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Feature

The unique artworks hidden around Manchester’s ginnels and backstreets

Georgina Pellant

Manchester is home to so much beautiful art, from the masterpieces hanging in its impressive galleries to the statues and murals that line its streets.

Wander around its back alleys long enough, though, and soon you’ll discover that what’s on the official tourist trail only scratches the surface.

Beyond the main thoroughfare, there’s more to seek out – with pieces of art sequestered on hidden backstreets, down city centre ginnels, and even up high on the top of buildings and – sometimes – carparks.

Keep reading for a true local’s guide to the hidden unique artworks you won’t find on the official maps.

Sound Bites on Oldham Street

Created by Manchester-based artist Tim Rushton, it’s highly likely you’ve walked over this piece on a Northern Quarter pavement without noticing it’s there.

Comprised of 20 cast iron triangles, it is essentially Manchester’s very own Hollywood Walk of Fame – set into the pavement outside Fig and Sparrow.

Commemorating the greats of Manchester’s music industry, it honours the likes of Oasis, the Twisted Wheel Club, and The Hacienda.

Space Invaders

The brainchild of anonymous French artist Invader, these alien artworks can be found dotted in various locations around the city.

Known locations include Salmon Street, Dantzic Street, Canal Street, Newton Street, and Bunsen Street – but there could be many more.

Invader calls themself a UFA, an ‘Unidentified Free Artist’. Invader explores international densely populated urban areas and “invades” them. Displaying 20 to 50 pieces per city, Invader sometimes returns several times deploying different “invasion waves”.

The Ancoats Peeps

More urban myth than reality nowadays, a few of the Ancoats peeps remain in the area but sadly most have disappeared.

Initially designed to preserve a glimpse of history into the area’s days as a leading powerhouse of industry, unfortunately, many have been swallowed up in to new build apartment complexes.

That said, if you look really hard you can still discover a few – with maps online to guide you.

Spring Gardens Post Office Murals

The mystery of the Spring Garden Murals is one that has puzzled many art lovers.

Brutally bold murals sit above the counters of Spring Gardens Post Office but are often unnoticed by busy Mancs panic-mailing their Christmas presents or scribbling away in birthday cards.

It seems strange they are so overlooked, as it’s hard not to notice them once you know they are there. Even stranger, however, is that no one knows who made them to this day.

Apparently, they were a gift from Manchester University when the Post Office opened in 1969, but some are not convinced.

There is no credit from an institution, student, or artist – and they sit unclaimed and unnoticed.

Can you solve the mystery?

Perched Exotic Birds

The Northern Quarter is bustling with art and colour, its streets are literally paved with art. So is the sky.

Roosting above John Street, watching the shoppers go by, is Guy Holder’s sculpture ‘Perched Exotic Birds.’

The Brighton-based artist sculpted a cluster of ornamental birds and parrots to sit on old fire escapes and window ledges above the streets of the Northern Quarter.

At first glance they look like your standard street pigeon, however, closer inspection shows they are brass and have a much more interesting story.

Moving into the Victorian Era, Tib Street residents shaped the trading community by featuring live animals in their muddy markets – at one point it’s believed 20,000 people descended on the area in one evening to enjoy the sights.

The idea behind Holder’s birds is that although the markets are gone, the birds are not – they escaped capture and fled to the surrounding streets. Today they live freely and forever above our heads.

You wouldn’t know they were there unless you were told. Now we’ve told you – you won’t unsee them.  

Manchester is one of the chosen ones, and we feel honoured.

Boardman’s Entry

This ginnel just off King Street, adorned with plasterwork umbrellas, is dedicated to famous Mancunian John Dalton – also known as the father of meteorology.

There used to be four metal umbrella tops hanging overhead too, but these have since been removed.

Nearby, you’ll also find  Dalton Entry and Mulberry Passage – also dedicated to the meteorologist.

Big Boys Toy

A 12-meter-high art installation on the top of a Northern Quarter car park? We have so many questions.

Located in an NCP car park, Peter Freeman’s installation often goes unnoticed, but its purpose is important to our city.

Originally installed as part of the Northern Quarter Street Festival in 1998, Freeman wanted to reflect the vibrancy of the regenerated part of town so when night falls the beacon lights up in brilliant neon lights.

Sadly, for five years, the lights were switched off due to a dispute between CityCo and the NCP on how the installations would be powered and paid for.

Thankfully they sorted out their differences last summer, and now between the hours of 11 pm and 1 am you can’t miss the beacon as it lights up the Northern Quarter.

