Home of Oasis, United and the Haçienda, of Bez, Best and Anthony Burgess as the world’s first industrial city, in recent years, Manchester’s warehouses, cobbled streets and canals have been repopulated with independent stores, studios and local hotspots, making it a hotbed of creativity and enterprise. (Don’t worry, you can still get a good Hot Pot and gravy and chips). Celebrating the city, here we take you on a mini tour of what Manchester has to offer.

Native
For your Manchester trip, you’ll need a place to bed down. Native Manchester has you covered. Located in the Northern Quarter (just around the back of Piccadilly Station), the Grade II listed Ducie Street Warehouse offers it all, with chic serviced apartments, a Block gym, restaurant and bar, and even a mini cinema showing the latest films and cult classics. Native also hosts workshops, talks, DJ sets, life drawing and other special events. So whatever you’re into, they do it. 

Find more info here.

UNITOM
A magazine and independent publishing mecca, UNITOM is the place to pick up all your favourites – including the latest issues of HERO and Heroine [wink]. Alongside the best global magazines and art books, you’ll find a selection of imaginative zines and merch to fill your bookshelves. There’s a copy of Alasdair McLellan’s Home and Away photobook we’ll fight you for. Just kidding, there are enough for us all.

UNITOM is located at 1a Stevenson Square.

Night & Day
A former chippy turned gig venue, Night & Day is a stalwart of the Manchester music scene. Having hosted performances by the likes of Manic Street Preachers, Arctic Monkeys and Elbow, the venue has become an institution, hosting talks, events, screenings and launches. If you’re after some live music, head to Night & Day.

Night & Day is located at 26 Oldham Street.

Piccadilly Records
Going since 1978, Piccadilly Records has been servicing Manchester’s music-loving locals for almost 50 years – right in the mix during the city’s most iconic sonic eras. Stocking a diverse range of vinyl and CD, you’ll find cult classics, deep cuts and rare gems. We recommend picking up a copy of Amen Dunes’ new record Death Jokes. (more on that here)

Piccadilly Records is located at 53 Oldham Street.