The Rice Bowl
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
This family-run business is widely recognised as one of the city’s finest Chinese restaurants. Whether you’re looking for authentic, unusual or just plain tasty, Rice Bowl has it all.
What's on near The Rice Bowl
Until
The Manchester Cheese Crawl
Eat your way through the dairy based delights of Manchester, with the Manchester Cheese Crawl walking tour.
from £25
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MIF25: Liberation at the Royal Exchange Theatre
Happening as part of MIF25, Liberation is a bold new play inspired by real events in Black British history, bringing politics, power, and personal struggles to life on stage.
from £20.00
Halloween: The Ghosts of Manchester
Explore Manchester’s creepiest corners this Halloween, when Jonathan Schofield Tours will reveal the city’s ghosts with the most.
from £25.00
The Manchester Literary Tour
On the eve of Elizabeth Gaskell’s birthday, join Jonathan Schofield Tours for a stroll around the sites (and sights) of Manchester’s literary past.
from £20.00
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MIF25: THE HERDS
Manchester International Festival 2025 kicks off with an awe-inspiring outdoor spectacle as THE HERDS take to the streets of Manchester, Rochdale, and Wigan.
free entry
Until
Comedy Balloon
Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.
free entry
Until
Cocktail Tasting Masterclass at The Botanist
You can get the behind the bar and mix with the best of them in a cocktail making masterclass from The Botanist on Deansgate.
from £39.95
All-Day Sensory-Friendly Experience
To mark World Autism Month 2025, Manchester’s Museum of Illusions is expanding its commitment to accessibility with a full-day Sensory-Friendly day on Tuesday 29 April.
from £15.00Where to go near The Rice Bowl
City Centre
Mr Thomas’s Chop House
Mr Thomas’s Chop House first opened as a public house in 1870. It has beautiful arches and Victorian tiling, does classic British cooking and has an excellent wine list.
City Centre
Miller & Carter Steakhouse, Manchester
Miller & Carter Steakhouse brings its traditional steak and sides to Manchester’s King Street.
City Centre
Cross Street Chapel
Located in the midst of Deansgate, this community chapel regularly hosts cultural events, socials and activities. Check out their website for info and upcoming performances.
Manchester
Kala Bistro
Kala is the latest restaurant from acclaimed chef-restaurateur Gary Usher, who also owns Sticky Walnut and Hispi. It’s a welcome addition to the ever-growing and improving King Street food scene.
Manchester
Mash Tun
Mash Tun is a craft beer and live music venue at the former Grafene site on Manchester’s King Street.
City Centre
Corbières
Superb little hidden-away bar on Deansgate
City Centre
Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange
Hotel Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange is an affordable hotel in Manchester’s city centre, perfect for a business or family stay in the city.
City Centre
King Street Manchester
King Street is one of the most picturesque parts of Manchester with buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse and C.R. Cockerell. Once Manchester’s financial epicenter, it’s now home to high-end retail and fine dining.
Manchester
Chaophraya Manchester
Chaophraya is an upmarket but relaxed Thai restaurant based on Chapel Walks. It has won numerous awards, including Manchester’s best restaurant.
City Centre
El Gato Negro Tapas
El Gato Negro Tapas came to Manchester in 2016, bringing its award-winning tapas dishes to Manchester city centre.
City Centre
Rapha Clubhouse Manchester
AKA cyclist heaven, Rapha is more than just a cycle-wear shop. It’s a place for anyone who loves cycling to congregate and celebrate the sport together.
Manchester
10 Tib Lane
At a time when many city-centre restaurants are fighting to be the loudest and most ostentatious, 10 Tib Lane is all about elegant, sophisticated dining.
Manchester District Guides
Culture Guides
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Music in the North
Electronic music features heavily in our latest round-up of gig highlights across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.
Exhibitions in the North
Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month
Food and Drink in the North
Spring is here and the North is buzzing with must-visit new restaurants and bars.
Cinema in the North
Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.
Tours and Activities in the North
We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.
Theatre in the North
Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.
Literature Events in the North
If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.