Explore Manchester Bars: Canal Street

Explore Manchester Bars — Canal Street

Are you thinking on going for a drink in the city? Do you really want to experience the best of Manchester?

We have the best solution, our Tour/Experience “Explore Manchester Bars: Canal Street” the unique tour through Canal Street

We’ll start in my apartment with introductions—to each other and to the history of both Manchester and more in particular the history of the area.

My apartment is an original Cotton warehouse (Grade II listing) so you will be in a pice of history of Manchester.

We’ll also play a lighthearted game that will blown your mind in a really unique surprise while listening some of the most important tunes from Manchester Bands. You can’t get a more truly experience!

Then we’ll apply what we’ve learned by visiting four of my favorite Canal Street bars that each showcase different scenes of the city.

Our first stop will be a historic Landmark.

The next one will be a popular bar featured on Queer as folk.

Finally, we will have a couple of “wild card” stop that will be tailored to that particular night.

We’ll visit a total of four bars as we get progressively deeper into Canal Street. Each bar is a 5 minute walk from the next.

By the end of our circuit, you’ll have received an introduction to navigating Manchester’s Nightlife.

This tour is only for +18 years old and a prove of age is required.

With your ticked includes the Tour + The Experience + Beer/Wine Refreshments at my home + A drink at every bar

Explore Manchester Bars — Canal Street runs Every Friday and Saturday at 20:00 PM

22 de Mayo Yo sobreviví a un ataque terrorista

Manchester Arena, 22 de Mayo de 2017 y ahí estaba yo viendo el concierto de Ariana Grande cuando sucedió uno de los ataques terroristas que más me cuesta entender, voy a explicarme y exorcizar demonios.

Recuerdo que terminó el concierto y Ariana Grande no recorrió la pasarela y salió del escenario a toda prisa y nos quedamos sorprendidos de lo abrupto que fue todo y yo bromeaba “ya tiene nuestro dinero le da igual el resto”.

Entonces necesitaba el servicio y tratamos de salir pero al ponernos a la cola para salir de las gradas unos padres nos empujaron para proteger a sus hijas. Ese empujón me salvó la vida, porque dijimos “que les jodan, paso de discutir. Que salgan y somos los últimos”

Entonces recuerdo que mi chaqueta se enganchó en el asiento y me agaché a desengancharla y ecuché el estruendo.

Seco.

Impactante.

Fuerte.

Hubo dos segundos de silencio antes de los gritos. Dos segundos de confusión, de miedo, de los que se para el reloj. Dos segundos que ahora sé que fueron los últimos para algunas personas. Dos segundos que me cambiaron la vida y mi forma de vivirla.

Entonces la cola para dejar la grada cambió de dirección. todos querían volver a entrar. La salida mía era exactamente donde explotó la bomba. La gente empujaba por volver al recinto. Los primeros llenos de pánico por la ola de gritos. Los últimos en entrar llenos de sangre.

Recuerdo que eché a correr en sentido contratio pero perdí a mi amigo, cuando me giré y grité su nombre me dijo “no sabemos que ha sido y correr no soluciona nada” entonces volví a mi sitio y les pedí a mis amigos alejarnos de la puerta. Mi mente iba a mil. Mi cuerpo temblaba.

Todo el arena corría de izquierda a derecha y pensé “Si hay otra bomba todo el mundo está corriendo al mismo sitio” como ratones al matadero.

De boca nos tranquilizábamos “entonces, ¿es solo gente sobrer reaccionando?” De cabeza me alejaba de la puerta por si entraban con metralletas, y pensé “¿estoy en un ataque terrorista?” Como el que ve una película de un terremoto y se imagina en él y piensa “qué guay”

Estuvimos como 10 minutos en el sitio viendo a la gente correr y gritar y forzándonos a pensar que no era un ataque terrorista porque no entraba en ningún razocinio que atentaran en un concierto así, lleno de niños y adolescentes. Recuerdo que pensé “¿es así? ¿Se acabó?” “Puede que muera ahora” lo recuerdo totalmente y mi cuerpo tiembla pensando la calma que tuve en ese momento. Pero no pensaba en mí, sino en mis amigos y en tranquilizarnos diciendo que no ha sido nada.

Cuando por fin nos decimos a salir, lo hicimos por la puerta que oímos la explosión, en la cola dos chicas (unos 14 años) se metieron entre mi amigo y yo. Cuando abrieron la puerta recuerdo el humo del pasillo y cerraron la puerta gritando y se pusieron a llorar. Yo las empujé porque no quería perder de vista a mi amigo y en el pasillo se me partió la vida en dos entre el humo. Nunca he dicho públicamente lo que vi porque sólo alimenta el morbo, pero esas imágenes y el miedo me acompañarán siempre.

