Operating under a steadfast belief in the DIY maxim, Islington Mill is fiercely independent, supportive to artists of various disciplines, and creative in every respect. The building and its host of itinerant creatives foster new and unexpected things from any given project. This multi-use space has served as as gig venue, gallery, performance space, school, studio and residence and is considered an exemplary piece of 19th Century mill architecture.

The Working Class Movement Library is a singular establishment, a Tardis of loosely left-leaning histories. It somehow encompasses not only 30,000 books and over 200,000 pamphlets, but also an array of sometimes unexpected memorabilia and a fascinating history of its own. The Working Class Movement Library’s invitation is succinct and urgent: explore the past, change the future.

A family venture that combines a love of art with coffee, tea and cake, this Chapel Street gallery and tea room hosts 8-12 week long exhibitions giving emerging artists a chance to showcase their work. The tea room offers freshly-made hot drinks, cakes and savouries in a bright and relaxed space, where dogs are welcome.​

Manchester Cathedral is, according to the Pevsner Architectural Guide, “one of the most impressive examples in England of a late medieval collegiate church”. Open all year round, and now a toasty warm venue for worship and music events alike, this is a medieval monument to all of Manchester’s saints and sinners – the past and present, the dead and buried and, occasionally, the breaking and entering kind.

Described by the Sunday Times as ‘one of the top three modern Italian restaurants in the UK’, Vero Moderno is a simple space with an inviting menu that boasts a contemporary twist on classic Italian dishes. It’s still welcoming enough to drop in for just a coffee and a snack rather than a full meal though, and for those with a sweet-tooth the trio of cannoli is heartily recommended.

One of Salford’s finest boozers, The New Oxford has an award-winning selection of 40 ever-changing draught items including 20 real ale pumps, and a similar spread of drinkers (from old school Catweazle regulars to snazzily-dressed movers and shakers from the nearby new-build apartments).

The Kings Arms is a cultural hub, just off Chapel Street in Salford, which offers great real ale and hearty pub food. The main bar is cosy and comfortable with trusty original pub furnishings. Off to the side is the snug complete with a piano for those capable of conducting a pub knees up and a knitting club regularly meets here too.

Salford Makers gets a special mention here, though the organisation can be found in the aforementioned Islington Mill. This is a collective of artists, designers, educators and makers who run regular workshops spanning a vast range of disciplines. Really, one of the best grassroots creative forces in the area.

The Deli Llama is a cosy and fully licensed cafe in Salford that, during the day, is a great spot for a light lunch and suitable for vegans. On Thursday nights this unassuming spot also becomes a hub of Jazz.

Salford’s Black Friar is lauded far and wide, and rightly so. A recent visit from the son of 1980s agony aunt Claire Rayner merely sealed the deal. So we know it’s good, but how does it stand up under the real test of British cooking: the Sunday roast?