Photo of a handwritten label in a cafe that says "Ring for service with a smile"

Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester

Creative Tourist

Last Updated 14 May 2023

Tis Burton Road is the heart of West Didsbury, a beautifully maintained leafy hubbub of shops, bars and restaurants where independence is paramount. Every year, in the last weekend of August, WestFest celebrates this spirit with local businesses putting on a farmer’s market, live music, wine tasting and more.

There’s a lot to be proud of: the main strip is home to fifteen restaurants, as many shops, and half a dozen bars. Unlike Didsbury Village down the road, Burton Road has fought to keep the chains at bay, and succeeded. Beards and strollers, joggers and MacBooks make it the kind of neighbourhood that’s easy to satirise – but the atmosphere is more amiable than hip. You can buy flowers or furniture here, drink a beer brewed down the road or one shipped from New York, get a new outfit and haircut to match, buy a cake baked this morning or a vintage dress stitched decades ago.

Discover our top picks

1. Lentils and Lather

Image courtesy of Lentils and Lather

Lentils and Lather, 50 Burton Rd, Withington, M20 3EB - Visit now

A top destination in South Manchester for a wide range of sustainable, plastic-free and zero waste products, Withington’s Lentils and Lather makes it easy to shop in an environmentally friendly way. The shop is really supportive of local, independent makers and manufacturers who align with their ethics, and their range is constantly evolving.

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2. Albert’s Restaurant & Bar

Alberts

Albert’s Restaurant & Bar, 120-122 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester, M20 2PU - Visit now

Albert’s Resturaunt & bar has truly exceeded expectations with its new revamped menu being the peckish person’s dream, with a staggering array of goodies to choose from. Albert’s offers delectable food for a range of occasions, whether you’re in the market for posh-looking light-bites or a full feast, Albert’s offers it all from luscious salads to a hard-hitting grill, which boasts a 30oz tomahawk steak. Also, its wide range of Gluten-free and vegan options ensures any dietary requirements will be catered for.

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3. Goodtime Games

Goodtime Games

Goodtime Games, 212 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LW - Visit now

This new café brings something a little more niche to suburbia. Goodtime games offers a range of board games to keep visitors entertained whist indulging in some truly tasty food, including a range of vegetarian and vegan options. Goodtime Games is a fine addition to Burton Road and a very welcoming place for young and old gamers alike.

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4. FOLK Didsbury

FOLK Didsbury, 169 - 171 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 2LN - Visit now

With great food options, a superb-looking venue and some of the happiest, friendliest staff for miles around, Folk is a must visit spot for the perfect Sunday Roast. Each roast is well enough for the hungriest diner, but it’s worth getting some of the cider and honey-glazed pigs in blankets to truly experience all Folk has to offer.

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5. Mary & Archie

Mary & Archie

Mary & Archie, 200 Burton Rd, Manchester, M20 2LW - Visit now

Mary & Archie may not be the biggest on the strip but it’s cosy and genuinely feels like it has some heart and soul. Offering a range of deals including the weekday happy hour that runs at a generous three hours from 4-7pm and the much loved Monday beer and burger deal, this bar/ restaurant is an idea place to relax with some high quality comfort food and a wide range of delicious beverages that wont break the bank.

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6. The Woodstock Arms

Courtesy of The Woodstock

The Woodstock Arms, 139 Barlow Moor Rd, Manchester, M20 2DY - Visit now

Just off Burton Road, The Woodstock Arms is a traditional pub in offering all the fizzy lager and Sunday roasts you might expect from a boozer of this kind, but it’s not without a modern flourish too. It’s dog friendly, there’s a quiz every Tuesday and it’s got a smashing outdoor area.

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