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.
What's on near Ice Shack
Alexandra Park and Whalley Range Tour
Take a walking tour of both Alexandra Park and wider Whalley Range, uncovering the tales that lie within its mighty buildings, its churches and its people.
From £20.00
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Delaine Le Bas: Un-Fair-Ground at The Whitworth
The Whitworth showcases one of contemporary art’s most unruly imaginations as 2024 Turner Prize nominee Delaine Le Bas arrives with a major solo exhibition.
Free entry
Until
Yuki Kihara: Darwin in Paradise Camp at The Whitworth
Yuki Kihara reframes Pacific imagery through Fa’afafine voices, creating lush, critical artworks that unsettle long-standing colonial assumptions.
Free entry
Until
MIF25: Santiago Yahuarcani – The Beginning of Knowledge at the Whitworth
Santiago Yahuarcani’s otherworldly visions come to the Whitworth, in the artist’s first international solo show as part of MIF25.
Free entry
Until
Sacred Harp Singing in Whitworth Gallery
Join Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting four-part harmony social singing at Whitworth Art Gallery.
Free entry
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Southern Cemetery Tour
Within Chorlton’s Southern Cemetery lie fascinating stories, beautiful architectural details, and the inspiration behind one of The Smith’s best songs.
From £20.00
Bar Italia at Manchester Academy 2
One of London’s most hyped bands of the last few years, Bar Italia are playing Band on the Wall in support of their latest album, Some Like It Hot.
From £19.45
Until
Secrets of The University of Manchester with Interior Visits
Epic architecture, hidden green spaces and ideas that changed the world. Explore the rich history of achievement at The University of Manchester.
From £20.00Where to go near Ice Shack
City Centre
Monkey Trio
Manchester’s first ever Japanese sake bar, Monkey Trio, is unique in the city. Visit for an evening of quiet luxury.
Manchester
Fuel Cafe
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.
Manchester
Cafe Blah
Cafe, bar, gallery and venue in Withington
Manchester
Wilderness Records: shop and cafe
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.
Manchester
Withington Public Hall Institute
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.
Manchester
Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen
Lotus Vegetarian Kitchen is a meat-free Chinese restaurant in Manchester’s Withington.
Burton Road, West Didsbury
Lentils and Lather
Withington’s Lentils and Lather is a top destination for a wide range of sustainable, plastic-free and zero waste products.
Manchester
Fallow Cafe
Cafe, bar, and live music venue in Fallowfield. Also hosts regular film nights and literature events.
Manchester
Platt Fields Market Garden
Platt Fields Market Garden is an excellent spot for both eating and buying fresh local produce to take home.
Manchester
A Taste of Honey
A Taste Of Honey is a charming deli (and CBD store) based in West Didsbury on the popular Burton Road.
Manchester
Chancellors Hotel
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.
Burton Road, West Didsbury
Namaste Nepal
Freshly-made, delicious Nepalese and Indian food at this long-standing Didsbury restaurant.
Manchester District Guides
Culture Guides
Exhibitions in the North
This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.
Music in the North
Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.
Family things to do in the North
Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.
Tours and Activities in the North
Step away from the usual. Tours and activities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and offer something refreshingly different.
Theatre in the North
Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.
Cinema in the North
There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.
Food and Drink in the North
Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.