Tib Street, Manchester
Creative TouristIt’s not often that you find a street you could while away a whole day on: from beautifully made coffee in the morning, through to shopping, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and dancing, Tib Street in the Northern Quarter has it all. Close your eyes to the crusty bits around Sachas Hotel and the car park behind, and use Lemn Sissay’s poem Flags (pressed into the pavement, now sadly missing bits) as a leading light down all the way along the street. Further down, you’ll walk past the Tib Street Horn, a giant, dragon-like musical instrument perched on the remains of an old hat factory, as well as the illuminated, 12 metre-tall Big Boys Toy installation on the top of the NCP car park.
Tib Street is dotted with shops, including the gaudy emporium of vintage, piercing parlours, cabaret clothing and more that is Afflecks. There’s also the Northern Flower florist, the ever-excellent COW Vintage, specialist beer shop Beermoth and a load of other independent gems.
You’ll not go short for food and drink, either. Manchester institution North Tea Power takes all things caffeinated beyond seriously, Evelyn’s is where it’s at for brunch, and 10 Tib Lane is, well, just a bit special. And when you’ve got that off your plate, head over to the excellent Matt & Phred’s for the best live jazz gigs this city’s got to offer.
