San Carlo Cicchetti in Manchester does Italian small plates with aplomb.

A rustic Kentish Oast House (that’s a traditional hop-drying shed, of course) plunked down amidst the glass and steel corridors of Spinningfields.

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

Gusto Manchester is a lavish Italian restaurant just off Deansgate, with 1920s décor and an extensive menu.

Kro Bar, Manchester is an independent pub and music venue housed (somewhat ironically) in the former Temperance Society building.

Panchos Burritos is a Mexican street food vendor in the Arndale Market.

Beermoth on Manchester’s Tib Street stocks specialist beers, chosen with a quietly confident knowledge.

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

The stunning Manchester Central Library is now back open for all visitors who wish to browse the enormous collection or simply relax in this magnificent building.

Right next to Manchester’s Albert Hall, Sakana is a casual Japanese restaurant downstairs, with a fancier Pan Asian on the first floor.

This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary provides a welcome patch of green in an otherwise densely populated and heavily used part of the city.

Buffeted by fried chicken outlets, legendary musical instrument emporium Johnny Roadhouse has been serving the local music community for over 50 years.