Going out guide: How to spend a day in… Manchester’s Green Quarter

Arrive in the Green Quarter in the early afternoon and get yourself a coffee at Pop Up Bikes. We know, we know – a bike shop isn’t exactly the most obvious place for a bit of pre-day out pep but this same-day cycle repair shop serves up a great range of lattes, cappuccinos and more from local coffee roasters Heart and Graft. Located under one of the Green Quarter’s many super cool and rustic red-brick railway arches, this self-styled cycle cafe sells – you guessed it – a wide range of bikes. Who knows? You may even start on the (cycle) path to a new hobby before your day’s even begun!

Next up, it’s time to get active. Head around the corner to Base Bar, Manchester’s only batting cage bar and eatery. Here, you’ll be able to swing away in one of the venue’s three batting cages which can be enjoyed for groups of up to five people for thirty minute sessions for just £30 per booking. Hotdogs, beers and bar snacks are also available – alongside a giant screen where you can play a range of retro gaming classics from consoles like the Playstation, SNES and Nintendo 64. GoldenEye, anyone?

With the afternoon in full swing, it’s time to wet your whistle. Head deeper into Manchester’s Green Quarter towards the rear of Angel Meadow park. In addition to being one of the city centre’s only leafy, green areas, this cosy public park is also home to Blackjack Brewery’s taproom, which can be found just behind the park itself. Set to a soundtrack of lazy vinyl tunes spun by local DJs, you’ll be able to sample a range of stouts, IPAs, lagers and more obscure brews, crafted by the Blackjack team and other famed UK brewers. Blackjack’s back garden aesthetic is great in the Manchester sun and the perfect place to kick your day into gear.

If batting and beers has helped you work up an appetite, The Spärrows can fix that problem. Also located under a red brick railway arch, this Manchester restaurant offers a range of European dumplings, alongside Japanese sakes and beers. However it’s their trademark Spätzle that you want to try. Made in-house, this egg-based pasta dish can be enjoyed with butter and sage, tomato sauce or cured pork cheek Guanciale. Gnocchi and a range of specials are also available and sure to keep you going during your Green Quarter escapade.

Just next door to The Spärrows you’ll find Runaway’s micro-brewery tap room. These Manchester-based beer creators craft a selection of flavour-focused modern British beers with an array of punchy tweaks. Their Kaffir Lime & Thai Chilli Wit sets your taste buds spiralling, while their Blackcurrant Blush offers up a fruity and refreshing take on a traditional sour. IPAs and largers are also available – and their airy beer garden provides the perfect place for a socially distanced pint.

As one of the most popular venues in the Green Quarter, Grub’s Redbank Project home has quickly become a firm favourite for all those who prefer a city centre hang-out that replaces beer-fuelled bustle with cheery independent vibes. Their spacious beer hall (accessible via their vibrant pink stairway) is a great hang-out spot – but it’s the venue’s eco-friendly beer garden that’s the real draw here. Dogs are welcome (and actively encouraged), while an ever-changing collection of street food vendors from Manchester and all over the UK can be found selling their pizzas, burgers, vegan treats, gluten-free dishes and more – week in, week out. Be sure to check the venue’s Instagram page to find out who’ll be there during your visit. All in all, it’s a great spot to round out your Green Quarter adventure.