Men’s clothing store stocking brands such as Norse Projects, Folk, and Our Legacy.

Independent restaurant, cafe, baker, and deli in the Lake District.

The Grapes is one of the oldest pubs in Liverpool – an arty haunt, with punters just as likely to be found discussing Derrida as football.

Vegan-friendly and dog-friendly, The Caledonia pub in the Georgian Quarter offers up real ale, great beer and eclectic live music.

This huge three-floor pub, formerly a Victorian warehouse, then an umbrella factory (hence the name), has one of the city centre’s largest beer gardens. The two-tier terrace overlooks the Rochdale canal and what used to be the back of the Hacienda, providing an unusual, historic view of the city.

Passionately adored by many Mancunian foodies (and the first Manchester restaurant in ages not to get a slating from notoriously picky Observer food critic Jay Rayner), this Szechuan restaurant rules the culinary roost from an unprepossessing basement on Portland Street.

Traditional Liverpool pub with a wide selection of draught beers and ales.

For more than 40 years, Probe Records has stocked an immense selection of music and provided a hangout for vinyl addicts and musicians alike.

Located on Manchester’s Hilton Street, in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Vinyl Revival is a piece of Mancunian music history.

Cosy hotel in the Lake District.

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

Levenshulme eatery Trove remains a firm favourite with weekend breakfast crowds and weekday café hawks alike, and with good reason.