Manchester is packed with lots of interesting and unique things to do; with so much choice, it can sometimes be daunting to find and discover new places to try – especially if you’re a student new to the city and in need of a guide.
Luckily for you, that’s where we come in.
From deals, discounts and discovering new things, to the uni hotspots, cultural cornerstones and much more, we hope to break down everything you need to do while being a student in Manchester in this helpful round-up.
Without further ado, here is your ultimate student guide to Manchester.
A guide to student life in Manchester – everything you need to know
Manchester’s many districts
A small deli in Ancoats.One of many Spinningfields spots.Manchester Pride Festival in 2023.Where else to begin a student guide than with each distinct Manchester neighbourhood? (Credit: The Manc Group/Supplied)
Let’s start this Manchester student guide with areas. Venturing out into a city can be a challenge in itself, but doing it on your own can be even more scary. For starters, this quick breakdown of the Manchester districts should hopefully help you familiarise yourself with this bustling and busy North-West city.
ADVERTISEMENT
Spinningfields is first on our list and is called home by many businesses and restaurants, making it the ideal entertainment destination for Mancs and everyone alike. In between both Castlefield and Deansgate, this leisure-based area is packed with fancy cocktail bars, designer brands and fine dining.
Packed with culture, Northern Quarteris one of Manchester’s cultural havens. From vintage clothing shops to record shops, it’s no surprise this trendy neighbourhood has made a name for itself with students. There’s a shop for everything here and you’re never bored with endless shops, activities and plenty of food vendors to fuel your curiosity, it’s hard to leave.
ADVERTISEMENT
Right next to the Northern Quarter is Ancoats, an area packed with great food, small businesses and cute little cafes. This is a nice little retreat of creativity, with lots of personality, it really feels like a home away from home. The area even features its very own tourist attraction, two rows of Victorian terraces that have been preserved, also known as Anita Street.
Manchester has a reputation for pioneering change, this is reflected in our next district,Gay Village, an area in the city which runs alongside the Rochdale Canal, hence the name Canal Street. This place is packed with many bars and clubs to dance the night away in and often becomes the start or ending of a great night out.
Manchester music venues
Sounds of the City at Castlefield BowlOutside The Deaf Institute.Views from inside Albert Hall.Credit: Sam Neill/Supplied
Gorilla is an intimate live music venue situated right next to Manchester Oxford Road train station. With a capacity of around 600, this is a great music spot to discover upcoming artists or maybe even get tickets to exclusive performances by some of the bigger names in the industry.
ADVERTISEMENT
Over the years, this independent vendor has been attracting the likes of Dua Lipa, Sam Fender and The 1975, who even hosted their very private listening sessions within these four walls in 2023.
Coming in with less than half the capacity of Gorilla, The Deaf Institute – also on Oxford Road (where you’ll be spending lots of your time) – can hold 250 music lovers and has done since 2008. This is the perfect spot for discovering that hidden gem that will more than certainly go on to make it big.
Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, Johnny Marr and Florence Welch (yes, of ‘The Machine’) are just a few of the many acts to have graced the stage of this historic venue. As well as brilliant music, make sure to appreciate the decorum of the performance space – it’s quirky and loveable.
The next music venue you can’t miss… no, really you can’t. New Century Hallhas over 1000 LEDs spanning across the ceiling of the performance space and these lights are the ideal atmosphere-setter for any artist or audience member.
ADVERTISEMENT
Reopened in 2022, the lineup for this place has always been a treat too, even back in the day when they hosted the likes of The Hollies, The Kinks, Jimi Hendrix and more. More recent acts include Snow Patrol, Kelela, The Japanese House and even hip-hop pensioner duo, Pete and Bas.
Ever fancied watching a gig in a chapel? Albert Hall has you sorted. There’s two floors to this historical venue and a fantastic draping lightbulb set-up hanging from the ceiling which artists use to create an atmosphere that can’t be beaten. Sam Smith, Kelis and Tame Impala are just a handful of names that have rocked this stage and the big names don’t stop coming!
