Hinterland

Hidden away on a back street in the Northern Quarter, under the Manchester Buddhist Centre, sits Hinterland, an alcohol-free bar and café. The slogan promises us that they’re ‘brewing a new society’, and, as such, Hinterland provides a space for people to enjoy each other’s company, socialise and foster friendships, without getting blottoed.

Head down an unassuming staircase on Turner Street and you’ll be met with a cosy hangout. The lighting is low and yellow-tinted, giving a gentle, relaxing feel. And it’s true: lighting is everything. The space feels welcoming for all. Of course, it wouldn’t be the Northern Quarter without exposed brick, ceiling pipes and wooden beams as statement features, but the Hinterland team have levelled things up, decorating them with plants and fairy lights.

It all feels quite secluded, sitting slightly below the city, a little hideaway perhaps. The further into the space you get the more it opens up. With legless chairs and low tables, this really is a place you want to sit and get comfortable. Pop in for a delicious mocktail or a 0% beer. Or stay a while: Hinterland offers brunch, burgers and light bites – and the entire menu is vegan.

Think indulgent comfort food done with real imagination: towering burgers built from fried oyster mushrooms or beefless patties, kimchi-loaded mac ‘n’ cheese, and small plates like miso-buttered hispi cabbage or Thai-spiced tater tots. At weekends there’s a full vegan brunch menu too, spanning Biscoff French toast to scrambled tofu with avocado and chilli oil. Whether you’re plant-based or just curious, it’s the kind of food that makes “vegan” feel like a bonus rather than a limitation.

You would not think this place was alcohol free, the amount of spirit-looking bottles on the back wall behind the bar almost fooled me. But they are all one hundred percent non alcoholic. Madness. Sweet treats and knick-knacks are scattered around the premises. From local brands you might recognise as well as some nice surprises, Hinterland supports independent business in Manchester and beyond.

Being a social hub, a bar, a café, a shop and a restaurant was not enough for Hinterland. They want to be an event space too! Hinterland Unplugged is a recurring event, and often sells out pretty quickly. I say ‘sells out’ but the majority of events held here are free! Tickets are required due to space and capacity of the venue, so keep your eyes open for the next one.