Explore Manchester’s Northern QuarterCreative, independent, and diverse, Manchester’s Northern Quarter—adjacent to hip Ancoats—is one of the best places to go for live music, street art, galleries, and shopping. Make sure to check out Afflecks, a multi-story building with cool vintage shops, unique boutiques, and eclectic food stalls.Authorsdavereddick
DestinationsManchesterItinerary

Music

Band on the Wall
This place has been an integral part of Manchester’s music scene for decades. Hosting everything from global acts to grassroots talent. The name? A nod to the days when bands literally played with their backs against the wall in a packed-out pub. Noel Gallagher once referred to it as "the Best Club in the UK for future Rock n Roll stars."
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The Peer Hat
This beloved venue, known for its dive bar vibes, offers live performances nearly every night, from local bands and DJ sets to core music acts. It’s a hotspot for indie rock, post-punk, and alternative music with a stage and bar downstairs, and a rustic lounge upstairs.
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Eastern Bloc
E Bloc has been a cornerstone of Manchester’s dance music scene since 1985 and is the city’s longest-running independent shop. Specializing in house, techno, drum & bass, dubstep, jungle, and more. It’s known for digging deep into the underground scene and is considered nothing less than a music institution.
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Night & Day Cafe
It's the best rock’n’roll bar in Europe, with live music just about every night of the week. Night & Day Cafe has a fantastic selection of drinks, interesting customers, and friendly, eccentric staff. It’s an iconic gig venue, with notable acts who’ve played here early in their careers, including Ed Sheeran, Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, and Manic Street Preachers, to name just a few. By day, it serves coffee, breakfast, brunch, and handmade pizza.
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Piccadilly Records
Piccadilly Records has been a Manchester music staple since 1978. Now based in the Northern Quarter, it’s known worldwide for its deep catalog of indie, rock, disco, house music and also its friendly, knowledgeable staff.
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Manchester's Music Scene with a Local Host, Private + Custom
Get a private, personalized tour with a local host who’s keen to share their knowledge. Manchester’s music scene runs deep — from The Smiths and Joy Division to iconic venues and historic pubs. Explore landmarks like the Music Walk of Fame and trace the roots of the city’s rich music culture with someone who truly knows (and loves) the scene.
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Art

Manchester Craft and Design Centre
The Manchester Craft & Design Centre is home to over 20 studios where makers create and sell everything from jewelery and prints to ceramics and textiles. You can watch artists at work, check out free exhibitions, or join a craft workshop. The building also has a couple of cafés and retains original features like old fishmongers’ booths on the ground floor. Some interesting history to this place!
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esea contemporary
A non-profit art space, showcasing artists with East and Southeast Asian backgrounds. It’s the only place like it in the UK. Set in an old brick Victorian building, it offers a mix of exhibitions, residencies, talks, and events — all about giving a platform to ESEA voices in contemporary art. The gallery is all about presenting diverse art forms that dive into complex cultural stories.
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Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter
Explore the Northern Quarter’s backstreets to discover urban art, plus the role ceramic art has had in transforming the area. This tour covers the neighborhood’s evolution since the 1970s, from decline to revitalization. It dives into social justice, public spaces, and the ethics of public art, touching on issues like gentrification and local causes. 10% of profits go to supporting the community. Sustainable and inclusive tourism at its best.
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Shopping

