Land of…
Let me guess, is football the first thing that runs through your mind if i say Manchester? Well they ARE a force to be reckoned with but having called this home for over 7 years; i’ve found out there is quite a bit more to this vibrant city.
Disclaimer– This is not a sponsored post. These are just a list of places i think you should drop by while in the city.
It took me a little too long to get out of my comfort zone and out into a little exploration. However, i’ve now peeled of my comfy blanket and been around here and there. So stick around to discover a few spots worth dropping by for some grub or fun should you happen to stop by Manchester.
But first- if you don’t know, now you know; the weather is mostly terrible here. If you’re into grey skies, sometimes strong winds and showers then this is the place for you. But if you can get past the weather then there is a ton of great things waiting for you.
It’s not just flowers that begin to bloom in spring. It feels like life is injected into the city as people seem to be called out from hibernation by: concerts, parades and smoke from backyard after backyard signalling barbecues. You might also spot a few patiently sitting by the canal with beers and fishing rods in hand. Do they eat the fish they catch? I have no idea…. hope not
“Feed me!”… Okay what are you in the mood for?
Pizza, plain and simple
After leaving Napoli and having had my fill of Napolitan pizza, there have been moments when i crave that overnight rested dough. Simply topped with plain tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella and a leaf of basil here and there. Or perhaps salsicce fiorelli (sausage & broccoli) that seemed to be a growing favourite when i was expecting.
You would normally be advised against expecting the same quality of pizza that you would in Napoli anywhere else. But, there are a few restaurants here sure to prove that warning wrong and boy am i glad!!!!
So where to?…
First stop? Rudy’s Pizza, i know i know; you were expecting something with a little more Italian flair perhaps? Anyway, this is a simple place with less than 13 pizza options on the menu (last i was there). And they also have an open kitchen- i guess this is a thing now and i love it! The entrance welcomes you with herbs planted in wheelbarrows and …. perched outside the window giving the place a little character of its own.
Now onto the pizza? i’ll cut to the chase: when you cut the slice and hold that piece of goodness up to your mouth it passes the ‘flop test’. You know?… the Napolitan pizza is thinnest in the middle and may droop over when you hold up the slice and yet it is cooked through maintaining it’s elasticity. Their toppings are your usual suspects which i have zero problem with because there are other places to go to for adventurous toppings. Oh, and it is a family friendly place with enough space to park the buggy. Yeiiiii
It is probably not a good idea to go to the Pizzeria Double Zero website or you might just be dashing out the house and in an Uber on your way to get a piece of pizza heaven. Yes, the pictures aren’t there only for marketing purposes but the food really IS as good as it seems! Fridays and Saturdays are super busy and they recommend booking a table a week in advance! Ahhh, i know- but what happens if the crave can’t wait that long?
More Pizza?…Try Ciaooo pizzeria. Yes, they serve up a mean pizza. And they do like to get creative.
I am a creature of habit and as usual, found myself yet again drawn to the all time famous pizza with broccoli and smoked cheese. I chose not to have the sausage because i’m no fan of the little chunky bits of fat.
However what i cannot get enough of is the tiramisu which just leaves my mind blank of words. It’s not soggy but creamy and not too sweet, in fact sometimes i will go there just for the tiramisu.
Another place that i have been to more times than i can count is Noi Quattro. The food is really good but what i also love about this place is the service. Now back to the food, eh ehm what got me hooked was the ‘cuoppo’.
Cuoppo di scoglio (battered and deep fried seafood) 
Cuoppo misto (battered and fried dough, croquette and other hip lovin’ stuff!)
That is a cone shaped paper filled to the brim with an array of fried little devils. From seafood to croquette and even one of my favourites: fried dough. if you haven’t had that before you’re probably rolling your eyes wondering what could be so rave-worthy about fried dough! Just know that if i could i would lock the scent, the moment that crispy outer ring falls open to reveal a soft and light perfectly seasoned dough. Really, i could go on and on!!!
oh i almost forgot to mention they also do an amazing pizza, and yes…. still stuck to the pizza with broccoli. Only here it is a bit spicy, they top it with some fresh green and red chilli which i like to opt out of when i can. If you’re feeling a little cheesy that picture below should fill you right up!
