MANCHESTER
ENGLAND
The home of British music, and the northern hub of creativity, Manchester is one of the most exciting and influential cities in the UK. Known as being the birthplace of The Smiths, Oasis, Joy Division, Stone Roses, New Order, The 1975, Take That and a plethora more, there's homage paid to them all across the city and you'll find pockets on inspiration wherever you are to boost your own creativity. ​
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Come and enjoy Manchester as much as the locals do, and take some tips from us.
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Photography: @ellenmcgoran
Recommendations: @ellenmcgoran
Words: Sam Ball
WAREHOUSE CITY
SHOPPING
MAGMA
COW
Cow Vintage is the type of store that I could browse for hours on end. It's not the cheapest of places but they handpick items from all over the world and rework tired looking pieces into something new to avoid wasted materials and keep their brand sustainable.
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Just when you think you've exhausted the whole store, you find yourself downstairs discovering more gems they have to offer. It's perfect to find a few key pieces or to just lose yourself for an hour or two.
Magma is quite possibly my favourite store in Manchester. It's a little book store haven that specialise in stocking books and magazines that aren't commonly found anywhere else, definitely not standard newsagents. With only 3 stores worldwide, the Manchester store represents the Northern front of Magma.
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They stock a range of independent titles, travel books, art, graphics, design and publications for personal and professional use.
24 Oldham St,
M1 1JN
££
61 Church St,
M4 1PD
££
POP BOUTIQUE
PICADILLY RECORDS
If Cow didn't quite wet your whistle, then try Pop Boutique to tickle your vintage clothing fancy. It's smaller than the previously mentioned store, however over 2 floors they manage to pack in vintage and recycled clothing, Pop Boutique branded items and furniture to transport you to another era.
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I think there's a more personalised vibe to Pop Boutique and I love that downstairs they have vintage furniture to help recreate the vintage/70's decor perfectly.
Piccadilly Records is what I'd describe as the 'heart of Manchester music'. Located in the midst of the Northern Quarter since 1997 (although first opened in 1978), this independent record store stocks classic vinyls and CD's as well as latest releases, combining the beauty of old and new in the music industry. You'll find genres spanning 'indie, disco, funk, house, Balearic, psych and everything in-between'.
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They host many signings with up and coming bands, and even Manchester music legends to give fans the opportunity to meet their icons. It's the perfect place for a browse.
34 - 36 Oldham St,
M1 1JN
££
53 Oldham St,
M1 1JN
£
ABOUT
VINYL EXCHANGE
Across the road from Piccadilly Records, Vinyl Exchange is 2 floors of CD's and records and since opening its doors in 1988, it has become the largest seller and buyer of rare and secondhand CD's, DVD's and records in the North West of England.
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There's a lot more rarities to be found in Vinyl Exchange, than anywhere in Manchester, and I find them more affordable too.
18 Oldham St,
M1 1JN
££
VINYL REVIVAL
Vinyl Revival is probably my favourite record store in Manchester, and for good reason. It's perfect for rarities and bootlegs and they are very proud of Manchester's heritage and contribution to music (rightly so!).
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Every time I visit the store, I find myself buying something, I just can't resist, so consider that a fair warning before you drop by (bring some extra cash because you're definitely going to need it). And if that's not enough, everyone is so friendly in there and you'll be sure to find something you can't leave without.
5 Hilton St,
M4 1LP
££
SOUP KITCHEN
EAT, DRINK & HANGOUT
Bars & Music Venues
JIMMY'S
NIGHT & DAY
Opened in 2016 by brothers George & Jimmy Craig from Yorkshire band One Night Only, Jimmy's has become the ultimate hangout drinking with friends and live music from up and coming bands.
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If you're looking for a cool place with limited edition music postered walls, old pub tables, neon light signs and even recognisable music memorabilia, then don't miss this place. It's full of friendly staff, fun vibes and perfect for taking a snap or two for Instagram!
Once Jimmy's closes, this is the place to be if you don't want your night to come to a close. It's been crucial to Manchester's music scene since the early 1990's and has seen a whole host of well known bands playing the N&D stage in the early days of their career.
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And if late nights out aren't really your thing, they do a cracking cup of tea during the day.
12 Newton St,
M1 2AN
££
26 Oldham St,
M1 1JN
££
DEAF INSTITUTE
SOUP KITCHEN
Soup Kitchen is the place to catch all the up and coming new bands (in case you hadn't already figured it out, Manchester is hot on new music).