Todavía, más de un año después me castigo moralmente. Nunca corrí a ayudar. Nunca corrí a sujetar una mano entre la gente que estaba en el suelo. No fui ningún héroe. Sólo tenía miedo. Mucho miedo. Miedo a que entre el humo apareciese alguien. Miedo a ser el siguiente. Ese miedo me sigue persiguiendo en sueños o cuándo oigo un estruendo en un lugar público. Ese miedo se ha convertido en mi compañero de vida.

Escribo esto ya llorando, pero es duro pensar que siempre serías la persona que ayuda, la que ve las noticias y se imagina corriendo a ofrecer lo que puedo y luego, cuando llega el momento ves que realmente no eres tan valiente o fuerte como te quieres creer. Esos momentos en el hall del arena donde había 22 almas por el suelo me enfrentaron con mi yo más auténtico. Y algunas veces no todo lo que ves es lo que te gustaría ser.

Solo pensé en mantener a mi grupo junto. Grite los nombres de mis amigos y les empujé a salir. Una amiga quería ayudar y hablamos con un empleado que señalan la salida. Preguntamos qué había pasado y temblando nos dijo que no sabía y que por favor saliéramos con orden y que no mirásemos. Obedecimos.

Recuerdo gritar a la gente que sacara los codos para evitar empujones. Recuerdo la cara de un niño de unos cuatro años enfrente mío y el pánico de la madre en la cola por miedo a “avalanchas humanas” recuerdo gritar “No empujéis que hay niños”

Recuerdo apartar a golpes a una chica de unos catorce años que iba detrás mío y empujaba sin parar y gritarla “que te jodan hija, que todos queremos salir pero hay niños”, recuerdo tratar de no perder el contacto visual de mis amigos. Recuerdo que al final de la salida todo eran escaleras y una chica en una silla de ruedas eléctrica se vio empujada por la marea frente a las escaleras y grité a un grupo “Tú y tú agarra ahí.” Y la bajaron en volandas mientras cuatro bajábamos la silla (hostia lo que pesan)

El chico justo enfrente mío que bajaba la silla tenía una camiseta “rara” como a lunares rojos. Es lo que pensaba. De pronto se giró y vi que era sangre y tenía media cara destrozada y llena de sangre.

Salimos y corrimos.

Entre ambulancias y sirenas.

Sin dirección.

Echamos a correr lejos del arena. Daba igual. Sólo queríamos huir del sitio. Sentirnos ajenos de alguien que siempre nos perseguiría por el resto de nuestros días.

Alguien invisible.

Nadie nos seguía, pero aún así no queríamos dejar de correr. Alejarnos del horror.

Yo puse un tweet con un selfie al principio del concierto y de golpe mi teléfono era un hervidero de notificaciones. Constante. Y dije a mis amigos “llamad a casa ya, sea lo que sea que ha pasado está en las noticias”

Evitamos las calles principales para volver a casa por miedo a otro atentado. Volvimos por callejones y vías secundarias mientras coches “normales” pegaban volantazos y sacaban sirenas por las ventanillas mientras decíamos “ha pasado algo gordo”

Todavía me avergüenza cómo me sentía “guay” por haber estado ahí, pero contaba a mis amigos con orgullo “ABC de estados unidos quiere hablar conmigo, y la CNN!!!”

No procesaba nada, me sentía popular y “privilegiado” por haber estado allí. Absolutamente ridículo, pero en ese momento mi mente era una montaña rusa con poco raciocinio. Estaba en directo en CNN cuando por primera vez me pegó de golpe la realidad. Me dijeron “se confirma que al menos hay 15 muertos” entonces dejó de ser guay para que la realidad me tirara a mis rodillas.

Nada de aquello era guay, era jodidamente real.

Dije a producción que me llamaran en 20 minutos y dejé el teléfono que hervía a notificaciones, mensajes y llamadas. Mi mente pensaba:

las niñas de mi lado que bailaban cada canción y se disculpaban cuando me dieron sin querer en sus bailes.

Los chicos que me dejaron pasar en su puesto en la cola del bar.

La madre con 16 niñas tratando de organizarlas y que pensamos “te imaginas ir a un concierto con 16 niñas a tu cargo? Una pesadilla”

Las dos adolescentes de enfrente que criticaban a sus padres porque no les dejaban en paz sobre la hora de pasar a recogerlas.

Cada persona que me crucé antes y durante ese concierto.

Esa gente podía haber dejado de existir.

Así.

Sin más.

