Everything you need to know to eat, drink and sleep like a royal in Manchester, UK. The best in restaurants, bars and attractions in one handy travel guide.
At long last, I’m dropping my Manchester, United Kingdom travel guide. At over 1,800 words and a million photos, this thing is epic.
The thing is, it was easy. There’s just so much to see, do and eat in Manchester. My only regret is that our time there was too short! In true foodie form, Cynthia and I let our stomachs do the walking.
Oh, and don’t forget to watch my Manchester travel video from the trip!
If there’s one thing that stuck out from our trip, it was how incredibly friendly the people are. Our conversations with Mancunians (the people of Manchester) felt like people were genuinely interested and not just saying a perfunctory hello. We felt welcome everywhere and people tolerated our incessant photo-taking with a smile.
The other thing about Manchester is its interiors. We literally didn’t find a single boring bar or restaurant during our entire trip. Each place looked like it belonged on the front page of Pinterest.
Cynthia and IÂ had the opportunity to visit Manchester just a few short weeks after the tragic Manchester bombing. We weren’t really sure what to expect, but were so impressed. The resilience and warmth of the people of Manchester was so striking.
On Saturday night, the bars were full, people were out in the streets and when the events came up in conversation it was mainly to talk about how important it was to come together as a town and above all else to not let fear win. This is how we felt too – that by not canceling our trip we were doing our small part to show those who want to rule with fear that we will not be stopped.
You might notice there’s a lot of food on the list. 95% is a foodie’s guide to Manchester. That’s how we travel. Cyn and I explore new places with our stomachs. It was the same thing with London last year – we ate so much I wrote a foodie guide about it!
In addition to the amazing bars and restaurants, Manchester is extremely walkable. There are green spaces and small parks everywhere.
Oh, and you’ll most likely end of with a kink in your neck from staring up at all the beautiful buildings.
Altrincham Market & Market House
The Market House at Altrincham Market is a foodie heaven lined with food stalls serving some of the best food you’ll find in Manchester. It’s a great place to hit up on a weekend morning for some hipster coffee at Market House Coffee and avocado toast from Tender Cow (add the prosciutto!). Depending on the day of the week, at the market you’ll find farmers markets, a flower market, antique fairs are more.
Altrincham Market & Market House
26 Market Street
Altrincham WA14 1PF
United Kingdom
https://www.instagram.com/altymarket/
Albert’s Schloss Restaurant & Bar
It’s hard to miss the garish floral entrance to Albert’s Schloss. It suggested something fantastic was inside but it was still amazing to walk into the expansive bar. It’s more like a hall really.
A ‘schloss’ is a Bavarian bar and meeting place. Bavaria is a region of Southern Germany where they are known to consume the most beer on the planet – a dubious honor. Albert’s Schloss was inspired by the debauchery of Bavaria and boasts four 900 pint copper barrels at the bar. There’s also a music stage, smaller but still beautifully decorated bars, a bakery, a coffee shop and more lining the perimeter. Try to grab a booth as they have a very fun “press for champagne” button that supposedly works!
The staff was super friendly and the place was packed by happy hour on a Saturday night.
Albert’s Schloss Restaurant & Bar
27 Peter Street
Manchester M2 5QR
United Kingdom
http://albertsschloss.co.uk/
More photos from Albert’s Schloss Manchester:
Almost Famous Burger
In addition to checking out the Almost Famous burger at Spinningfields, we also happened upon the Almost Famous food truck outside of Alphabet Brew Co. one evening. Their aptly named ‘Famous Burger’ has cheese, pickles, and famous sauce. We opted for the Double Wonder with two cheeses, bacon, onion rings, pickles, two different mustards, bacon ketchup and pepper mayo. SO GOOD.
Almost Famous Burger
100-102 High Street
Northern Quarter
Manchester M4 1HP
United Kingdom
or
Almost Famous Burger
Unit 2
Great Northern
Peter Street
Manchester, M3 4EJ
United Kingdom
http://www.almostfamousburgers.com/
And a photo of the Almost Famous brick & mortar restaurant in Spinningfields:
I’m kicking myself for not sitting on that massive gorilla! 🙂
Black Milk Cereal Cafe Extreme Milkshakes
If you’re looking for true Instagram food porn – look no further than Black Milk Cafe. Their menu features everything from waffles to milkshakes made with cereal milk. Their extreme milkshakes are loaded with everything from cookies to cheesecake. If you’re looking for something healthier they also have fresh juices and colorful fruit smoothies.
Pro tip – avoid the Black Milk Cafe at Affleck’s. They have a limited menu, shorter hours and we found the staff quite rude.
Black Milk Cereal Cafe Northern Quarter
88 Oldham Street
Manchester M4 1LF
United Kingdom
http://blackmilkcereal.com/
The Alchemist Restaurant & Bar
If you’re looking for a magic show with your cocktails, The Alchemist Bar in Spinningfields is the place. Their extensive cocktail menu features concoctions that start with flames, fizzes and smoke. Make sure you sit at the bar so the friendly bartenders can entertain you while you imbibe!
