We’re not talking supermarkets or department store food halls here: these are Manchester’s truly independent food emporiums, where the cake is beautifully crafted, the wines are from all over the world and the chocolate is the finest artisan you can find. Tuck in!
This award-winning, continental bakery in Chorlton is simply the place to go if you’re in need of some delicious, freshly baked carbs or posh bits and pieces for the pantry.
Bringing the taste of Catalonia to Manchester’s Barton Arcade, Lunya’s latest delicatessen and restaurant is all set to replicate the massive success that it’s been enjoying in Liverpool. The Manchester deli is an authentically decorated larder of treats both sweet and savoury, stacked to the rafters with more than 1,000 Spanish and Catalan specialties, including hams carved from the bone, and jars and jars of olives. Other delis we can recommend include Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar (Italy’s finest), Thyme Out Delicatessan in Didsbury and continental bakery Barbakan Delicatessen in Chorlton.
For a hunk of meat that’s a cut above the rest you could do a lot worse than The Butcher’s Quarter, the artisan butchers located on Tib Street in the belly of the Northern Quarter, that specialises in locally sourced cuts of meat. Their attention to detail is second to none.
Head to the Cheese Hamlet in West Didsbury for a huge range of cheese, mustard, and preserves. Just add Port!
Eighth Day is a veggie and vegan superstore that’s less of a shop-cum-cafe and more of a Manchester institution. Perfect for those still sticking to New Year’s resolutions.
An absolute haven for vegetarians, vegans or anyone who cares deeply about where their food comes from. A cooperative that traces its origins back to the Rochdale Pioneers, The Unicorn has been around for over twenty years and is more popular than ever.
Altogether Otherwise is a haven of activity where all are encouraged to make, do, dance, read and enjoy pursuing creativity with no pressure.
Family owned independent bookshop with branches in Romiley (Greater Manchester) and Stockport
Village Books on Oxford Street is a cultural utopia. Offering a selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography.
Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.
Attractive art venue in Altrincham’s Goose Green Square, surrounded by attractive bars and restaurants.
Bags of Flavour is the Northern Quarter’s answer to high end vintage with high quality exclusive garments and accessories.
Dot Goods is an ethical gift shop with great coffee and a keen interest in providing space for community to grow.
Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.
Want Not Waste is a student-run, not-for-profit zero waste shop operating out of Academy 1 at the University of Manchester Students’ Union.
Ancoats General Store serves the local community as a sustainability-focused convenience store stocking craft products, locally-sourced wares and top tier vegan produce.
On a mission to help making a difference more convenient, Urmston’s Goodness Zero Waste is a great spot to shop sustainably for food, beauty and household products.
Withington’s Lentils and Lather is a top destination for a wide range of sustainable, plastic-free and zero waste products.
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
If you find yourself in the North West of England looking for a spa day, look no further, check out our guide featuring our favourite spots.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
Brewery tours across the North offer more than just a behind-the-scenes look at hops and fermenters. They’re a window into the region’s character.
Looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester in these hot summer months? Here's our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.
Fancy some Japanese food? We've uncovered the five best restaurants in Manchester.
Here are some of the best cafés and best coffee shops we’ve come across in Manchester – independents (almost) all.
Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.
It's hard to think of a more varied and reliably delicious food than Italian cuisine. Check out our expert guide to Manchester's very best Italian restaurants.
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Take me there
Here’s our summertime guide to great food and drinks across the North.
July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.
Get stuck into some talking, baking and walking in this months top picks of Tours and Activities in the North.
Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.
Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.
From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.
The summer holidays are here and what a packed programme of events we have in store for you!
