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 Home of the Halle orchestra |
Lower Mosley Street Manchester M2 3WS United Kingdom +44 161 950 0000 http://www.bridgewater-hall.co... |
This fabulous £42 million building is one of the major landmarks of Manchester's economic and cultural regeneration. It boasts a state-of-the-art 2340 seat auditorium; home to the world-famous Halle Orchestra and the Manchester Philharmonic. The interior is starkly modern, with an enormous glass facade, high ceilings, brushed metal and chrome details. There is also a superb restaurant and some of the best corporate entertainment facilities in the city. Stop by the stylish gift shop if you're looking to buy greetings cards, music, jewelery or gifts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Huzhead  |
 Photo: Tom Li |
 Photo: Paul Holloway |
 Photo: vicki crolla |
 Photo: flat.eric2001 |
 Photo: Eddie Lister |
 Photo: G77 |
 Photo: Ian Gregory |
 Photo: Brian Browne |
 Photo: Adam Byron |
 Photo: Sarah Louise Lewis |
 Photo: Chris Harrison |
 Castlefield Gallery |
2 Hewitt Street Manchester M15 4GB United Kingdom +44 161 832 8034 http://www.castlefieldgallery.... |
This is a small contemporary art gallery offering an inventive and constantly changing programme of thought-provoking exhibitions and events. The interior is light, fashionably spartan and deceptively roomy, allowing the visitor plenty of space to look around. It's run by artists, so you can bank on its integrity, and many of the works on show are available for sale. There are educational events and an index with information about artists in the North West. Note that admission is free but the maximum group size is 20. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The only one outside London |
Arches 2 & 3, Deansgate Locks Whitworth Street West Manchester M1 5LH United Kingdom +44 161 839 9595 |
A state-of-the-art club built within the prestigious Deansgate Locks development, it contains a 500-seater auditorium, 2 brasserie-style dining and bar areas and even a dance floor. Building on the worldwide reputation of the London venue, there are lots of popular regular nights including the topical team show M.E.N. At Work, the award-winning improvisation of the Comedy Store Players and Best of Stand-Up evenings with the cream of national and local talent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 New millennium art and technology |
Various venues around the city Manchester M1 United Kingdom +44 161 950 3925 http://www.digitalsummer.org/i... |
Digital Summer is Manchester's annual showcase marking the birthplace of the computer through a series of creative collaborations in arts, science and technology. This year the main theme is SPACE. Living space, head space, breathing space, cyberspace, outer space...From the end of September to late October there are lots of multi-media convergent activities in the city with the Green Room and Contact Theatre Foyer hosting many of the performances and works in progress. If you want to keep up with the latest information you can check the inter:face website for more details and various special online activities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Tapas and live jazz |
1 Campfield Avenue Arcade (Tonman Street, Castlefield) Manchester M3 4FN United Kingdom +44 161 839 3319 http://www.dimitris.co.uk/ |
This well-regarded restaurant and bar is popular with jazz lovers for its late licence and live music at weekends. Sit outside or wander in and soak up the authentic rustic atmosphere, the walls painted in earthy tones complementing the predominantly candlelit rooms. Based around a theme of Mediterranean tapas with a Greek emphasis, the food is well-priced and of good quality. Various tapas from tortilla chips to octopus are available or alternatively you could order a choice of meze platters at between £9 and £16 per person. Main course favourites include vegetable moussaka and swordfish steaks averaging out at around £11. House Chardonnay is £10.95 a bottle and there is a range of beers on offer including draught Red Stripe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Hosts Manchester's biggest events |
Windmill Street Manchester M2 3GX United Kingdom +44 161 834 2700 http://www.g-mex.co.uk |
This was once the old Central Railway Station. Today, it is not only an impressive exhibition and events center, it's also a local landmark that mixes modern architectural flair with Victorian elegance. Designed for versatility, it makes an ideal venue for sporting events and concerts. The retractable acoustic sails make it so that several events can go on at the same time. The Seminar Center is also frequently used as a totally separate venue. It even has its own bar-restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Raymond Hau |
