Manchester Guide

EAT MANCHESTER:

Trof – They serve awesome full English breakfast, bourbon, beer and even more food. The cafe has a very inviting interior and you feel like home, because you want to stay there for long. I’ll definitely be back for more.

Fazenda – it was our first lunch in Manchester and the most amazing choice. I also think that locals know how good it is, as it was packed. This place is all about delicious meat. You have a salad bar with all yummy additions, like rice, even sushi, salads and so much more, then you sit comfortably and wait for a friendly waiter to come over with freshly grilled meat. The cool part – you can have them aaaaaall, there’s a huge choice and in the end you wish you could eat more. We spent there quite some time and it was a delicious experience, definitely worth checking out for the interesting serving system as well.

Evelyn’s coffee – Most probably one of the best ricotta pancakes I had for years were served in this spot. And it wasn’t even mine. I ordered avocado toast and it was just like it should be – awesome. They have a peanut butter coffee, which is definitely worth trying.

Mackie Mayor – I love this concept – a big space with many vendors selling delicious food. We have something similar in Berlin called Markthalle IX and it has a soft spot in my heart. There are many communal tables to share, so you never feel alone over there, and I have quite a strong feeling that you’ll make some friends, as Manchester folks are super friendly. Plus food, obviously, is awesome!

Fig and Sparrow – they know how to make a good cup of coffee and also serve delicious brownies. I had both and enjoyed both.

The Botanist Media City – very relaxing place. It’s like eating in a garden, so many plants around. Outdoor- reared slow roast pork belly was difficult to forget!

The Refuge – There are places so unique and pretty that you need to see them. One of them is The Refuge. Its interior is simply stunning. You can have a big buffet breakfast or come for drinks in the evening. The place is divided into a few parts, each one with slightly different characters: Garden in the middle, where you feel like in a glasshouse, beautiful dining area and impressive area for drinks.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese – everyone has its small obsessions, one of mine is a good grilled cheese sandwich. I am telling you, you want to try one of their sandwiches, it’s just like it should be.

Federal Cafe & Bar – sweet little place with delicious coffee. We stopped there only for a coffee, but I could see all the delicious breakfast plates they offer and I am definitely going back for one of these. It’s New Zealand and Australian Cafe, so you can imagine all the breakfasts are just…

The Coffee Pot – it kind of reminds me of the crazy early years of my life. Very relaxing, yummy breakfast, great for drinks as well. This is also the place where I realised that black pudding is not a sweet dessert one. Ups. They serve breakfast cocktails 😀

Foundation Coffee House – My last coffee in Manchester and I am glad it was here, delicious! Quite a big spot with a very cool design.

Ezra & Gill – We went there for lunch and it seems like half of Manchester thinks that they have awesome food, as it was packed. The crowd is right, the food is amazing!

SEE AND EXPERIENCE MANCHESTER:

Bongo’s Bingo – this was a hell of an experience and I’d say a must in Manchester. Bingo combined with music and dancing and loads of fun. There were dancers (kind of), awesome host and songs we all know by heart. The party is located in the amazing Albert Hall, which makes it even more special. But to be brutally honest – it’s the fun you want and need. Sing your heart out with Michael Jackson, get crazy with the Spice Girls and show your moves with some good old school techno. I’ll remember this night for a long time and will show videos to all friends who do not believe it was that cool.

The John Rylands Library – we visited this library just when they open for the day. It was almost empty and we found each other photographing like crazy. The interior is hypnotising! As I mentioned before, I have a thing for libraries and this one is high on my list, not only because it has a lot of books, but because it’s an obligatory photographic stop in Manchester.

Castelfield – it’s a canal area with quite a few boat house and I had a feeling that it’s an Amsterdam of Manchester (if it could be a thing). You have quite a few delicious restaurants over here, gin bars and many paths to walk.

Manchester Town Hall – it may sound like a typical touristy spot and it even may be, but it’s so interesting, architecture beautiful, you have tunnels created out of columns, bridges hanging between buildings and it’s just the spot for pictures. I’ve been there during a Chinese New Year and there were many red lampions, which made it even more interesting.

Manchester Central Library – apparently there are places called “the Instagram spot” and this one would be it (like all the others from my list). You can capture it in so many ways. Or just look and enjoy.

Chatham’s Library – it’s a public library which takes you on a travel in time. I’ve met and amazing volunteer who told me a thing or two about this place. One is for sure, my pictures before and after this chat were different. This is also what I like so much about Manchester people – passion to their history.

Northen Quarters – I mention many places located in Northern Quarters, but just to let you know, the whole neighbourhood is amazing. There’s a lot of street art, picturesque streets and buildings, delicious cafes, restaurants and bars.

Victoria Baths – last but definitely not least. There’s just so much history and beauty in this place. They open in 1906 and it was a place where you could come to take a bath or to swim. You have three swimming pools divided between 1st class men, 2nd class men and women, Turkish saunas and the most beautiful interior like for a swimming pool. The pools are not operating anymore, but there are many art events and concerts, so check it out. If you’re into architecture, check out the building and interiors. They are constantly searching for funds to restore the buildings and I honestly hope that they will find it, as it’s one of these spots that should stay with us forever.

Manchester Art Gallery – I took a break over here on a rainy day and I stayed for long.

Corporation Street Bridge – it looks cool 🙂