Manchester: Where to Sleep, Eat and Shop
The week Chanel announced it was to put on a runway show in Manchester, I lunched in Mayfair with some fashion PRs. The prestigious fashion maison's rogue choice of location dominated our conversation.
As the son of a mother from (and currently residing in) the north west, I was raving about the decision, having spent enough time in the city to appreciate its unique blend of northern charm, a distinctly southern pace, and a multifaceted cultural identity
Manchester is edgy yet urban, contemporary and olde worldie, where the mass and the niche harmoniously co-exist. It's financial, industrial, eclectic, creative and – contrary to the beliefs of my company that day – luxurious.
“Where is everyone going to stay!?” posed one of the two from across the table, sounding emphatically distressed.
I laughed, eliciting blank stares. I told them that Manchester is home to some of the most smashing hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of catching forty winks in.
Manchester’s food scene is equally impressive, offering substantial meals at reasonable prices. You’ll find familiar chains and unique, local establishments in the metropolis. The same goes for the shops: there's an End, a Harvey Nichols and half of the world's Selfridges (so, two) alongside local brands showcasing homegrown talent, like Represent and Clints Inc.
Beyond shopping and dining, Manchester offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Catch the latest films in style, get your art fix, expand your mind at a museum or library, get inked up by a prestigious tattooist, ask a TikTok-famous barber for a new hairstyle or simply enjoy a drink with friends on a high-rise rooftop.
With so many possibilities, you can expect each visit to bring something new.
As the fifth largest city in the UK, Manchester is in a constant state of flux.
With that being said, it only makes sense that I and the rest of Esquire regularly revisit this page to provide you with the latest pointers.
Here's where we've enjoyed sleeping/eating/shopping in the rainy city most recently.
Where to stay in Manchester
Dakota
When Chanel did eventually put on its Metiers D'Art show in the north England municipality, we imagine the Dakota reached full occupation. You see, the establishment, in the guise of a membership club, prioritises refinement over opulence.
Despite being formidable and just a stone's throw away from Manchester Piccadilly station, the canalside edifice is in a covert spot. One may enter the establishment surreptitiously, from the main entrance or even through a slip-in door on the side – the latter affords accessibility to the lifts without needing to pass through the lobby. All entryways eventually lead to the bar and restaurant which are spacious but hidden from sight.
Speaking of, the food and drink at the Dakota is excellent, meaning one needn't leave the premises. Caviar and “the best steak in Manchester” can be washed down with meticulously made seasonal cocktails. Food and drink can also be enjoyed on the soft life terrace.
After, it's to your pad! Each room is decorated in soothing shades of greys and beiges, evoking the calming vibe of a Manhattan penthouse apartment. The aesthetic aligns perfectly with the brand's overarching theme: the Dakota is named after and inspired by a 1930s airliner that first took flight in New York.
The generous proportions of each room are also a result of transatlantic influences, with standard rooms boasting five mirrors, two armchairs, a table, a sizeable bath, a spacious vanity/work desk, and a good-sized bed that invites one to disappear into its plush depths. Indeed, the Dakota's allure lies in its ability to provide a secluded haven, a place to escape the world and indulge in quiet luxury.
The Reach
Neighbouring the Dakota is the latest venture from a company you can trust: Marriott. It's called The Reach and it falls under the brand's “Tribute Portfolio”, which manifests in its Wes Anderson paint job, gold hardware and mid-century modern furnishings. It also means genuinely inspired dining: Lock 84, the sleek on-site restaurant, puts a small plates spin on British classics, including a Sunday roast.
Extra efforts in hospitality extend to the guest rooms. The body wash/shampoo/conditioner/soap and so on is produced locally, to give one example. A Dualit coffee invites you to choose between coffee from across Central and Southern America, to provide another. Post-shower, you might sip your cup of Joe – and nibble on the provided bag of flavoured popcorn – on your balcony which either peers over the canal or onto the Industrial Revolution-chic Ducie Street Warehouse. When in Manc, I guess.
