Mechanics’ Institute

Chris Horkan
Mechanics' Institute by KJP1

Now a conference and events venue, the Grade II-listed Mechanics’ Institute was the birth place of the TUC in 1868.

It was also the birthplace of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (Umist) and the Cooperative Insurance Society.

103 Princess StreetManchesterM1 6DD View map
Telephone: 0161 236 9336 Visit Now

What's on near Mechanics’ Institute

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ActivityManchester
Coffee and Poems Club

Coffee and Poems club is a nomadic happening open to all who have the curiosity to explore poetry with no previous experience required.

from £8.00

Where to go near Mechanics’ Institute

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Cruz 101

Everything you want in a Canal Street club can be found here. Cruz 101 – better known as Cruz – is an institution, and a must-visit in Manchester.

City Centre
Bar or Pub
Fab Cafe

A cult tv and movie themed bar set below street level on Portland Street in Manchester.

Manchester
Music venue
G-A-Y

Smack bang in the centre of Manchester’s Canal Street, colourful club on the corner, G-A-Y, is popular with a youngish crowd looking for pop tunes, cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere. And there’s a rooftop terrace for the smokers.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
On Bar

This multifaceted venue is primarily an award winning gay bar in Manchester’s Canal Street area – but that is not all…

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Vanilla

This award winning bar is open six nights a week due to popular demand. Described as the ‘mecca of the north’ for the lesbian community, it is no wonder why.

Chinatown
Restaurant
Red Chilli, Portland Street

Passionately adored by many Mancunian foodies (and the first Manchester restaurant in ages not to get a slating from notoriously picky Observer food critic Jay Rayner), this Szechuan restaurant rules the culinary roost from an unprepossessing basement on Portland Street.

Manchester
Restaurant
Peru Perdu

Peru Perdu has an all-new food and drink menu, with some of the best-looking dishes in the city.

Manchester
Restaurant
The Cotton Factory

This residency restaurant opened in summer 2019, at Locke Hotels’ Whitworth Locke. The first residency comes courtesy of Mexican specialists El Camino.

Culture Guides

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Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
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Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
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As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

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Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.