Un amigo quería salir de fiesta para hacer un ejercicio de poder y decir “no me vais a cambiar” yo pensaba en Orlando cuando entraron en bares gay. ¿Y si esto es cómo Paris y hay un atentado tras otro? Estaba en casa pero no estaba seguro. Nadie te prepara para eso.

Apagamos las noticias porque se repetían, y me quedé mirando la pared cerca de una hora. Ese podía haber sido mi fin.

Sin más. dejar de ser Ivo Delgado para pasar a ser otro nombre.

Fue únicamente suerte, azar. Si me hubiese sentado cerca del pasillo habríamos salido de los primeros. Todo un millar de condicionales “y si…”

No dormí nada esa noche. Pero pensé mucho. Muchísimo. No me dejaban de llamar de medios de comunicación, amigos periodistas, compañeros de profesión. Pensé en ignorar todo. Mi dolor era mío y me sentía egoísta de él. Nadie tiene derecho a mi duelo.

Y luego pensé. Por primera vez me dan un altavoz para gritar quién soy y qué es #Manchester . Me criticaron por hablar con medios. Rechacé dinero (aunque parezca mentira hay medios y personas que en días así solo piensan en rentabilidad). Dos chicos que nunca estuvieron allí salieron en el programa de Ana Rosa bajo cheque contando su “experiencia” sólo por querer salir en la tele. El restaurante La Bandera de Manchester hablaba en los medios para promocionarse cuando estaban a más de 20 minutos del recinto. Pero vendían la sangre de niños a cambio de publicidad. Asco me da esa gente.

Cristina Camel de @rtvcyl me preguntó, el día después del atentado en medio de mi duelo y tristeza: en qué momento pensé que iba a morir. Ese es el nivel de gentuza que habita haciéndose pasar por periodista.

Pero si concedí entrevistas y hablé a los medios (rechazando todo el dinero que me ofrecían porque va en contra de mi persona) fue por un único motivo. Alzar una voz en un día así a la unidad, al amor y a lo que significa Manchester para mí. Tuvo que pasar algo así. Tan Feo. Tan triste para enseñarme una lección de vida. No doy lecciones pero cuento mi experiencia y habiendo pasado por lo que pasé y sigo pasando me veo con derecho de gritar lo que siento, y mi amor y respeto por el de al lado no ha cambiado.

Por unos días nos quitamos etiquetas. Nadie era extranjero, nadie era gay o heterogaméticos, nadie era marrón o blanco o negro. Nadie era hombre o mujer. Nadie era jefe o currante. Nadie era de izquierdas o derechas, ni Del City o el United. Nadie era nada más que un puto ser humano. Y eso era maravilloso.

Haber vivido el ataque terrorista del manchester arename ha enseñado a querer. Me ha enseñado a estar vivo y a apreciarlo de verdad. Me ha enseñado a escuchar y respetar. A saber que estamos en esta vida de paso y que un gracias y por favor no cuestan nada

Me ha enseñado tantas cosas que no me siento víctima sino privilegiado de la ciudad en la que vivo y del mundo que me rodea. De las culturas, razas, religiones y cariño que he recibido. Me reuní con la familia de un fallecido para contarles mi experiencia y que supieran que esas 22 abejas que dejaron de volar esa noche no lo hicieron en balde. Que les llevo dentro de mí cada día y que nunca les olvidaré. Que es muy difícil de explicar y duro de entender, pero que no pienso que podía haber muerto sino que con lo que me quedo es que puedo contar esto.

Por eso el 22 de Mayo no es un día corriente para mí. Nunca lo será, porque esta ciudad, Manchester no es un ciudad corriente. Es un día de esperanza y amor. Y me niego a que alguien me diga lo contrario. por eso grito aquí por este día tan especial.

Y por eso empecé mi compañía de Free Tours, para extender ese amor que siento por la ciudad.

Ivo Delgado Rivero

Free Tour Si Manchester is the best Review Tour in Manchester for the third consecutive month

The Tour Company “Si Manchester” founded by two Manchester Arena terrorist attack survivors manage to be the best reviewed tour in Manchester for a third consecutive month

Si Manchester, the tour company founded by Ivo Delgado (33) and Gareth Smith (36) is once again the best reviewed tour in Manchester and the favorite Tour in Manchester according to their users. This is the third consecutive month that Si Manchester sits down at the top of Tripadvisor leaderboard after getting the Top Spot as the Best tour in Manchester in 2018.

