Places to visit on a foodie break in Manchester

Start your morning with a visit to RHS Bridgewater, formerly the estate of Worsley New Hall in Salford. Take a stroll through the Chinese Streamside Garden, which was created with the help of the local Chinese community; or lose yourself in the maze-like Worsley Welcome Garden. Make sure to visit The Blue Peter Garden, which was previously displayed at the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower show.

Lace up your walking shoes and prepare for a moveable feast that takes you through the streets of Manchester with a Scranchester food tour . Enjoy multiple tastings at different eateries across the city, while your friendly and knowledgeable guide fills you in on the secrets and history of Manchester and England’s culinary heritage.

Rated as one of the top places to visit in the city, take a whisky tasting experience at this popular independent Spirit of Manchester distillery. Enjoy a glass of their One Point Six English Single-Malt Whisky before touring the distillery to learn about the whisky making process. Afterward, go into a spirit tasting session to experience the product at different stages of making.

Soak up Art Deco vibes at Hotel Gotham. Formerly a historic bank building, its opulent interiors promise a stylish and memorable stay. Enjoy cocktails on the rooftop bar or even take afternoon tea at Honey, it’s two-AA Rosette-awarded restaurant. The 60 rooms and suites are filled with luxury – with rich linen, brass fittings and leather linings. Soothe your muscles underneath the monsoon shower before getting ready for your evening.

In the mood for an American-style night out? There’s no compromise at Diecast, a former factory where you can chow down on Brooklyn-style pizzas by Leno ex Machina and hot dogs and steak by the Warehouse Grill. Head to the Beer Hall to dance the night away with the house band providing live music while sipping on craft beer or frozen daiquiris.

Grab a quick breakfast and catch the bus (30 minutes away) to Old Trafford, one of the world’s most famous football club stadiums. Its guided tour takes you around the home of Manchester United and gives you a sneak peak at the players' areas and access to the Museum. See the hallowed pitch, walk the tunnel like the heroes of old, and learn the stories of club legends' stories including David Beckham and the Busby Babes.

You’ve heard of beer crawls – but have you ever been on a cheese crawl? A must-do for turophiles (aka cheese-lovers), the Manchester Cheese Crawl takes you on a tasting journey at different venues around the city. Sample different varieties, meet cheesemongers for advice on the best pairings and even play fun games along the way.

Work off those calories and get into the competitive spirit with some grown-up sports at Boom Battle Bar. Unleash your inner Viking with a round of axe-throwing (please note, you can’t drink alcohol before or during this activity) or opt for a game of augmented reality darts (you can drink during this!). Fancy something a little more chilled out? You can challenge your partner to a game of American pool or shuffleboard. Keep those hunger pangs at bay with dirty fries and street food!

Take a short stroll to Chinatown and see what takes your fancy for dinner. As well as Chinese eateries, you will find Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese food. Head to Yum Cha for delicious dumplings and dim sum, or if you want to experience new spins on Vietnamese favourites like summer rolls and, check out Pho Cue. Slurp a fruit-infused bubble tea at OHAYO Tea.

Don’t be fooled by its remarkable resemblance to a laundrette – The Washhouse is one of Manchester’s top places to enjoy a cocktail – and it’s by booking only! This Instagrammable hideaway features a unique way of entering. Emerge into a hedonistic playground with live DJs and a cocktail menu that rivals the last days of disco. It brings a whole new meaning to the term, “doing my laundry”.