Manchester & Salford Area Guide
The Get Living Edit
The Get Living Edit
The crowned capital of the North, Manchester and neighbouring Salford are iconic, vibrant hubs, constantly growing in stature. Never standing still, Manchester and Salford continue to rapidly evolve into a Northern powerhouse, with an exponential rate of expansion beyond the city centre to creating exciting new destinations in their own right – just see Spinningfields and Media City UK.
Always an epicentre of music, hospitality, art, style, innovation, and entertainment, Manchester may not always see the sunshine, but its culture and warm inhabitants certainly shine bright. Strap in as we give you whistle-stop tour of what makes this metropolis so special – as they say, “all that’s missing is a beach.”
Anthony H Wilson
Need new bar or restaurant ideas? Fancy a shopping spree? On the hunt for a new hobby? Here are some of Manchester’s best bits
Manchester’s food and drink scene continues to boom as one of the best in the UK. Set yourself up for some sensational ‘scran’, with our essential guide to dining out in the city.
First class food hall - £ Smithfield's Grade II Listed 1858 Market, overhauled & reimagined. The brick-walled food hall features nine independent vendors offering steaks, pizza & sandwiches, with communal open dining tables.
Modern Chinese - £££ Set in sophisticated, dark wood surroundings, Tattu stimulates all senses, fusing beautiful design with a Modern Chinese culinary experience like no other - and showstopping cocktails.
Italian - ££ Situated in a Victorian Grade II listed building, Rosso’s breath-taking interior and Southern Italian menus, greets you with a warm embrace. Perfect for laid back lunches, antipasto fuelled afternoons or an evening of indulging.
Pan-Asian - ££ An extension of the stylish but laidback restaurant 'Australasia', Sunset features an exquisite taste of sunshine through indulgent Asian fusion. The outdoor garden area, makes it the perfect retreat for the sunshine months.
Award-winning Tapas - ££ Set in a pedestrianised street the buzzy ‘Black Cat’ houses an industrial-style dining room and bar, the top floor, an events space with a retractable roof. Unmissable dishes feature meats from the infamous Josper grill.
Modern British - £££ An intimate hotel restaurant created in the Belle Époque age and brought up-to-date with a moody colour scheme, striking chandeliers and booth seating. Feast on bold, modern British dishes.
Small plates and cocktails - ££ Nothing to do with Charlotte Bronte, the Eyre siblings Jonny and Joe have dedicated their ‘neighbourhood bar’ to their late mother. Serving divine seasonal small plates with a Med-twist. They also do a great classic Sunday roast.
Contemporary British - £££ Occupying an impressive space within the traditional floral festooned building. The Ivy features a ground floor brasserie, first floor private dining room, an opulent Asian bar and restaurant and a sumptuous Roof Garden.
Neighbourhood gem - £ A true neighbourhood hang-out with a vision to provide a simple and satisfying menu. The E&G space is welcoming and wholesome, we recommend the beans on toast – ultimate comfort.
Modern British - ££ Start with cocktails beside the bars marble fireplace, then head through to the ‘bear pit’ – the elegant former trading room of the Manchester Stock Exchange – with impressive domed ceiling, serving Brit-brasserie classics.
Modern British - £££ Situated on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, 20 Stories is composed of a glamorous restaurant, lively bar and expansive rooftop terrace with unparalleled 360-degree views of the Manchester skyline.
British Contemporary - ££ A modern, industrial-style wine bar run by a group of friends, laid-back Erst offers something refreshingly different in the city. Specialising in natural, low-intervention wines – and flavoursome small plates.
PLUS New Maker Yards residents are spoilt with a rotating restaurant on the doorstep, courtesy of Get Living’s partnership with Event Disco!
Every Thursday you’ll be given a new, surprise menu to order from – no cuisine is off limits – then take a short stroll to Seven Bro7hers to collect, knowing that you’re helping meet Food Disco’s sustainable mission to reduce street congestion and pollution from deliveries. Sweet.
Manchester is the gift that keeps on giving, make no mistake about it, this is a city that knows how to have a good time. From friendly craft beer bars to elegant drinking dens and innovative mixologists shaking up a storm.