Lemn Sissay’s ‘Flags’

The poetry of Lemn Sissay has paved Tib Street for 24 years, stretching out for just under a mile.

Lemn Sissay was the official poet of the 2021 London Olympics and has been Chancellor of the University of Manchester since 2015.

Sissay is also the artist/poet behind Rain, the beautiful mural above Gemini Takeaway near the Oxford Road university campus.

The Flags poem had long been a part of the Northern Quarter’s fabric but, understandably, the ceramic letters wore away – breaking it down into a valuable artwork and equally unreadable poem.

One could say it was words interacting with life on a very intimate level, but the Manchester City Council, Bruntwood, and the Arts Council decided it was time for a re-vamp.

Now you can visit an updated version of Flags with a new poem written by Sissay specially for the occasion.

Working once again with artist Tim Rushton, remember him from the Sound Bites? Well Rushton also designed with original Flags font back in 1997 and worked again on the most recent version.

The Northern Quarter’s got Sissay and Rushton written all over it, you just need to know where to look.

Read more: The new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this month | June 2023

The Binks Pineapple

Sat above one of the busiest street corners in Manchester is the Binks Pineapple.

The artist Kate Malone was commissioned in the late 1990s by Majolica Works said of the piece: “I see my pineapples as a symbol of friendship and hospitality.”

The work sits at the top of the Binks Building based in an area steeped in history, art and culture with a view of the walls and gates of Speakman, Son and Hickson’s Wholesale Fish Market.

Featured image – Geograph / Supplied

Feature

All the June Manchester restaurant deals, discounts and offers you need in 2023

Georgina Pellant

There are a surprising number of places doing some big 50% off deals in Manchester this month, and we’re so here for it.

From half-price brunches, tapas and burgers to meal deals under a tenner and set menus for less than £30, use these offers to save a pretty penny and support your favourite local restaurants and bars at the same time.

Keep reading to discover the best dining deals in Manchester this June.

50% off food and drink – Manchester June dining deals

Almost Famous

What is it: Manchester’s original dirty burger bar, now available in the suburbs after recently opening a new site in Withington.

The offer: £5 burgers.

T&Cs: Available at all sites until 4 June. Phoenix, Triple Nom, Famous, Juicy Double and Liberty Island burgers are all included.

The Blues Kitchen

What is it:

The offer: 90 minutes of bottomless buffalo or Korean wings for £12.

T&Cs: Available every Sunday between 12-6pm.

Corbieres

What is it:

The offer: Free pizza with every drink.

T&Cs: This applies when you follow the bar on Instagram. Available Tuesday to Friday from 4.30-7.30pm.

The Daisy

What is it:

The offer: £1.50 oysters and various drinks offers including £20 martini carafes.

T&Cs: Available from 4-7pm, first Friday of the month only.

The Drop

What is it:

The offer: Two for the price of one on big plates and boxes.

T&Cs: Available every Tuesday. Prebooking and purchase of one small plate are required to get the deal.

Elnecot

What is it:

The offer: Complimentary bar snacks when you order a drink from the Aperitivo list.

T&Cs: Available Monday to Thursday, 4-6.30pm.

Firefly

What is it:

The offer: 50% off.

T&Cs: Applies to Firefly’s new Dawn menu. Available all day throughout June on Wednesdays and Sundays, from 12-5pm Thursdays and Fridays.

Read more: You can get half-price fish and chips for just £3.49 at all Morrisons cafes today

La Bandera

What is it: Authentic and established Spanish tapas and paella restaurant in Manchester city centre.

The offer: 50% off tapas.

T&Cs: Available all day Mondays and Tuesdays throughout June. Maximum six people per table. Pre book quoting MF50OFF to get the discount.

This Godless Place

What is it: A cosy and intimate restaurant in Stockport’s old town serving tacos, mac ‘n’ cheese, grilled cheese, and burgers.

The offer: 50% off

T&Cs: Available all day Thursday throughout June.

Pen and Pencil

What is it:

The offer: 50% off.

T&Cs: Available every Monday in June when you pre-book.

Tampopo

What is it:

The offer: 50% off brunch.

T&Cs: Available every day from 10.30am to midday, throughout June.

The New Cross

What is it:

The offer: Kebab and a pint for £10.

T&Cs:  Available 4-7pm Thursday and Friday, walk-ins only.

Trof

What is it: Venue with a dedicated bourbon bar, gigs, open-mic nights and quizzes, plus food from breakfast on.

The offer: 50% off food.

