Soup
Revered and respected two-floor music venue with a strong reputation for community, and backing local and global talent alike
Northern Quarter
Manchester's vibrant cultural hub and the city's most dynamic neighbourhood.
About the Northern Quarter
Nestled in the heart of Manchester, the Northern Quarter is renowned for its eclectic mix of independent shops, trendy bars, and innovative eateries. This urban paradise is a magnet for creatives, offering a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary cool. Explore the area’s iconic street art, vintage boutiques, and record stores that define its distinct character. Whether you’re a foodie seeking gourmet delights or an art enthusiast looking to discover the latest gallery exhibits, the Northern Quarter has something for everyone.
Places in the Northern Quarter highlights the best places to visit, including popular spots like Afflecks, a multi-story emporium of eclectic retailers, and the Craft and Design Centre, where local artists showcase their work. Experience the lively nightlife with a visit to renowned bars such as The Whiskey Jar and Night & Day Café. For coffee aficionados, the Northern Quarter boasts some of Manchester’s finest cafes, perfect for a cozy retreat. Explore, discover, and enjoy all that this iconic area has to offer.
Sorting places
Koffee Pot
A Mancunian institution serving hearty British classics by day and legendary tacos by night.
Nice Things
One of the country's largest independent houseplant stores on the bustling Oldham Street with exceptional customer service
Morning Glory
Playful café serving loaded bagels, specialty coffee and a reinvented Manchester Tart, all wrapped up in unapologetic Manc attitude.
The Pasta Factory
As the name suggests, the home of great pasta, made in an historic Manchester building, by skilled Italians epicureans.
Mouro NQ
Contemporary, design-led coffee shop serving coffees, pastries and sandwiches.
Ezra & Gil
Bustling all-day café and coffee house serving simple but excellent brunch, fresh bakes, and great coffee.
Beaumont Organic
Responsible, ethical, and sustainable cotton, linen, and recycled denim women’s wear, in a store to die for.
Ciaooo Loaded Garlic Bread
From irresistible starter to the main event, this spot’s all about garlic bread topped with all manner of Italian delicacies.
Thomas Street Tattoo
Tattoo studio specialising, but not limited to, fine line, black and grey, Japanese, blackwork and dark skin.
The Peer Hat
Alternative-leaning record store, beer house, live music venue and club space in the city centre's most romanticised counter-cultural district
Little Aladdin
Vibrant vegan Indian cuisine with a daily rotation of curries, wraps, and flavourful naan, all rooted in health and heartiness.
UNITOM
Art and design bookstore, expertly-curated magazine stand, stunning independent gallery — a real one-of-a-kind.
Mean-Eyed Cat
Deep South-inspired dive bar and home of the legendary Roll the Dice game
The Badger
Common
Perennially popular Northern Quarter bar doing all the right things — DJ sets, strong spirits, and Nell’s Pizza
Nomad
Coffee shop serving up great brews, pastries and sandwiches.
The Bud and Pot
Manchester florist specialising bespoke, luxury florals
Bunny’s Country Club
Americana-styled country music bar with over 30 bourbons to try, live music most evenings, extensive cocktail menu, burgers and more
Nightcap
Subterranean cocktail and wine bar offering a more refined take on city centre hedonism with DJs regularly playing free parties
Nell’s Northern Quarter
Mancunian pizza institution specialising in 22" New York-style pizzas, alongside great craft beers and cocktails
The Freemount
Traditional pub meets contemporary bar meets live music stage each night of the week
Band On The Wall
Early-19th Century boozer turned world class music venue welcoming a stacked calendar of international touring artists.
Rustica
Beloved Manchester institution serving satisfying sandwiches and cheap cuppas, treasured for its friendly service.
Giraffe Flowers
Northern Quarter shop with bespoke bouquets, quirky house-plants, and unique home décor
Siop Shop
Exceptional sourdough doughnuts and Welsh-inspired café culture on the corner of Tib Street.
Carhartt Work In Progress Store
First Northern Quarter store of hit streetwear-inspired fashion brand for men and women
Stage & Radio
Steeped in history, this two-floor nightlife destination is a Northern Quarter asset, with a jazz-influenced bar and subterranean club space packing serious sound system.
Mackie Mayor
Upmarket food hall with six independent kitchens, a highly respected wine bar and award-winning beer shop
Vinyl Exchange
The North West’s biggest buyer and seller of used and rare CDs, vinyl and DVDs
This & That
Backstreet curry cafe and arguably the most famous ‘rice and three’ lunch spot in the city
Vinyl Revival
Record emporium with highly knowledgeable staff responsible for enviably on-point stock running across multiple genres and eras
Dakota Hotel
Refined hotel offering sleek interiors, exceptional dining, and a sense of timeless sophistication.
Soots
Playful, handmade vegan pasta served in a stylish setting, with small plates, desserts and a sharp little wine list.
Cafe Marhaba
Beloved family run rice & three curry cafe opened in 1992, known for its fresh naan and tandoor
Frog Flower School
Learn floral artistry and sustainability, born in France, grown in Manchester.
Zaap Thai
High-energy Thai street food place filled with neon lights and interesting objects.
Dusk Til Pawn
A neon-lit faux pawn shop hiding a sharp, showy cocktail bar with playful serves and serious mixology.
COW Vintage
One of the biggest vintage shops in the country boasting handpicked, ethically sourced vintage clothing and accessories
Sugar Junction
Coffee shop and vintage tea room serving brunch, lunch and afternoon tea in the heart of the Northern Quarter
The Rose & Monkey Hotel
One of the city’s oldest drinking holes, built in 1783, with rooms for hire, a beer garden and packed music programme
Yard & Coop
Temple of buttermilk fried chicken serving homemade shakes, soft drinks, beers, cocktails, great music and vibes
Ad Hoc
A curated Northern Quarter bottle shop for independent wines, mixed cases, and low-intervention gems.
Purezza
Award-winning vegan pizzeria offering an array of plant-based pizzas and indulgent desserts with a focus on sustainability.
Noi Quattro
Traditional Italian street food inspired by Naples, made for Manchester.
Novel Aesthetics
Independent aesthetic therapy clinic offering skin treatments, fillers, micro-infusion and mesotherapy, among many more
Fress
Au naturale design meets comfort food in a Northern Quarter favourite, with waffles and chicken among the winners.
The Health Lab
The Health Lab is an intimate studio specialising in reformer pilates in Manchester city centre