Manc’s a lot
WEEKEND
Place
A swaggering force of nature, with a non-stop desire to be different, post-lockdown Manchester will offer a whirlwind of culture, character and creativity…
Stay
Four-star Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station pays homage to the history of the city and key industries that helped it grow.
Located in the thriving Northern Quarter, this 187-bedroom Victorian Grade II listed building was once a tea warehouse before it was rescued from ruin and beautifully restored, retaining its iron railings, brickwork walls and original glass-covered courtyard.
Bedrooms have walls in muted colours, leather headboards and old-fashioned rotary dial telephones. Textiles reflect Manchester’s creative and industrial heritage. Artworks use famous quotes about the city. All have floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the city views.
Its proximity to Victoria station ensures a stress-free arrival, and The Printworks is on the doorstep for restaurants and shopping. Standard rooms from £66pn. Essential travel only. hotelindigo.com
See
With two world-class teams, Manchester is the ideal location for the National Football Museum.
It has a huge collection of football artefacts, trophies and shirts, seven interactive games and a relaunched Hall of Fame with 50% devoted to women in the game. nationalfootballmuseum.com
The Science and Industry Museum offers permanent and rotating exhibitions, a wonderful interactive section with experiments and a dedicated area detailing the growth of Manchester’s industrial heritage. scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Following an extensive renovation project, The Whitworth gallery is the best place in the city to view exciting contemporary art. Pay a visit to its fabulous restaurant with sweeping views of the surrounding park. whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/
Eat
Mamucium, part of the Hotel Indigo, is a vibrant addition to Manchester’s culinary scene. The menu is bursting with local produce and takes classics like Lancashire Hotpot and Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese to a whole new level. There’s also a dedicated vegan menu.
Mamucium At Home service is currently available via Deliveroo and for room service for hotel guests. mamuciummcr.com
Moose Coffee, which has two branches in Manchester (York Street and Piccadilly Station), celebrates the breakfast foods of America. And it does it really well… with stacks of pancakes loaded with fruit and syrup or crispy bacon and waffles, as well as healthier choices such as egg-white omelettes. moosecoffee.co
Venture a little out of the city centre to trendy Ancoats and you’ll find
Rudy’s on Cotton Street, one of the area’s original indie openings. The owners keep to their Naples roots, and I thank my Mancunian friend for taking me there to sample authentic Italian pizza. rudyspizza.co.uk Back in the Northern Quarter, Pieminister on Church Street is a lively, affordable eatery. There’s nothing humble about these pies though.
Stand-out star for me was the Moo and Blue – steak and blue cheese, encased in golden pastry and served on a bed of mash and gravy. pieminster.co.uk
Drink
The Temple is a Victorian public toilet-turned bar on Great Bridgewater Street. Small in size but big on bottled beers and others on tap, it has a jukebox full of the best Manchester bands.
Based on an old textile mill, The Whiskey Jar on Tariff Street offers a huge choice of premium whisky, as well as local ales and cocktails, plus live music. thewhiskeyjar.com
With two branches in the city, The Alchemist is a high-end cocktail bar that turns your evening drink into an amazing experience. Made before your eyes, classic cocktails get the mad-scientist treatment with drinks that fizz, flame and smoke. thealchemist.uk.com
The Wharf in Castlefields is a great British pub serving traditional food, a great selection of wines and guest ales in a relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor seating areas overlook the canal. brunningandprice.co.uk/thewharf
‘‘ The public toilet-turned bar’s jukebox is full of Manchester’s best bands