Where to spend your staycation in Manchester

Start your staycation with a bottomless brunch. Crazy Pedro’s loves to party and gets it cranked up early, with as much frozen margarita (or bubbles, or even Hooch, if you’re feeling retro), along with as many slices of fine pizza as you can shovel in. You’ll be surrounded by colourful street art, quirky decor and illuminated neon signage as you fuel up ready for a day discovering Manchester. There are two branches of the restaurant in the city, but we recommend you hit up the one in the Northern Quarter. If you’re not already familiar with it, you’ll find this eclectic area of Manchester fascinating, with its independent and vintage shops, bars and cafes. The Northern Quarter is the perfect place to begin your staycation.

Head to the Castlefield area, near to Deansgate, to take in the sun beside the city’s famous Rochdale Canal. Here you’ll find Dukes 92, one of the most visited bars in Manchester, housed in a former Victorian warehouse. Inside is sleek and sassy with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and industrial-style lighting. Outside is always buzzing and the cocktails are forever flowing, especially come the summer months. Watch the on-water activity as you tuck into the popular Sunday roast and have a think about whether you’d like to hire a vessel, or perhaps try a spot of SUP, yourself. Dukes 92 is close to the Museum of Science and Industry, so be sure to pay a visit to this pre-eminent city attraction showcasing Manchester’s unique heritage, while you’re in the neighbourhood.

Want to be beside the water, but a little further away from the centre of the city? Take the bus to Greenfield, where publicans Mark and Sue welcome patrons to their family-run establishment on the banks of the Huddersfield Canal. The stone-built pub dates from the early 19th century, when it served the navvies cutting the nearby Standedge Tunnel. Now it’s all about homemade fresh food for 21st century punters. The Navigation Inn is dog-friendly, making it a handy stop-in for staycation walkers needing to sate their thirst or hunger while out exploring the local paths and parks. Plan ahead and book if possible, as The Navigation Inn gets very busy.

Another option for those wishing to venture away from the skyscrapers and traffic, is Oaklands Hall. Originally a grand residence, erected in 1838, this stately home was later purchased for use as a Masonic Hall in October 1924, but went on to be renovated and extended to include an Orangery and a wedding function suite. It’s open to the public for meals, and is located in Godley, opposite the reservoir and St Vincent Park, handy for peaceful strolls. Book for lunch and you can savour the likes of roast topside of beef, spring leg of lamb, confit duck with fondant potatoes, tandoori salmon and panko cauliflower in katsu sauce. The restaurant is open every Sunday from noon to 4pm.

Salford Quays is a great shout for a few hours of your staycation, as there’s so much to do in a small space. And on a sunny day, the waterfront area feels almost continental. Up the ante with these overseas vibes by dining at Turtle Bay. This Caribbean-inspired restaurant has all the sights, sounds and flavours of the tropics, so much so, it’ll have you feeling as if you’ve jetted off on a long-haul holiday, but without the hefty price tag. Once you’ve had your fill of jerk chicken, rum and reggae music, you can check out the local area; take a guided or a self-drive boat tour from the Quays, visit The Lowry (an iconic art gallery) or the Imperial War Museum North. Then again, you may prefer to just splash some cash in the mall’s boutiques.

The weather forecast is predicting rain? That’s no problem when you’re staycationing in Manchester. Sure, it’s nice to get out in the open, but this city does culture to the max and you don’t need the outside for that; there’s a whole world to be explored behind doors here. HOME is one such venue that’ll have you occupied for hours, nay, days, if you want to be. There are indie film showings in the cinema and groundbreaking theatre and art exhibitions all happening under one roof, as well as a book store and three separate places to eat and drink. If you’re in on a Monday or Tuesday evening, take advantage of The Reel Deal: the pizza, drinks and movie package. Or if visiting Home by day, opt for The Worker’s Lunch deal in the first floor restaurant (you can book a table in advance for this eatery).

Fancy a flutter on your mini-break? Take yourself along to Napoleons Casino in the city centre, where you can play Blackjack, Roulette and Three Card Poker, as well as electronic slot machines and video poker, while imagining you’re in Vegas, or a Bond movie. There’s also a dedicated poker room that hosts regular tournaments and cash games if that’s your thing. In addition to its gaming facilities, Napoleons Casino in Manchester has a stylish bar and restaurant for cocktails, beer, wine and a menu of contemporary British cuisine made using locally sourced ingredients.

Manchester is certainly a party city. And if you want to boogie with the best of them, we have the inside track on where you’re most likely to rub shoulders with celebs and a designer crowd. Chinawhite is the elite London nightclub brand — Kate Moss, Tom Cruise, Jemma Kidd, Jude Law and Prince Harry have all got their groove on here at one time or another — and you can get in on the action at the Manchester property. After all, you don’t have to get up for work in the morning. The opulent space is unlike your average club; it features terracotta warriors, oriental artworks and ornate carvings. Book a VIP bespoke booth or a table, dress to the nines and sashay on down for your night out at Chinawhite in Deansgate.

