A historic setting with a distinctly modern vibe, the Deansgate area of the city is home to some of the most exciting food, nightlife and culture Manchester has to offer and is quickly becoming the entertainment centre of the city. Located to the West of the city centre, the area is popular with both locals and students and encapsulates Manchester’s industrial and Roman heritage, with a Roman fort and a network of red brick warehouses and mills interspersed between modern bars and sophisticated restaurants.
With its growing number of upmarket restaurants and bars, Spinningfields is one of the most popular places in the city when it comes to eating out. The ever-popular Oast House is a great place to spend a summer evening, with its rustic al fresco dining and live music nights it’s a big hit with the Manchester crowd. Round the corner is Thaikhun – an authentic Thai street food restaurant with some quirky décor and fun atmosphere that is packed every day of the week. And if budget isn’t an issue, Spinningfields is home to some of the most glamorous restaurants in the city. Fazenda, Iberica, Neighbourhood and Australasia are all located in this area, offering some of the most unique and interesting dining experiences that Manchester has to offer. Deansgate and Castlefield are also home to some great food options, including Almost Famous burger restaurant – a firm favourite with students – and Dimitris Greek restaurant and tapas bar which serves up some great Greek dishes in an authentic setting.
Although not technically part of Deansgate at all, Deansgate Locks is the place to be for some of the best parties and club nights in the city. Head to Lola Lo tiki bar for some Hawaiian-themed fun and exclusive student offers, or check out Revolution, Baa Baa, Sakura and Ark – all housed under railway arches and offering student-friendly nightlife all week long. Down in Castlefield, Dukes 92 sits along the banks of the Bridgewater canal and is one of the most popular weekend hang-outs in Manchester. And you can’t visit the area without mentioning Cloud 23 – a luxury cocktail bar situated at the highest point in Manchester offering unbeatable panoramic views of the city from the top floor of Beetham Tower.
This area of Manchester also offers some of the city’s best cultural highlights, with museums, libraries, galleries and theatres all situated in this vibrant corner of the city. The university’s very own John Ryland’s Library sits at the heart of the Deansgate area, with its magnificent neo-gothic architecture and huge collection of books and manuscripts making for an amazing day out. If its museums you’re after, Deansgate is home to the amazing Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), which exhibitions spread across five historic buildings ranging from early textile machinery to its air and space gallery, you’ll never run out of things to see! Other things to see include the People’s History Museum, Castlefield Gallery, the Coronation Street Tour and The Bridgewater Hall, all of which run event throughout the year and showcase some of Manchester’s very best culture and entertainment.
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