Federal Café and Bar
Based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the New Zealand and Australian independent café boasts fresh coffee, cocktails and a menu full of healthy food. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch, and with a fully licensed bar it’s great for after-work-drinks. Expect to see queues out the door on the weekend, but don’t be put off… it’s worth the wait.
The Foundation Coffee HouseAnother popular coffee spot and known “hipster hangout” is The Foundation Coffee House, again located in the Northern Quarter. The design-led interior has a really industrial feel, which makes it a picture-perfect spot to chill or get some work done. Extending its opening hours on a Friday and Saturday to 10 o’clock, you’re also able to get involved in happy hour and listen to some decent live music.
Terrace
Winning Best Interior 2014 by Design My Night, Terrace boasts a stripped back interior, bare brick walls and vintage school furniture. Situated in the Northern Quarter, the bar sells hearty foods, guest beers and cocktails. On the weekends be sure to find live music, R&B, Soul, Funk, Rhythm & Blues, and grab a seat on the rooftop terrace when it’s a sunny day.
Night & Day Café
Situated on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter, Night & Day Café is best favoured because of the unique, intimate space it offers. Since 1991 it has been one of the venues that has set a benchmark for the musical hub in Manchester, as big names such as Arctic Monkeys, Manic Street Preachers and Snow Patrol have passed through the doors. Over the years the venue has seen genres such as indie, folk, jazz and electronica, so if you’re struggling for a place to spend your night until the early hours of the morning, definitely check out Night & Day.
Dog Bowl
If you're looking for something lighthearted to do with your friends or family, Dog Bowl is a fun place to visit. Offering five full length bowling lanes, along with a restaurant and bar, the space caters for those of all ages. With Fizz Face Fridays, Kids Bowl Free Mondays, and happy hours on weekdays, it's also a great place to grab a deal.
Corbieres Wine Cavern
Tucked away down a side street, the discreetly located wine bar is one of Manchester's hidden gems. Make your way down the stairs into a cave-like space with a buzzing atmosphere, and grab a drink from the wide selection of wines, cocktails and local ales. While you're there, make sure you also make use of the jukebox, as finding one as good as Corbieres' is a rarity.
We hope you enjoyed this post, and feel free to comment any of your own favourite hangouts based in the city!
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