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It serves as a nice cafe by day, or you can be entertained until late in the early morning.
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Spread over two floors, you can grab food and drink on the ground floor or take in a live band, a comedy act, a club night or even a film in the basement.
Housed in an old listed building built in 1878, The Deaf Institute is one of the most interesting, unique and independent bars and venues in Manchester. Spread across 3 floors, there are 3 bars, a kitchen and roof terrace for those perfect summer evenings. "Probably my favourite venue in Manchester other than the Albert Hall" says Elle.
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Interesting fact: there are seats at the back of the main venue hall which is built up like a theatre. Very rare for such a small venue but highlights the age of the building.
£
££
31 - 33 Spear St,
M1 1DF
135 Grosvenor St,
M1 7HE
JIMMY'S
Cafe's & Restaurants
NEXUS ART CAFE
FIG & SPARROW
Located next door to Vinyl Exchange on Oldham Street, Fig & Sparrow is the perfect place to drink coffee all afternoon whilst also getting the Instagram picture you want to make everyone envious of your trip away.
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If you're lucky enough to snap up a seat by the window, sit with a coffee, a slice cake or an avocado salad and watch the world go by on the most interesting street Manchester has to offer.
With its homely vibe, garden area perfect for relaxing in in the summer and range of board games for you to sit and play, Nexus is the place where you can enjoy an hour or two of peace away from the busy city.
Be sure to grab "the best hot chocolate and cake in Manchester". And if you're after a vegan cake option, then they're got you covered.
2 Dale St,
M1 1JW
£
££ -
£££
20 Oldham St,
M1 1JN
CHAPTER ONE BOOKS
DOUGH
If there’s one thing to warm your heart with tranquility, peace and relaxation, it’s the merge of a coffee shop and bookstore. Chapter One has done just that with their independent store and invites customers to meet u p with your friends, make new ones, or just set down and immerse yourself in a new world within your book.
With locally sourced specialty coffees and a delicious selection of cake, you won’t want to leave in a hurry.
Lunchtime can be the most difficult time of day when you're exploring, but fear not, Dough are the place to eat well whilst not breaking the bank.
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Elle says that she always finds herself in there at lunchtime because they have such a good range at an affordable price and they serve her favourite pizza in Manchester.
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But if you're after a tasty evening meal, then they're open until 10/11pm. Catering to everyone's needs, they offer gluten free bases, vegan cheeses and much more.
Chatsworth House, 19 Lever St
M1 1BY
££
77 High St,
M4 1FS
££
NIGHT & DAY CAFE
PHOTOGRAPHY
NORTHERN QUARTER
Northern Quarter is the most exciting and creative area of Manchester. It's filled to the brim with bars, cafes, music venues, record shops and much much more. If you've got time to spare or you want to soak up the best of the city, wander around here for an afternoon and get lost.
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There's plenty of street art and back streets which will look on perfect on your Instagram feed and you'll find yourself not wanting to leave.
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So take in a live gig, find a new band to love, buy some vintage clothing and look back on Manchester with love in your heart.
STAY
HOTEL GOTHAM
THE LOWRY HOTEL
Hotel Gotham is the most lavish, extravagant yet brilliantly executed hotel in Manchester, maybe even the UK. A room there may not come with an inexpensive price tag, but it's utterly stunning and it's like stepping into Christopher Nolan's worlds of Batman. Well, it's not called Gotham for nothing.
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You'll likely spend more time photographing everything you see in there than you will sleeping or exploring. It's like an adventure within an adventure. Plus, celebs like Liam Gallagher stay there! Read their brochure here.
If you're looking to stay a little bit outside of the city (and save yourself a quid or two), then why not try The Lowry Hotel in Salford Quays (home to Media City).
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It's easily accessed by public transport but give you that break from the mad city rush. And who knows, you might just bump into a celeb or two.
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With luxury toiletries, an in room bar and complimentary Wi-Fi, treat yourself to a luxe nights stay.
££ -
£££
100 King St,
M2 4WU
50 Dearmans Pl,
M3 5LH
££
MOTEL ONE
With its perfect location next to Piccadilly station and its incredible views of Manchester, you'd be hard pressed to find something better for your budget. Motel One's beautiful and simple decor pays homage to the city's bee emblem and you'll find the walls adorned with wallpaper featuring famous local bands. The hotel is right in the heart of Manchester and a relaxing get away from a busy day exploring.
34 London Rd,
M1 2PF
££
