Manchester

As one of the early movers and shakers in the industrial revolution, economically powerful and influential towns in the UK. Wealth fabricated from the rich history of its cotton mills, paved the way for many architectural landmarks that still stand tall today.

Food + Drink

Stockport’s culinary heartbeat is driven by independents who give a Sh*t. The result? A food scene with soul, style, and substance. Thanks to a wave of independent spots, Stockport has put itself firmly on the culinary map. The rise of the Underbanks and a focus on high-quality, creative food have cemented our town a proper foodie destination.

Here are some of our culinary heroes.

Mana

42 Blossom St, Manchester, M4 6BF

Mana

Manchester’s Michelin-starred tasting menu with a fierce focus on British ingredients.

Pollen Bakery

8 New Union St, Manchester M4 6FQ

Pollen Bakery

Modern bakery specialising in sourdough and seasonal pastries, with canal-side seating.

Rudy’s Pizza

9 Cotton St, Manchester M4 5BF

Rudy’s Pizza

Laid-back Neapolitan pizzeria – fresh dough, San Marzano tomatoes, wood-fired oven.

Flawd Wine

9 Keepers Quay, Manchester M4 6GL

Flawd Wine

Low-intervention wine bar on the marina serving natural bottles and small plates.

Federal Café Bar

9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY

Federal Café Bar

Brunch heroes known for Aussie-inspired plates and specialty coffee.

Ezra & Gil

20 Hilton St, Manchester M1 1FR

Ezra & Gil

Cool and casual all-day café with great coffee, brunches and people-watching.

Takk

6 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF

Takk

Nordic-inspired coffee shop known for strong brews and stripped-back interiors.

Just Between Friends

56 Tib St, Manchester M4 1NB

Just Between Friends

Independent café known for understated cool, perfect coffee and curated playlists.

Higher Ground

Faulkner House, New York St, M1 4DY

Higher Ground

Awards winning british bistro and bar located in Manchester city centre that focuses on seasonality.

Erst

9 Murray St, Ancoats, M4 6HS

Erst

Seasonal small plates & natural wine offered in a contemporary restaurant & bar.

Sparrows

16 Red Bank,Manchester M4 4HF

Sparrows

Modern continental restaurant offering variety of hand made dumplings & pasta of European origin.

Winsome

74 Princess St, Manchester M1 6JD

Winsome

Northern hospitality & thoughtful British cooking from chef Shuan Moffat.

Co-working & Creative Studios

From iconic warehouses to hidden gems above bustling cafés, Manchester is built for bold ideas and creative graft. The city’s studios, co-working spots, and maker spaces are more than just desks and Wi-Fi — they’re hives of innovation, collaboration, and serious indie energy. Whether you're sketching concepts, launching a start-up, or scaling your next big idea, Manchester has the space to make it happen.

Here are some of our favourite places to get sh*t done.

Huckletree Ancoats

Express Building, 9 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5AD

Huckletree Ancoats

Bold workspace for start-ups and creatives with on-site café and rooftop events.

Colony Co-Working

Jactin House, 24 Hood St, Manchester M4 6W

Colony Co-Working

Modern bakery specialising in sourdough and seasonal pastries, with canal-side seating.

The Federation

2 Federation St, Manchester M4 4BF

The Federation

Ethical tech and community-focused space with roots in cooperative values.

Ziferblat

23 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW

Ziferblat

Pay-per-minute lounge with bottomless brews, cake, and community events.

Use.Space

Paddock St, Manchester M12 6PN

Use.Space

Creative campus with co-working, photography studios, event space, and a greenhouse café.

Accelerate Places

101 Princess St, Manchester M1 6DD

Accelerate Places

Tech-focused co-working for scaling teams with events, support, and good coffee.

Spaces Deansgate

125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY

Spaces Deansgate

Premium flexible workspace with city views and professional polish.

WeWork Spinningfields

Quay St, Manchester M3 3JE

WeWork Spinningfields

Global co-working brand’s Manchester base with sleek spaces and networking.

Retail

Manchester’s retail scene is a love letter to the bold, the local, and the beautifully curated. From tucked-away concept stores to design-led independents on buzzing high streets, the city champions shops with soul — where every item tells a story. It’s not about mass-produced or cookie-cutter; it’s about character, craft, and backing the people who dare to do things differently.

Here are some of our favourite spots to shop independent.

Ancoats General Store

57 Great Ancoats St, Manchester M4 5AB

Ancoats General Store

Modern corner shop meets coffee hub offering craft beers, snacks, and strong community vibes.

The Epicurean

35 Blossom St, Manchester M4 6AJ

The Epicurean

Specialist craft beer and fine wine retailer with a beautifully curated collection.

Form Lifestyle Store

6 Bradley St, Manchester M1 1EH

Form Lifestyle Store

Minimal, ethical and timeless lifestyle goods including ceramics, skincare, and stationery.

Afflecks

52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW

Afflecks

Iconic indoor market with indie fashion, vinyl, accessories, and alternative culture.

Fred Aldous

37 Lever St, Manchester M1 1LW

Fred Aldous

A haven for creatives: everything from craft materials to quirky gifts and art supplies.

Beaumont Organic

49 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EF

Beaumont Organic

Ethical womenswear brand with clean silhouettes and sustainable fabrics.

Vinyl Exchange

18 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN

Vinyl Exchange

Established record shop offering rare finds and second-hand classics.

Chapter One Books

19 Lever St, Manchester M1 1BY

Chapter One Books

Independent bookstore meets creative café – a quiet spot for reading and working.

Manchester

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.