Where to dine in Manchester
Louis
The Permanently Unique Group (PUG) have revolutionised Manchester's culinary landscape, and in turn, made a name for itself, by teleporting its guests across the world. The hospitality set-up started with Tattu, a Chinese restaurant with blossom trees, latticework and the appropriate fare. Then came Fenix, an eatery that allows customers to escape to a prime version of Greece for the eve via a terrazzo stone floor, tzatziki and the like. Where next? Back in time. To New York City circa 1960 – an epoch your parents likely refer(ed) to as the “good ol' days”.
Step inside the ruby-draped enclave located across from The Ivy on Hardman Square and embrace the nostalgia prompted by romantic furnishings, jazzy scents and an old-school approach to service. It's very RIP Don Draper, you'd love it here, if you will. Keeping with the pop culture references, the food is what we'd imagine Carmy Berzatto from The Bear would rustle up if his late brother was, in fact, the founder of Frankie & Benny's. That is to say, the grub is quintessential Italian-American dining done fairly well. It is, at least, a fine accompaniment to the main attractions: the sultry drinks and the live jazz which you have good chance of watching, as well as hearing, as the dining room arches around the stage.
Don't bother scouring TikTok or YouTube for footage, though, as photography and video recording is strictly prohibited.
Our initial reaction to the rule: Well, did you evah?
After an hour in: What a swell party this is.
Pollen Bakery
This charming spot by Ancoats Marina was a recommendation from an epicure Mancunian. He actually lives just above the Scandi-style bakery, so he can vouch for its consistency.
Admittedly, my experience is a single visit, though I must say I still fondly recall the lunch (and that's despite having to sit outside on a chilly day). My admiration has a lot to do with the wabi-sabi crockery, and, more so, the fact that its unusual vegan-heavy menu forced me to think outside the box.
I opted for a hearty sourdough sandwich filled with a generous slab of juicy butternut squash, some crunchy slaw, a cream vegan yoghurt and some surprisingly flavoursome lettuce. Very unlike me, yet I could've had another straight after. And I might've ordered one if I didn't already have the classically-me matcha marble cake waiting its turn. Yummy, though it did give me false hopes that matcha latte would be on the drinks menu (this is my plea, Pollen!). The house iced tea sure made a mighty fine alternative, I must say. It's sweet and refreshing, much like the waterside café.
Sexy Fish
Manchester's Sexy Fish is a far cry from current trends of demure or cutesy. On the contrary, it's full-on, flagrant and fanciful; visit for a flamboyant feast for the senses.
On the day of my booking – which, to be fair, happened to be the Asian restaurant's first birthday – a side of the sax and a fair few dancers accompanied my moreish plates of sushi, sashimi, tempura, et cetera. The vibrancy of their costumes, as well as their movements, paired well with my colourful, conspicuous cocktail. As my partner and I dined, we spoke over the pulsating music about returning for the birthday, as the party atmosphere attracted an extravagant crowd. As I passed by the next afternoon, I couldn't help but notice the same energy and excitement brought along by a new crowd of equally glamorous patrons.
Where to shop in Manchester
End
End is putting the joy back into multi-brand brick-and-mortars by curating diverse product offerings in each store. Its north west flagship store showcases a compelling range of offerings: hype-worthy sneakers, rare collectables, quality apparel from under-the-radar brands and loved luxury labels. It's all displayed in the marble emporium – fancy and inviting – maintained by politely attentive staff that are authentically fly.
Clints Inc
The usual advice for a rising streetwear brand is to keep it digital. But self-taught Manchester designer Junior Clint isn't one to play by the rules. His physical space for his five-year-old marque Clints Inc. is a breath of fresh air in Manchester's retail scene – a one-stop shop for all your streetwear desires, from velour tracksuits to sports jerseys to original sneakers.
Represent
Brothers George and Michael Heaton might be recognised worldwide for founding their label Represent but that doesn't stop them rooting for their home in Greater Manchester. Their latest venture, a physical store in Manchester, follows the success of their physical debut in LA and is a testament to their commitment to the region. Browse through the brand's evergreen selection of leather, athleisure and merch-inspired basics, and look out for pieces from limited-edition collaborations and luxurious seasonal pieces.
representclo.com
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