Lifestyle
Lifestyle
A Moda guide to 48 hours in Manchester
We picked each Moda location for a reason - they’re full of character, history, culture, things to do and places to see. Why not spend some time in one of our cities and see for yourself? Did you know that as a Moda resident, you can even book a stay in one of our guest apartments somewhere else. Perhaps Manchester might take your fancy this month? If so, here’s our top tips for 48 hours in the city.
Morning Day One
Begin your day at one of the Northern Quarter’s famous brunch spots – Federal and Evelyn’s are our two favourites both serving up the freshest, most delicious and totally instagramable breakfasts. If you’re after something a little more traditional Koffee Pot is a must; as a Manchester institution there’s not many famous faces in the Manchester music world who haven’t enjoyed a fry-up or two here. A wander around the Northern Quarter taking in the abundance of street art and popping in and out of the many independent shops, is the perfect way to spend the rest of your morning.
To keep you fuelled as you shop, pick up a coffee from Just Between Friends and a sweet treat from Gooey. There’s plenty of brand name stores around here too: Carhartt, Hip, Fred Perry and Cow to name a few. If your roaming takes you a little further you’ll find yourself in Manchester’s main shopping area. With Selfridges at the centre of the shopping district, you’ll be in style heaven and spoilt for choice with Manchester’s fashion offering. Amongst all the well known high street and designer brands you’ll also find END and This Thing of Ours - both must visits for any fashionista.
Be sure to check out:
Deadstock General Store
Suzy Loves Milo
Northern Flower
Nice Things
Nordic Muse
Unitom
Village Book Store
Ad Hoc Wine Shop
Beaumont Organic
Afternoon Day One
After a morning wandering the city you’ll be ready for some lunch and where better to head than Mackie Mayor. This Grade II listed market building is one of the most stunning venues in the city and home to an array of food and drink vendors. Choose from New Wave Ramen, Tender Cow, Mamma’s Fried Chicken, Pico’s Tacos, Honest Crust Pizza, Chilli B, Jack in the Box beer and Reserve Wine. Mackie Mayor also boasts its very own cocktail bar on site, the newly opened Stray – the Tomato Vine Margarita is a must try here!
After a morning wandering and shopping there’s two ideal ways to spend the afternoon. The first would be taking in some of the cities culture with an abundance of galleries, museums and libraries and cultural spots to choose from.
If cultural spots aren’t quite your thing, how about a spot of competitive socialising? You’re spoilt for choice in Manchester with Escape Rooms, Cricket at Sixes, Darts at Flight Club, Bowling at Roxy Ballroom and arcade games at NQ64.
Mackie Mayor is a Grade II listed market building; one of the most stunning venues in the city and home to an array of food and drink vendors.
Culture spots to check out:
Manchester Art Gallery
Portico Library
Manchester Central Library
Manchester Museum
Museum of Science and Industry
National Football Museum
John Rylands
Castlefield Bowl
Manchester Cathedral
Evening Day One
Our favourite way to spend an evening in Manchester is hopping around venues in Ancoats. An evening stroll along the marina will take you to Flawd natural wine bar, a must visit spot for a drink or two, or if beer is more your thing head to Cask. Manchester hotspot Erst is the perfect place to enjoy dinner; serving up fresh, seasonal dishes, their ever changing menu is always full of the most delicious small plates. If you’re looking for something a little heartier, book a table at The Edinburgh Castle; from home cooked pies to their famous chip butty, Head Chef Shaun Moffat’s seasonal menus are sure to leave you satisfied (and rolling back to your hotel). Other highlights in the area include Rudy’s pizza, Lucky Ramen and another favourite of ours, The Jane Eyre, which is a must visit for a post dinner drink or two – this lively neighbourhood bar is sure to be full of locals and the perfect spot to finish your night.
Morning Day Two
It’s the sport of the moment and firm Moda favourite; why not start day two with a game of Padel down at Club de Padel. If you’re visiting from spring onwards you’ll be able to enjoy a post game breakfast/brunch at one of the city’s hottest new venues - Medlock Canteen. If you’re there earlier, wander back into town slightly and check out Albert’s Schloss, Ezra and Gil or Federal Deansgate.
You may be in the city centre but a walk along the Castlefield Viaduct and canal to Castlefield will certainly give you an escape from the hustle and bustle. From here there’s plenty more to explore and sightseeing that can be done. Continuing down the canal or jumping on the tram will take you to Old Trafford (one for the football fans) and Media City - home to the Imperial War Museum, BBC HQ and lots of bars and restaurants. A short tram ride from the city centre could also have you in the market town of Altrincham, exploring the cool suburbs of Didsbury or Prestwich, taking in some fresh air at Heaton Park or enjoying another day shopping at The Trafford Centre.
Evening Day Two
You’ll be noticing a common theme in Manchester - you’re completely spoilt when it comes to places to eat and drink. So for your second evening in the city we have a few options.
If you fancy something a little fancier head to Deansgate and Spinningfields. Some of our favourite spots to eat include; Hawksmoor for the best steak in the city, Kitten for delicious Pan-Asian and cocktails, or Manchester’s hottest new opening Fenix. Another Hand is a true foodie heaven and Climat offers fine dining with the best views of the city.
If you’re after a more casual evening, Kampus is the perfect neighbourhood to visit. Indulge in a Mexican feast at Madre, enjoy New York style pizza at Nell’s or tuck into a pie at Great North Pie co. Seven Bro7hers is a craft beer lovers haven whilst Love From, the city’s new alcohol free bar is a must visit - they’re sure to prove to you that you can have fun without the booze.
For a night cap Red Light it a must. This LGBTQ+ cocktail bar is famous for its martinis. This upscale LGBTQ+ speakeasy cocktail bar nestled within Kampus and whether you’re popping in for a drink or enjoying the Sunday Sessions, a weekly takeover by a queer DJ/collective, its the perfect spot to round off you trip to the city.
For drinks be sure to make your way to:
The Hawsmoor Bar
10 Tib Lane
Schofield’s (The UK’s no1 cocktail bar)
Blinker (The UK’s 6th best bar)
Climat
Our second lifestyle publication is here covering new hot spots, interior inspo, tips on getting the most out of your weekend and everything inbetween. Whether you're a resident or a local, The NBHD contains all you need to like the Moda life. Check it out here.