The first and only outdoor concert spot on this rundown, Castlefield Bowl. Big names include Jungle, Avril Lavigne, Loyle Carner and everyone’s favourite Geordie Sam Fender, who left the crowd chanting a chorus of ‘woah-oh-ohs’ to ‘Seventeen Going Under’ for what felt like an eternity.
Attracting 8,000 spectators per show, it’s a biggie and a favourite of ours but it’s safe to say that these are just the tip of the iceberg. From the Ritz and the Apollo to the legendary AO Arena and the brand-new state-of-the-art Co-op Live, we do live music better than anyone. That’s just straight facts.
Manchester food and drink
The tasty selection at Zouk.Manchester’s legendary entertainment complex, Printworks.Drinks at Yard and Coop.No guide to Manchester is complete with a section on ‘scran’ – that’s food and you’ll need to know where to get it cheap as a student (Credit: The Manc Group)
Manchester is home to a vast landscape of impressive palates from all different kinds of cuisine. This city has always been bustling with rich food culture but it’s only getting bigger and better.
ADVERTISEMENT
Take Zouk for instance: they serve up traditional Indian and Pakistani dishes fit for everyone to enjoy. They offer students a 10% discount between 8am-4pm with their restaurant only being a 2-3 minute walk from both University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, it’s irresistible.
Northern Quarter Chicken restaurantYard and Coopprovides students with a Manchester ‘Yard Card’. This scheme entitles them to 20% off their bill Monday to Thursday and free wings on a Wednesday, with veggie options too! All you have to do is download an e-card to the wallet on your phone.
The Courtyardknows the way to a student’s heart – cheap drinks! Cocktails start at £2.70. These drinks are great fun to order with examples like ‘Minion’, ‘Haribo’, ‘Post Water Malone’ and ‘Bubble Trouble’ just to name a few. This bar also offers a beer and burger deal for £8 which runs from Sunday-Friday for all to enjoy even veggies and began.
We have tonnes of these recommendations, by the way – you just need to keep an eye out on The Manc Eats Instagram, where there are plenty more deals to be found.
Another Northern Quarter delight is Korean-influenced food joint Wolf at the Door, which has an array of food choices and its own happy hour. Also available from Sun-Fri from 3-7pm, glasses of wine and house beers are £3.50 with selected cocktails priced at £6. Sign me up!
ADVERTISEMENT
Cafe Marhabaoffers up curries for under £10, a perfect way to enjoy a meal out while trying not to break the bank. This authentic Pakistani cuisine fits a cosy 20 diners but also provides a takeaway service too. Located on Back Piccadilly, it’s right in the heart of Manchester city centre.
There’s also a collection of restaurants, activities and bars to take advantage of at Printworks. All the retailers are easily accessible and compiled into their useful and handy app of the same name. Most places within this venue offer some neat student prices and offers that you should definitely check out.
If Manchester’s foodie scene was a meal, consider this barely even a starter. We hope you have big stomachs…
Manc nightlife – a.k.a. the best in the world
The lively 42’s nightclub in Manchester.Viva La DIva, Main Queen and Owner of BarPop.Inside Satan’s Hollow.
Our city is no stranger to bars and clubs – after all, we were home to the infamous Haçienda which hosted artists like Oasis, New Order, Madonna and even The Stone Roses. Manchester has clubs galore, and many fit any music taste, no matter how niche.
Calling all Indie and Alt music lovers, 42’s (42nd Street) is the place for you! There’s poster upon poster draping these walls and an LED tunnel for you to walk through before you enter the dancefloor and bar area. You normally hear some Arctic Monkeys or Catfish and the Bottlemen blasting through the club, but sometimes you’ll even catch a cheeky ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ by Sophie Ellis-Bextor if you’re lucky.
