A neighbourhood in Greater Manchester has been named as one of the coolest in the world in Time Out‘s annual list.
Of the 51 locations on the list, 16 are in Europe, including one right on our doorstep.
In recent years, Ancoats has crept up lists of this type thanks to its surging food and drink scene and mass redevelopment, turning it from an industrial landscape into an urban paradise.
But it’s not actually Ancoats who got the recognition this time – instead, eyes have turned back to the Northern Quarter.
Time Out said that the pedestrianisation of the area, which started during the pandemic but has been made permanent, has made for a ‘fresher’ visiting experience, according to Time Out’s Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World list.
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The magazine also said that the area ‘always seems to be one step ahead’ when it comes to trends, and placed the Northern Quarter in 30th place.
Mackie Mayor got a name-check in the Coolest Neighbourhoods list. Credit: The Manc Group
In the listing, it praised the area’s independent businesses, name-checking Ezra and Gil, Oklahoma, Vinyl Exchange, Mackie Mayor and Band on the Wall.
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They wrote: “Despite ongoing competition from Ancoats next door, as far as we’re concerned the Northern Quarter has reclaimed the title of Manchester’s coolest neighbourhood for 2022.
“Stevenson Square and some surrounding streets have been permanently pedestrianised, making for a fresher stroll around the centre of the city’s café and bar culture, with its stunning mix of Georgian houses, Victorian pubs and modern hangouts.
“No matter what the trend, the Northern Quarter always seems to be one step ahead – whether it’s vegan dining, pop-up bars or even the street art adorning its walls and shop shutters.
“In fact these murals, part of the Outhouse Project supported by local art shop Fred Aldous, exemplify the neighbourhood: always changing and moving forward whilst remaining respectful of the past.
“The perfect day: Take breakfast with a strong coffee at Ezra and Gil, followed by a browse for quirky handmade knick-knacks in Oklahoma and a flick through the records at Vinyl Exchange.
“Spend the afternoon picking out something special in the Craft and Design Centre before heading to pioneering food hall Mackie Mayer for dinner.
“End the day with a gig at Band on the Wall before retiring to the best aparthotel in the city, Native.”
Time Out polled 20,000 city-dwellers and asked local experts to come up with the ranking, which had Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Mexico in the top spot.
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The highest-placed UK neighbourhood on the coolest list was Cliftonville in Margate, which came eighth.
The other UK neighbourhoods that placed higher than the Northern Quarter were Shawlands in Glasgow (11th) and Walthamstow in London (17th).
Kelham Island in Sheffield also got a nod, placing in 35th.
Time Out also said: “‘Cool’ is probably the most subjective quality going. But the neighbourhoods we’ve featured below are, simply put, incredible places to be right now.
“They’re areas with accessible, cutting-edge culture and nightlife; brilliant and affordable food and drink; lively street life and big community vibes.
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“They’re distinctive districts that you can walk across in half an hour or less, but could spend a whole day or more exploring. They’re great areas for people to live, visit and stay.
“They’re places that mix up the best of the old and new schools. Locals love them, and you will too.
“These are the world’s coolest neighbourhoods right now. Let’s get exploring.”
As heading up North wasn’t already exciting enough, the nominations are looking well and truly stacked as always; without further ado, here is the shortlist in full:
2026 MOBOs Nominees
BEST FEMALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH got2b
FLO
KWN
LITTLE SIMZ
OLIVIA DEAN
PINKPANTHERESS
SASHA KEABLE
BEST MALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROSTATE CANCER UK
Police urgently appeal after 90-year-old woman killed by reversing car in Failsworth
Emily Sergeant
Police are urgently appealing to the public for information and witnesses after an elderly woman was killed by a reversing car last week.
At around 3pm on Wednesday 7 January, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a collision between a car and pedestrian on Albert Street West in Failsworth, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman, aged 90, had been struck by a reversing vehicle.
The woman was promptly taken to hospital in a ‘serious’ condition.
However, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she sadly later died from her injuries earlier this week (13 January).
#APPEAL | Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information after a woman in her 90s was struck by a car on Albert Street West, Failsworth on 07/01/26
Following the incident, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences, but he has since been released on bail.
As officers progress their investigation at pace, GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses, urging the public to come forward if there’s any way they can help.
The appeal goes out to anyone who believes they saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam footage or CCTV of the incident.
Daisy Jackson -
11th October 2022 
