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!
Almost right next door to Manchester Cathedral, in one of the most pleasant parts of town, Hanging Ditch Wine Merchants have bottles covering the entire back wall, floor to ceiling. Their selection is largely high end, and includes some very fine wines indeed, as well as some more esoteric options, such as Portuguese Orange Wine (a white that’s made, unusually, with the inclusion of the grape skins). If you’re after beer instead, head for the specialist Beermoth shop on Tib Street.
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.
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.
A one-stop-shop, Stretford Foodhall is a place for those who like to eat, drink and shop with a guilt-free conscience. Whether you fancy visiting to sample some delicious street food or to top up your refillable containers, Stretford Foodhall is well worth a visit.
Featuring artists, designers, upcyclers and a host of food and drink vendors, Makers Markets can be found throughout the north of England, bringing the best artisans to the communities in which they live.
Miles and Moone is a handcrafted spirits company, specialising in high-end flavoured vodka.
This indie bookseller is run by husband-and-wife team Ian and Suzy out of Levenshulme Antiques Village in the Old Town Hall.
UNITOM is home to a wide array of publications on contemporary art, design, fashion, photography and counterculture, alongside an extensive range of independent magazines.
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.
Explore the zero waste shops in Greater Manchester and make small, personal steps towards tackling environmental issues like plastic pollution.
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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.
The very best restaurants in Manchester's city centre, including ones you know, and future favourites.
Books, what they lack in memes and GIFs, they more than make up for in being well written and worth reading. Our guide to the best places to pick them up in Manchester.
A tried and tested list of the city’s top spaces for working on the go – complete with laid-back staff and plug sockets a-plenty. An unreliable work pattern and sketchy...
From a beautifully tiled old haunt with a mysteriously sloping floor, to the ultimate beer specialists – here’s our guide to the best boozers in Manchester.
Manchester is studded with fantastic museums - read our picks of the best here.
Our guide to the thriving city of Liverpool, where new creative futures are written against the backdrop of a unique history.
Take me there
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There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!
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All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.
From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.
Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.