ADVERTISEMENT
FAC251– more commonly known as Factory – caters to all. This club is made up of three different floors, the first being Pop/R&B and Rap, then up two flights of stairs for Indie and another flight for the third room which sounds out house, techno, as well as drum and bass. Factory is a student staple and is a happy medium for friends who all have very different musical interests.
This next spot is made for metalheads, moshers and those who proudly proclaim emo was never ‘just a phase’ is aptly named Satan’s Hollow. This club isn’t just all talk: the interior boasts a fully-fleshed horror theme; there are cut-out cages, a figures and frames and a caricature devil lurking in the corner. Don’t forget their £2 tuesdays where entry costs less than a meal deal… before 12am.
The next two night out destinations are situated in Manchester’s Gay Village and are just one of many bars and clubs located on Canal Street. You really are spoilt for choice.
The Brewers Manchester boasts an impressive light-up dancefloor and hosts special drag events such as ‘Filthy Gorgeous’ every Tuesday, which is also their weekly student night. Bar Popusually has a drag queen DJ on hand to provide some dancefloor fillers that you and your friends can let loose to as well.
Retail and shopping
Afflecks Palace in Manchester.The famous Vinyl Exchange.Fashion at Blue Rinse.
Studying and student life can be hard, so what better way to unwind than some retail therapy? Manchester has plenty of shops to fill that clothes-shaped void. Here are just a few favourites.
ADVERTISEMENT
Starting strong with Afflecks, if you don’t find anything to buy here, we’ll be impressed. This three-storey building houses many independent retailers stocking everything from clothes to posters, badges, jewellery and even piercings. There’s a whole selection of cafe’s and food hubs to sit back and relax after carrying all your bags around.
For music aficionados, there are record shops aplenty in Manchester’s NQ; one in particular, Vinyl Exchange, has been stocking rare and most-wanted vinyl records since 1988. Make sure you check out both floors as you might just find that album that you’ve been wanting since forever.
Vintage shops are quite common round here too, with Blue Rinse being one of the largest. Alongside offering some incredible knits, jackets and tees, this second-hand clothing shop also has a kilo sale where shoppers fill a bag with whatever they like for a set price per weight. You’ll never be indecisive again!
Pop Boutiquehas a lot of retro inspired clothing and is only a minute away from Blue Rinse. This is another vintage shop which has everything from clothing to furniture and accessories. Another pro to this retailer is you get to walk around with a cute reusable branded bag for the rest of the day – win-win.
Sometimes it’s good to know that you can come home to a nice comforting cuppa. Bird and Blendoffers just that, in a whole array of flavours you never knew existed. Ever had birthday cake tea? How about candy floss? This tea shop has it all. With an instore brewery too, you can walk out of the shop with a tea to go and one all wrapped up for later. Keep it handy for the mooch around the rest of the shops.
Manchester Arndale is the city centre’s leading shopping centre which boasts a collection of fashion retailers, foodie joints and its own independent market.
This retailing giant hosts an annual fun-filled MCR Student Social which is a day packed with events and discounts which benefit students across Manchester. This year sees the event taking place on Thursday 26 September from 12pm through till 7pm, don’t miss it!
Beyond the city centre – there’s a reason they call it Greater Manchester…
Although there’s needless things to do in Manchester, it can also be good to venture out of the city every once in a while – and you’re never short of your next day out!
Trafford Centremay possibly be one of Manchester’s best shopping centre’s to date. With a long list of retailers and food chains this is a shopper’s paradise. Not to mention the phenomenal architecture which takes you back to the Roman and Greek design style with grand staircases, statues and fascinating fountains.
This next destination is all about the brands. From Calvin Klein to Champion, New Balance to Nike, Cheshire Oaks has got you covered. It may be a longer drive than the last location but the shops certainly make up for it. They even have an enticing student discount ranging from 10% to 20% depending on which brand you settle on. Discounts are always welcome around here!
