A foodie’s weekend guide to Manchester

***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***

Manchester knows how to show guests a good time, with all the charm and culture that only a true northern city can provide. Thriving with live music, laced with intriguing industrial history and rich with the country’s best vintage and boutique shopping, it’s a wonderful place to take a weekend break with friends and family.

And the dining and drinks scene does not let the city down, with a growing collection of choices in the exciting Northern Quarter. Here’s a guide to 48 hours of eating out in Manchester.

Breakfast

Home Sweet Home

   Home Sweet Home Photo by Suzanne Elizabeth

Home Sweet Home 41 – 49 Edge Street

Start the day with something sweet or savoury in this Northern Quarter favourite. The all-American offerings include a ridiculously tempting pancakes and waffles menu. Or satisfy your sinful savoury needs with the flattened rump steak and eggs benni. It is the weekend, after all.

There’s also a super sweet milkshake selection for if you’re feeling particularly indulgent.

Federal 9 Nicholas Croft

Federal serves up a superb brunch, using locally sourced, simple ingredients. It’s a must for any smashed avocado fan and those in search of a top meat-free option. The garlic and thyme mushrooms served with pan fried halloumi are a taste sensation.

Brunch is served all day – take advantage of this!

Lunch

Sugar Junction 60 Tib Street, Northern Quarter

Get your sugar fix with the afternoon tea at Sugar Junction. Just like something out of an Enid Blyton book, you are of course treated to homemade scones thick with clotted cream and tangy jam. You also have a choice of muffin sandwiches, cakes and a selection of teas in darling tea pots.

Swap your tea for a cheeky prosecco or cocktail.

Trof 8 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter

Find comfort in the food and relaxed atmosphere of local favourite, Trof. It’s a great spot for any time of the day really, with a brunch menu that hits the spot until 4pm and a cocktail menu to carry you into the evening. Burger lovers will find happiness in the World Famous Trof Burger or the Beet and White Bean Burger.

Happy hour is 4-8, so make a note of it.

Dinner

El Gato Negro Tapas

El Gato Negro Tapas Photo by Joby Catto©

El Gato Negro Tapas 52 King Street

Simon Shaw’s award-winning tapas restaurant is the place to go for some revitalising Mediterranean flavour and summer rooftop dining. With a vegetable dish menu to rival the charcuterie selection, meat eaters and veggies will find plenty of tapas to wash down with some seriously good Spanish wine.

It doesn’t have to stop after desserts either, make sure to have a drink in the restaurant’s The Black Cat cocktail bar afterwards, it’s well worth the late night.

Manchester House 18-22 Bridgestreet

Manchester House is the passion project of Aiden Byrne and a special treat for the uber foodie. It boasts a bold and precise menu, complimented by a sleek, stylish setting. With an a la carte selection that includes cured Goosnargh duck breast with truffle, expect traditional flavours served in unique ways.

Book the chef’s table to see the kitchen magic happen before your eyes.

And in between meal times…

There’s plenty to do to soak up the storied culture of the city in between meal times.

Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the UK, Affleck’s Palace is a vintage hunter’s nirvana and The Lowry is home to works of one of the city’s most famous artists – put them all on your itinerary.

You must also celebrate the music of Manchester by going along to see some live performances. Check out the line-ups for famous venues such as Albert Hall, Sound Control, Band on the Wall and 02 Apollo.

Room to fit in one last thing on the final night? Take a stroll along The Quays waterfront to see the lit-up skyline of MediaCityUK, Old Trafford football stadium and the connecting bridge between Salford and Trafford. It’s Instagram perfect.

This is only a small selection of the top places to eat out in Manchester. The city is full of old favourites and hip new joints, proving that it certainly isn’t grim up north. Where’s your favourite place to eat out in Manchester? And where are you most looking forward to trying out?

 

 

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Hollie Richardson

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Top photo: Sugar Junction by Suzanne Elizabeth