Beef it up!
Well… Almost famous isn’t exactly the place you would drop by for a quiet lunch or with your baby buggy. That is unless your little one will sleep through anything. Located near Deansgate at the Northern quarter, this restaurant has an open kitchen, dimmed lights and music so loud you might have to shout your way through the whole conversation. Now there are plenty of burger joints around the city but i’d say almost famous makes my top 3 burger spots to drop by.
Stay tuned as i update this spot with other pocket and time worthy restaurants.
But what else is there?!
Yes, this used to be an industrial city. And you will most definitely run into traces of that almost everywhere you go. From apartments with quirky designs and a calming view of the canal to hotels and offices with gothic or Georgian architecture. If you’re in the city a day or week here are a few places and things you could do.
Shows, shows and more shows
This is also the place they have shot quite a few tv shows or scenes – one being the longest running tv series ‘coronation street’, or the love to hate: ‘The Jeremy Kyle show’ and one of my absolute all time favourite ‘Peaky blinders’. There is a whole list of shows because Manchester is well know for media production with a range of spectacular film locations . Have an hour or two to spare? Then pass by Media city which hosts the likes of ITV, BBC and 250 other media and digital companies.
Take me way back when…
If history is more your style then we have you covered there too. You probably already know about the Science and Industry Museum but there is also Castlefield which has quite a few … restaurants and is known as Britain’s first Urban Heritage Park. The first computer with a stored programme and memory was first made here, it’s name was ‘baby’. Now this really fascinated me: apparently the concept of vegetarianism was first inspired 1815 by Reverend William Cowherd sermon suggesting that God didn’t want us to eat meat. The world’s first railway line was also started here and last but not least John Dalton most famously known for the Atomic Theory was only Mancunian!!
Before the kindle, there were…
Books, and when i was younger i was hungry for them. I loved to flip through the pages old and new and when nightfall came and there was no electricity i would climb a top the fence onto the roof and read until only the stars shone and i couldn’t read a word. So if you like to chill and read a book or two then the Manchester central library welcomes you with it’s magnificent 2 story building. High end search and lend technology to save you time queueing up. And a coffee place with my favourite place being a spot around the corner with mellow lighting and huge p/leather chairs with a table to crawl into and immerse yourself in another world!
I was a bit astounded when i walked in because i was expecting a building filled with books but i was met with a space designed to make you want to know more about this and that. They even have an allotted isle for toddlers and babies to read and enjoy story time which are held on Tuesdays.
Just don’t forget to check out…
The parks… okay, okay we may not have the famous Royal parks in London. But to chill out and have a picnic on a rare sunny day there are a few options. And if those are way out of the way then just go easy and graze on some neatly trimmed plot wherever that may be.
For some reason the parks i have been to so far were all filled with berries. So come with baskets everyone!!!!
The canal: no i do not mean taking a look as you walk by. I mean buy a ticket and board one of the many boats offering tours along the famous Manchester canal.
Canal in the spring 
A fiery evening sky in winter
Sometime in fall, the leaves will fall
Take a break: If the rushed overcrowded city centre vibe starts to get at you then take a break and drive off to the breathtaking Peak District National park. Best to visit their website ahead and plan all the fun stuff you would like to do then head on.
Canal street: Or gay village as others might prefer. Has bars and restaurants as well as events like Manchester pride. Check out their site to see what’s on when you’re here.
Weekly street food market: an array of cuisines. From spicy Jamaican jerk chicken to home-baked treats or samosas and noodles, your choice!!! And you obviously cannot miss the Christmas market if you are in town- no way!!!
Farmers markets: there are too many to get into. So far I have been to Altricham farmer market but there is also one at Piccadilly garden among others. Check the Manchester official site to see which market is open near you!!!
Football!!! Okay, you were probably already thinking this. But you can book a tour of the Manchester city stadium or their rivals Manchester united.
This post doesn’t even cover half of what you can see and do in Manchester or Greater Manchester so head over to the official website to plan your trip and come on over!!!
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