Manchester, United Kingdom
A city trip to Manchester had been on my to-do list for a long time. Being Canadian, i tend to crave things like eggs Benedict, Sunday roasts and sausage with gravy once in a while. And I’ve found that the easiest way to scratch that itch, is to have a few days in the UK.
I’d had some great tips from locals for food and drinks. So my research was easy this time. I discovered some extraordinary places that seriously blew my mind. Even some I would consider travelling back for.
Manchester took me by surprise and I needed my first day to adjust. It’s a very vibrant city, lots of energy and you can get the feeling the city’s got a trick up its sleeve. In early afternoon, the city is quiet, people sipping coffee, having a late breakfast, maybe a cheeky beer (you’ll hear them say it’s to cure last night’s hangover). But once the clock hits 17:00, the atmosphere changes completely. The sweet and innocent city you thought you’d traveled to, suddenly becomes wild, liberated and so much fun, it can hardly contain itself.
The pub where you had your breakfast in the morning, becomes a karaoke bar in the afternoon and a dance club at night. I quickly realised that having dinner in a proper English pub can be tricky and noisy. Best to stick to restaurants at night. Save the pubs for breakfast and lunch! Or just have some drinks and join in the fun!
There’s a great beer culture as well. Terrific microbreweries have popped up and lot’s of pubs serve local brews.
People here are extremely friendly and welcoming. If you go to the same place twice, chances are they’ll greet you like an old friend. I love the British for that!
Now, let’s get down to it… my favourite spots to eat, drink and be merry in Manchester.
Dishoom, Manchester
Open from Monday to Thursday from 8h00 to 23h00
Friday from 8:00 to midnight
Saturday from 9:00 to midnight
Sunday from 9:00 to 23:00
You can’t go to Manchester without stopping at Dishoom. A beautiful restaurant, in old stonemason building, with incredible dishes. This Indian restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open 7 days a week. We had a memorable meal here and would do it again in an instant.
Great atmosphere, friendly service and the food is to die for!
You really must try the chef’s specialty. A lamb biryani covered in a flaky cheese crust. Also the fried pepper curry was extraordinary.
Dishoom, Manchester
32 Bridge St, Manchester
M3 3BT, United Kingdom
CALL +44 161 537 3737
Trof - Northern Quarter
Open Tuesday to Sunday
From 10h00 till midnight
(Thursdays till 1h00, Fridays and Saturdays till 2h00)
Trof is a popular hangout with locals. Serving up great food, beers and drinks. We had a full English breakfast here and it was delicious! Very friendly service and a great young vibe. I recommend reserving if you want to eat here.
Trof - Northern Quarter
8 Thomas St, Greater, Manchester
M4 1EU, United Kingdom
CALL +44 161 833 3197
Track Brewery & Taproom
Open Tuesday to Sunday
from 10h00 to 22h00 (Sundays untill 20h00)
Seriously good beer here at Tack Brewery & Taproom. We found it just by chance since it was a few steps away from our hotel, The Leonardo Manchester Piccadilly
An airy open space, lots of colours and great music. We were lucky enough to be passing through while they had a guest caterer Taka Taka Mam Souvlaki, yummy Greek food!
Track Brewery & Taproom
Unit 18, Piccadilly Trading Estate
Manchester M1 2NP, United Kingdom
CALL +44 161 536 3975
This & That
Open 7/7
Non-stop from 11h30 to 20h00
(Fridays and Saturdays until 21h00)
A Manchester institution, This & That (also known as Rice & Three) is a family owned restaurant and has been around since 1984. The concept is simple, you get rice and can pick up to 3 different curries to accompany it. Prices are from 6£ to 8£, at that price, you can bring the whole family! They’re very welcoming and happy to have a chat when time allows it. They don’t take reservations, so don’t be shy to join the queue.
This & That
3 Soap Street
Manchester M4 1EW, United Kingdom
CALL +44 161 832 4971
