If you need a change of scenery and you’re looking for your next culture fix, Manchester is the place to go. With a burgeoning fashion scene, food culture and leading nightlife, the UK’s second largest city is definitely worth a visit.
For Fits
When it comes to clobber, Manchester has you covered with a range of the sickest vintage stores, skate shops and homegrown streetwear flagships.
The Northern Quarter is a great place to start, being just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. This is a food, drink and shopping mecca with something for everyone. For carefully curated vintage finds, check out Bags of Flavour. Opening in 1993, this store has been around the block and is definitely a place to look for your next vintage find. Head to Tib Street to start your second-hand hunt.
Suzy Loves Milo is another vintage gem with a concept store located on Spear Street. These guys offer serious steals and a wide-ranging selection of brands, including Patta, Mont Bell, Stüssy, Evisu and more. For vintage Palace steals, super-rare Stoney and more, Gone Fishing have you covered. Another Northern Quarter spot for those in the know, this is the place to get your vintage designer and sportswear pieces. Cast your hook on Oldham Street to see what you find.
While solid vintage stores are a definite plus point for the city, Manchester streetwear imprint Clints have a Brick and Mortar store in Spinningfields. What started as a footwear brand in 2020 has evolved into a full-on streetwear label, with collections of shoes, T-shirts, shorts and accessories. In terms of design, inspiration is taken from the outdoors, music. Clint’s footwear has been recognised by Virgil Abloh and Salehe Bembury, who referred to Clint as one of his favourite designers.
Note store has been keeping the city’s skaters rolling since 2005. Established in 2005, by professional skateboarder Marc Baines, its retail operations are split into two locations a short walk from each other, covering all your hardware and apparel needs.
A notable mention needs to be made to the recently departed Oi Polloi that sadly closed its doors earlier this year. The famous store was a hallowed haunt for menswear enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike.
More Cool Stuff
Check out Aviva Studios for your culture fix, with the “You, Me and the Balloons” by legendary Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusuma. The exhibition is showing until August 29 and is not one to miss. The space, designed as a global destination for arts, music and culture, opened this year. Head to Water Street to enjoy this immersive 3D experience
A creative city like Manchester is home to a number of galleries, including the Castlefield Gallery on Hewitt Street and the Whitworth Gallery on Oxford Road, part of the University of Manchester.
Pitstops
First things first, let’s talk coffee. Takk MCR has three locations across Manchester, including one in the heart of the Northern Quarter on Tariff Street. It’s an independent coffee company and roaster focusing on serving the best quality coffee. Inside, it’s not too shabby either, as exposed brickwork is combined with wooden furniture in a space you won’t want to leave.
With a city with as many cool stores and galleries as Manchester, you can be certain there’ll be solid places to eat and drink, and, if you feel like it, you can go out after too. For a serious sandwich, check out Fat Pat‘s, with mouthwatering fillings ranging from the Philly Cheese Steak to Eggplant Muffalata. You won’t leave this piece of Piccadilly paradise on an empty stomach. Check it out at 88 Portland Street.
For a more traditional cuisine, look no further than the Bay Horse Tavern, where the food and drinks are served in an authentic Victorian setting. A cosy gem, this is the ideal place to enjoy comfort food. We’d recommend the pie, but you can’t put a foot wrong with a menu as good as this.
As a city, Manchester is big on its natural wines, with bars and bottle shops such as KERB bringing friendly neighbourhood vibes to Ancoats. But when it comes to the natural vino in Manchester, keep an eye out for Vin de Bodega. These guys are on a mission to make wine more accessible, and if you see their van in action, you should make it your duty to visit. Pulling up in various locations throughout the city, Vin de Bodega is not one to miss.
At night
From Manchester to the world, Warehouse Project brings some of the biggest and best UK nightlife. Attracting DJs from around the world with its eye-wateringly good lineups and immense sound system, this is a night to get excited for and definitely worth the trip. Tickets for these events sell out fast, so don’t say we didn’t warn you.
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