Pre-gig, post-festival: Best food spots in Manchester in the Northern Quarter
Manchester doesn’t do summer quietly.
From Parklife taking over Heaton Park in June through to a solid run of arena nights and Northern Quarter gigs across the season, there’s barely a weekend without something on. And whatever you’ve got a ticket for, you need somewhere to eat before you head in. That’s where we come in.
We’re right in the middle of the Northern Quarter on High Street, which means we’re a few minutes from the action whichever way you’re going. Heading to the arena for the night? Get a proper feed in first so you’re not surviving on overpriced venue food. Spent the day at Heaton Park and need to put yourself back together before the journey home? We’ve got you. The NQ is the natural meeting point for all of it, and we’re an easy spot to land in.
When the sun’s out, grab one of the tables outside and watch the Northern Quarter do its thing.
There’s no better people-watching in the city, and a cold drink in hand makes it even better. If you’d rather be inside, that’s sorted too, but on a good day the outdoor seats go fast.
The food is the same as it’s always been, which is to say exactly what you want before a big night. Go straight for a Famous burger and don’t skimp on the extras. The Phoenix is a proper plateful if you’re after something with a bit of fire to it. If you’re with a group and want to share, pile the table with Winning Fries, bacon bacon fries, buttermilk fried chicken and whatever else catches your eye, and you’ll all walk out sorted. It travels well into a long evening, which is the whole point.
On the drinks front we’ve got beers to keep things easy and cocktails when you want to push the boat out a bit. A round before the gig sets the tone, and there’s no judgement if you decide the pre-show drink turns into staying for a second.
Here’s the practical bit. We’re open Monday through Sunday, with later hours on Friday and Saturday when the city’s at its busiest, so we line up neatly with most gig nights.