, Ticket Hall, Freight Island, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PZ - Visit now
Escape To Freight Island has so much to offer, it’s almost overwhelming deciding where to start. Thankfully, Carnival has made that decision for all you hungry meat-eaters out there. As far as tasting menus go, this is up there with Manchester’s very best.
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2. Stuzzi Leeds
via Leeds Inspired Stuzzi Leeds, 7 Merrion St, Leeds, LS1 6PQ - Visit now
Stuzzi aims to give diners a taste of ‘what’s on offer beyond the tourist traps’ in Italy and has succeeded magnificently. If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine executed with flair and packed with ideas, make Stuzzi your number one choice.
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3. The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree The Giving Tree, 508 Moss Lane East, Rusholme, Manchester , M14 4PA - Visit now
The next time you fancy a double-triple-mocha-chocca-latte-whatnot from a faceless coffee chain, why not make a more ethical choice and head down Oxford Road until you reach this community-focused cafe instead? You’ll sleep easier for it.
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4. Luciano
Luciano Luciano, London Rd, Alderley Edge, SK9 7QD - Visit now
Luciano is a fantastic destination for Italian food lovers, with an emphasis on top-quality ingredients shining through in the simplicity of each dish. Whether you’re a Cheshire local or making a trip out from Manchester, it’s well worth getting to know Luciano.
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5. Hop and Hazlewood
Ian Jones Hop and Hazlewood, 126-128 Elliott St, Tyldesley, M29 8FJ - Visit now
At the Hop and Hazlewood, the friendly locals make it their business to welcome everyone with a few belly laughs. If you’re looking for the kind of pub where the likes of Peter Kaye cut his teeth, pop in here for a beer or three.
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6. Goodness Gracious Roof Garden
Goodness Gracious Goodness Gracious Roof Garden, West Africa House, 25 Water St, Liverpool , L2 0RG - Visit now
Despite being in the centre of Liverpool, you’re a world away from the noise at this wonderful rooftop bar. With guest DJs and musicians planned, we’d recommend putting this dreamy venue on your To-Do list this summer.
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7. Nam Manchester
Nam Nam Manchester, Unit 2, 33 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AJ - Visit now
If you’re a cocktail-lover you’re guaranteed to find your new favourite drink here, soundtracked by the city’s best soundsystem. If you thought NAM was just about great food, think again – the cocktails are just as wonderful, if not better.
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8. Cloudwater & Levanter at Kampus
Kampus Cloudwater & Levanter at Kampus, Aytoun St, Manchester, M1 3DA - Visit now
The neighbourhood’s accommodation-slash-event space Kampus continues to make waves with its latest guests, Levanter and Cloudwater Brewery. Taking up residency in their event space, the collaboration brings quality beer and a taste of Spain to the city centre.
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9. Le Social Wine Bar
Le Social Le Social Wine Bar, Pollar Yard, Contain 88 & 147, 15 Pollard Street East, Manchester, M40 7SL - Visit now
Le Social is launching a new community-minded series of events known as Le Social & Friends. It kicked off last month, when Le Social’s cosy shipping container became home to Caroline Dowsett and Ben Vulliamy’s debut collaborative exhibition MOTHER – an ode to Mother Earth through a curated series of original pieces and limited edition prints in the form of risographs, print and textiles.
More in Food and Drink
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We Invented The Weekend
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Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2022
.The much-loved Manchester Food and Drink Festival is back for 2022 with a host of exciting events this autumn.
Culture Guides
Exhibitions
Whatever the weather, we’ve got tonnes of new art for you to enjoy. This month we bring you lots of choice: from large, all-encompassing displays to smaller and equally as interesting shows to suit all tastes.
Literature
Live literature has plenty for readers and writers alike this spring, with emerging names and established authors taking to a mic near you, along with the opportunity to perform or put pen to paper yourself. There’s lots to listen to in real life and there are still opportunities to join in to events online. Read more here…
Classical Music in Manchester and the North
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Tours and Activities
Discover a new hobby, experience the most deliciously diverse area of Manchester’s city centre and explore the city’s infamous music scene in this month’s Tours and Activities guide.
Destination Guides
Related Guides
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If you’re looking for theatre in Manchester, these are our top places to explore.
Shopping
Like retail therapy? Well, don’t we all. Here’s our guide to the best shopping in Manchester.
Shopping
The best places to get your retail kicks in the city – our guide to shopping in Liverpool.
Outdoor Art in the North
Often free and publicly accessible, outdoor art has a special relationship to community, cultural heritage and the landscape it’s situated in.
Christmas Food and Drink
Don’t worry about the calories, the holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink, be merry for Christmas 2021.
