The Northern Quarter — “the NQ” to locals — is Manchester's most creative neighbourhood. It's a warren of red-brick Victorian warehouses stuffed with independent coffee shops, record stores, speakeasies and the best bar scene in the city.
Start with coffee
- Foundation Coffee House — Huge, warehouse-style. Best flat white in the area.
- Takk — Icelandic-inspired, minimalist, great pastries.
- Federal Café — Aussie brunch legends. Expect a queue at weekends.
Brunch recommendations
Evelyn's is the local favourite for an unhurried weekend brunch — think shakshuka, eggs royale, and excellent coffee. For something more casual, Moose Coffee does North-American-sized portions of pancakes and maple-bacon waffles. If you want proper restaurant quality, book Elnecot in neighbouring Ancoats.
Shopping: what makes the NQ special
- Afflecks — A four-storey indoor market of independent stalls. Vintage clothing, piercings, crystals, tattoos, cassette tapes, rave flyers. Completely chaotic, completely Manchester.
- Piccadilly Records — One of the UK's best independent record shops.
- Magma Books — Brilliant selection of design, art and architecture books.
- Oi Polloi — Cult menswear shop. Acne, Adidas, Engineered Garments.
Stay with City Superhost
Stay steps from the Northern Quarter's best bars and restaurants.
Browse properties →The best cocktail bars
- Behind Closed Doors — Hidden behind an unmarked door. Some of the most serious cocktails in the North.
- Cottonopolis — Japanese-inspired drinks and bar snacks. Excellent date spot.
- Schofield's Bar — Just outside the NQ, run by two world-ranked bartenders. Classic, properly made cocktails.
- The Washhouse — Speakeasy behind a fake laundrette. Phone the number in the window to book.
Where to eat dinner
- Erst (Ancoats) — Seasonal small plates, best natural wine list in Manchester.
- This & That — Manchester's most famous “rice & three” curry cafe. A post-pub institution.
- Rudy's Pizza — Perfect Neapolitan pizza. Arrives in 90 seconds.
- Hawksmoor — The steak place. Worth every penny.
Live music
Band on the Wall is the iconic NQ live music venue — jazz, world, indie, electronic. Matt & Phreds is the city's best jazz bar. For clubbing, YES has multiple floors and rooftop drinks.
Where to stay for NQ access
Any apartment in the Northern Quarter itself, Ancoats or central Manchester is within a 10-minute walk of everything above. All our Manchester apartments are in walkable, well-located postcodes.
