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Must-Try Places at Great Northern in Manchester

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

The Grade 2 listed Great Northern building is one of the calmer spots around the Deansgate strip, but that calm exterior is home to a vast array of places to eat and drink, as well as fun-filled group days out. In a former life, it was a railway goods distribution warehouse but now it’s one of Manchester’s solid go-to spaces when it comes to mainstream good times – with eating and drinking taking pole position.

We’ve chosen the best places for visitors or longtime city-dwellers to check out, with the emphasis firmly on the food, but a nod to some of the more exciting extra-curricular activities too. And if it all gets too much, you can relax in the public square – one of the more relaxed and safe open spaces in the city centre.

Our top picks

Another Hand

Another Hand, Unit F 253 Deansgate, Mews Level, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN - Visit now

In Another Hand, Manchester food-lovers have a wonderful (not to mention locally-sourced and organic) treat to add to their must-visit list.

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Another Hand

Platzki

Platzki, Deansgate Mews, Great Northern, 255 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN - Visit now

You’ll come away from your meal at this delightful Polish restaurant more than happy. Platzki scores at the top end of the cafe scale, and for a sit-down meal, the Pierogi in particular simply cannot be beaten.

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The Lion’s Den Manchester

The Lion’s Den Manchester, Great Northern, 253 Deansgate Mews, Manchester, M3 4EN - Visit now

The Lion’s Den is a must-visit two-storey bar and live event space tucked away in the sprawling Great Northern complex. It might take a couple of minutes to find but it’s well worth the hunt, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, wonderfully friendly staff, and some of the best small onstage events in all of Manchester.

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The Lion's Dean Manchester

James Martin Manchester

James Martin Manchester, 2 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4LP - Visit now

James Martin’s Manchester restaurant delivers a solid top-quality experience. It hovers around that hinterland between high-end cuisine and casual dining, serving up impressively detailed dishes, while never being overly fusty or wallet-drainingly expensive. It’s certainly not one for vegetarians, as the most visually impressive and tastiest dishes are all geared around hefty chunks of meat, but a top-drawer option for those of the carnivorous persuasion.

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Whistle Punks Axe Throwing

Whistle Punks Axe Throwing, Unit 20, Atrium level, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, , Manchester , Lancashire, M3 4EN - Visit now

At last, here’s your chance to give in to those caveman urges and chuck an axe about. There is no need to be super strong or have any previous experience, all are welcome at Whistle Punks, providing that you are over 18. This might just become your new favourite way to let off steam. Be sure to book in advance though as the 4 lanes fill up fast.

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Image curtesy of Whistle Punks

Virtual Hideout

Virtual Hideout, Unit I, J and K, Deansgate Mews, Great Northern, Manchester, M3 4EN - Visit now

Interested in virtual reality but don’t know where to start? Head to Virtual Hideout up on the fast-growing Deansgate Mews section of the Great Northern warehouse space. It’s a superb afternoon out for all kinds of groups – hen parties, family trips, or simply a pre-night out session.

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Where to go in Manchester

GET BAKED Opening Day
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
GET BAKED

Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares.

Hinterland bar and cafe
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Hinterland

Alcohol-free bar and cafe in the heart of Northern Quarter. Serving mocktails, 0% beer and all your alcohol free favourites.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

Manchester Factory international Festival - People enjoying Festival Square in the city centre
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Factory Square

Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.

Manchester
Shop
House of Books & Friends

Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Sett

Sett is an art café in West Didsbury, one of the areas many thriving independent businesses.

Stretford Foodhall
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Stretford Foodhall

A one-stop-shop, Stretford Foodhall is a place for those who like to eat, drink and shop with a guilt-free conscience. Whether you fancy visiting to sample some delicious street food or to top up your refillable containers, Stretford Foodhall is well worth a visit.

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Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
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