 Photo: Dave Arquati |
 Photo: Gary Leeming |
 Photo: Sarah Magee |
 Photo: Luke Logan |
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 Photo: Robert D. Innes |
 Photo: Valentina Lo Savio |
 Photo: Maria Adamian |
 Photo: Lesley Heptinstall |
 Photo: Philip Richards |
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 Photo: RoninKengo |
 Photo: Christopher Petty |
 Photo: Jorge-11 |
 Photo: Dave Pendlebury |
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Avant garde performances |
54-56 Whitworth Street West Manchester M1 5WW United Kingdom +44 161 950 5900 http://www.u-net.com/set/green... |
The Green Room has been through troubled times in the recent past. Following a period of closure, it has emerged with new-found creative optimism, providing a platform and space for many of Manchester's most innovative performers and artists. The venue is used in many of the city's cultural festivals (from grass roots to new technology) as well as holding its own nights of theatre, poetry and musical performance. All this plus a welcoming cafe-bar and plenty of room to display some terrific art by the latest practitioners. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Eccles |
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Eight nights of popular classical music |
The Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley Street Manchester M2 3WS United Kingdom +44 161 907 9000 http://www.bridgewater-hall.co... |
The Halle Pops season is eight separate nights of the best in classical and popular music with the legendary Carl Davis as conductor, taking the Halle Orchestra through a wide repertoire at the Bridgewater Hall. Evenings include Easter Parade with works from Handel, Vivaldi and more in March, The Great Escape, highlighting the Second World War through composers such as Walton and Bernstein during April, through to a live orchestral accompaniment to a showing of the silent movie epic - Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse at the end of May.Unsure of Dates Check Website Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Rare books and a unique atmosphere |
150 Deansgate Manchester M3 3EH United Kingdom +44 161 834 5343 http://rylibweb.man.ac.uk/ |
This fascinating library, built during the 1890s, is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of modern Gothic architecture in the country. It houses many rare books and very early manuscripts (both religious and secular) within its stately, imposing interior. On entering, it feels as though one is being transported into a tranquil, well-kept Mancunian secret, with its superb paneling and furniture in Polish oak and bronze art nouveau metalwork. Regular exhibitions and displays are held, highlighting aspects of the library's various collections and guided tours are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Manchester Monkey |
 Photo: Charles Etchells |
 Photo: paulssons |
 Photo: vanilla.sky |
 Photo: Paul Holmes |
 Photo: Ian Campsall |
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Top contemporary productions |
Central Library St Peter's Square Manchester M2 5PD United Kingdom +44 161 236 7110 http://www.libtheatreco.org.uk/ |
Established in November 1952, the ethos of this award winning theatre within Manchester's Central Library is to provide the public with access to modern plays at reasonable prices to the highest possible standard. Along with the plays themselves, you can enjoy free guided tours and they even have exclusive deals with local restaurants and bars (including Citrus and Nico Central) to provide special, discounted pre-show dinners. There are also excellent disabled facilities for both the hearing and visually impaired. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Herm Baskerville |
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Fashionable drinking with live music and comedy |
23 Peter Street Manchester M2 5QR United Kingdom +44 (0)161 833 3000 http://www.lifecafe.uk.com |
Peter Street is fast becoming yet another hub for Manchester's ever-growing cafe-bar scene with Bar 38, Breeze and The Square all close by. Life offers something of an alternative by offering the Late Room - a basement club with regular live music and comedy. Aimed perhaps more at the thirty-something age group, it has nevertheless proved extremely popular. If you are feeling hungry, there is also a pleasantly intimate restaurant serving the usual contemporary fusion cuisine. Starters mix and match from the French moules mariniere to Thai chicken and coconut soup. Mains include salads, pizzas or noisette of lamb. If you have a sweet tooth watch out for desserts such as molten chocolate fondue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Edwardian country house sophistication |
