My 5 Favourite Places in Manchester

Happy Sunday beautiful people of the internet!

Today is a marvellous day because I get to talk about my most favourite city in the UK… MANCHESTER! I was lucky enough to be offered a place at the University of Manchester back in 2013 (#SocialScience4Life) so I left London behind and made the big move up North. At that time I knew nothing about Northerners except that chips and gravy were a thing held in high esteem. So I was completely confused when people said thank you to the bus driver or strangers would approach an unsuspecting bystander and talk to them. Mancunions were bonkers. Anyways, after I got my head around this new form of social interaction, I began to explore the city and discovered some really good food spots. I’m not gonna call them hidden gems because I don’t think they are. If you asked anyone who’s lived in Manchester for a good place to get a milkshake or afternoon tea, there’s a good chance they’ll mention at least one of the places on this list. Therefore, this is more a list of places where I loved to eat and I think you’ll like too. I mean, who wouldn’t like a place with over 30 different customisable milkshake options?

Sugar Junction

Photo courtesy of  Sugar Junction

This little café can be found nestled in the Northern Quarter on Tib Street. They have a fairly decent spread of all day brunch items but the real reason most people come here is for the afternoon tea. I say most people because I never actually had the afternoon tea. I have multiple friends who swear by it (I know someone who had one almost every week) but it just never happened for me. The reason I love Sugar Junction is because I had the best dessert of my young adult life there. I know that sounds a bit much but it was honestly to die for. I had the French Toast Bread Pudding which had almonds, chocolate chunks and a salted caramel drizzle. It sounds like it would be sugar overload but it really wasn’t. The bread was so custardy and smooth, the edges were slightly burnt which added a nice bitterness and the caramel was sticky and yummy. I honestly wish they still served it but I don’t see it on their website. Nevertheless, still visit Sugar Junction and make sure you drink the ‘Nuts About Tea’ because it tastes just like marzipan and it blew my mind.

Home Sweet Home

Eggs Royale!

This place definitely became my home whilst in Manchester and is another beauty tucked away in the Northern Quarter (it’s around the corner from Sugar Junction). I found this place online when I was googling for a decent place to get some brunch. I went there once for a waffle and couldn’t get over how cute and fun the shop was. I then proceeded to go there whenever I had something to celebrate with my friends. This place is a must for anyone who loves American diner-style classics. They have a wicked breakfast menu featuring homemade waffles, pancakes and eggs any way you like. If mornings aren’t your thing, some breakfast items are available all day or you can go for their lunch menu. I recommend the “Chicken in a Basket” or the “Dude, Where’s my Caesar” salad if you’re trying to be “healthy”.

Umami

Photo courtesy of Umami

If you like Wagamama’s but aren’t sold on the hefty prices, Umami is the place for you. They do all the classics when it comes to Asian cuisine: ramen, laksa curries, dumplings and chow meins. I enjoyed the Ngau Lam Ho Fun which is basically braised beef served with rice noodles. I have a soft spot for slow-cooked beef anyways but this was one of those dishes that warmed your soul. I’m not sure if they do this offer still, but if you arrive between 1 and 3pm, you can order two dishes of their set menu for around £8. This place is definitely a student favourite so be prepared to queue if you’re joining the lunchtime rush.

Archie’s

Photo courtesy of Love Archie's

Ask anyone about the bright pink place with the milkshakes and they’ll know you are talking about Archie’s. This was my haven when I needed a few minutes away from the stresses of university. One time I drove there at 11pm because my essay was driving me crazy and a Cookies ‘n’ Crème milkshake was the only thing that would soothe me. It is enticing when you walk in because you’re greeted by a wall of chocolate and sweets plus the smell of chips deep frying. I can always feel my heart rate go up slightly as though my body is fully aware of the onslaught of sugar and fat coming its way. I always go for a Hershey’s White milkshake, and I kid you not, one serving contains a whole full size sharing bar of chocolate and a lot of ice-cream! Also, let’s not forget you can top your milkshake with whipped cream, sauces and even more chocolate. If you are on any form of diet, approach Archie’s with caution… you have been warned…

Northern Quarter and Didsbury Makers Markets

Photo Courtesy of Northern Quarter Markets

The last place on my list is less of a place and more of an event. Every other Sunday or so there’s a market in the Northern Quarter (I’m honestly not obsessed with this place) and in the small town of Didsbury. They are also in other locations across Manchester but I have never been to them. The market features a tonne of independent food vendors and there’s always something for everyone. I would love to recommend a particular vendor to go to but the line-up changes a lot. The only way to know what’s good is try it! The markets also have a bunch of small independent companies selling their goods and the usually some live music from local musicians. It’s basically one of the best ways to spend a chilled out Sunday afternoon in a great city. You can find out when the markets are on the website here.

If there are any other spots around Manchester that deserve a mention comment them down below! We can have a big community list of the best places to eat!

See you next week
Mary xx