The company offers a range of different Free Walking Tours in Manchester as well as a range of paid tours and experiences in Manchester. The company was born after both owners survived at the terrorist attack on May 22 after Ariana Grande’s concert. After that experience Ivo Delgado decided to offer Free Tours In Spanish to explain why he was in love with the city and how that traumatic experience changed his life in the city “Doing the free tour in Spanish was part of therapy, as I could share the immense gratitude and love I feel for this city with all the travelers”

Gareth joined Ivo to this adventure offering free tours in English everyday with a complete path through the history, changes and lifestyle in the city “The terrorist is just one more story that shapes a city of industry, suffragette, revolutions, football and specially it’s a city of people, people who changed history and still does being part of a beautiful beehive”

Their FreeTour walks through Chinatown, Gay Village, Little Ireland, Factory Records, Home Manchester, Haçienda, St Peter Square, Town Hall, John Rylands Library, St. Anne’s Square, Royal Exchange, The Shambles and Manchester Cathedral being the most complete tour in the city . All their Free Tours starts at 10:00 from Piccadilly Gardens (outside Manchester visitor information Centre)

For the future the company is quickly growing into more alternative routes and experiences like a exploration of Manchester Gay Bars and the Beer tour experience visiting local breweries and pubs and trying local beers of Manchester.

Sandemans Manchester

Sandemans Manchester, are you looking for a better free Tour in Manchester

Our Free tours in Manchester are way better than any other free tour you could imagine like Sandemans Manchester, here’s why.

You are probably looking for a Sandemans Manchester to make a Freetour in Manchester, well here’s the reality: There’s no Sandemans Free Tour in Manchester. But don’t panic I’m going to explain to you why we believe we are better and we are the number one reviewed Free Tour in the City. You have probably made a lot of Free tours around Europe including the famous and popular Sandemans New Europe Free Tours or more popular know as Sandemans.

We don’t have a script or a template. I’m sorry to say this to you, but Sandemans gives a script to all his tour guides. When you do a tour in a city we believe you want a local will tell you interesting facts about the city and show you why he loves the city. There are brilliant guides on Sandemans, absolutely amazing, but Sandemans is a big company that wants everyone to say more or less the same so you don’t really get the real experience of a local. On Si Manchester Free Tours you get what you want: Independent tour guides that will show you the city you love from a local perspective. No scripts. No templates.

We are not pushing you selling. Do you ever wanted to know how Sandemans New Europe Free Tours work? It’s simple, they have create a big company and then all the tour guides are freelances that can use their brand on exchange on paying them a fee per booking. Didn’t you realize why they take that picture that some never post? yes, you got it, to count how many people are on the tour and claim money from the guide. A couple of pounds only depending the city. So How do the actual company survives? Obviously through pushing you to buy other tours that are not free. The tour guides are expected to sell this tours or they will not get days to work. That’s why sometimes you don’t know if you are on a tour or you are on a Ryanair flight where they push you to be constantly buying a tour.

On our Free Tour Manchester we are different. Our tour guides don’t pay to any company, they just work for tips and they keep their money, because this company is just a two people company focus on you getting the best free tour and the best experience in Manchester. We have other tours in the company that can make your experience better but we are not prioritizing ones over the others and even if you don’t want to do a experience that doesn’t mean that we are not going to help you design your time in the city.

We don’t have hidden commissions with places. Have you realize that in every stop with Sandemans New Europe they take you to a particular bar or cafe? Well, that’s not casual. They take you to a place they get money on exchange or you having a drink there on the stop. And then you ask them where to go to eat and they tell you two or three places and tell you to drop their name… that’s how they monitor how many people they get commission from their “recommendations”.

On Si Manchester we don’t do that. We only recommend you the very best of the best places to eat in Manchester or the best places for a drink in Manchester. Always based on our experience in the city, no hidden favors or commissions, just plainly our love for the culture of the city.

And there’s even more, we are independent people, you help an independent local business and get the best you can from a city.

Free Tour Manchester in Spanish

Si Manchester is the only tour operator to offer a Free tour Manchester in Spanish

We know how hard it is to travel to a different city, a different country, a different food and specially a different language. Well, we can make that las part easier: we are the only company to offer a Free tour Manchester in Spanish.

Manchester might look a “difficult city at first” accused of having “nothing to see” and even accused of being uglier than the back of a fridge

Ivo Delgado had a different opinion and founded “Si Manchester” in 2015 as an independent blog-guide of the city.


He believes that Manchester has a lot to offer so started recommending the best places in the city and doing tours around the NQ.


Everything changed in 2017.


After attending Ariana Grande’s concert and surviving the Manchester Arena’s terrorist attack he realised that Manchester is something more than a city, it has a spirit that no book can explain, and the beauty of Manchester is not only in buildings, streets, statues or museums.


Manchester has a personality.


Creating Si Manchester Free Tours in Spanish it was the best way to explain to everybody how this city has been shaped, and for everyone to understand why he loves this city.


