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.
Santiago Yahuarcani’s otherworldly visions come to the Whitworth, in the artist’s first international solo show as part of MIF25.
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 entryThe Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is back, with gorgeous designs and wonderful workshops, set in the glamour of Manchester’s Victoria Baths.
From £7.50The GNCCF is back for its 17th edition, bringing exquisite craft, sustainable innovation and simply beautiful objects to Manchester’s Victoria Baths.
From £7.50Throughout 2025, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is celebrating its tenth anniversary, having first opened to the public a decade ago.
From £0.00I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell is an immersive exhibition taking over the Grade II*-listed Elizabeth Gaskell’s House all summer and into autumn as part of the ten-year celebrations.
From £8.50Epic architecture, hidden green spaces and ideas that changed the world. Explore the rich history of achievement at The University of Manchester.
From £20.00Manchester’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.
Cafe, bar, gallery and venue in Withington
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.
Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.
This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.
This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.
From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.
"Tours, tours, tours!" If this month's Tours and Activities guide were a sentient speaking person, this is what it would say.
Take some eating-out tips from our August guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
September and beyond brings culture, theatre, disgusting history and loads of fun.