It's wonderful city tripping in foodie city Manchester (incl. great hotels)
Oh, Manchester. The city that is always moving and where something is always happening. It is hip, different, industrial and grand. From sleepy town to industrial powerhouse. Manchester played an extremely important role in the industrial revolution and this is also reflected in its architecture. What used to be busy factories are now reinvented restaurants, boutiques, bars, markets and hotels. The innovative spirit of the past is still present and that translates, very nicely, into microbreweries, foodie tours and routes where you look for street art (there is plenty of it, the city even has its 'own' Banksy). Between the tall buildings and old factories you will also find plenty of green parks and city gardens. You can also get there easily by train (London to Manchester is less than three hours).
One thing is certain: you will look for one of these hidden gems, you will encounter many more along the way.
Don't be put off by the purple YOTEL that hangs pontifically above the entrance. As ugly as we think the logo is, it is just as beautiful and wonderful inside. While YOTEL often has sober rooms, in Manchester they have added some color and funky wallpaper. And that, folks, works very well. But in the end you go towards YOTEL for the bar, motley. This is also possible if you sleep somewhere else. Motley is a melting pot for both locals and hotel guests. From lunch until late, the menu is packed to the brim with uncomplicated, eco-friendly and good for the soul dishes that are low-mileage, ingredient-based, homely, local and seasonal. They have a top selection of beers on tap. If you come during the weekend, reservations are very useful.
From head to toe the Doghouse Manchester not a standard hotel. Unless you are used to a beer fridge in your shower, but for convenience we assume that you have not experienced this very often. There is a very nice roof terrace where you can look out over all of Manchester, you have your own beer tap in your hotel room and you can bring your four-legged friend. The beer vibe is strong and that makes sense when you consider that it was designed by the Scottish brewery Brewdog. Good sleep, good beer, good weekend.
Opulent, that is what all the rooms at The Lowry Hotel are. They also all have a seat, a window alcove, a table to work or read at (and some rooms have all of this). The service is first class and it en casa The River Restaurant has a warm appearance due to the soft color tones and plants, but also a touch of cool due to the industrial feel. You can also use the spa and fitness room. Certainly not the cheapest option in Manchester, but one of the best. You'll sleep extra well when you know that the people behind The Lowry Hotel also support local charities and community projects and use 100 percent sustainable energy.
Huh, Leven: isn't that Dutch? Yes, that's right, and that's where the name of the hotel comes from. De leven. Not really, but comes from the Old English word for live (because then life was). Ok, enough about the name, because there is plenty to tell about the place itself. Beautiful from the outside and inside. Sleek, modern with only unique rooms (which are of course inspired by the rich history of the street itself, Chorlton Street). All rooms have oak floors and custom-made furniture. Some have beautiful high ceilings and freestanding baths (with a view of the bustle of the street below). You will also sleep like a baby on the very thick mattresses and in the morning you can start the day well with Grown Alchemist bath products. Everything completely in the context of sustainability. Good living for everything and everyone.
The food of a city says everything about its character. Here it is: Manchester sits foodie-wise completely fine. From freakshakes to Black milk and vegan delicacies Wholesome Junkies to international street food GRUB MCR en Hatch (which also has a microbrewery: extra points). If you want to delve even deeper into the kitchens of MRC, book one of December's culinary tours Scranchester and learn how the city's cultural roots inspired its eclectic cuisine, with eight tastings along the way (you won't find out which ones until you book).
Ancoats is another success story: a neighborhood that has been transformed from an industrial suburb into an oasis of nightlife, shopping and indie bistros. Just like the neighbor, the Northern Quarter, where vinyl record shops sit among vegan cafes, art galleries and music venues. Another cool project (yes another one) is the new one RHS Garden Bridgewater, a leafy wild forest and graceful 'Paradise Garden' in the northwest of the city, plus everything from light trails to open-air concerts all year round.
Manchester's food scene has been key to the city's regeneration, with many of the old waterfront warehouses transformed into thriving hotspots with good street food and live music. Bee Escape to Freight Island (a former freight depot, it doesn't get much more industrial) you can go to numerous international ones food stands, from Vietnamese pho to Mexican tacos. Of course, that includes a drink in hand, and you will certainly find something here to enjoy: cocktail bars, local craft beer and a large selection of all kinds of wines. Five times a week there is the opportunity to join in for live music, a movie or... comedy show.
Ducie Street Warehouse, close to Piccadilly Gardens, is a restaurant, cocktail bar and events space all in one. Favorite event? The dog-friendly cinema evenings. On the menu you will find small and larger dishes with the idea of filling the table and tasting a little bit of everything. Pádron peppers, Gochujan chicken, lamb kofta and celeriac shawarma are just a small selection from the evening menu. The brunch is also excellent. Grandad's Cumberland sausage on a potato brioche it really is brunch 2.0. Order an extra poached eggs (it's not brunch without an egg) and you can carry on. Or you can also take advantage of it in the hotel room.
Meanwhile occupied Mackie Mayor the former Smithfield Market, a spacious and bright heritage building with lots (lots) of character. The municipal dining room is always buzzing, and the eclectic food stalls serve everything from sourdough pizzas to typical English roast beef dinners, custard filled donuts and much more that you will want to eat. Another beautiful example of modern industrialism with all its brick glory, steel arches and beautiful glass ceiling. The whole market concept has been maintained, but with a modern twist (and with better food, of course).
Manchester is very easy to reach in various ways: by car, by plane and certainly by train. The train station is in the center and from there you can get anywhere in no time with (free!) buses that leave every 10 to twenty minutes. Manchester is also almost as flat as a pancake, so renting a bicycle is certainly one of the options. Simply, nice Dutch.
