Sitting on the junction of Church Street and Tib Street you’ll find Afflecks, a towering indie emporium containing dozens of vintage and fashion traders, plus everything from a cassette shop (the only one in the UK) to an eco-friendly ‘hemporium’.

Manchester’s most intimate jazz venue, Matt and Phred’s is nestled rather secretively into the brickwork of Tib Street. But follow the radiating sound of brass and, once inside, the tidal wave of warmth and energy are harder to miss.

A meal at 10 Tib Lane is something special. At a time when many city-centre restaurants are fighting to be the loudest and most ostentatious, this elegant destination is all about gimmick-free but sophisticated dining.

“We only sell beer, and we only sell really good beer”. Beermoth is the place to go for craft beer in the Northern Quarter, each can and bottle chosen with care by the incredibly knowledgable staff.

Queer Lit stock over 2,000 titles, among them hard hitting non fiction writing that tackles the grey areas of queer politics, through to disarmingly charming children’s story books that explore everything family can be in today’s world.

This small shop has “Northern Quarter” stamped all over it, from its “potting shed”-feel to its bunting for sale and unusual selection of potted-up plants.

Our favourite café in this area has to be the mighty North Tea Power, with its addictive cakes, serious selection of teas and coffees and excellent playlist.

Forget kilo sales, forget the slightly musty smell we’ve learned to associate with vintage clothing and get used to vintage’s equivalent of high fashion. Bags Of Flavour is a great shout if you’re in the market for some new threads.

Somehow the only tapas bar in the Northern Quarter, Evuna is where it’s at for traditional Spanish grub and damn fine drinks.

COW Vintage is one of the biggest and best vintage shops in the UK. Their handpicked clothes and accessories are ethically sourced from around the world, and span a good 50 years, from 60s mod attire right through to 00s revival pieces.

Spend an hour or so in Evelyn’s Cafe Bar and you might just want to spend a few more. It’s casual, it’s friendly and it’s very, very comfortable. Oh and it does an excellent brunch.

Just off Tib Street you’ll find a piece of Mancunian music history. Vinyl Revival specialise in the sounds of the city from the 50′s to the present day, and stock a range of records and collectibles that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else.