Dubbed as one of the best places to live in the UK back in 2023, you’ll be able to see why with the assortment of places to eat, drink and play in the Manchester area of Ancoats.
Known as Manchester’s ‘Little Italy‘, Ancoats has undergone a massive transformation over the years. Once one of the ‘roughest’ parts of Manchester and now one of the most sought-after, Ancoats is a Manchester neighbourhood rich in history that not only dates back to a mere 20 years ago when it was riddled with crime and the abandoned remains of the bygone industrial revolution, but even further.
Back in the late 1800s, the small suburb was home to a large number of Italian migrants. Fleeing to the suburb in the midst of the Risorgimento – the revolution which saw Italy unify with Rome as its capital – Manchester became the home to many an Italian family seeking to escape the violence (approximately 2,000 Italians), bringing their beloved culture along with them that widely contributes to our city still to this day.
In this Manchester neighbourhood, you can find great wine bars, cracking stores with everything you could possibly need, a thriving canalside, and plenty of places for food to enjoy sat inside, al fresco or to go. Below follows a rundown of some of the best things to do in Ancoats:
1. Tuck into award-winning pizza at Rudy’s
Having received accolades such as the number one pizza in the UK and tenth best in the world, Rudy’s pizza has quite the reputation – and you can find it right here in Manchester. Originating in Ancoats before taking over the city and beyond, the casual restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan pizza with Italian ingredients, and pre-warning: they’re so delicious you’ll probably be hooked after your first visit. There’s nothing quite like devouring a delightful pizza out on this Ancoats terrace looking out towards the hubbub of Cutting Room Square.
📍 Rudy’s, 9 Cotton St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5BF.
2. Mooch around New Islington Marina
It might not be the French Riviera but this quaint waterside area is an absolute suntrap come summer time. Even during the colder months, a wander around New Islington Marina and Cotton Field Park with a coffee in hand is still lovely as you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city without even leaving it. A pint or a brew by the water at the likes of Cask, House of Esk, Flawd or Pollen looking out at the boats and wildlife on the water, as well as see a fair few dogs walk past is a great way to pass the time in Ancoats.
3. Gorge on tasty tapas dishes at Canto
Canto serves a range of Mediterranean tapas dishes and the space features a laid back and homely vibe, with twinkly lights and rustic touches providing a warm atmosphere. Dishes are perfectly portioned for sharing, with five to six tapas dishes ideal for two people. The restaurant serves a ‘tipsy tapas‘ and has a brilliant wine menu with some beautiful European options.
📍 Canto, Cutting Room Square, Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5DH.
4. Bag yourself a loaf of freshly baked bread at Companio
This Ancoats bakery has queues running down the road at a weekday lunchtime or weekend morning as city workers and locals alike aim to get a taste of their freshly baked bread. Whether it’s a loaf to enjoy at home for breakfast or brunch or whacking big sandwich filled with delightful ingredients to keep you going for the afternoon, Companio has got it. But it’s not just the crusty sourdough bread that’s worth a try, Companio has a counter full of croissants, cinnamon buns, brioche and Danish pastries baked to perfection.
📍 Companio, 35 Radium St, Ancoats, M4 6AD.
5. See an entertaining show at Hope Mill Theatre
If you’re looking to get your culture fix, head over towards the Etihad Stadium, east of Ancoats, where you’ll find Hope Mill Theatre. Inspired by the Off West End Theatres and smaller theatre venues of London, Hope Mill Theatre is a small, intimate space that plays host to talented performers that take to its stage. From original operas to cracking comedies, moving musicals to gripping plays, you’ll find a host of shows to suit your preferences at this theatre, which has previously won ‘Fringe Venue of the Year’.
📍 Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard Street, M4 7JA.
6. Discover the latest pop-up at Ancoats General Store
As well as being home to all the household staples you could possibly need as well as post office, Ancoats General Store also houses a roster of foodie pop-ups to spice up your midday meal. Showcasing some of the best of Manchester’s street food, it’s a chance for small businesses to get their name out there and for locals to discover a brand new cuisine. From Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine to sushi and katsu sandos, Ancoats General Store is not just a spot for necessities but also a stepping stone for pop-ups, with some going on to open their own premises.
📍 Ancoats General Store, corner of 57 Great Ancoats St, Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5AB.
7. Wine down with a glass of vino at KERB
KERB in Ancoats is the place to be if you love a cold glass of natural wine, with plenty on offer – including wine on tap. Offering a curated selection of natural wines, you can shop beautiful creations from homegrown producers of England & Wales, as well as hand-picked winemakers across Europe (and beyond). The cute wine bar and shop offers casual wine tastings and chilled out events, all free to attend, too. The wine tastings at KERB are also the perfect opportunity to sample a range of wines without having to commit to one bottle or glass on the menu like in a restaurant.
📍 Kerb Wine, 04 Henry St, Ancoats, M4 5DD.
