Guide to Manchester

‘What do you want to do tonight?’

If you’re ever stuck for an answer in Manchester it’s only because you’re having trouble making your mind up.

From the cavernous bars and clubs in Castlefield’s converted railway arches to the bohemian cafés and restaurants of the Northern Quarter, no taste goes uncatered for.

No matter how broad your palette, Manchester’s choice of cuisine is broader. French, Thai, Italian, Mongolian... Fancy going Dutch? No problem. Indonesian? We know a place.

It’s not just in the city centre that food and drink are elevated to high art, either.

Check out surrounding areas like Didsbury, Chorlton and Altrincham. Each with its unique atmosphere and personality. Each with something special of its own to offer.

Concerts and clubs

Manchester’s clubbing and music scene is, of course, something of a legend. Kick started by the Hacienda all those years ago it’s a byword for good times and inspirational new acts.

Alongside the established venues, a host of smaller, independent clubs keeps Manchester’s underground pulse beating.

With a pedigree that includes the Smiths, The Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses and Oasis, who’d bet against the city producing the Next Big Thing once again?

Theatre, culture and the arts

On a par with its contributions to popular culture are Manchester’s credentials in the world of the theatre and the arts.

The Halle Orchestra is revered all over the world and the Bridgewater Hall - its ‘home’ in Manchester - one of the foremost classical music venues in the country.

The artist L.S.Lowry, long known for his portrayal of industrial pre-war Manchester, is now permanently remembered at the Lowry Centre; a modern steel and glass gallery and theatre in Salford Quays.

Almost directly opposite, the Imperial War Museum North is as famous for architect Daniel Libeskind’s vision of a globe ‘shattered by conflict’ as it is as for the permanent and temporary exhibitions it houses.

Manchester also revels in a number of outdoor festivals and events.

Chinese New Year celebrations and the Mardi Gras – a lavish spectacle of gay pride – draw crowds in their thousands.

Sporting spectacles

Manchester and sport are inseparable.

Old Trafford football ground is a landmark that’s almost possible to ignore. More so now it’s been extended to accommodate over 76,000 people.

But it’s not just on match days that The Theatre of Dreams attracts the crowds. Its museum and guided tours draw hordes of visitors all year round, eager for a glimpse behind the scenes at Manchester United.

On the other side of town, the City of Manchester stadium forms the centrepiece of a Sports City complex designed built for the 2002 commonwealth games.

Nowadays it’s home to Manchester City and the biggest open air concert venue in the country.

But football isn’t the only one sport followed with a passion in Manchester.

Lancashire Cricket club is just a boundary shot away form Kellogg’s offices. Sale Sharks Rugby Union team, European Champions in 2005-06 play in nearby Stockport. And the region has several top flight Super League Rugby League teams.