Nordie

Looking for the real spirit of Manchester? You’ll find it in a small area of Levenshulme, a few yards down from the train station. It’s home to a bunch of exciting and progressive places to eat, drink and hang out, where traditional Mancunian sensibilities mix happily with modern ideas.

Among others, you’ll find Station South, a community-focused meeting space and bike shop, across the road, The Talleyrand, a hub of out-there live performances, from experimental music to rib-achingly good standup comedy, then possibly the most impressive of all, Nordie – a superb independent bar with some of the best food and drink options for miles around.

It’s a smart-looking space with no unnecessary frills, primarily a friendly space to kick back with friends (plus dogs and kids, all are welcome). There’s even a delightful outside seating area that traps the sun, next to a well-tended vegetable garden. The staff are relaxed and friendly – none of the frantic fluster of many city-centre venues.

Love pizza? It’s now home to the excellent Soap Street Pizza, who cook pizzas ‘slow and low’. That means the base is crispier than usual but still rips apart like a charm. Trust us, it’s great.

Finally, Nordie have a superb and constantly-evolving cocktail menu that never disappoints. In the past, I tried a cucumber and elderflower cocktail here that I banged on about endlessly for months, and this time it’s the turn of the poblano margarita tequila. A startling combination of Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, thick mango syrup, lime and Cynar (an Italian bitter aperitif, heavy on the herbs), it’s a summertime must. 

The Hugo Spritz, an expert blend of elderflower, mint water and coriander cordial is another excellent choice, ideal for drinking outdoors after a hard day working or shopping, as is the Nordie Collins – an exceptional in-house creation made with gin, critus, soda and the mysterious sounding housemade fruit shrub. 

‘Manchester’s independent spirit’ is often referred to in the national press, mistakenly referring to areas now dominated by landlords and trust fund kids. In reality, they should actually mean places like Nordie. Proudly independent, always welcoming and responsible for some of the most exciting food and drink in the North.