An inspiring urban landscape rebuilt and rethought around a visionary food market, discover a unique selection of bars – a huge main bar, craft beer tap room, neighbourhood cocktail bar and intimate wine bar.
Head here for your essential sunshine fix - everyday feels like a festival. Amidst the sprawling towers of Spinningfields, The Oast House stands out-OUT with its main square location.
So if you live at New Maker Yards you’ll have no doubt got familiar with the local beerhouse. Enjoy a honeycomb pale ale canal side, or watermelon beer in Ancoats Square, their sister site – always buzzing, atmosphere guaranteed.
As one of the most famous outdoor bars in Manchester, Dukes offers handpicked wines and beers, stunning cocktails an eclectic menu with classic, seasonal dishes – order the cheese.
The canal-side brewery-come-bar brings all the girls n’ boys to the yard with local brews and their iconic pizzas. A winning combo for all seasons. There’s also seating in the Crate canal boat out front.
Forget everything you thought you knew about bowling alleys, because Lane7 is different. Really different. Bowling, ten-pin bowling, ping-pong, pool, karaoke – a perfect spot for drinks. Expect party vibes.
Home to over 30 independent traders who rotate frequently, Hatch brings together Manchester's greatest drink, food traders, creators and makers with a varied and exciting events programme.
Small plates and cocktails - ££ Nothing to do with Charlotte Bronte, the Eyre siblings Jonny and Joe have dedicated their ‘neighbourhood bar’ to their late mother. Serving divine seasonal small plates with a Med-twist. They also do a great classic Sunday roast.
This rejuvenated, now fully pedestrianised, area in the iconic Northern Quarter plays host to thriving bars and restaurants amongst historic buildings with New York-style fire escapes and the many murals by local artists.
A hidden den of debauchery and indulgence in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Playing Boogie, Soul & Up Beat Funk all night long.
The best nightlife in the UK? You’ll be completely spoilt for choice in Manchester. Home to some of the best British artists of all time, from The Smiths to the Stones Roses AND the most iconic music venues in the country.
Manchester's first Bohemian bier palace, cook haus and bakery. Showtime entertainment, live music and mountain frolics every day of the week. Expect roaring fires, raucous performances, table-dancing and endless naughtiness.
Crazy Pedro's is a laidback innovative pizza parlour that likes to “party all the time”. With Manchester’s largest Mezcal & Tequila selection, grab a frozen margarita and watch everything unfold.
Canal Street is a beacon of LGBTQ+ celebration in the city and tourist hotspot. Receive the red carpet treatment at Oscars or opt for a cosy spot at The Molly House. And don’t miss Manchester pride in August.
By day = chilled place to grab a bite. By night the bar is a popular for post-work drinks and when the basement opens for club nights / live music the place is lit. Bipolar Sunshine, and Circa Waves have made their debut there.
WHP is a series of dance music club & gig nights. A limited seasonal approach running from September to New Year’s Day, plus occasional one off dates such as Bank Holiday weekends. Expect huge globally renowned DJs.
The only true dedicated Jazz venue in the NW of England with live acts 6-nights a week. Every summer Get Living’s sponsors canal-side sessions on Lockside Lane where residents can enjoy alfresco Jazz, Blues, Latin, Funk, plus top Manc DJs for FREE.
The Northern Quarter (NQ) is home to Manchester’s bohemian district, countless independent fashion stores, designers and record shops. While the central retail district and the Arndale centre has all the high-street, top name designers and its very own Selfridges.
Pack your shoppers and head to your favourite market town for your fill of the good stuff. Home to one of the most famous markets in the North, you’ll find the region's best street food outlets and produce vendors.
Located in the heart of Manchester’s NQ, KershKicks is the creation of brothers Sam and Ben. This store is a sneakerheads dream with a full range of latest releases and classic grails. Visit for all your footwear fantasies.
The iconic indoor market is an emporium of eclecticism, a totem of indie commerce. Affleck’s independent traders sells everything from top hats to tattoo's, vintage, vinyl, fancy dress, crystals and so much more.
A family-run arts, crafts and haberdashery store. Established in 1886 it stocks more than 25,000 products. With its laser cutting and photography studios, it’s a hub where makers and creatives produce their work too.