And “Si Manchester Free Tours” was born with one main idea:


Si Manchester is not only a Tour.


Si Manchester is his story.

TOP 10 – Places to Eat in Manchester on a Budget

10 places to eat for under £10

Having travelled a lot ourselves we understand that eating out daily can become very expensive and often time consuming, waiting for orders to be taken, etc. Our list here celebrates some of Manchester’s more informal venues offering a quick quality lunch or more affordable evening meal. As we mention in some of our following recommendations certain venues may be more basic with regards to decor but every single one offers amazing, top quality food which is the most important criteria to be included on our list.

We were originally going to call this section of our recommendations ‘cheap eats’ however we felt the word cheap did not do justice to the quality these venues are offering. Yes it is true that they all have a low price point with all enabling you to eat in Manchester for less than £10 but many are producing products much better than some of their more expensive big brand rivals.

Due to the nature of some of the businesses not all of them are open usual restaurant hours, so underneath each we have provided a quick reference of Lunch and Dinner. Lunch is set as being open 12:00 – 15:00 Dinner is 18:00 – 21:00 some of the venues may be classed as just Lunch but be open til 20:00 however to be tagged as Lunch or Dinner on this list they need to be open for the entirety of the specified hours. All venues have links to their website or facebook account which should provide full listings of their opening hours.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese

Definitely one of our favorites and the perfect comfort food with 2 venues in the city. From the plywood interior to the drum barrel outside tables adorned with spray painted logos, Northern soul grilled cheese embodies the Manchester vibe. There is definitely a focus on the food and taking a relatively simple dish and elevating it to the next level, through great quality ingredients and adding some unique twists.

The focus is on grilled cheese sandwiches, all based around ‘The Soul’ with its secret 3 cheese blend but Mac ’n’ Cheese and Nachos are another option. Service is quick and an ideal place to grab something quick for lunch while discovering the city.

Lunch 

 

 Arndale Market inc Viet-Shack

Located on the first floor of the Arndale shopping next to the Wintergarden area is the Arndale Market. Much of the food market area is inhabited by small food outlets focusing on street food from around the world with everything from Jamaican and Greek to Chinese and Indian cuisine. This is a great location close to where we finish the tour and in the heart of the shopping area.

A particularly great vendor in the food market is Viet-Shack serving up freshly prepared Vietnamese street food at an amazingly low price. There is a focus on fresh produce and for the more health conscious among us there are some great healthy options.  

Lunch

 

Habesha Restaurant

This is a restaurant in Manchester which has stood the test of time and would definitely be considered a hidden gem, it is also the only Ethiopian restaurant in the city . The entrance is via a spiral staircase inside a takeaway in the gay village however once you venture up the stairs you are transported to a different world. 

The menu is not extensive however there is a focus on doing fewer dishes but doing them to the best possible standard. Habesha may not claim the title for the most stylish decor in the city but for great quality at a low price point it definitely is up there for the best substance, possibly why it is still going strong after many years, where others have failed. 

Dinner

 

My Thai

There are a number of Thai restaurants in the city with varying price ranges however for us My Thai offers amazing value for money with an adaptable menu, where for many dishes you can choose the meat option in it (Tofu is also an option, so for non-meat eaters there is also plenty of choice). The quality of the dishes does not suffer with the low price point and is probably up there with the best Thai food I have eaten in the city. 

The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious in both locations but also with a great buzz from the many customers coming for a fast bite to eat. On Sundays from 12:00 – 17:00 they also offer a buffet for a set price which is an ideal opportunity to try an array of different dishes.

Lunch/Dinner

 

Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza

With their first restaurant opening in the Ancoats area of the city Rudys celebrated the areas heritage  of being known as ‘Little Italy’. They have since opened another Restaurant on Peter Street but both  follow the traditions of pizza from Naples – the birthplace of the pizza. When it comes to food it is hard to find anyone who doesn’t like pizza so doing it as well as Rudys do they are definitely on to a winner. 

They operate on a walk in basis with no option to book and at peak times there can be a wait for a table however it is definitely worth the wait. As with many other options in this section the menu is not extensive but often less is definitely more. Both of their locations are surrounded by great bars so Rudys is the ideal place to come to have an affordable bite to eat before heading a few meters and enjoying some of Manchester’s nightlife.

Lunch/Dinner

 

PieMinister

We are going to make no apologies for featuring PieMinister twice. Along with being a great example of British Food – we have included PieMinister in our Best British Food in Manchester section – it is also amazing value for money.

