Dive In, Fork First
There’s a real independent, small-business vibe going around here, and something for every taste.
You can get vegan junk food at V Rev; Chinese food that rivals Chinatown at Sweet Mandarin; high-end traditional pub food at Abel Heywood; and Manchester’s best buttermilk fried chicken at Yard & Coop. And that’s just to name a few.
The coffee-shop culture has also boomed in recent years, and brunch offerings along with it. Evelyn’s Cafe Bar, Federal, TAKK and Ezra & Gil are some of my favourite spots.
Variety is what makes NQ and Ancoats special. They have it all – including a cat cafe!
Nothing stands still around here
The area is still growing, and at an increasing pace. A new place pops up every other week.
El Taquero – which serves authentic tacos and opened in August 2017 – and Mackie Mayor – reopened after a huge refurbishment in October 2017 – are two new arrivals doing particularly well amidst the fierce competition.
The area also hosts two of Manchester’s most innovative and exciting pop-up food markets: Scrancoats and GRUB, both serving up cutting-edge food from local traders.
My three must-visit eateries
Luck, Lust, Liquor and Burn
Naughty, yummy, Californian-style Mexican food. Best tacos in town. Feeling peckish? Order their side of halloumi and a couple of cheeseburger tacos.
Elnecot
A gorgeous neighbourhood bar and kitchen in Ancoats. Elegant cooking in a relaxed, upmarket environment. Try the wild mushroom arancini and British buffalo burrata.
Mackie Mayor
If you’re looking for sheer variety in a casual-dining setting, Mackie Mayor offers multiple dining options hosted in a stunning 19th century Grade II-listed market building. Try the seafood at Finbar and the Taiwanese steamed buns at Baohouse.
Now why not check out where Joe Madden thinks are the best bars in the Northern Quarter and Manchester.