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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
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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Ian Jones

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
The Lion's Den 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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Ian Jones

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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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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Ian Jones

Where to go in Manchester

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.

Haunt MCR
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Haunt MCR

Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

Offering a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.

Hatch
Manchester
Event venue
Hatch

We check out the new festive changes to Hatch, Manchester’s favourite collection of small independents.

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Federal Cafe Bar
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Manchester District Guides

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Visit Manchester Town Hall and you’ll spot bees picked out in the mosaics across the lobby floor – once seen, you’ll notice them everywhere. Appearing on benches, council flower pots and…
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Oxford Road, Manchester

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Salford museum and art gallery exterior
Salford, Greater Manchester

Cross over the River Irwell, and you’ll find yourself in another city entirely – Salford, which is enjoying something of a regeneration.
The Quays, Greater Manchester

The Quays is home to MediaCityUK (the largest media hub in Europe) and studios purpose-built for the BBC’s move up North in 2011.
chinatown, manchester in sun by ben williams
Chinatown, Manchester

Chinatown is a network of back streets dotted with Chinese restaurants – go to Ho’s Bakery for perfect honey buns, Hunan for spice and Middle Kingdom for a very affordable menu.
Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Destination Guides

Culture Guides

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.