80 Deansgate Manchester M3 2ER United Kingdom +44 161 832 0083 |
Imagine you are in an Edwardian country house, complete with mahogany panelling, aspidistras and a jazz pianist playing in the background. You are breakfasting on eggs benedict over a copy of The Times, with champagne cocktails promised at 5pm, accompanied by your favourite cigars. All this is possible at The Living Room.The menu is mainly English, with a touch of the colonial. Fish cakes sit alongside Rangoon chicken satay amongst the starters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The city's most prestigious art collection |
Mosley Street Manchester M2 3JL United Kingdom +44 161 235 8888 http://www.cityartgalleries.or... |
Within its impressive neo-Grecian surroundings, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and decorative arts abound - including an internationally famous collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Landscape painters such as Stubbs, Gainsborough and Turner can also be found here. Other family-orientated facilities will include a cafe, restaurant, gift shop, information centre and children's gallery. the gallery has recently undergone a GBP25 million refurbishment. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Reinhardt |
 Photo: Angeles Mosquera (aka: chocoadicta) |
 Photo: Stephen Dowle |
 Photo: M.A. Jones |
 Photo: MICHELLE ARTHUR |
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 Photo: Adrian Parker |
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Europe's largest indoor entertainment arena |
Victoria Station Corner of Trinity Way, Hunts Bank and Great Ducie Street Manchester M3 1AR United Kingdom +44 161 950 5000 / +44 (0)871 226 5000 http://www.men-arena.com/ |
Previously known as the Nynex Arena, Europe's largest multi-purpose indoor entertainment and sport facility first opened in September 1995 when a UK box office record created by the popularity of ice dance supremos Torvill and Dean. Now the 21,000 capacity MEN Arena is home to both the Manchester Giants basketball team and ice hockey's Manchester Storm. In addition, the arena regularly plays host to some of the biggest names in music and showbiz such as Tom Jones and Robbie Williams. There are also good disabled facilities as well as a fully licensed café-bar and a restaurant on site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gabriele |
 Photo: Daniel Mortell |
 Photo: Vicky Sorsby |
 Photo: Shirlaine Forrest |
 Photo: Alex Hannon |
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 Photo: drous75 |
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A massively popular Gaelic celebration |
Various venues Manchester M1 United Kingdom +44 (0)161 234 3999 http://www.manchesteririshfest... |
This now well established annual festival - held during the middle of March - allows Manchester to celebrate its large Irish population and their cultural impact on the area, with a wide range of special events, concerts and exhibitions. There is always lots of music from world renowned artists such as Van Morrison, comedy nights, Gaelic art displays, dancing, theatre, craft markets and of course the now legendary city centre St Patrick's Day Parade. It is definitely an event that is fun for all the family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Irish jigs and good beer are on offer |
12 Southgate Off Bridge Street Manchester M2 2RB United Kingdom +44 161 288 0006 |
A poster bearing a selection of celebrities from the Emerald Isle alerts you that this is an Irish-run pub, which, like several others in the Manchester area, boasts the best pint of Guinness in town. The decor of bare-brick walls and lots of leaded-glass snugs and booths also help give the place an authentic, cosy feel. A well-known Irish band livens up proceedings every Tuesday and Sunday night, with plenty of drinking and dancing. If you can't find the place, then go down the side street between Kendals and Daisy & Tom and turn left, you'll hear the laughter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Home of traditional opera and drama |
Quay Street Manchester M3 3HP United Kingdom +44 870 401 9000 http://www.getlive.co.uk/venue... |
This grand old 2000-capacity theatre was first opened on Boxing Day 1912 and through the intervening decades has played host to many of the biggest stars of British theatre including Noel Coward, Ivor Novello and Ralph Richardson. The lavish, opulent decor in rich reds and golds still evokes the atmosphere of that classic, bygone age. Although the Opera House was closed due to financial constraints in 1979, it was resurrected and re-opened in 1986, and has become the successful home of modern West End musicals, operas, plays and other large-scale shows. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Williams |
