Manchester has serious foodie-boozy credentials that could seriously give the Capital a run for its money. So if you fancy a weekend of fun and frivolity but don't wanna scoot off overseas, a Mancunian mini break will prove the city has far more to offer than the Arndale Centre, a pleasing to the eye cathedral and chiselled football players. Sharing is caring and all that malarkey, so I've curated a few of my favourite hotspots, to bring you the best places to drink, dine and sleep in Manchester.
- IMAGE: Tattu
This hidden gem is a stylish foodie's paradise in Manchester's uber trendy Spinningfiels and boasts stunning tattoo art inspired decor, incredible modern Chinese food, exceptional service, experimental exotic cocktails and a four meter high pink cherry blossom tree - which you can dine under (if you're lucky to nab such sought after tables). The tree itself is real and consists of hand made cherry blossoms meticulously attached to each tiny branch, resulting in a breathtaking visual effect guaranteed to impress even the most fussiest dining companions. Tattu's dim sum selection is divine, the melt-in-the-mouth Saffron Miso Black Cod may cause you to weep with joy and the Caramel Soy Beef Fillet can only really be described as worthy of a death row inmate's last meal. Be sure to finish your meal off with one of Tattu's exquisite herbal teas - we recommend the blissful Coconut Noir black tea and the terrifically tart Red Berry and Hibiscus blend.
- IMAGE: Australasia
Manchester's most talked about restaurant has been frequented by the celebrity likes of David and Victoria Beckham, Liv Tyler, Paloma Faith and a few of the lads from the Manchester United football team. The decor is effortlessly chic and achingly cool - you enter the restaurant via an artistic geometric-style basement opening in the street, before entering a buzzy dining room and separate bar area - complete with a tune savvy DJ to get everyone in the mood for pre munch mingling. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine, which involves an exciting combination of Indonesian, European and Japanese influences, and you are encouraged by charming waiting staff to choose a selection of small plates to share. Sushi lovers will devour the decedent Tuna Roll with Green Apple and Kimchi, whereas those in search of something hearty will be awestruck by the Roast Lamb accompanied by green peas, confit lamb, goats cheese and basil jus.
- IMAGE: Artisan
This spacious, 12, 000 square foot concrete warehouse is the perfect space to enjoy a couple of post dinner drinks late into the night. the venue is known for its back-to-basics style of cooking - serving fresh from the fire pizzas, fish and meats along with craft beers from around the world and charismatic cocktails such as the zesty Grapefruit and Berry - a marvellous medley of blueberries, Tanqueray, grapefruit, raspberry and lemon. Exotic cocktail conoseurs will be more enamoured with the dreamy Passion Fruit and Pomegranate Sling, which consists of pomegranate seeds, passion fruit shrub, Ketel One Vodka and Passoa - a punchy passion fruit french liquor. The venue is regularly frequented by those with an eye (and ear) for the sublime as it is adorned with various artworks by renowned contemporary artists and regularly hosts art events and live music shenanigans. Go with a gaggle of your best friends for late night boozing in a non pretentious lively atmosphere, or for a sexy nightcap and nibble with a lover before retiring for the night.
For a conveniently located snooze... The Hilton Doubletree
- IMAGE: Hilton / Matthew D. Shaw
One of the benefits of this elegant home from home is its splendidly convenient location - just a stones throw away from Manchester Piccadilly train station and approximately 10 minutes walk to the city centre. After checking in and watching your luggage merrily carted off to your room by smiley bellboys, you'll be presented with a freshly baked (still warm!) welcome cookie, which we think is the best welcoming idea ever concocted by a hotel. Ever. Welcome drink? Gah! We'd rather take the gooey, chocolate chip cookie thank you very much. Craft ales, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages can be downed in the sexy Urban bar - perfect for washing down their extensive gourmet burger selection. The bedrooms are plush but not over the top, with outstanding views of the city and 'wow factor,' gleaming bathrooms with large mirrors - perfect for post party preening. And, just in time for the sunny season, the summer roof terrace has recently opened, serving a tempting selection of Mediterranean tapas, ice cold beers, vintage champagne and refreshing cocktails. There's even a fitness room available, full of all the latest booty-toning machinery, so you can work on those glutes before leisurely strolling down for a full English to soak up all of last night's debauchery.
The Hilton Doubletree's summer sale is taking place from now until 4th September, so HHonors members can benefit from a saving of up to 25% at this swanky hotel, with rooms available from as little as £104.25.