A great institution of English cuisine are pies: pastry filled with all kinds of food. Pie Minister offers you a range of 15 different varieties with the prestige of several awards behind them. From El Matador with beef, chorizo and olives to Heidi with sweet potatoes, spinach and goat cheese but there are also Mexican, chicken, kidneys, asparagus…

In the middle of the Northern Quarter, it is another of the best stops to eat something on a budget.

Mon-Sat – Lunch/Dinner

Sun – Lunch

 

Wrights Fish & Chip Shop

As with our previous suggestion we have cheated slightly and included somewhere from our Best British Food in Manchester section. 

Nothing screams traditional British food more than Fish and Chips and Wrights Chip Shop next to the Town Hall is one of the best in the city.

If you want to sample local cuisine on a budget while still enjoying great quality and taste this is the place. It’s designed more for “Take Away” or to eat something quick rather than a long sit down meal in this small venue with limited indoor seating. It is our favorite choice to make a quick stop to eat while exploring the city.

Lunch

 

Changos Burritos

Located on Oxford Rd. Changos Burritos is an amazing option for a quick lunch while discovering the southern side of the city centre. As with many burrito outlets it is basically a build your own model ideal for those who have special dietary requirements or are simply a little more fussy when it comes to food. Unlike some other burrito outlets however, there is a big emphasis on the quality of the ingredients with fresh local produce all cooked on the premises.

If you are vegan this is a great option providing something a bit more interesting than the usual attempt from restaurants which can often feel more like it is done out of necessity rather than passion. They have a daily vegetarian filling and over 70% of the toppings are vegan (100% vegetarian) so it is great for vegans and vegetarians who can then build their own burrito, also the Solo Burrito served in a box without the flour tortilla serves as a great gluten free alternative.

Lunch

 

I Am Pho

I Am Pho as the name suggests serves the typical Vietnamese flat noodles in an aromatic broth soup with the addition of your choice of meat, tofu and mushrooms. I Am Pho is in Chinatown and as with some other suggestions on this list the interior is not the most glamorous but sometimes in a restaurant it is best just to let the food do the talking – maybe in I Am Pho’s case you could even say sing. 

The service is friendly and the staff are more than happy to explain dishes to those not so familiar with the items being served. They have various sauces on the table – some made in house – along with fresh items brought with your meal, such as chillies which you can add to your dish to cater to your personal taste. Just be cautious with the chillies however, they have an almighty kick!

Lunch/Dinner

 

This and That

As you may have noticed from our list, dining out in Manchester takes you on a trip around the world, celebrating the diverse culture of the city and enjoying the talents of chefs with skills from all around the globe. What better way than to finish this list than in South Asia with This & That – a Manchester institution for 35 years? Now there are no shortage of South Asian restaurants in the city possibly it is one of the most crowded markets and with chicken Tikka Masala being one of the most popular dishes in England there is no shortage of demand. Unlike Chicken Tikka Masala however (it is believed that it was created in the UK inspired by South Asian cooking) This & That is authentic. 

The restaurant is in the Northern Quarter on Soap St. which is a small street off Thomas St. and pretty well hidden but definitely worth hunting down. They run with a rice and three concept something I am told originates from Manchester where you simply get your rice with a choice of 3 of the day’s curries. They typically have a choice of 9 or 10 curries daily with different ones each day on a rolling weekly menu. Again vegans and vegetarians are not forgotten with 3 daily Vegan options. The seating inside is long communal tables so you may even get chatting to a Manchester local while dining in a restaurant that has been popular with Mancunians since 1984.

Lunch

 

Los Mejores sitios para desayunar en Manchester

Los mejores desayunos en manchester

Home sweet home

El desayuno en Manchester grita “Home Sweet Home”, es imposible encontrar a alguien que no adore esta gema de Northern Quarter y Greater Northern. Todo en el lugar grita creatividad, con unos interiores recubiertos de madera puedes disfrutar desde el tradicional “English Breakfast” a comida con giros más modernos como “Kale yeah Benny”. Sus cortitas son geniales y simplemente harán que quieras hacer del desayuno tu comida principal del día.

Koffee Pot

Una institución de Manchester ganadora del premio al mejor desayuno por “I Love Manchester” y seleccionado por periódicos como The Guardian como uno de los mejores del Reino Unido. Coffee Pot es el cura resacas de la ciudad, en un ambiente bohemio recubierto de arte callejero del artista Mancuniano Hammo, el restaurante se ha convertido en algo así como una galería de arte de la ciudad.

Y si ya te sientes Mancuniano, ¿por qué no desayunar con un Vito caliente?

El menú está cargado de opciones y puedes tener un desayuno tradicional de cada región de Reino Unido o sacar partido a tu hipster interior y lanzarte a por un “Hipster Vegan Brekkie”.

