"If it’s ice cream that’s tickling your taste-buds, climb the staircase in Afflecks to the first floor to discover the most eclectic selection of flavours imaginable. Chances are that you’ve seen Ginger’s ice cream van at one of the city’s many events, festivals or markets, but for an ice-cream hit whenever you fancy, their base in Afflecks is a dessert lover’s heaven. With flavours including baked apple sorbet, black treacle and parkin, and the iconic Chorlton crack, you’re not going to find bland vanilla here."
"One of the best ice cream parlours in Manchester, Ginger's Comfort Emporium is a Northern Quarter favourite handing out dairy and vegan scoops all year round. With specials including Campari and coconut, Eccles cake and Chorlton Crack (peanut butter and salted caramel), these frozen spoonfuls are always at their best when served in sandwich form. We all scream for these quirky ice cream sandwiches."
"Products sourced from local producers, Ginger’s is on the first floor of Afflecks which means it’s already cool – and that’s before trying the ice cream. Like Gino’s, they have loads of stuff to suit your ice cream needs including dairy-free ice cream. Be sure to try the Chorlton Crack."
"Gino’s is the newbie on Market Street, a small parlour that channels Italy from the music to the ingredients used in the gelato that’s made fresh every day. Tuck into the smooth Ferrero Rocher or the refreshing classic strawberry gelato – or any of the fabulous flavours – in a tub, cone, on a waffle, in a milkshake or even on a pancake."
"Regarded highly by CAMRA as one of the best local pubs (on numerous occasions, we should add), the Prairie Schooner Taphouse on Flixton Road features a selection of hand-pulled ales and craft kegs on tap. Not only that, but you can also buy a selection of bottled and canned beers from all over the world to take home with you."
"Beginning life as a cupcake company, And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon still serves freshly baked, hand decorated desserts, from layered cakes to brownies, in its charming little tearoom. As well as selling delicious treats, this café serves a popular afternoon tea/brunch, from Thursdays to Sundays. A little different from other locations, And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon requires advanced booking, but you can expect generous portions and typical English scones and cakes for an alternative style brunch."
"An all-time foodie favourite Dish and Spoon is A-class in every way. Their cakes cover all flavours from chocolate honeycomb to toffee apple to raspberry and rose. The buttercream is light and the layers of sponge are… there’s no other way to say it….moist."
"It is a place where you can eat both delicious and quality cakes. Have you tasted the wet cakes?. If the answer is no, you should try it."
"Idle Hands is one for the real coffee enthusiasts, you can always guarantee a solid coffee line-up here, regularly hosting a variety of roasters. Ask for a recommendation, you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy your brew in their beautiful plant-filled surroundings and don’t forget to order a slice of pie on the side – the best sweet pie you’ll ever eat."
"Located on Dale Street, on the outskirts of the vibrant Northern Quarter, Idle Hands is one of our favourite spots to dive inside when the rain starts to fall. The kitchen puts out unbeatable pies and delicious brunch food, while the bar sells natural wine and craft beer alongside coffee from ever-changing roasters."
"With a “cool-classroom”-vibe, plants and huge windows to let in tons of natural light – Idle Hands is another must-visit speciality coffee shop in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. One thing I love about their coffees is that there is always a choice between different roasters. And they change constantly!"