ADVERTISEMENT
As you head towards the outskirts of the city and Greater Manchester, it’s a whole new world and you might find you stumble across a favourite spot like the so-called ‘student central’ areas of Fallowfield, Rusholme, Withington and so on. Don’t worry, we cover those two – for instance:
As ever, Manchester city centre and the nine other boroughs have a lot to offer, so we obviously couldn’t list ever single place on this student guide.
However, this is a great starting point for getting around and can help begin your journey in our jam-packed city centre and the surrounding areas. Being a student is a truly special chapter in life and you’ve picked a wonderful place to start it.
Go on now, off you pop! Get enjoying the best city in the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
Oh, and if you still need to order any essentials for uni, it’s worth us reminding you of those little tips like this to make things even that tiny bit easier.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 June 2026
Emily Sergeant
Well, it’s time… by the end of this week, summer will officially be here.
That’s right – it’s felt like a long time coming, especially after both the heatwaves followed by the pouring rain in recent weeks, but summer finally arrives this Sunday, and of course that obviously means there’ll be loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
___
Looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester?
We couldn’t really start this list off with anything else, could we?
Of course, the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off last week, but if didn’t grab tickets to catch a game in person over in North America or Mexico, and you don’t fancy sitting at home watching on your own, then thankfully, our region is filled with places where you can catch all the action surrounded by hundreds of other football fans.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / Credit: Road to Victory
You’re absolutely spoiled for choice this year, as there’s plenty of places in Manchester city centre and beyond screening all the games.
Will England bring football home though? Only time will tell.
Check out our round-up list of all the best places to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester here👇
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you – as Zip World Manchester has launched its new Forest Tubing experience, and it’s bringing the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide is coming to Heaton Park.
The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure gives visitors the chance to soar along two slides, winding through woodland at one of the largest parks in the North West.
Suitable for children aged four and above, visitors can book an hour-long session – with unlimited rides during that time slot – and either ride solo, or share the experience with fellow adventurers.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
This pub in Hulme has reopened following a huge restoration, bringing together historic pub charm, pies, pints, and live music all under one roof.
This is The Abbey, and it’s stood on the site since the 1890s.
It still features its original 19th-Century bar, alongside two beer gardens, a pie and pint deal, and a new 100-capacity live music venue dedicated to supporting grassroots artists and emerging talent.
There appears to be no limit to Manchester’s appetite for tiramisu, as now there’s a new bar dedicated to the stuff.
At Angel Crumbs over at Circle Square, you’ll find a whole menu of tiramisu and tiramisu-inspired treats, like lattes with a marscapone cream topping, and tiramisu balls. There’s even alcohol and caffeine-free desserts too meaning there is something for everyone.
You can take your treats to-go, and this new spot is right on the doorstep of the sunny Symphony Park.
It’s not every day you come across a sandwich with 20 different elements inside.
Tucked above a barbershop in Saddleworth is Fjord, where owner Kieran is taking his meticulous Michelin training and applying it to the humble butty.
He’s spending hours confiting, infusing, distilling, and preparing fillings to go inside Fjord’s signature pan-fried puffball focaccia (which they think might actually be a new invention). There’s also spritzes, brunches, small plates and so much more – Saddleworth’s got a great new addition.
Salford is celebrating 100 years of being its own city this year, and a raft of exciting new events have been announced to mark the occasion, featuring everything from art commissions to community events from the likes of Walk the Plank and From The Other – with many free to attend.
Salford City Council has put together the cultural programme across Salford’s eight neighbourhoods, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Everything has been created to explore the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future of Salford.
Find out everything happening for this special centenary year here.
___
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
Monday 15 June – onwards
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails / Credit: James Dobson | Annapurna Mellor
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout summer at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Find out where to get involved and book tickets here.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
GRUB On The Docks
MediaCity
Tuesday 16 June – onwards
GRUB On The Docks / Credit: Supplied
GRUB On The Docks has returned for the summer.