Moose Coffee Manchester

Hablar de Moose es hablar de palabras mayores. Puedes pasarte horas leyendo el menú y cada plato suena mejor que el anterior. Las porciones son increíblemente generosas y sus cafés y batidos están realizados a la perfección. Moose es tan popular en Manchester que siempre hay cola y no aceptan reservas, pero una vez que consigues la mesa la experiencia es difícil de igualar, la plantilla son increíblemente amables y el ambiente te transporta al amor por el desayuno de América del norte. 

Entre nuestras recomendaciones están los waffles con bacon, el Brunch del Bronx, Lone Star Moose y New York Moose (Huevos benedictinos con jamón serrano)

Lo más probable es que tras desayunar te saltes la comida.

Bill’s

Bill’s nos tiene enamorados. No solo por la decoración super quirky, elegante, divertida e informal, tampoco porque tiene una de las mejores plantillas de camareros de la ciudad sino porque algunas veces solo quieres ir a un lugar a relajarte y desayunar. Eso Es Bill’s Manchester. Sus desayunos son perfectos porque con tu English Breakfasts puedes añadir o quitar opciones para que se acomode a tu gusto y su desayuno vegetariano es simplemente el mejor de su estilo en la ciudad.

Waterhouse

¿Buscas algo más en presupuesto? Waterhouse es el mejor Wetherspoons de la ciudad. Su localización, en una casa victoriana junto al Cenotaph y a la sombra del ayuntamiento y sus mosaicos originales de abejas de 1877 hacen un lugar placentero para probar un desayuno inglés o un wrap. Imbatible calidad-precio en la ciudad.

Best British Food in Manchester

There is a myth about Britain that traditional British food is not great. Our following recommendations will surely dismantle this myth. In Manchester you can eat traditional British food showcasing amazing quality coupled with fantastic innovation.

These are our favorites.

The Wharf – M15 4ST

One of our favorites in the city. The Wharf has the charm of an English Country Pub, with wooden chairs, leather sofas and rugs. All this in a large venue decorated with bookshelves and a large outside area with boats moored on the canal right outside. The Wharf is one of the essentials of the city.

For food the Sausage and Mash with Gravy is excellent and a true MUST in England, but the cheese and onion pie is also excellent (Appleby’s Cheshire cheese, potato and onion pie). There is a delicious steak and ale pudding and the Manchester Platter to share with a few beers between friends is a great snacking option.

Undoubtedly one of the best places in the city.

Budget – Main course £13 – £18

Mr Thomas Chop House  – M2 7AR

This is the perfect place to meet and sample English cuisine in Manchester. From the decoration, the atmosphere, the food and the friendly staff this shouts British in a good way. They have 3 Chop Houses including Mr Thomas´ but also Albert Square Chop house and Sam’s Chop House. Any of the three are highly recommended for the quality of the food and the surroundings.

From the main dishes we have classics such as “Fish and Chips” or “Ham ´n´ eggs” and the famous “Corned Beef Hash”.

This is not the cheapest option on our list but for the quality of food and ambience it is definitely worth a visit.

Budget – Main course £14 – £20

Wrights Chip Shop – M2 4LA

Nothing screams traditional British food more than Fish and Chips and Wrights Chip Shop next to the Town Hall is one of the best in the city.

If you want to sample local cuisine on a budget while still enjoying great quality and taste this is the place. It’s designed more for “Take Away” or to eat something quick rather than a long sit down meal in this small venue with limited indoor seating. It is our favorite choice to make a quick stop to eat while exploring the city.

PieMinister – M4 1PD

Another great institution of English cuisine are pies: pastry filled with all kinds of food. Pie Minister offers you a range of 15 different varieties with the prestige of several awards behind them. From El Matador with beef, chorizo ​​and olives to Heidi with sweet potatoes, spinach and goat cheese but there are also Mexican, chicken, kidneys, asparagus …

The best of all this is the prices starting at £5.95 to which you can add an accompaniment for £2 more.

In the middle of the Northern Quarter, it is another of the best stops to eat something on a budget.

Mackie Mayor – M4 5JY

For this last option we are going to cheat. Mackie Mayor is the fashionable place. Different food vendors around a central seating area where each person can choose a meal from any one of the many different establishments. The atmosphere is buzzing surrounded by the industrial character of Manchester. It is essentially a food market showcasing some of the best of British.

The clientele is generally young and vibrant in this Northern Quarter location. Here you have many food options catering to all tastes, and budgets. The place and atmosphere is second to none and a gem in Manchester to really get a feel for what this city is about.

