With so many hidden corners in loads of cool areas of Manchester, even people who have lived here for years can still discover new places to go and things to do. If you stray a little off the beaten track and wander past the Northern Quarter, you can spend a day in Ancoats, which features some of the very coolest spots in the city to eat, drink and explore. We’ve scoured the streets to find the best spots to check out, and rounded them up in this handy guide on how to spend a day in Ancoats – read on to find out more…
You’d never guess such an idyllic oasis could be found so close to in the city centre – but Ancoats Marina is a truly picturesque spot for a mid-day wander. While stone seats and loungers offer a view of the marina, those looking to stretch their legs can explore the area, taking in the city’s old cotton mills and secluded bridges. For an extra special Oasis-themed photo opp, take a peek at the reflection under the New Islington Bridge to spy the lyrics ‘Cast No Shadow’ in the water.
One of the best pizzerias in Manchester – in fact, one of the best pizzerias in the world according to travel and food website Big Seven – Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza is the perfect place to get some truly incredible pizza. With vegan and vegetarian options, and simple but delicious toppings on all their offerings, you need to try a Rudy’s pizza at least once in your life. What better time than during your day in Ancoats?
One of the coolest corner shops around, Ancoats General Store sells a truly unique assortment of groceries, beer, wine and local produce, as well as featuring a coffee bar which often hosts second-hand record sales and street food pop-ups. At first glance, it’s quite compact – you might not think you could lose yourself wandering the fairly limited number of aisles – but their selection is so quirky that time goes by before you know it. If it’s a sunny day, be sure to check out their fridge for a mouth-watering array of craft beers – some local, some from further afield – all amazing.
With a huge selection of craft beers (both on tap and in cans) – including their own beers, brewed right here in Manchester – Seven Bro7hers is one of the best places to grab a pint in the city. Their Ancoats beerhouse is spacious, but still cosy, with beer guides to browse and sofas to sprawl out on, as well as a huge selection of wines and spirits if beer isn’t your thing. It’s a great spot to wind down after a day of exploring Ancoats. We recommend their Honeycomb Pale Ale!
If you want to eat some of the best Chinese food Manchester has to offer, you can’t do better than Blue Eyed Panda. Run by the owners of the super popular Ancoats Panda Chinese takeaway, their menu features plenty of Chinese restaurant classics, along with a selection of specials which change daily. Menus featuring honey-glazed Cantonese and spicy Szechuan favourites are also available – alongside a range of Dim Sum dishes. Notably, Blue Eyed Panda offer a substantial variety of vegan options, including salt and pepper ‘chicken’ so good you won’t know the difference.
- Words:
- Amy Callaghan
- Published on:
- Fri 21 Aug 2020
Get your day off to an indulgent start with coffee and cake at Pollen Bakery, one of Manchester’s most popular bake houses and coffee spots. Pollen specialise in sourdough loaves and viennoiserie pastries, so you can treat yourself to one (or two) of their perfectly flakey croissants and pick up a delicious sourdough loaf to enjoy at home. Coffees will set you back roughly £3, while sweet treats and sandwiches are not much more at around £6.