Greater Manchester really has become the Hollywood of the North, and with consecutive Harlan Coben series, plus the likes of Peaky Blinders and Alma’s Not Normal being filmed in the vicinity, our prowess is only getting stronger. One film that’s as much a love letter to Manchester as it is a love story between characters is Finding Emily, the much-anticipated romcom brought to us by the producers of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually, and brought to life by director Alicia MacDonald.
Starring Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn, Finding Emily is the feel-good, relatable story we’re all craving, and since it comes out on May 22, you may have noticed some familiar places in the trailer… because the whole production was filmed in Manchester. Creating the perfect backdrop for this new-age romantic flick, Manchester is a character in its own right in Finding Emily, and since our very own HOME hosted the premiere on May 12, we’ve had a sneak peek at the film and can officially bring you the filming locations around Manchester to keep an eye out for.
Finding Emily filming locations in Manchester
University of Manchester
Most of Finding Emily takes place within the University of Manchester, lovingly renamed ‘Manchester City University‘ in the film. You’ll notice the swathes of ivy-covered brick buildings that are so characteristic of Uni Of, plus some interiors were used to keep up appearances, and much of the early drama happens in UoM’s very own student union.
Sackville Street
In some instances, characterful buildings along Sackville Street – some of which are University buildings – were used as stand-ins for on-campus locations. This is particularly pertinent when the dean, played by Minnie Driver, comes out onto some steps to address the student body.
There are also some glimpses of the iconic Vimto statue just off Sackville Street, which in real life is surrounded by UoM engineering buildings.
Manchester Central Library/St Peter’s Square
You’ll notice pretty quickly that St Peter’s Square provides a backdrop for some of the most dramatic moments in the film, alongside Emily’s frequent visits to Manchester Central Library in an attempt to gather information for and work hard on her project that forms the basis of the film. This iconic spot is as representative of Manchester as any landmark in the city, so it’s great to see it on the screen so much in Finding Emily.
Canal Street
Manchester’s famous Canal Street in the Gay Village is heavily featured in Finding Emily, owing to the nature of student life. Mainly, Owen and Emily set out to find the Emily along Canal Street, taking viewers through some of the city’s most iconic clubs like Via, The Brewers and G-A-Y.
The cast and crew also let us know at the premiere that this was one of their favourite spots to film in Manchester, and we can’t blame them…
Northern Quarter
When Owen and Emily leave a house party in what looks like a south Manchester student house, they escape to the legendary Night and Day Cafe on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter. This is where the pair truly realise their feelings for each other, and where Owen shows off his guitar skills on stage, and is mentioned by name at least once.
After this, the pair are seen walking through the NQ streets, and having a time out on a kerb, just across from the iconic Millstone Pub. They’re just like us.
Rustica
On a corner just over from this, beloved sandwich shop Rustica also makes an appearance. Owen and Emily hang out on this corner during another scene, whilst a lifelike queue forms around them.
Peveril of the Peak
One of Manchester’s favourite pubs, The Pev, was given the respect it deserves in Finding Emily, being the place where Owen asks for a job when things go wrong, and creating a distinctly Manc backdrop to the action. Owen and Emily play darts here (again… just like us) and order pints around the unique double-sided bar.
Chorlton Mill
Another spot we recognise in Finding Emily is Emily and best friend Anna’s classically Manc flat, within Chorlton Mill on Cambridge Street. Owen can be seen walking Emily home to her apartment, and later attempting to climb the drainpipe of the building to find Emily, before things get… interesting.
Electric Shuffle
Deansgate’s Electric Shuffle is where the story comes full circle, as it’s where Owen meets up with Amelie – the original ‘Emily’ he spends the whole film trying to find. Although other punters can be seen playing various games in the background, the pair opt for a booth, to sit with a drink a talk things out.
Stoller Hall
In a big final gesture, Emily seeks to make it up to Owen with the presentation of her project, all taking place at the Stoller Hall. The masses turn up, Owen leaves and Emily runs after him, with the film culminating in a final kiss just outside this historic Manchester building. Plus some credits action with Owen’s music video taking the cast through several Manchester spots.
Honourable mentions
There are some honourable mentions to bring up, being that they either aren’t in Manchester, or it isn’t totally clear where these locations are.
- Owen’s house – the house he shares with his brother Matt and his partner is a classic Manc terrace in the suburbs, a street which is cut off by a giant viaduct. The vibes are very Stockport, but can you find out exactly where?
- Chippy where Emily and Owen bump into Tristan – this pivotal scene seems to take place on a precinct in a Manchester suburb, but it isn’t clear exactly where. Do you know?
- Peak District hills – Owen takes a slightly humorous but pensive trip to the Peak District when he needs to think, but the exact location is unknown.
Finding Emily will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 22 May.
You can watch the trailer for Finding Emily here.