Afflecks
Expect the unexpected at this iconic spot and creative hub of Manchester. You’ll find over 60 independent shops here, from tattoos and vintage fashion to handmade art and quirky gifts. Some consider it more than just a market, but a representation of the soul of Manchester.
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Empire Exchange
Hear that loud music coming from downstairs in that quirky-looking place? Let it draw you into this secondhand shop that’s been around for 35 years. With its strange window displays — featuring Thunderbirds outfits, ’70s disco wigs, and more — the shop is a treasure trove of nostalgic collectibles and oddities. Worth a stop!
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Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
The epitome of the Northern Quarter, Blue Rinse is one of the coolest vintage clothing shops around, offering a wide array of clothing and accessories with hip vibes. Nothing but mint condition clothing makes the cut on the shop floor, thanks to their reworking experts. Alongside their regular stock, they sell a range of reworked pieces in great condition. Committed to sustainability, Blue Rinse upcycles vintage stock that isn’t on trend or needs a little fixing, sells to wholesalers, and even donates unsellable items to music studios for wall insulation!
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Form Lifestyle Store
This charming independent shop houses a collection of carefully selected goods that emphasize design, function, and simplicity. From handmade jewelry to unique homewares, skincare, and thoughtful gifts, each item reflects the store's commitment to craftsmanship. The shop also hosts workshops and pop-ups, supporting local makers who prioritize quality and intentional, small-scale production. A great place to find something special while supporting local talent.
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Food & Drink

Ezra & Gil
Ezra & Gil’s has been part of the neighborhood since 2014. A very cool interior brick-and-wood space on Hilton Street, it serves coffee, brunch, and baked goods, with a menu focused on simple, well-made food. The café is dog-friendly and offers app-based ordering for pickup or table service. Try the Smashed Pumpkin on Toast!
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Ancoats Coffee Co.
Tucked inside the old Sedgewick Mill courtyard, this 111 Piccadilly location near the train station roasts all its coffee on site and serves up blends like Graphene and Warehouse City, inspired by Melbourne coffee culture. With food options from granola pots to grilled cheese, it’s a solid stop for coffee lovers passing through the city centre.
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Trof Northern Quarter
Trof in the Northern Quarter is a go-to spot from morning to late night, known for its mix of comfort food, strong drinks, and love of music. You’ll find breakfasts, burgers, and big slices of cake alongside cocktails, craft beers, and a solid spirits list. Described as a “dandyish den of opulence,” Trof also wins points for its friendly staff, laid-back atmosphere, and regular nods to the local music scene.
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Mackie Mayor
Set in a beautifully restored 1858 building, Mackie Mayor is a lively food hall on the edge of the Northern Quarter. From sourdough pizza at Honest Crust and tacos at Pico’s to rare-breed steaks at Tender Cow, there’s something for every craving. Grab ramen, fried chicken, or craft beer under the stunning glass roof. Family- and dog-friendly, it’s offers all-day dining in one of Manchester’s most unique spaces.
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Foundry Project Manchester
Foundry Project is a go-to spot from morning to night. Enjoy coffee and brunch in the morning, then dive into burgers, pizzas, and margaritas later. The space transitions from casual lunches to evening drinks, with DJs and cocktails into the night.
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SAMPA GALLERY + R&D
Check out this underground chef’s table spot with just 8 seats a night. Expect a 12-course tasting menu that changes daily. Chef Caroline Martins puts a fresh spin on dishes from all 26 states of Brazil, using bold Brazilian ingredients and techniques. The drinks list is exceptional, with handpicked Latin American wines, award-winning cachaças, and classic Brazilian cocktails. No dress code, no fuss — just great food and a chilled vibe in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
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Diecast
A former industrial space turned creative hub, Diecast is a 5,000-capacity venue featuring Manchester's largest beer garden, House of Daiquiri, Rum Town, an open-air BBQ kitchen, and the new ‘NeoPan’ Pizzeria offering incredible Detroit-style pizza. The team behind Ramona and The Firehouse has transformed this spot on Ducie Street into a cool, spacious hangout.
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Dusk Til Pawn
Hidden in the Northern Quarter, Dusk til Pawn is a speakeasy-style bar disguised as an old pawn shop, complete with barred windows and vintage guitars. Inside, there’s a jukebox, comfy sofas, and a wide selection of cocktails—from classics to creative specials like a pepperoni-infused Old Fashioned. Known for chill vibes and a welcoming team ready to mix whatever you’re in the mood for.
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Craft Beer Tour around Manchester
Join a guided Craft Beer Tour through Manchester every Saturday, exploring hidden breweries and bars with a local expert. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll sample 10 different craft beers (1/3 pints each), each introduced by a brewer or tasting specialist.
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