This instagrammable plant and homeware emporium, is just a brisk walk from Afflecks. Get your mitts on XXL house plants as well vegan organic soaps, ceramics and inspired wall art. Great for gift ideas.
A unique treasure trove of spread out over 2000 sq ft and packed to the rafters with vibrant and colourful homeware and kitchenware, handmade jewellery, cards, wrap, books & stationary, retro sweets, tin toys and novelty items galore.
A champion of the Mancunian style scene, this independent boutique has been shaping wardrobes for 20-years. Quality gear that's fit for purpose, accessories and magazines. Oi Polloi have curated the labels that convey the best of British.
A breeding ground for independent spirits and a beacon for international performances – it’s no wonder so many creative professionals are headed up north. From architecture, music, art and theatre, Manchester’s culture is renowned for its energy and excellence.
A collective of artists, designers, educators and makers based at Islington Mill, who have applied creative flair to our car parks, corridors and courtyards. Go spark your creativity with a vibrant range of workshops, indulge a passion, kickstart a new hobby, plan a unique date night – all levels welcome.
Manchester's new centre for theatre, film and visual art. The five cinemas showcase the very best in contemporary and classic cinema, the gallery presents work by emerging and established artists, with a restaurant, bar and bookshop to boot.
This registered charity brings visual and performing arts to Salford. A magnificent building alongside Salford Quays, inside visitors will find three stunning theatres alongside galleries showcasing artists of local, national and international renown.
One of the largest British collections of fashion and clothing. Second only to the London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in size and significance, the Gallery of Costume is a true landmark in this city.
A historic art gallery that contains 55,000 items in its collection. Part of the University of Manchester, serving as a bridge, between the University and the people of the city; a place to meet, play and learn.
The world's biggest football museum, telling the stories of the game of our lives. The unmissable museum displays an unmatched collection of football memorabilia. Discover English football's most enduring moments.
One of the most beautiful libraries in the world with a history as romantic as its fairy-tale interior. The Grade-I listed beauty was commissioned in 1890 by Enriqueta Rylands, in memory of her husband John - a philanthropist, entrepreneur and Manchester’s first millionaire.
Known for its rotating pieces of street art, including Banksy. It’s almost impossible to walk through Manchester’s city centre without coming across incredible street art. Get ready to soak it all in.
Manchester has some of the country’s leading fitness facilities, there has never been a better time to explore what’s on offer and get in the best shape of your life.
With over 180 classes a week across 25 concepts, there's something for everyone at BLOK MCR. Offering classes in 10 disciplines including Barre, Boxing, Strength, Pilates and Yoga, you’ll find hybrid workouts you won’t find anywhere else.
Within 12,000 sq ft of training space there’s an indoor running track, a 20-metre sled track, performance room, free weight area, resistance equipment, assault course – with monkey bars, rope regain and cargo net, full free motion cable suite, and a climbing wall – a first for a gym in Manchester.
A 5-10 min walk from New Maker Yards, spread over 30,000 square foot, JD Gym is packed with equipment, a huge free weights zone plus spin studio hosting over 300 classes a month. Members can also get their sweat on in the bootcamp area, boxing facilities, sprint track and saunas.
A truly unique boutique fitness concept with community at its heart, TRIB3 studios provide an intensive but inclusive HIIT session with a luxe, industrial setting. The TRI workout has three elements: Treadmills, Resistance and Intensity. The studio features a purpose-designed lounge area, mixology bar to keep the good vibes going.
Providing a platform and a home for you to take part in Manchester’s yogi community, Yoga Soul has a variety of classes every day of the week, assuring there is something for everyone. You’ll find Manchester’s best yoga teachers bringing their infectious energy, transforming your day or start with playful yet powerful classes. Namaste to that.
Within walking distance of New Maker Yards, M3 Perform gyms offers the perfect combination of Strength & High Intensity training, run by a professional and friendly team of trainers. Get Living funds three weekly classes for residents, which are suitable for all fitness levels.
Just 10-minutes’ walk from Salford Central and Spinningfields, New Maker Yards has the best of both worlds, the buzz of two entertaining cities ready to explore and the calmness of the canal to retreat to. Take a tour of our neighbourhood and see our apartments to rent in Manchester.
It’s a place to live, work and meet friends, with a deep community feel, and professionally managed by an award-winning team.
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