Northern Soul is a cheese lovers paradise.  If you want grilled cheese done so well that you burn your tongue from devouring it so quickly, this Manc institution is the place for you.  Head to NQ or the newer restaurant on Piccadilly, then thank me later (The Classic with blue cheese and bacon is something special)

Bab on Little Lever street is a great spot for posh kebabs bursting with flavour and their dreamy Greek fries, drizzled with

Mackie Mayor comes from the brains behind Altrincham Market and delivers multiple cuisines under one roof, meaning if you’re like me and can’t make a food decision to save your life, you can try pizza, tacos and ribs at the same. time.  MM does get busy at the weekend so be prepared to fight for a table.

Other Great Spots: Ply, The Ivy, Hatch

Late night drinks & food

Cocktail, Ramen Beer and Bun is a mouthful does exactly as it says on the tin.  With a wide choice of meat and veggie bao (my fave), huge servings of Ramen, CRBB is a cosy little joint and is relatively new addition to Oldham Street.  

Albert Schloss is a place where, if you’ve never been – where have you been? This bier palace, come bakery cook haus is a ruddy great spot no matter what time of the time but tends to come alive during the evening with a full calendar of showtime entertainment.  Comedy, cabaret, click yer heels choons?  They got it all.

Crazy Pedros’ pizza slices are so big, that it’s often not worth ordering a whole pizza.  With its NQ restaurant tucked into the side of Affleks Palace and another on Bridge Street, CP is a hit because of its super tasty servings.  Ever wondered what a Big Mac or KFC would taste like on a pizza?  How about a chippy tea?  Crazy Pedros has got your back, boo.

NQ64 will satisfy the Sonic the Hedgehog or Streetfighter playing nerd in you, especially as this undergound arcade club serves beer and cocktails.  For about a fiver you get a cup full of tokens that you can use

Matt & Phreds on Northern Quarter’s Tib Street is the ‘only true dedicated Jazz venue in the North-West of England’ (thanks Google) and features a live performance 6 nights of the week.  Team that with a few beers and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a great night out.

Refuge situated inside the Principal Hotel is one of my favourite places to grab a G&T.  First of all, the Principal itself is a beautiful Victorian building and the bar and dining room, Refuge combines the old with the new to create a number of spaces.  The public bar is a great coffee, co working or after work drinks but my favourite space is the Winter Garden where the outside is brought inside.

Other Great Spots: Soup Kitchen, Cane and Grain, Twenty Twenty Two, The Font

Where to stay

If you’re looking to spend a day exploring the city centre for a night or even a long weekend, checking out serviced apartments in Manchester mean you’re just a short walk from the various areas of Manchester.  Northern Quarter is a particular favourite area of mine (if you haven’t noticed) but if you’re after a different kind of nightlife, Deansgate or Canal Street may be right up your, er, street.

Bit of culture?

Manchester is full of rich history and architecture and even just taking a walk to take in the beautiful buildings is a great way to pass an afternoon in the city.

Northern Quarter is full of colourful graffiti .  Simply wander around NQ and you’re sure to see some colourful creations.  Particular areas of interest are Tariff Street, Steventon Sq, Tibb Street and High Street for two story high murals.

Affleks Palace is the home of indie trading in Manchester and its eclectically decorated interiors span over four floors.  One of Manchester’s most iconic venues, in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Affleks is best described a creative hub. Want vintage clothing, records, jewellery, American candy, art prints, a piercing or even a tarot reading?  Better head to Affleks.  It’s like a bit of a maze but the best kinda maze.

John Rylands Library is every Harry Potter fans dream due to its similarities to Hogwarts.  Located on Deansgate, the striking gothic building was opened to the public in 1990 and is open 7 days a week.  The iconic reading room with its stunning stained glass windows is fair game for you to pull up a chair, crack out a book (or your laptop) and feel like Hermione Grainger for the afternoon.

Manchester’s Central Library on Peter Street is the second largest public lending library in Britain and a Grade II listed building.  For a library, its pretty damn beautiful and the reading room on the ground floor with its domed ceiling is definitely something worth seeing if you’re a book lover.

Manchester Town Hall is currently under renovation with work due to finish in 2024, so you can’t actually go inside, but the exterior is just as impressive and could pass for something straight out.

The spending money in this post was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own.