Date ideas in the bustling Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is one of Manchester’s most vibrant and eclectic areas, known for its creative atmosphere, independent shops, and lively nightlife. Whether you’re planning a date night, or date day, the Northern Quarter offers plenty of options to make your time memorable. Here’s some of our favourite places to visit in the Northern Quarter, but we recommend just wandering as you will always find a new hidden gem down the next street…

Afflecks

Afflecks, formerly known as Affleck’s Palace, opened in 1981. It was founded by James and Elaine Walsh as a safe haven for Manchester’s alternative and creative communities. Over the years, it has grown into a multi-storey emporium filled with independent stalls making it a treasure trove of vintage clothing, unique art pieces, and quirky accessories. You can spend hours exploring the eclectic mix of stalls, finding everything from retro fashion to handmade jewellery.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Housed in a former Victorian fish market built in 1873, the centre opened in 1982 to support local artists and craftspeople. It has become a hub for creativity and innovation. The centre features around 30 resident artists and offers a variety of handmade crafts, jewellery, ceramics, and textiles. It also hosts exhibitions and workshops, a cafe and is a beautiful place to browse and support local artists.

Band on the Wall

Band on the Wall has been a cornerstone of Manchester’s music scene since the 1930s. Originally a pub, it became a renowned jazz venue and has hosted performances by legendary musicians. Today, Band on the Wall is a top venue for live music, offering an eclectic mix of genres including jazz, reggae, and world music. The venue also runs educational music programs and workshops.

Check their website for special events and themed nights.

Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club

Matt & Phred’s has been a leading jazz venue in Manchester for over 20 years. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, it has hosted performances by both local and international jazz artists. The club offers live jazz six nights a week, along with a great selection of cocktails and pizzas. It’s an ideal spot for couples who appreciate live music in a cosy setting.

Piccadilly Records

Established in 1978, Piccadilly Records is one of Manchester’s most iconic record shops. It has earned a reputation for its extensive collection of vinyl records across various genres. The shop offers a curated selection of new and classic vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia. It’s a must-visit for music enthusiasts looking for rare finds and the latest releases, or just to soak up the music history.

Takk

Takk is a Nordic-inspired coffee house that opened in 2013. It quickly became a popular spot in the Northern Quarter for its quality coffee and relaxed atmosphere. Known for its artisan refreshments and cosy ambiance, Takk is a great place to unwind and rest your feet before carrying on your exploration. The café also serves a range of pastries, sandwiches, and light bites.

Evelyn’s Café Bar

Evelyn’s Café Bar is a stylish eatery that opened its doors in 2016. It’s known for its fresh, seasonal menu and beautiful interior design. The venue offers a mix of modern European and Asian-inspired dishes, with plenty of healthy and vegan options. The greenery-filled interior creates a charming and relaxing atmosphere.

The Castle Hotel

The Castle Hotel is one of Manchester’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1776. It has been a popular watering hole for locals and visitors alike for centuries. The pub retains much of its historic charm, with a cosy interior and a great selection of beers and ales. It also hosts live music and events in its intimate back room, the perfect stop off point to plan your next move.

Tariff & Dale

Tariff & Dale is housed in a former Victorian warehouse, adding a touch of industrial chic to the Northern Quarter. It opened in 2015 and has since become a popular spot for food and drinks. The venue offers a menu of contemporary British cuisine, craft beers, and creative cocktails. The stylish interior blends modern design with original industrial features.

Pop Boutique

Pop Boutique started in the 1990s as a small vintage shop and has grown into a well-known brand with multiple locations. The Northern Quarter store is a treasure trove of retro fashion and accessories. The shop offers a curated selection of vintage clothing, homeware, and accessories from the 1960s to the 1980s. It’s a much loved treasure chest for those seeking unique and nostalgic items.

Look around

We recommend you don’t stare at your phone (or even lovingly into each others eyes!) while strolling in the NQ as you’ll miss the amazing art! This area is renowned for its impressive street art and murals, which have become an integral part of its identity. The area has attracted local and international artists who have transformed its streets into an open-air gallery.

The street art in the Northern Quarter is ever-changing, with new pieces regularly appearing on walls and buildings. It’s a reflection of the area’s bohemian vibe and creative spirit.