MediaCity’s waterfront site has been transformed into a vibrant open-air destination built for warm weather and big moments across the season, as GRUB On The Docks returns later this week.
ADVERTISEMENT
Running across the summer months, you can expect some of Greater Manchester’s best street food traders to be serving up global flavours and summer-ready drinks, alongside live music, DJs, and just an all round laid-back atmosphere turning daytime hangouts into evening sessions.
Having taken place at Heaton Park since 2013, when it outgrew its original home in Platt Fields Park, this year’s event will take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, and features an absolutely packed lineup of both local and global names lead by Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji, Skepta, and Zara Larsson.
They each play alongside Parklife favourites like Kettama, Josh Baker, and Rudimental, as well as other big names like Nia Archives and Chris Stussy.
The massive party is attended by some 80,000 people each day, and is one of the biggest events in Manchester’s cultural calendar.
Everything you need to know about Parklife 2026 is here.
___
Did you know that Printworks is currently hosting a UK-wide art competition for students?
Do you know an aspiring artist? Students aged 16 and over are invited to bring the ocean to life in a brand-new creative arts competition launched by one of the UK’s leading entertainment destinations, Manchester’s Printworks.
The venue has now opened entries for UK students from sixth forms, colleges, universities, and art colleges across the country to take part in an exciting new art competition.
The winning design is set to be showcased on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
___
Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know… of course you do.
Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in May, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in June, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
Featured Image – Road To Victory | Chester Zoo | The Manc Group
The Guides
The best Mexican restaurants in and around Manchester
Danny Jones
Whenever we have a bit of decent weather here in Greater Manchester, we always imagine what it must be like for those abroad, just sitting and eating their national dishes al fresco without a care in the world; think, say, Mexican food – a.k.a. one of THE best kinds of cuisine on the planet.
Yes, pound for pound, it’s probably one of our go-tos.
Somewhat inspired by one of The Hoot team recently visiting the country, and partly because we personally can’t get enough of it, we thought we’d give you another one of our famous foodie round-ups.
We’re not sure where exactly it lands in our top five favourites, but what we can do is tell you some of the best Mexican food in central Manchester and a little further afield. ‘¡Venga!’
Top 10 Mexican restaurants in Greater Manchester
1. Madre – Kampus
Up first, where else to start than with the marvellous Madre over Kampus. This Modern Mexican restaurant isn’t just one of the best within its genre, but is arguably up there with the best Latin food in all of Manchester.
Whether you want to stick to menu staples like those crispy pork belly bites and chicken wings, are happy sticking with their tacos, wings and margaritas at sister bar Salon Madre, or perhaps fancy trying their Hispanic Sunday roasts and even a deep-fried pig head, you won’t find a bad mouthful.
Since opening early in the summer of 2025, El Piloto over at Society food and beer hangout has gradually carved a credible little culinary corner for itself, standing out as one of the best vendors of the bunch – and there’s plenty of great competition within that 8,000-square-foot independent trader hall.
Best known for their tacos, but also specialising in other authentic, more roadside-friendly favourites like charred corn ribs, our personal favourites are those chipotle hash browns, not to mention some great quesadillas, we’re big fans of this place.
3. Don Tacos – Piccaddilly, Rusholme and Bolton
Sticking with tacos, they may do plenty of street food, but Don Tacos is still one of the best-known Mexican restaurants in all of Greater Manchester, now boasting a pair of central sites, plus one over in Bolton, not to mention a couple of others across the country now.
Whether you’re after brilliant birra, quesadillas that are just the right amount of greasy (yes, there is an ideal level), Korean twists on tacos, or just some really good barbacoa, you can’t go wrong here. They’ve also featured on our very own Takeaway Champions series, and we can confirm it travels well.
