For our inaugural edition of Headstrong's City Guides, we thought it only right topsy homage to the place that we call home and show the best of what Manchester has to offer. A truly vibrant city and the beating heart of the North.
Pique the senses with recommendation from the Headstrong Team.
Stay: Native
Warehouse, Ducie St, Manchester, M1 2TP
Situated within Ducie Street Warehouse, Native is the largest aparthotel in the UK, with over 160 serviced apartments across 8 floors. Re-imagined by Archer Humphryes Architects, the firm behind Chiltern Firehouse and the new Standard Hotel in London, the building’s industrial heritage is prominent throughout. The Grade II listed property boasts many of its original features including exposed brick walls, steel columns and vaulted brick ceilings. Don’t forget to utilise the vast array of facilities on offer during your stay - Native is home to three dining options, a bar, communal workspace and a modern gym with daily classes.
Shop: Unitom Bookstore
1a Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN
UNITOM is a visual arts orientated bookshop and print/editions gallery offering a hand-picked selection of cultural inspiration, located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter on Stevenson Square. Alongside its vast selection of publications, UNITOM stocks a range of homewares, stationary and prints. The space also hosts a number of events, from book launches and pop-up shops to live guest speakers.
Eat: Erst
9 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS
Since its opening in 2019, Erst has been serving up some of the best food in the city. The menu is a collection of small plates designed for sharing, so dishes change regularly depending on whats in season and the quality of the produce available. With an extensive wine-list to match, Erst has quickly become a top destination for those visiting the city in search of the North’s best best eateries. The critics agree, with the restaurant being awarded 54th on the National Restaurant Awards top 100 list in 2022 - (but we think it should be much higher).
Drink: Kerb
04 Henry St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5DD
Tucked away in the trendy neighbourhood of Ancoats, KERB is home to the best selection of natural wine in the city. The small, intimate space is open 6 days a week, with Thursdays hosting their weekly wine tastings, here you can taste and learn about wines from an array of different winemakers and regions. KERB hosts regular events with the makers behind their favourite bottles as well as local creatives, artists and designers to showcase exhibitions, latest collections and pup-up stores.
Visit: Mackie Mayor
Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle St, Manchester, M4 5BU
Mackie Mayor has become somewhat of a legendary Manchester institution. The always-packed food hall is home to some of the city’s best food and drink vendors, including New Wave Ramen, Honest Crust Pizza and Pico’s Tacos. The Grade II listed site on the edge of the Northern Quarter boasts a stripped-back industrial look, with seating across two floors. Open all day, 6 days a week, Mackie Mayor is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Train: BLOK
BLOK, Ducie Street Warehouse, M1 2TP