T&Cs: Available all day on Tuesdays throughout June when you pre-book.

What is it:

The offer:

T&Cs:

More Manchester June dining deals

The Alan

What is it:

The offer: Four dishes for £25.

T&Cs: Available seven days a week between 12-4pm and 5-6pm. Applies to selected dishes only.

Asha’s

What is it:

The offer: Three courses for £23.95 with a glass of complimentary Indian lager.

T&Cs:  Available every Friday in June between 1-5pm.

Bab

What is it:

The offer: Two courses for £18.95.

T&Cs: Available all day Sunday to Thursday.

Banyan

What is it:

The offer: 2 breakfast dishes for £12.

T&Cs: Available everyday until 12 noon throughout June.

Read more: A huge free festival is coming to Kampus with frozen margaritas and canal-side pizza

Block Steak Shop at Canvas

What is it:

The offer: Two mains with wine for £25.

T&Cs: Available Wednesdays only throughout June. Walk-ins only.

Cibo

What is it:

The offer: Three courses for £19.99.

T&Cs: Available Sunday to Friday between 5-7pm.

Cottonopolis

What is it:

The offer: Two dishes and a side for £13.

T&Cs: Available on the express lunch menu, Monday – Friday 12-3pm.

Dokes Pizzeria

What is it: Prestwich pizza parlour from the Elnecot team specialising in the use of sustainable and seasonal British ingredients.

The offer: 30% off bottles of wine.

T&Cs: Available Wednesdays only when dining.

Double Zero

What is it: Beloved Chorlton Neapolitan pizzeria with a BYOB policy, described as ‘one of the best pizzas outside Napoli’

The offer: £7 off your bill when ordering on Deliveroo.

T&Cs: Available Monday to Thursday.

Edinburgh Castle

What is it:

The offer: Three courses for £35 

T&Cs: Available Sundays throughout June.

El Gato Negro

What is it:

The offer: Three plates for £15.

T&Cs: Applies to lunch menu items only.  Available Monday to Friday 12-4pm and all day Sunday.  

Greens

What is it: One of Manchester’s longest-standing vegetarian restaurants from TV chef Simon Rimmer.

The offer: Three dishes for £15 on select plates.

T&Cs: Available Tuesday to Friday between 12-6pm in Sale only.

Habas

What is it: Middle Eastern-inspired underground restaurant on King Street from El Gato Negro chef-owner Simon Shaw.

The offer: Build your own lunch for £15, with a complimentary beer or soft drink.

T&Cs: Available Tuesday to Saturday between 12-5pm.

Read more: The new restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this month | June 2023

Hawksmoor

What is it:

The offer: Three courses for £29.

T&Cs: Available for reservations made Monday-Saturday until 6.30pm and all day Sunday.

Homage

What is it:

The offer: Five cheeses with matching wines for £30. 

T&Cs: Available from 5pm Wednesday to Friday, as well as Friday and Saturday lunchtime. 

Pie and Ale

What is it:

The offer: Any pie with a drink for £9.95 (house beer, wine or soft drink).

T&Cs: Available 12-3pm, Monday to Friday.

Pizza Express

What is it:  

The offer: Classic pizza for £7.95.

T&Cs: Available all day Monday to Wednesday between 5 and 21 June. 

Riva Blu

What is it:

The offer:  Pizza for £10.

T&Cs: Available all day on Mondays throughout June.

Sud

What is it: Premier Southern Italian pasta kitchen formerly known as Sugo, with three sites in Greater Manchester.

The offer: Pasta, a side and a drink for £20. 

T&Cs: Available Fridays only between 12-4pm.

Tattu

What is it:

The offer: Three dishes for £28.

T&Cs: Applies to the Moon Stand menu. Available 12-4.30pm  Sunday to Friday and 12-2.45pm Saturdays throughout June.

The Real Greek

What is it:

The offer:  Starter and main for £12.50.

T&Cs: Available on the Kali Orexi Menu throughout June.

TNQ Restaurant

What is it:

The offer: Three courses for £26.

T&Cs:  Available 12-5.30pm from Monday to Saturday throughout June.

Volta

What is it: One of Manchester’s original small plates restaurants, found in the charming West Didsbury neighbourhood on Burton Road.

The offer: 8 to 11 dishes for £30 as part of the ‘Volta Experience’ sharing menu.

T&Cs: Available for a minimum of two people, all day every day throughout June. 

Zouk

What is it:

The offer: Three courses for £25.

T&Cs: Available every day between 4-7pm throughout June.

Featured image – The Alan