The Alchemist Restaurant & Bar
3 Hardman Street
Manchester, M3 3HF
United Kingdom
More photos from The Alchemist Bar:
Neighbourhood Bar Spinningfields
Super trendy Neighbourhood Bar in Manchester’s Spinningfields will transport you to another era. The green and pink makes it feel like Barbie opened a 1950’s bar, in the best way. The menu features European and new American cuisine. They also have a bottomless brunch with Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s for £35 pounds on Saturdays and Sundays.
Make sure you try their famous All the Fun of the Fair cotton candy cocktail made with homemade candy floss. Other fun cocktails include the Maple Popcorn Old Fashioned and the Milkshake Caipirinha.
Neighbourhood Bar Spinningfields
The Avenue North
Spinningfields
Manchester M3 3BT
United Kingdom
http://www.neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk/
Dunham Massey Country House & Estate
The history of Dunham Massey starts around 1086 A.D, but the current hall was built in 1616. It is the former home of the Earl of Stamford but is now owned by the National Trust. The grounds are free to the public and are a popular picnic spot. You can also tour the hall for a small fee. One of the most recognizable things about Dunham Massey are the wild deer that freely roam the grounds. When you visit you’ll feel like you’re being transported back to a different era.
Dunham Massey Hall
Woodhouse Lane
Altrincham WA14 4SJ
United Kingdom
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
More photos from Dunham Massey Hall:
Murals & Street Art in Manchester
There are fabulous murals and street art everywhere in Manchester, but especially in the trendy Northern Quarter. One thing that’s popped up lately is several murals featuring the worker bee. It was adopted during the Industrial Revolution to symbolize Manchester’s role in developing mass production and Manchester being a hive of activity during that time. Now it’s also a symbol of solidarity and resilience in the time after the tragic events in May.
More Manchester Street Art and Murals:
Rosylee Restaurant Northern Quarter
Rosylee is a picture perfect bar and brunch spot in the Northern Quarter neighborhood of Manchester. They have a great high tea and when we were there a DJ was just setting up to drop some afternoon beats.
Rosylee Restaurant & Lounge
11 Stevenson Square
Manchester M1 1DB
United Kingdom
http://rosylee.com/
More photos from Rosylee Manchester:
Evelyn’s Cafe & Bar
You’d never guess it from the name but Evelyn’s menu features many Asian fusion dishes like Korean fried chicken and laska noodle soup. There’s a lot of randomness, but in a good way all in a beautiful setting. They have great cocktails with awesome garnishes and a lot of great vegan options. Although we loved most of the food, I would definitely recommend skipping their ramen. Perhaps I’m just spoiled from my recent Japan adventures though! 🙂
Evelyn’s Cafe & Bar
G18 Tib Street
Manchester M4
United Kingdom
http://www.evelynscafebar.com/
More photos from Evelyn’s Cafe Manchester:
Iberica Restaurant & Bar
Iberica was definitely one of our favorite bars in Manchester. We stopped by during our exploration of the Spinningfields neighborhood and were absolutely in awe of the decor. Check out those high ceilings, red and yellow color scheme and bottles on bottles on bottles! Add to that delicious cocktails and a friendly staff and this place is a winner.
Iberica Restaurant & Bar Manchester
14-15 Hardman Street
Manchester M3 3HF
United Kingdom
Website
More photos from Iberica Restaurant Manchester:
Bundobust Indian Street Food
Bundobust is a buzzy newish restaurant that features Indian street food. It was a recommendation from Chef Adam Reid of The French at the Midland Hotel. Let’s just say he didn’t lead us astray! Located underground it feels like you’re entering a secret club when you head down the stairs.
The menu is meat free and there are many vegan options. Pictured above is the food porn worthy paneer and mushroom kebabs (vegetarian). We also loved the communal tables and the blue and yellow color scheme. The food is also a great value – your dollar (or pound) goes a long way here. Don’t forget to try some of their house-made craft beers.
Bundobust Indian Street Food
61 Piccadilly
Manchester M1 2AG
United Kingdom
http://bundobust.com/
Federal Cafe Manchester
Federal Cafe bills themselves as an Australian and New Zealand (aka antipodean) café, but from what I can tell it has standard brunch food done very well! Brunch is served all day. Your meal has to include the french toast with berry compote and whipped mascarpone. Heaven on a platter!
Federal Cafe Manchester
9 Nicholas Croft
Manchester M4 1EY
United Kingdom
http://federalcafe.co.uk/
River Irwell Manchester
The Irwell river runs through . There are great paths along much of the river and it was a great place to do my morning runs while we were in town. Charming house boats are scattered along the river. Did I mention how photogenic Manchester is?
Spinningfields Restaurants & Shopping
Although I’ve already mentioned many of Spinningfields bars and restaurants above (Awesome Burger, The Alchemist, Neighbourhood Bar and Iberica) it’s still worth mentioning this small neighborhood in Manchester on its own! It’s basically a complex of some of the prettiest and most delicious restaurants and bars you’ll find anywhere. Just pop into any of them – you really can’t go wrong.
Spinningfields Restaurants & Shopping
Manchester
United Kingdom
https://www.spinningfieldsonline.com/
P.S. – Planning a trip to the United Kingdom? Don’t forget to check out my Foodie’s Guide to London!
Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me.
All photos by me and Cynthia, shot on a Fuji X-T2 mirrorless camera.
Need more Manchester travel inspiration? Check out Manchester’s Iconic Midland hotel:
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