Boasting four AA Rosettes, a recommendation in the 2021 Michelin Guide and 11th place in the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2020, this restaurant comes from a North-Western chef who’s twice won TV’s Great British Menu. So it’s very much the place to come if you want to experience the finest cuisine Manchester has to offer. It’s also found in one of its poshest pads (The Midland Hotel) and has welcomed many famous faces through the doors. Reid’s menus are defined as modern and British in essence, showcasing organic, hand-picked produce. Book for the signature tasting menu with wine pairings for the full experience.

Why not dine with a 360-degree, birds’ eye view of the city at 20 Stories? Set in the funky Spinningfields neighbourhood (a wander around is a must for your visit), it serves five-course tasting menus by Executive Chef Daniel Scott, a la carte options, lunches and afternoon teas. Dine inside and gaze at the glittering skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or perch under your own pergola on the al fresco terrace for a romantic and unforgettable meal at a dizzying height.

Leaving via Piccadilly? Have one final meal before you board the train. Bundobust landed in 2021 and has proven popular, opening in multiple locations. This one close to the station is ideal if you’re following a plant-based diet, as all of the dishes are vegan and veggie-friendly. Plus a curry before heading home is a Mancunian tradition, so you’ll be making like the natives. If there are a few of you dining, order a bunch of the tapas dishes, so you can try as much of this tasty Gujarati-style street food as possible in a single sitting. And wash it down with some craft beer; as well as being a restaurant, Bundobust is a brewery, so do try the house taps.

For a delightful weekend staycation in Manchester, La Bandera beckons with its warm ambiance and authentic Spanish dishes and drinks. Situated in the heart of the city, yet hidden on a side street, this charming restaurant offers a culinary journey through Spain’s diverse regions, showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. From traditional tapas to hearty paellas, each dish is crafted with care and expertise, transporting diners to the sun-drenched streets of Spain.

The head chef, Canarian Ruben del Villar uses the best local and Spanish ingredients to design their menu. Some of our favourite small plates at La Bandera include the baked aubergines in a tomato sauce with grated melted cheese, traditional Canarian white grilled cheese Canarian mojos and honey, patatas bravas, and Galician octopus. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a weekend of exploration, La Bandera invites you to experience the warmth and hospitality of Spain right here in Manchester for an unforgettable staycation.

For an unforgettable weekend staycation in Manchester, look no further than Six by Nico Spring Gardens, a hotspot in the heart of the city. Led by the innovative chef Nico Simeone, this restaurant redefines the traditional concept of dining by introducing a dynamic and ever-evolving six-course tasting menu, each inspired by a different theme.

From inventive dishes inspired by themes such as ‘Childhood’ or ‘The Chippie,’ each course is a masterpiece of flavour and creativity, promising a gastronomic adventure that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in a memorable dining experience during your staycation, Six by Nico Spring Gardens offers the perfect blend of sophistication, culinary excellence, and ambiance to elevate your weekend getaway in Manchester to new heights.

Embark on a riveting weekend staycation in Manchester by discovering the delights of Elnecot, an inviting modern British restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. Situated in the vibrant Ancoats neighbourhood, Elnecot offers a warm and welcoming ambiance, making it the perfect home base for your getaway. Indulge in inventive dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of modern British cuisine with a creative twist.

Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Elnecot’s menu offers something to please every palate. The menu changes often, but they have served dishes such as disco cabbage, the loaded roasties, cinderwood squash mochi, and the Winter sunchoke. After a day of exploring Manchester’s cultural attractions, return to Elnecot to unwind with a handcrafted cocktail or a pint of local craft beer in the cosy yet stylish surroundings. With its friendly service and delicious food, Elnecot invites you to relax, recharge, and make the most of your weekend staycation in Manchester.

For a weekend staycation in Manchester you should pay a visit to one of the best pizzeria in Manchester, Double Zero Neapolitan Pizza. Nestled in Chorlton, South Manchester, but with a new restaurant in the Northern Quarter, this charming pizzeria transports guests to the streets of Naples with its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. From the moment you step inside, the aroma of freshly baked dough and savoury toppings fills the air, setting the stage for a mouth-watering meal.

Their dough is made on-site daily using only 4 ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. Their wood-fired pizza ovens are all the way from Naples and allow this independent restaurant to Chorlton to make amazing and delicious Neapolitan pizzas. The lively atmosphere of Double Zero provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones during your staycation. Pair your pizza with a glass of fine wine or a refreshing craft beer from the restaurant’s curated selection.

For a delightful weekend staycation in Manchester, look no further than a trip to Evuna – a charming Spanish restaurant in the bustling Northern Quarter that promises to whisk you away to the sun-kissed shores of Spain without leaving the city. Indulge in a culinary journey through Spain with Evuna’s authentic tapas dishes, featuring everything from succulent chorizo to melt-in-your-mouth patatas bravas.

Pair your meal with a glass of fine Spanish wine from Evuna’s extensive collection, curated to complement the flavours of each dish. After a day of exploring the city’s sights and attractions, go to Evuna to unwind in the restaurant’s cosy surroundings.