8. Wander around Asian supermarket Wing Yip
To those in the know, Wing Yip is an emporium of oriental cuisine, stocking everything from noodles and rice, to dried mushrooms and jackfruit. A lap around will teach you more than you ever knew about Asian food and culture, with at least half of the store being generally unknown in English cuisine, from dried chrysanthemum to all the canned jackfruit you could ever need.
Wing Yip not only caters for many types of diet, but also stocks some really cute kitchenware such as bowls, chopsticks and woks. There’s also an authentic Chinese restaurant called Glamorous sitting above Wing Yip, which brings that same no-nonsense approach to Chinese food, with so much to offer on their extensive menu.
📍 Wing Yip, Oldham Rd, Ancoats, M4 5HU.
9. Cosy up with some comfort food at The Edinburgh Castle
The stunning pub that is The Edinburgh Castle provides a romantic, up-market setting that’s great for date night thanks to its low lighting. Boasting plenty of wooden elements from furniture to wall panelling which give off a deep, rich colour to the space, The Edinburgh Castle is the perfect place to cosy up with a pint as well as tuck into British dishes such as posh fish and chips, aged duck, bangers and mash and more.
📍 The Edinburgh Castle, 17-19 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5AW.
10. Watch a dazzling concert at Hallé St Peters
Providing a home for the Hallé orchestra’s rehearsals and recordings, this elegant space is a unique venue hosting an array of concerts, including Candlelight performances. With orchestration and classical notes running through its veins, Hallé St Peter’s provides the perfect setting for talented musicians to recreate the works of great composers, modern-day icons, and unforgettable film scores. The Grade II-listed concert hall is not only a marvellous space to hear musical performances but it is also boasts a cafe with an outdoor seating area that overlooks the pedestrianised Cutting Room Square.
📍 Hallé St Peters, 40 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6BF.
11. Feast on a Sunday roast, brunch and more at Elnecot
A relaxed but fancy place that’s particularly popular for weekend brunch, Elnecot is a small, industrial spot that serves cocktails, small plates and brunch. The name comes from the first name for Ancoats, ‘elnecot’ meaning ‘lonely cottages’, however with a top Sunday roast the place is so popular that it’s unlikely that you’ll feel lonely. The main menu features a number of British dishes and a brunch menu which takes a more casual approach with highlights such as green eggs and ham and wild mushrooms on sourdough toast.
📍 Elnecot, Cutting Room Square, 41 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6AJ.
12. Indulge in chocolatey treats from Cocoa Cabana
For all the chocoholics out there, be sure to make a bee-line for Ancoats chocolatiers Cocoa Cabana. The chocolate cafe serves up a chocolate-themed afternoon tea that is the ultimate sweet treat as well as unreal hot chocolates, including an Augustus Gloop-inspired one. A range of artisan chocolates and truffles are available to purchase from their beautifully presented chocolate counter, all hand-painted with edible paints for a beautiful finish. The pink-clad sugary paradise also becomes tapas bar Maricarmen later in the day, with a delicious selection of dishes available.
📍 Cocoa Cabana, 7 Murray Street, M4 6HS.
13. Treat yourself to a Michelin-star meal at Mana
Ancoats is definitely the place for eating and you can even make it fancy as the neighbourhood is home to the city’s one and only Michelin-star restaurant, Mana. Opening back in 2018 on Blossom Street, Mana has held its star since it was in its infancy – receiving it just one year into the business and becoming Manchester’s first Michelin Star in over 40 years. The British restaurant creates stunning dishes made using the finest produce found on the Isles, from seafood and beef to the finest, locally-sourced vegetables. If you’re after a place to dine in Ancoats for a special occasion, Mana is likely to wow both with presentation, service and flavour.
📍 Mana, 42 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 6BF.
14. Get the pints in at The Crown and Kettle
Another award-winning spot in Ancoats is The Crown and Kettle. Named one of the best boozers in the North West, The Crown and Kettle is one of the oldest pubs in the city and is famed for its lovely windows and historic ceiling. Built in 1736, it’s survived just about everything in that time and the closest The Crown & Kettle has come to complete closure was when it fell victim to an arson attack. The fire nearly destroyed the pub in 1989 and has lead to create a unique appearance for the pub with one half of the ceiling was kept in its charred state, while the other remains in its original colours.
📍 The Crown and Kettle, 2 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, M4 5FE.
15. Plod around Pollard Yard
Located on the Ancoats border is Pollard Yard, a group of shipping containers that are home to a number of independent businesses. As well as being a co-working space for freelancers and start-ups, you can discover a few bits and bobs for you to take home and enjoy. Peruse around the yard and you’ll find the likes of The Palms Bakery, famous for their shaggy cakes, Gold Rain Tattoo for that brand new tattoo you’ve been hesitating to get and The Photocove for a photo shoot.
📍 Pollard Yard, 15 Pollard Street East, M40 7QX.