More than a Manchester Taxi

Beetham Tower is a 46 storey skyscraper that cost over £150m to build. It’s the tallest building in the UK outside of London and during high winds creates a loud humming noise that can be heard across the city. Which is why it’s fortunate news that some kind soul decided to build an exclusive cocktail bar on its 23rd floor. Enjoy unsurpassable views of the Pennines and incomparable drinks at this landmark bar.

Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ
www.cloud23bar.com/

Tucked away in Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter, Cane & Grain gets its name from its propensity towards serving two particular drinks: Rum & Whisky. Embracing a different motif on each of its three floors, this is a spot for every occasion. With a tiki bar upstairs and a craft beer skate-house on the ground floor, it even hides a secret speakeasy inbetween. Just ask the barman.

49 -51 Thomas Street, M4 1NA
www.caneandgrain.co.uk/

Arguably Manchester’s most famous bar. Mojo slings cocktails, beer, ribs and burgers to everyone from young professionals to lawyers and footballers. A famous party venue, the bartender-DJs will often be found dancing on the bar to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys and the Rolling Stones. There simply isn’t a better place to let loose in Manchester.

59 Bridge St, M3 3BQ
mojobar.co.uk/manchester

While Manchester’s wait for an elusive Michelin Star goes on. This stunning home to chef Aiden Byrne – the youngest ever winner of a Star – still serves up a gastronomic masterpiece. Set across two floors, it houses both a majestic restaurant and a terrifically inventive cocktail bar. And is a popular haunt of the Manchester who’s who. If you are traveling to Manchester Expect top-notch service and if you’re feeling up to it, try the taster menu, it will blow you away.

18-22 Bridge St, M3 3BZ
www.manchesterhouse.uk.com/

We’d be remiss to only mention one of Manchester’s Michelin starred chefs. Part of the palatial Midland Hotel, The French was recently revamped by Simon Rogan, proprietor of double-star winning L’enclume in Cumbria. The famous old restaurant now strikes an altogether more modern tone with a menu which takes influence from local produce to create food that has left the city drooling. Again, the taster menu is always worth a visit.

The Midland Hotel, Peter St, M60 2DS
www.the-french.co.uk/

It’s not all fancy dining in Manchester these days. There’s also a touch of the absolutely decadent if you’re feeling up to it. Burger joints have enjoyed something of a renaissance across Britain recently and this luminous playground of colour and heady design is Manchester’s best shout in the category. Fun, playful and very filling, expect to feel utterly gluttonous by the time you roll out of one of their two lurid restaurants.

100-102 High St, M4 1HP / Great Northern Warehouse, M3 4EN
almostfamousburgers.com/

You simply can’t come to Manchester without visiting one of its two famous football clubs. Sitting either side of the Manchester/Salford divide are United & City, Old Trafford & the Etihad, Red & Blue. Pick your colour and then stick to it as the competition is both fierce and real. Housing some of world football’s biggest stars, these clubs are true titans of the sport. Tickets won’t come cheap but you’ll be the envy of all your friends.

Old Trafford, Sir Matt Busby Way, M16 0RA / Etihad Stadium Ashton New Rd, M11 3FF
www.manutd.com/Splash-Page.aspx

Before Manchester was the thriving metropolis it is today it was once Mancunium, a Roman fort that dates back to AD79. And while most of that fort is long gone, you can still visit its remains in modern day Castlefield. Considered by many to be an almost secret garden away from Manchester’s busy city centre, the area is undeniably tranquil. Connected by the city’s canals, it’s a terrific spot for a drink or a spot of lunch – we recommend the Wharf on a hot day!

2 St John St, M3 4DA
www.creativetourist.com/manchester/castlefield-spinningfields-and-deansgate/

With so many bars and restaurants popping up in the area all the time, it’s hard to keep track of where to go and what to do in the Northern Quarter. Like Shoreditch in London or Brooklyn in New York, this was once a favourite of Manchester’s students and creatives. But of course with popularity comes rejection and – for better or worse – most for the true hipsters have now moved on. It doesn’t stop the area from being a great place to visit though.

Northern Quarter, M4
northernquartermanchester.com/