Food and Drink in Manchester and the North

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Welcome to the spring edition of Creative Tourist’s deep dive into the world of food and drink in Manchester and the North. We’re even getting some sun at the moment, which is a rare treat. Time to make the most of it and get out there and eat and drink under those rays, or at least at a table by the window.

But where to go? That’s where we step in. This month, we’ve got a varied bag, including top-notch Italian cuisine in Liverpool, the impressive new VIP food and drink offering at the AO Arena, the launch of a new venue by the always-excellent GRUB team, and much, much more.

So join us as we dive headfirst into the best independent places across the North. Expect everything from beautifully curated cocktails, to the finest lamb dish this side of Herdwick. Kick back and scroll down for this month’s food and drink guide to Manchester and the North.

Our top picks

Finders Keepers

Finders Keepers, 7 Keepers Quay, New Islington Marina, Manchester , M4 6GL - Visit now

Manchester has seen a wealth of clued-in, stylish cocktail bars in recent years. Judging by the quality and attention to detail that goes into their drinks, Finders Keepers is up there with the best.

Ian Jones

Fairfield Social Club

Fairfield Social Club, Irk St, Red Bank, Green Quarter, Manchester , M4 4JT - Visit now

Fairfield Social Club finally launches this weekend, opening on Saturday, March 9th, with a blistering line-up of events covering love, laughs, and everything in between.

Fairfield Social Club

Bacino

Bacino, 15 Parker Street, Liverpool , L1 1DJ - Visit now

Everything about Bacino says luxury. From the stylish decor to the smart, on-trend dishes, this is a place for high-quality dining without being ostentatious.

The Mezz at AO Arena

The Mezz at AO Arena, AO Arena, Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Manchester , M3 1AR - Visit now

VIP experiences don’t get much fancier than this. Awesome views, high-quality drinks and dishes designed by arguably the UK’s top chef, Simon Rogan? It’s a yes from us.

The Mezz at AO Arena
Ian Jones

Manchester Wine Tours

Manchester Wine Tours, Various locations in Manchester city centre, Manchester , M1 - Visit now

It’s hard to imagine a better way of becoming pleasantly merry, plied with some of the best food and wine Manchester has to offer in the company of an effortlessly engaging host. Why limit yourself to one place when you can indulge in five top-class venues? Manchester Wine Tours has reinvented the bar crawl.

Manchester Wine Tours

The Jane Eyre

The Jane Eyre, 14 Hood St, Ancoats, Manchester , M4 6WX - Visit now

The Jane Eyre brought a slice of Northern Spain to Ancoats with Pintxos Week, showcasing a a selection of culinary innovations inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine staple.

Ian Jones

Climat

Climat, 8th Floor, Blackfriars House St Marys, Climat, Parsonage, Manchester , M3 2JA - Visit now

Climat is an excellent addition to Manchester’s growing number of rooftop venues, offering a refined and graceful experience.

Ian Jones

The Black Bull Inn

The Black Bull Inn, 44 Main St, Sedbergh , Cumbria, LA10 5BL - Visit now

The pretty market town of Sedbergh is close to some of the UK’s most stunning scenery, alongside many of the UK’s best fine-dining restaurants, and the inn itself even contains one. There’s no better place to start your adventure than here.

Ian Jones

Freight Island

Freight Island, Mayfield Depot, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PY - Visit now

From music to food and drink, with some awe-inspiring bookings along the way, Freight Island is a one-stop-shop for all things fun this summer.

Freight Island

More food and drink events

Easter Holidays in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Things to do over the Easter Holidays

Looking for some ideas to keep little and big kids as busy as the Easter bunny? Check out our guide.

Take me there

Food and Drink in Manchester and the North

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

Now back open with a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.

A table with a view of Liverpool at the fine dining restaurant Panoramic 34
Liverpool
Restaurant
Panoramic 34

Panoramic 34 boasts ceiling to floor windows with a breathtaking 360 degree aspect, but there’s plenty more to get giddy about than just the views.

Jimmy's Liverpool
City Centre
Bar or Pub
Jimmy’s Liverpool

Sister venue to Jimmy’s in Manchester, Jimmy’s Liverpool is a bar, restaurant and live venue, hosting late night music, gigs and DJ sets.

Liverpool
Restaurant
The Reader Bar & Restaurant

The Reader Bar & Restaurant offers diners a bistro-style menu, inspired by continental European flavours and created using locally sourced seasonal produce. 

Salford
Restaurant
Black Friar

Salford’s Black Friar has one of the most impressive Sunday roast options in the North.

Yard Bar at District
Baltic Triangle
Event venue
District Liverpool

District Liverpool is a multi-purpose venue in the Baltic Quarter, hosting gigs, club nights, films, cabaret, festivals and much more.

Culture Guides

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.