Where to Stay and Eat in Manchester

Manchester can lay claim to the most innovative and thrilling food scene in the north of England. There’s a restless energy about the Mancunian dining culture that sets the city well apart from others.

Manchester is a city where there seems to be a new opening every night. A place where you can find everything from top-notch tapas to incredible Indian food within a few feet of each other. Throw in some seriously ambitious twists on traditional British dishes from inventive chefs and you’ve got all you need for a truly thrilling dining experience. Whatever time of year you visit, there’s always something fresh and exciting to try – one of the reasons why there’s a British buzz around Manchester’s food credentials.

When it comes to hotels in Manchester, you’ll find all the big names you’d expect, alongside a wealth of wonderful boutique hotels dotted throughout the heart of the city. If you’re looking for ideas on where to stay in Manchester, our guide is sure to steer you in the right direction.

From Curry Classics to Gluten-Free Menus

The UK has multi-cultural communities within most of its cities, so it’s no surprise that Indian cuisine is celebrated throughout Manchester and the city has plenty of fantastic restaurants to shout about. Akbar’s is well worth a visit, specializing in all the dishes the British have come to love – the range of Balti’s here are prepared to perfection – alongside more adventurous menu items like vindaloo and madras. It’s famed for its giant naan breads, which are delivered to your table suspended from a hook.

Another popular favorite for the locals, Bundobust focuses on Gujarati street food and craft beers, without a shred of meat on the menu. The restaurant is extremely clear about which dishes are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, so if you’re partial to a meat-free diet, this is undoubtedly the place to be in Manchester. It’s also one of the most celiac-friendly restaurants in the city, and among the gluten-free dishes are some of their classics – paneer tikka kebabs, sweetcorn chevdo, plus the moreish okra fries coated in mango powder and black salt.

The excellent Argentine steak house Gaucho also offers a fantastic range for celiac diners. Here, you can enjoy wonderful black truffle-stuffed gnocchi, whole grilled seabass and a plentiful range of ribeye, sirloin and fillet steaks with chimichurri marinade.
 

A Sense of Luxury

Looking for the best hotel in Manchester? The Hotel Gotham might just be at the front of the pack for that accolade. The building itself is a winner, a Lutyens-designed bank that has been repurposed as a five-star hotel while keeping its stylish Art Deco appearance. What’s more, its central location means you’re right at the heart of Manchester once you step outside.

You’ll find the staff dressed in charming period attire and there’s a Great Gatsby decadence about the décor. The bank’s history is used as a theme in subtle decorative touches, while many items in the rooms can even be bought and taken home as keepsakes.

Their acclaimed Honey restaurant serves up pigeon with wild garlic and bacon, sea bream with shrimp and seaweed. Climb the glamorous staircase to Club Brass – it’s a private members’ club that residents also get access to – the perfect place to unwind with top-of-the-city views.
 

Foodie Heaven at the Midland

Different sized tasting menus are the order of the day at The French at the Midland Hotel, where small plates such as brill baked in beef butter are a must-have. The Midland has been here since 1903, and behind its traditional red brick front, it’s all classic comfort and seamless service, with a spa for those looking to relax. The Midland has plenty of food options such as a tearoom and in-room dining for a truly relaxing but luxurious experience. 

Mouthwatering Steaks

Perhaps the best place to eat in Manchester is actually a chain, even if it is a small one. The Hawksmoor group of restaurants originated in London and this Manchester outpost is its first venture north of the capital.

Hawksmoor Manchester opened in 2015 and kicked the whole city up a notch. The chain originally made a name for itself with sensational steak, but it has since taken the novel approach of giving each new opening a different spin, with unique menu items. What’s consistent across them all is stellar service, hearty portions and the essence of a great night out. It’s just a short hop from there to the Radisson Blu Hotel, a five-star hotel inside the Free Trade Hall, a true beauty of a building. It’s the perfect place to sleep off a chateaubriand.

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