We’re not talking supermarkets or department store food halls here: these are Manchester’s truly independent food emporiums, where the cake is beautifully crafted, the wines are from all over the world and the chocolate is the finest artisan you can find. Tuck in!
This award-winning, continental bakery in Chorlton is simply the place to go if you’re in need of some delicious, freshly baked carbs or posh bits and pieces for the pantry.
Bringing the taste of Catalonia to Manchester’s Barton Arcade, Lunya’s latest delicatessen and restaurant is all set to replicate the massive success that it’s been enjoying in Liverpool. The Manchester deli is an authentically decorated larder of treats both sweet and savoury, stacked to the rafters with more than 1,000 Spanish and Catalan specialties, including hams carved from the bone, and jars and jars of olives. Other delis we can recommend include Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar (Italy’s finest), Thyme Out Delicatessan in Didsbury and continental bakery Barbakan Delicatessen in Chorlton.
For a hunk of meat that’s a cut above the rest you could do a lot worse than The Butcher’s Quarter, the artisan butchers located on Tib Street in the belly of the Northern Quarter, that specialises in locally sourced cuts of meat. Their attention to detail is second to none.
Head to the Cheese Hamlet in West Didsbury for a huge range of cheese, mustard, and preserves. Just add Port!
Eighth Day is a veggie and vegan superstore that’s less of a shop-cum-cafe and more of a Manchester institution. Perfect for those still sticking to New Year’s resolutions.
An absolute haven for vegetarians, vegans or anyone who cares deeply about where their food comes from. A cooperative that traces its origins back to the Rochdale Pioneers, The Unicorn has been around for over twenty years and is more popular than ever.
Family owned independent bookshop with branches in Romiley (Greater Manchester) and Stockport
Stitched Up is a haven of haberdashery with an underlying message of sustainability in Stretford Mall.
Village Books on Oxford Street is a cultural utopia. Offering a selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography.
Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.
Attractive art venue in Altrincham’s Goose Green Square, surrounded by attractive bars and restaurants.
Bags of Flavour is the Northern Quarter’s answer to high end vintage with high quality exclusive garments and accessories.
Dot Goods is an ethical gift shop with great coffee and a keen interest in providing space for community to grow.
Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.
Want Not Waste is a student-run, not-for-profit zero waste shop operating out of Academy 1 at the University of Manchester Students’ Union.
Ancoats General Store serves the local community as a sustainability-focused convenience store stocking craft products, locally-sourced wares and top tier vegan produce.
On a mission to help making a difference more convenient, Urmston’s Goodness Zero Waste is a great spot to shop sustainably for food, beauty and household products.
Withington’s Lentils and Lather is a top destination for a wide range of sustainable, plastic-free and zero waste products.
Manchester's best secret, hidden and hard to find bars - here's our guide.
Some of the most unique places to stay in Manchester. We pick out the top upscale accommodations with a twist.
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.
Manchester's restaurants are bending over backwards to create deals that take the sting out of eating out. Here are the best of the bunch for January.
Eat out and stay healthy with our guide to the best clean-living restaurants in Manchester.
Travelling to Manchester for work? We round up some of the best business hotels in Manchester.
Manchester is the 26th UNESCO City of Literature, joining illustrious alumni from across the globe. Here's our guide to literary landmarks across the city.
Whether you’re a proud vegan or merely curious, let us guide you towards the best vegan food in Manchester for Veganuary.
Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, so of course there are a few go-tos for books. Read our guide to discover the best places to pick them up.
From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother's Day.
Take me there
It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.
DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.
Dragon quests, coconut pyramids and topsy-turvy Wonderland adventures... curious?
Not long now, spring is on its way but wave goodbye to winter with some of the North's best food and drink.
David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.
Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.
We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
