Best & Cool Bars in Old Trafford

"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."

"A great choice for Indian street food and craft beers, Bundobust never disappoints. Think okra fries, bhaji butties and paneer tikka washed down with drinks from natural wines and IPAs to quirky cocktails."

"A Manchester staple, Albert's Schloss known for traditional German food and pilsner beers. While many people flock to this restaurant for dinner and live music, you can't pass up the chance to try their breakfast. Their Bavarian-inspired dishes made fresh in their cook haus may be the centrepiece of the meal."

"Albert Schloss is a bavarian-style bar located on Peter Street, between Deansgate and St Peter Square. It’s a very cool place to go for a drink or food in the evening. They often have live music and people are usually dancing everywhere!"

"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."

"There are several spaces in the restaurant that each have their own vibe. I loved this ‘greenhouse’ inside the restaurant."

"A huge rooftop drinking and dining destination is due to appear on the top of First Street’s Q carpark later this year. When completed, the 11,000 square foot tropical sky garden will feature three bars and eight different food stalls to choose from."

"There’s a no-fuss vibe at Habesha Manchester which serves authentic Ethiopian food. To get there you have to climb a spiral staircase inside a fried chicken shop but fear not, it’s all part of the experience. There are no desserts or starters, just £2 Ethiopian beers and £7 flatbreads piled with a choice of beef, chicken, lamb or veg curry."

"Hidden above a kebab shop near Canal Street is not the usual place to find a great dining spot, but you’ve got it in Habesha. This Etheopian restaurant is cheap, friendly and filling. Spicy stews are serve on a traditional shared injera (like a giant sourdough flatbread), which diners then use to scoop up sauces with their hands."

"Have you ever found yourself wanting to try out Ethiopian food?. Possibly not, but once you’ve read this you might. Manchester is home to the Habesha restaurant – the only Ethiopian food restaurant in the city."

"A unique, family owned art café where you can get creative whilst enjoying a fresh, locally sourced menu. Paint, stitch or sculpt as you enjoy a craft ale or artisan coffee and homemade cake – you will enjoy it as much as the kids!. A clay imprint of your family’s handprints could be the perfect souvenir of your trip."

"A Tafford Centre pit stop isn’t the same without some warm topped cookie dough!. My Cookie Dough has reopened at the shopping centre – returning with a large list of flavours to try from Red Velvet to Fudge & Honeycomb (which you can customise by adding your own choice of toppings and ice cream). My Cookie Dough also launched a Build Your Own kit which you can have delivered straight to your doorstep containing all the ingredients you need to make enjoy your My Cookie Dough experience at home."

"My Cookie Dough has a seriously committed following, judging by the crowds at its Manchester Arndale stall (it recently opened another at the Trafford Centre too). Big dollops of dough are baked until warm and crispy, but still soft enough to dip into with a spoon, then loaded with various sauces and toppings. Indulgent flavours include red velvet and Nutella, white chocolate and raspberry, Oreo, fudge and honeycomb, Biscoff, and coconut chocolate."

"Taking the humble traybake to new heights, My Cookie Dough is among the best dessert shops in Manchester. Their Slutty Brownie stacks are a mouthwatering mess of chocolate brownie, crushed Oreos and their house cookie mix, served up as chunky slabs and coated in a hefty drizzle of Nutella. With locations at both the Trafford Centre and the Arndale, you won't have to travel far to get your hands on these bad boys."

"As someone with a sweet tooth, this list would not be complete without a dessert recommendation. Their outlet on Great Horton Road is just a few minutes away from the campus gym, which sounds to me like great motivation to work out!. They offer a wide selection of waffles, cookie dough, shakes and of course, gelato."

"Working hours: From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM(Hours or availability may differ due to COVID-19). Address: 25-27 Tyrrel Street - BD1 1RU. Delivery:FREE (Collection & Delivery )"