Credit: The Manc Group
4. Birria Brothers – Northern Quarter
Speaking of birria, we can’t go an inch further without singing the praises of NQ legends, Birra Bros, who are posted up in one half of Koffee Pot over on Oldham Street and serve as the perfect transition from breakfast and dinner into tea.
Getting a bit posher now, you won’t find many places as pretty and transportive as Ocasa: the contemporary restaurant and bar bringing “Mexico City soul with Manchester heart”; their words, not ours, but having now tried this place a few times, we’re certainly feeling the love.
Aside from the stunning space itself, this noon-until-midnight venue – 1am on Fridays and Saturdays – specialises in elevated Mexican dishes such as guajillo beef shortrib, some of the best nachos you’ll ever eat, and traditional tortas (think very good sandwiches). It’s also great when the sun goes down here…
Whilst we’re on venues that thrive just as much when it comes to their nightlife as their main menu, there’s much more than just food and drink on offer at Maracas: arguably one of the liveliest spots in all of Salford. There’s also much more than just Mexican classics to enjoy
Located underneath the recognisable Chapel Street arches just on the edge of the city and just over the road from The Lowry Hotel, this is another day-into-night venue that you visit not just for hearty Latin American eats, but for drinks, dancing, and pure vibes. They even do guided language exchanges.
7. Pico’s Tacos – Mackie Mayor, Altrincham and mobile
From a cult favourite cantina among various Latino cultures here in central Manchester, to one of the best indie vendors and food hatches in the city centre, and its equally popular Trafford partner over at Alty Market: the one and only Pico’s Tacos.
Much more than just what the name would suggest, not only do they create some great and unique takes on taco flavours, but they’ll also do one of THE best margaritas in town – they’re super zingy and go great with the spicy rim – not to mention you can now get burritos from their van currently on Oxford Rd.
Since we’re heading further afield, let’s wing our way over to Stockport and one of the very few Mexican restaurants you’ll find in the town centre, sitting pretty on the edge of the marketplace and historic Old Town district; this particular writer actually used to work there when it was the old Blackshaw’s cafe…
While they’ve still kept the original building name, pride of place above the entrance, the food now being served here is way different compared to a few years ago – now they have a great selection of tequila, nail tacos, have a lovely charred and breadcrumbed hispi cabbage, and even do all-day brunch.
Sticking in the SK direction, we’re heading to the Heatons for our second-to-last stop on this Mexican restaurant tour of Manchester, where 113 MCR is not only plating up a reminder to Stopfordians that they ARE, in fact, part of Greater Manchester rather than Cheshire these days, but some great food, too.
Sharing a name with the previous entry, this place is technically three in one: two kitchens, all under one roof – La Capilla and Roost – with 113 bar serving as the third, and they offer everything from cheesy birria tacos to frozen margs, signature cocktails, boozy shakes, and DJs until late over the weekends.
Last but not least, we wanted to show our love to a locally-run restaurant over in Fallowfield that is simply called The Mexican. Sat along Wilmslow Road as you venture into ‘student central’, just before you get the iconic 256 bar, this family-friendly spot has plenty of charm and very solid scran.
We don’t know how much of it is down to the affordable and filling food, the colourful decor inside, or them sticking their adorable son Hugo on socials to guilt trip you into coming a support a Manc businesses, but it all works on us. Even if you only fancy ordering one of their burritos for delivery, do it.
Now, before we wrap this thing up, we couldn’t call it a day without shouting out the likes of the more grab-and-go type venues like Listo, Pancho’s and Casa Mexica, just to name a handful.
Then you’ve got the likes of other beloved street food vendors like El Jefe Birria, Fuego 1987, and you know what? Beloved British chain Barburrito started right here in Manchester, and we’re damn proud of it, too – it still SLAPS no matter how big they get.
We’re even enjoying Cane and Grain’s current Latin menu over on Thomas Street, and we sincerely hope it sticks around for a long time.
Thomas Melia -
20th September 2024 