Best Afternoon Tea Places in Manchester

Best Afternoon Tea places in Manchester

Is there anything more British than sitting down to drink tea? Let yourself feel like a gentleman or a lady of the court with a traditional Afternoon Tea. Let us explain, tea is not to dip a bag in boiling water, in England it is a ceremony, it is a whole meal and an experience.

We owe this tradition to Anna Russell, the seventh duchess of Bedford whom in the 1840s, when it was appropriate to have only two meals a day, decided to take a cup of tea every day with a piece of cake. Her idea was loved by high society and the afternoon tea ceremony became a custom in England. Now the ideal is to accompany your tea with sandwiches, teas and scones.

These are our 5 favorite places in Manchester to do it.

Richmond Tea Rooms

Have you ever drank tea in the rooms of Alice in Wonderland? In Manchester you can. With the traditional scones (essential to have a British experience), sandwiches and sweets you can enjoy a wide and extensive selection of tea. To round off you can indulge in a glass of prosecco or a pint to toast and help face the rest of the day. This place is one of our must-sees in Manchester!

Afternoon Tea – £ 18.95

Teacup Kitchen

In the heart of Northern quarter teacup Kitchen has become an institution for its cakes that have won many awards.There is however much much more. In a wood environment full of character and youth you can enjoy a afternoon tea in a more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere.

Afternoon Tea – £ 18.00

Cloud 23

Do you prefer to sit among the clouds? Cloud 23 offers one of the best views of the city and a completely different experience. To access you have to go to Beetham Tower, go up in an elevator that runs through the Hilton hotel and opens to reveal a bar where you can look out over Manchester. With its sophisticated ambience and views you will feel you are definitely at the top of Manchester

Afternoon Tea – £ 25.00 without prosecco

Sugar junction

This a step back in time with Chinese porcelain, pin-up posters and the sounds of authentic war time music.

Going to Sugar Junction is like going to a movie from the past. The place breathes a scent of love for baking and steaming teapots with beautiful aromas. Your traditional Afternoon tea transports you back to the movies of ladies and royalty.

Afternoon Tea – £ 16.00

Grand Pacific

Now we go to a different option. So different that it is not even called “Afternoon Tea” but “High Tea”, at Grand Pacific. Located in a majestic, historic building with an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. Its selection of sweet and savory are the most exotic from Arancinis with goat cheese, avocado tarts and Brûlées of passion fruit. This is the only option to experience afternoon tea inspired by some of the the most far flung corners of the former British Empire.

Afternoon Tea – £22.00

Best Breakfasts in Manchester

Home sweet home

Breakfast in Manchester screams Home Sweet Home, it is impossible to find someone who does not love this gem with locations in both the Northern Quarter and the Great Northern. Everything at Home Sweet Home screams creativity, with its wood interior serving everything from traditional English breakfasts to modern twists such as “Kale yeah Benny”. Their pancakes are great and it will make you want to make breakfast the main meal of the day.

Koffee Pot

A Manchester institution being the winner of the best breakfast award by “I Love Manchester” and selected by The Guardian as one of the best in the UK. The best cure for hangovers in the city, filled with an  interior that highlights the street art of the artist Mancuniano Hammo and a small art gallery that shows some of the best modern art in the city.

If you want to live as a Mancunian, why not have breakfast with a hot Vimto?

The menu is loaded with options and you can have a traditional breakfast from all regions of the U.K. or you can channel your inner hipster and go for a “Hipster Vegan Brekkie”.

Moose Coffee Manchester

To speak of Moose means you are serious about breakfast. You can waste hours reading the menu and each dish sounds better than the last. The portions are incredibly generous and their coffees and smoothies are made to perfection. Moose is so popular in Manchester that there is always a small line and they do not accept reservations, but once you get your table the experience is unbeatable, its staff are incredibly friendly and its atmosphere transforms you into that north American love for breakfasts.

Among our recommendations are their Waffles with Bacon, the Bronx Brunch, Lone Star Moose and New York Moose (Benedictine Eggs with Serrano ham).

The most likely thing is that after this breakfast you’ll skip lunch.

Bill’s

Bill’s Manchester has us in love. Not only for the decoration which is quirky, fun and informal or because it has some of the most super attentive waiters but because sometimes you want to go to a place to relax and simply have breakfast. That’s Bill’s. Their breakfasts are perfect because with your English Breakfast you can add or remove options to suit your taste and their vegetarian breakfast is simply the best of its style in the city.

Waterhouse

Are you looking for something on a budget? Waterhouse is the best Wetherspoons in the city. Its location, embedded in a Victorian house next to the Cenotaph in the shadow of the town hall and its original bee mosaics of 1877 makes it a pleasant place to try an English breakfast or a wrap. Unbeatable quality-price in the city.