Deansgate, Manchester

Creative Tourist

The busy thoroughfare of Deansgate runs through Castlefield, joining the dots between it, Spinningfields and Manchester’s Cathedral Quarter at the opposite end.

Deansgate is home to its fair share of landmarks, from the Beetham Tower (169-metres tall, it hums in high winds) to the gothic masterpiece that is the John Rylands Library, whose collection includes preserved papyrus fragments, the letters of local author Elizabeth Gaskell and an original Gutenberg Bible. A stone’s throw away you’ll find HOME — one of Manchester’s most dynamic cultural destinations, surrounded by a plethora of bars and restaurants well worth checking out.

At the other end of the cultural spectrum, and beneath the Deansgate Metrolink station, is Deansgate Locks, inevitably popular with throngs of weekend revellers. Alternatively, there’s the less raucous atmosphere of places like Atlas Bar, nestled under the iron railway bridge, alongside quirkier joints like NQ64, which is packed with free-to-play retro consoles.

As for food, the subterranean find dining restaurant Australasia is brilliant for a special occasion, or for a more affordable (but still brilliant) bite, try Platzki or Suki Suki.

More suggestions below!

Our top picks

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EH - Visit now

As impressive as its architecture are its collections: the rare printed texts that include preserved papyrus fragments, the letters of local author Elizabeth Gaskell and an original Gutenberg Bible. John Rylands Research Institute and Library boasts a well- stocked shop and café an ideal spot for a cup of tea – with regular exhibitions and events also running throughout the year, it’s a destination venue for locals as well as visitors to the city.

Magic bowls event. Image shows The historic Reading Room in John Rylands Library
Image courtesy of John Rylands Library.

The Blues Kitchen Manchester

The Blues Kitchen Manchester, 13 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HN - Visit now

The Blues Kitchen serves up flawless America-inspired food in great surroundings, while the upstairs live music room is one of the best new gig and club spaces to hit Manchester in long time. Oh and the cocktails…

Blues Kitchen Manchester

Royal Exchange Theatre

Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 7DH - Visit now

Right on the cusp of Deansgate, this innovative performance space squats inside the Victorian Great Hall, a little like an alien interloper, making the Royal Exchange one of the most unique and celebrated theatres in the country, highly regarded for both new writing and its take on the classics.

Royal Exchange Theatre
Image courtesy of Lee Baxter

National Football Museum

National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3BG - Visit now

The National Football Museum is one of Manchester and the UK’s top attractions. Visitors can explore the whole world of football across several floors of changing exhibitions, vast collections of memorabilia and impressive interactive installations.

The National Football Museum Manchester

HOME Manchester

HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 4FN - Visit now

With two theatres, five cinema screens, a large gallery, bar, café and bookshop, HOME is one of the city’s leading destination venues, and a vibrant hub of creativity.

HOME Manchester

Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LY - Visit now

Situated in the railway arches of Deansgate, Atlas has been around for over two decades, and has matured into an elegant, quality bar specialising in nearly 600 gins from around the world.

Australasia

Australasia, The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AP - Visit now

If fine dining’s your thing, it’s hard to fault the intriguigingly subterranean Australasia. It’s modern, sleek and spacious without being snooty, and the staff know the moreish and memorable menu inside and out.

Paradise Skate World

Paradise Skate World, Unit 5, First Floor, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate , Manchester, M3 4EN - Visit now

Paradise Skate World takes an intergalactic slant on your typical roller rink. Their wood-sprung cosmic cruiseway is adorned with space-themed décor and filled with a constant soundtrack of well-curated music.

Food Sorcery Manchester Deansgate Square

Food Sorcery Manchester Deansgate Square, Deansgate Square, Manchester, M15 4UA - Visit now

It doesn’t matter if you are  a budding Heston or can’t even slice a sprout, at Food Sorcery there’s something here for all skill levels with their wide range of cooking classes. Whether that’s making bao buns from scratch, or understanding the intricacies of Vietnamese food, there’s always something new to learn here.

Instituto Cervantes

Instituto Cervantes, 326/330 Deansgate, Campfield Avenue Arcade, Manchester, M3 4FN - Visit now

On the corner of Deansgate, close to the Science and Industry Museum, Instituto Cervantes quietly but purposefully curates some of the best Spanish language learning and cultural happenings in the city.

instituto cervantes

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, 15 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4LP - Visit now

Another must-visit for gin lovers and the yet-to-be-converted, the Spirit of Manchester Distillery is the perfect place to while away a few hours in Deansgate. Their tasting sessions are the best we’ve tried in the city.

Building: The Spirit of Manchester Distillary Location: Manchester Architect: Up North Architects

Platzki

Platzki, Deansgate Mews, Great Northern, 255 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN - Visit now

Polish restaurant Platzki is one of Manchester’s most inspiring dining destinations. Based in the ever-growing Great Northern Warehouse, it dances on that thin line between fine dining and home-cooking – and does both brilliantly. But even before we get to the food, there’s plenty to praise about this unique restaurant.

Suki Suki Street Food & Bar

Suki Suki Street Food & Bar, 227 Deansgate, Manchester , M3 4EN - Visit now

Connected to the ever-growing Great Northern Warehouse, Suki Suki is a smart-looking space, inspired by Japan’s drop-in bars and casual restaurants. Step inside and you’re met with a serious amount of attention to detail, from the decor to the wide-ranging, surprisingly affordable menu.

Science and Industry Museum

Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP - Visit now

Technically in Castlefield but a stone’s throw from all of the venues listed above, the Science and Industry Museum is dedicated to inspiring visitors through revolutionary, world-changing ideas, pairing historic sites with a dynamic, contemporary science programme.

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