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
Manchester Craft & Design Centre
Independent artist studios selling jewellery, pottery, canvases, prints, statues and more, located in a 19th Century fish market
Gullivers
Legendary boozer and upstairs live music venue with intimate basement for theatre and comedy
The Millstone
Bada Bing
Cult Sopranos-inspired sandwich shop slinging New York–Italian hoagies stuffed with serious flavour and a little attitude.
Gooey Cafe
Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens
Manchester brunch-time institution situated on the ground floor of a landmark high rise
The Liars Lounge
Second floor Tiki haven at Cane & Grain, with enough bottles of rum to build a bridge to Barbados.
Get Baked
Home of the legendary 24-layer Bruce cake, and a slew of other sensational sweet treats
Thomas Street Tattoo
Tattoo studio specialising, but not limited to, fine line, black and grey, Japanese, blackwork and dark skin.
Night & Day Cafe
One of the city’s most famous intimate music venues with a storied history, and a cherished drinking and eating hangout
Honest Crust
High grade sourdough pizza in Manchester’s most opulent and historic food hall.
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.
Terrace
Popular independent bar with roadside tables, two indoor floors and a huge rooftop garden
Science & Industry
Opulent drinks laboratory specialising in technical mixology, home to some of Manchester’s most unique cocktails.
Sugar Junction
Coffee shop and vintage tea room serving brunch, lunch and afternoon tea in the heart of the Northern Quarter
The Bay Horse Tavern
Victorian boozer meets modern dining at an address that dates back to the early 19th Century.
Nightcap
Subterranean cocktail and wine bar offering a more refined take on city centre hedonism with DJs regularly playing free parties
Morning Glory
Playful café serving loaded bagels, specialty coffee and a reinvented Manchester Tart, all wrapped up in unapologetic Manc attitude.
Reserve Wines
Curated wines and spirits in the beautiful surroundings of Mackie Mayor
The Smithfield Social
All-day hangout serving creative brunch, small plates, and cocktails, with a standout outdoor terrace.
The Salmon of Knowledge Didsbury
Modern Irish pub and kitchen specialising in “gallons of Guinness”, authentic Emerald Isle dishes and live music
Novel Aesthetics
Independent aesthetic therapy clinic offering skin treatments, fillers, micro-infusion and mesotherapy, among many more
Almost Famous
The burger joint that re-wrote burger joints in Manchester, restored to its former glory
Tariff & Dale
Landmark industrial-edged bar and lower-ground floor restaurant boasting modern English food, sourdough pizzas and free pool table.
Frog Flower School
Learn floral artistry and sustainability, born in France, grown in Manchester.
Nancy Spains
Authentic Irish boozer pouring Murphy’s Stout
Common
Perennially popular Northern Quarter bar doing all the right things — DJ sets, strong spirits, and Nell’s Pizza
Little Aladdin
Vibrant vegan Indian cuisine with a daily rotation of curries, wraps, and flavourful naan, all rooted in health and heartiness.
Hinterland
Alcohol-free cocktails, beers, and wines with a very busy programme of events, from philosophy nights to acoustic music
Travelling Man
Quirky shop for comics, graphic novels, board games and more
Beaumont Organic
Responsible, ethical, and sustainable cotton, linen, and recycled denim women’s wear, in a store to die for.
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
Black Milk
Let them eat cake, ice cream sundaes, bakes and more at this diner dedicated to desserts
Frog & Bucket Comedy Club
Live alternative comedy club with a revered international reputation.
The Freemount
Traditional pub meets contemporary bar meets live music stage each night of the week
Purezza
Award-winning vegan pizzeria offering an array of plant-based pizzas and indulgent desserts with a focus on sustainability.
Wolf At The Door
Visually striking bar serving Asian fusion food, craft beers, highballs, martinis, homemade cocktail recipes and weekend DJ sets
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
Ramenshop
Stripped-back noodle bar delivering a maximalist ramen experience, celebrating the beauty of broth in an intimate, no-nonsense setting.
APT. Disco
The Bud and Pot
Manchester florist specialising bespoke, luxury florals
Gone Fishing Vintage
Serious vintage with an Italian edge—Stone Island, CP Company and more, curated with care.
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.
Calcio!
DJ sets, themed quizzes, live and classic sports matches, retro video games, booze, burgers and dogs.
Zaap Thai
High-energy Thai street food place filled with neon lights and interesting objects.
Carhartt Work In Progress Store
First Northern Quarter store of hit streetwear-inspired fashion brand for men and women
Fred Aldous
Iconic, century-spanning art supply shop situated in the city’s creative epicentre, which it helped to define