Best & Cool Bars in Norden

"This Indian eatery first opened in Leeds but has now expanded to become a chain of three, including one branch located in Manchester’s Piccadilly. Hidden down a set of stairs in a basement off an unassuming city centre street, this place might be hard to find, but it’s worth searching for. Most dishes are vegan, including the newly launched for 2020 vada pav burger, which consists of a deep-fried mashed potato ball, red and green chutneys and deep-fried (spicy) green chilli, all in a vegan-friendly bun."

"In February 2020 BC (before Covid) we got all excited with a visit to their about-to-open second Manchester branch on Oxford Road but it remains closed as we pine for a cold beer and a hot bhaji on a long table more than ever. We’ll have to make do with Deliveroo for now. It’s all veggie, as existing fans will know, but vegans have plenty to love from the iconic vada pav to the famous broccoli, kale and onion bhajis."

"Originally created by chef Dominique Ansel in New York, the croissant-doughnut hybrid (cronut) caught everyone’s imaginations and spawned a succession of homages. The Alberts Schloss take on the sweet pastry is an utter delight, freshly baked in-house with a range of tempting flavours including chocolate gateaux and salted caramel with popcorn. This week, to tie-in with royal wedding fever, try the Eton mess: a golden sugar kronut with strawberry jam, vanilla cream, glazed strawberries, meringue kisses and fresh mint."

"Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 5QR - Visit now. A self-confessed ‘bohemian pleasure palace’ taking over the ground floor of established music venue the Albert Hall. The ornate building is a former Wesleyan Chapel built over a century ago."

"Housed inside the beautifully grand Principle hotel on Oxford Road, the Refuge is one of Manchester’s most stylish hangouts. The clientele ranges from touring rock stars to local fashion bloggers, all sipping on delicious cocktails and relaxing among the beautiful décor. If you want to really nail that Instagram shot, take a seat in the winter garden and ask your companion to photograph you beside one of the fairy-light lit trees."

"The stunning transformation of the former restaurant at the Palace Hotel (now the Principal) by DJ duo The Unabombers as The Refuge in 2016 is heaped with praise in the guide. It says: “The duo are experts at creating venues that are simultaneously hip, stylish and unpretentious in a generously northern way. The Refuge is as much a destination for a family Sunday roast as it is a late-night cool kids’ hang-out."

"The Refuge, Oxford Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7HA - Visit now. Looking something a little more upmarket?. You need the raved-about Refuge by Volta at The Principal Manchester (formerly known as the Palace Hotel) on Oxford Road."

"Lime Bar and Restaurant, located at The Lowry Outlet Mall, features a large outdoor terrace looking out over Salford Quays. The venue offers a drinks menu including cocktails like Lemon Cheesecake - Limoncello, Pinot Frangelico, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon and gingerbread syrup, shaken with cream; Toblerone - Baileys, Frangelico, Kahlua, butterscotch Schnapps with cream; and Mango and Chilli Margarita - chili infused tequila, chili syrup, mango puree and lime. Call 0161 869 0440 or email randal@limeuk.com."

"Located in the hub of Salford Quays, Lime Restaurant and Bar is a brilliant all-day affordable restaurant in Manchester that's sure to satisfy any hunger pangs. Whether you're looking for a light bite, lunchtime dish, dinner feast or pre-theatre plate, you'll find it all at this vibrant spot."

"Perfect for anyone with green fingers, the Allotment is undoubtedly a completely unique place to eat in Manchester, styled as a botanical garden. The fresh vibe of the airy venue extends to the cocktail and food menu, with both being made up of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices. Guests can enjoy a healthy salad, sink their teeth around a hearty sandwich and even share a platter of seasonal food with their friends."

"If yiou fancy a country escape but can't get out of the city, this is the quirky restart in Manchester for you. Join Allotment for botanical-inspired cocktails and rustic British plates while relaxing against a backdrop of foliage, wooden plots and gardening tools."

"Allotment is just a really cute place to have a meal and take a few snaps as you recline in rustic interiors surrounded by beautiful botany."

"Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Manchester, M1 1DF - Visit now. Though the bar has been around for a while, and during the day Soup Kitchen is a decent place to go to for a Northern Quarter, communal-style lunch, the recent redevelopment of Soup Kitchen’s basement space has monopolised the city’s truly great music and club gigs of late. As a room, it’s a little bit dingy, but it more than comes to life when there are 150 people stuffed inside, all clamouring for a view of the latest hype band – though venue owners please note: the grim, unisex toilets go a fair way in dulling any musical enjoyment."

"Not only does Fress have a well-rounded menu for breakfast lovers, but it’s also extremely well presented. A bit of a hidden gem on Oldham Street, Fress features sophisticated, Subway-inspired decor, with golden touches giving it a more contemporary look. The menu is inspired by everyone’s favourite comfort foods, with well-portioned plates such as the full English, a cheeseburger toastie, waffles, pancakes and their absolutely massive brioche french toast."

"There’s no doubt Fress is best-known for its mouth-watering comfort food, bottomless brunches, and indulgent sweet treats, but did you know you can also pop in to grab a takeaway coffee of your choice this weekend too?"

"🍰 Pancakes, brownies, a selection of freshly made (huge!) cakes, and even mocktail bubble waffles. Whatever you choose, everything is seriously indulgent."

"It is one of the city’s main parks and was given to the City of Bradford by Samuel Cunliffe Lister, who built Lister’s Mill. The park has been effectively reconditioned in recent years. The lake has been re-opened for boats and a Mughal Water Garden constructed."

"About: Cute, kitsch and cosy - Hey Little Cupcake is a super-sweet cupcakery and tea room serving Manchester's finest selection of freshly baked Cupcakes, Cakepops and Brownies. Treats can either be ordered to take-away or enjoyed in the cafe's cosy in or outdoor seating areas. The mini bite-sized cupcakes are perfect for a spontaneous treat."

"This week we launch the Easter Collection… here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come. #HeyLittleCupcake#Easter#Cupcakepic.twitter.com/YS1ZL46gEi. — Hey Little Cupcake!"

"As the name suggests, their small cupcakes are really delicious. Like New York’s famous cupcakes. They create a work of art."

"Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Manchester, M1 1DF - Visit now. Though the bar has been around for a while, and during the day Soup Kitchen is a decent place to go to for a Northern Quarter, communal-style lunch, the recent redevelopment of Soup Kitchen’s basement space has monopolised the city’s truly great music and club gigs of late. As a room, it’s a little bit dingy, but it more than comes to life when there are 150 people stuffed inside, all clamouring for a view of the latest hype band – though venue owners please note: the grim, unisex toilets go a fair way in dulling any musical enjoyment."

"St. Ann’s Church is a Grade I listed, 18th century temple located in front of St. Ann’s Square, at the heart of Manchester’s shopping district, where the fashionable shopping avenues of New Cathedral Street and Barton Arcade converge. The church was consecrated at this spot in 1712, when Manchester was little more than a rural parish town. Named after St. Anne, the church’s shortened name is a reference to Lady Ann Bland who was its first patron."