 Photo: manchesterhall |
 Photo: Paul Israel |
 Photo: Julia Houghton |
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Historic tiled haven for drinkers |
127 Great Bridgewater Street Castlefield Manchester M1 5JQ United Kingdom +44 161 236 6364 |
This historic old pub is distinctive for its green Victorian tilework on the outside walls (making it resemble a bathroom) but in all other ways it is traditional in every sense of the word. It offers a games room with darts and snooker, comfortable nooks and crannies and even puts on live Irish folk music every Tuesday night.This is a surprisingly popular haunt for media and professional types as well as for a loyal regular clientele. It is located conveniently close to both the G-Mex Centre and Bridgewater Hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joe Saunders |
 Photo: Charles Etchells |
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 Photo: Bronwyn Howard |
 Photo: Paul |
 Photo: Alan Moores |
 Photo: Adrian Cardwell |
 Photo: Emma Key, Stockport. |
 Photo: Richard Watt |
 Photo: Ben-UK |
 Photo: alan worsley |
 Photo: Paul Petty |
 Photo: Sandra Cook |
 Photo: Penny Morris |
 Photo: Mathias Mildenberger |
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19th-century books and regular exhibitions |
57 Mosley Street Manchester M2 3HY United Kingdom +44 161 236 6785 |
Founded in 1806, this beautiful Georgian private subscription library, right in the heart of the city centre, is perfect if you are looking for somewhere to reflect in peace and quiet, away from the busy world outside. Its 25,000 plus rare volumes are mainly 19th-century fiction, travel, history and biographies. The library is open to the public - you need to ring the bell to gain entry - and art and book exhibitions are held here on a monthly basis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Plant |
 Photo: gerry.scappaticci |
 Photo: shricthism |
 From ballroom dance to indie bands |
Whitworth Street West Manchester M1 5WD United Kingdom +44 161 236 4355 |
Although the Ritz was built as a traditional ballroom (with a properly sprung floor for ballroom dancing), it has moved with the times to add club, dance and live music to its ample repertoire. The interior is deceptively spacious, with 2 floors linked by sweeping stairways and decorated with unusual tapestry designs in rich reds and browns. Monday night has been Student Night for nearly 20 years and offers a cheap and cheerful alternative to some of the newer clubs in the city. A mix of indie, dance, and hip hop nights along with occasional live bands are held on weekdays, while weekends tend to attract an older crowd. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: richlander |
 Great for modern plays |
St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7DH United Kingdom +44 161 833 9833 http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/ |
This landmark theatre was severely damaged after the IRA bombing in 1996 and was initially relocated in Upper Campfield Market and Exhibition Centre. Fortunately it has now returned with its original, unique octagonal structure intact, within a spacious and elegant late-Georgian building (dating back to 1809) on St Ann's Square. As part of the redevelopment, there is now also a studio theatre that holds workshops and features works by new playwrights, while the main theatre continues to show thought-provoking modern and classic plays. There is also a bar, craft shop and a great café , a popular breakfast and lunch stop for shoppers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Hill |
 Photo: Lorraine Smith |
 Photo: Jon Hill |
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 Photo: John Dolan |
 Photo: Dolce De Cruz |
 Photo: Marga Lopez Barbat |
 Photo: Jan Dolan |
 Photo: Anthony Moran |
 Photo: alex gowers |
 Photo: Peter Rice |
 Photo: Mike Smith |
 Photo: Phillip Jones |
 Photo: Tania Hershman |
 Photo: sarah longworth |
 Photo: Tom Hukins |
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Hosts regular 20th century art exhibitions |
14a Tib Lane Manchester M2 4JA United Kingdom +44 (0)161 834 6928 |
This exclusive independent gallery hides down a secluded backwater close to Deansgate. It hosts many different 20th century and contemporary styles, including watercolours, bronzes, paintings and drawings, all displayed on natural wood panelled walls. The gallery regularly hosts solo exhibitions by local and national artists, as well as mixed and themed displays of all kinds. Details about forthcoming shows are available by contacting the reception. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |