Ice Shack
Ian Jones, Food and Drink EditorVisit now
Ice Shack

The first all-vegan desserts parlour in the North, also sold at high-profile venues such as the Deaf Institute, Greens, Croma and more.
The first all-vegan desserts parlour in the North, also sold at high-profile venues such as the Deaf Institute, Greens, Croma and more.
Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play in nature.
Free entryThe Whitworth presents the vibrant textile works of Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, which capture the history and daily lives of Roma communities.
Free entryJoin Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting four-part harmony social singing at Whitworth Art Gallery.
Free entryThe Whitworth celebrates the 250th anniversary of Turner’s birth with ‘JMW Turner: In Light and Shade’, showcasing his works on paper.
Free entryWithin Chorlton’s Southern Cemetery lie fascinating stories, beautiful architectural details, and the inspiration behind one of The Smith’s best songs.
From £20.00Throughout 2025, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is celebrating its tenth anniversary, having first opened to the public a decade ago.
From £0.00Epic architecture, hidden green spaces and ideas that changed the world. Explore the rich history of achievement at The University of Manchester.
From £20.00With activities like poetry, physics, music, medicine, computing and creative writing (over 80 interactive stalls!), there’s loads to discover at Universally Manchester.
Free entryManchester’s first ever Japanese sake bar, Monkey Trio, is unique in the city. Visit for an evening of quiet luxury.
Withington is home to Fuel Cafe, who serve only vegetarian and vegan food, as well as hosting quiz nights and lively open mics. They are well known for their hangover busting, meat free, full breakfast menu, and the decor is pleasantly found-object-eclectic.
Herbivorous is an independent vegan restaurant, with this new permanent venue now open in Withington.
Wilderness Records has equal amounts of comfort and thrills, with their extensive genre spanning vinyl collection that sits along side a great place to grab a cosy coffee.
A social enterprise cum neighbourhood venue in the heart of Withington. Expect anything from pop up food events, to vintage markets, to film screenings and art sessions.
Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen is a meat-free Chinese restaurant in Manchester’s Withington.
Withington’s Lentils and Lather is a top destination for a wide range of sustainable, plastic-free and zero waste products.
Cafe, bar, and live music venue in Fallowfield. Also hosts regular film nights and literature events.
Platt Fields Market Garden is an excellent spot for both eating and buying fresh local produce to take home.
A Taste Of Honey is a charming deli (and CBD store) based in West Didsbury on the popular Burton Road.
Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.
A shrine to all that is understated and beautiful, Moth is a small independent shop in Didsbury that is well worth a visit.
The sun is shining in the North, so use our guide to get out there and eat, drink and be merry in it.
Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss if you're not careful.
This month's guide is truly eclectic - from free family festivals, to food events, circus school and more!
From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.
Outdoor cinema announcements, a major retrospective at HOME, and the best of indie cinema.
Experimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our picks of Manchester International Festival - here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.
From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.
Books, beer and burlesque. Dive into a glorious tangle of joyful happenings.