Station Hop

Levenshulme has stories to tell. And when it’s finally done with them, there are plenty more where they came from. The south central district, historically a stronghold of Manchester’s Irish community, comes with a checkered past but glorious present. Still refreshingly real and rough around the edges in a city that has rapidly gentrified and upsold itself, today you’ll find some of the best bars and eateries around these parts — a short train ride from Piccadilly Railway Station or a 20 minute (give or take another 20 in rush hour) bus journey on the (in)famous 192 route. 

With much of the action focused on Stockport Road, the neighbourhood’s main thoroughfare, Station Hop couldn’t be more centrally located. Nevertheless, there’s a risk you might miss it, given the establishment is like a Tardis. Tiny on the outside, it’s deceptively spacious once you’re through the front door, where you’ll find an ever-changing selection of cask, keg, bottled and canned beers, alongside other brews. Plenty of what’s being poured is pretty interesting, too, meaning this is a spot if you fancy diving into an ultra-dark sweet porter or something similarly specialist. 

There’s also a strong selection of stiffer drinks on offer, with an impressive spirit cabinet for those who want it and a great list of wines ready for you to savour. Like so much in Levenshulme — or Levy, or Levie — the community spirit is strong in this one, and Station Hop really wants you to sit and play for a while. So, don’t miss the stacks of board games on hand to keep you occupied, and on a good day we’d recommend heading out back. There, you’ll find a cute beer garden which regularly hosts some quality street food traders on Friday and Saturday evenings. An asset to the area, it’s another reason why staying in town when visiting Manchester means you’ll miss out on so much.