Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Manchester Ship Canal

"Set in Manchester’s glam Spinningfields area with arguably the best views in the entire city, 20 Stories offers outdoor dining and drinking high up in the sky, with glass surrounding to allow for panoramic views. The rooftop terrace can be accessed all year round with a bar right outside for convenience and glorious views of the surrounding blue skies. On a grey day, enjoy the comfort of a canopy made of two-storey high trees, or gather near a fire pit on an evening for an ultra-cosy vibe."

"Featuring sweeping views of the city and an equally mesmerising cocktail menu, 20 Stories’ serene sanctuary in the sky is the perfect place to unwind. Book a table on the rooftop garden terrace for 2 hours and expect a truly magical experience as you tuck into either the a la carte, brunch or terrace menu. If you’d like to visit for just drinks, seats are on a first come first served basis, with the door held once capacity has been met."

"20 Stories, No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now. The new kid on the terrace bar block is 20 Stories – Aiden Byrne’s restaurant and bar at No 1 Spinningfields. A large proportion of this sky-high venue is dedicated to its outdoor terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city from an enviable 19th-storey setting."

"Favourably reviewed by The Guardian’s Jay Rayner, who rated their falafel as a “marvellous thing”, Maray was arguably one of the first Bold Street restaurants to kick-start the Liverpool food revolution of recent years. Serving up small plates inspired by global cuisines, their delectable dishes are now a regular favourite for any Liverpool foodie. From their famous falafel with hummus and tabbouleh, to showstopper plates such as Lebanese cured salmon with cucumber, radish and labneh and those just-pink flat iron steaks with roasted pineapple."

"For small plates and spot-on cocktails, pay a visit to Maray on Bold Street. The buzzing vibe starts here in the afternoon and carries on well into the evening, as friends cosy up in the intimate restaurant digging into burrata, roasted cauliflower with pomegranate and lamb koftas. Arrive early for a seat at the bar and order the Whip Royale – a concoction of cucumber gin, prosecco and fragrant lavender, or keep it classic with a gin and tonic, each perfectly paired with a garnish."

"Maray has several venues across the city serving “small plates inspired by Middle Eastern flavours”, and Time Out says it is taking “plant-based cooking to a whole new level.”. 91 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4HF"

"It’s become such a major part of Liverpool’s culinary identity it is strange to think that Mowgli has only been around for five years or so. Mowgli is all about how Indians eat at home and on their streets, serving healthy fresh food. In addition, the Mowgli Trust has raised nearly three quarters of a million pounds so far, donating to charities including Claire House children’s hospice and The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity."

"Mowgli is often dubbed as one of the city’s best restaurants with venues both on Water Street and Bold Street which are incedibley popular. Mowgli’s Indian home cooking, street food style eating has proved a big hit with scousers and it’s not hard to see why. With inventive dishes, packed with flavour we can’t recommend Mowgli enough."

"This laid-back Piccadilly street food favourite has canteen and booth-style seating, and bespoke artwork nodding to Manchester’s industrial heritage. The informal menu is entirely vegetarian: think spiced okra fries, or bundo chaat, a delightful mixture of crunchy samosa pastry, chickpeas, tamarind chutney and turmeric noodles. An excellent beer list showcases local breweries."

"The home of Indian veggie burgers, paneer tikka and egg burjhis, Bundobust is all about good food. But drinks don't go unnoticed either, with a cracking selection of craft beer for all palates. We're talking cask ales, chai cider and rotational keg lines pouring different kinds of brews."

"If you’re not really into junk food or want a bit more of a special occasion spread for two, head to HOME-X, the new, improved meal box service from Six By Nico. Green Haus is the latest incarnation of HOME-X’s vegan cook-at-home kit. It’s crammed with no less than eight veg-centric vegan dishes from Korean gochujang carrots with edamame bean and hot & sour kimchi to Goan xacuti masala with smoked potato, spinach and snow peas, as well as a pumpkin cake dessert and a bottle of vegan wine."

"Want to treat your date to a tasting menu, but don't have a couple of hundred quid to spare?. Six By Nico serves a remarkably good value six-course menu that costs just £29 - and if you fancy splashing out, you can add a wine flight for an extra £26 each. The menu changes every six weeks, with past themes including a fine dining twist on a fish and chip supper and a Mad Hatter's Tea Party."

"Manchester’s legendary stand-up comedy club remains an ever-popular destination, and has hosted pretty much every big name in comedy over the past 19 years. TripAdvisor reviewers had high praise for the venue’s staff, drinks and hot food offering. Typical reviews include: “Food was good, staff friendly and comedy funny."

"The one you think of when someone says comedy in Manchester. Located on Deansgate Locks, this perfectly placed club offers some of the best stand up in town. Their auditorium set up makes it perfect for stand up."

"14 Coliseum Way Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port CH65 9HD EnglandPizza, Fast FoodDinner, LunchTakeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service, Delivery+44 151 356 7654https://www.pizzahut.co.uk/restaurants/find-a-hut/ellesmere-port/cheshire-oaks/?. utm_source=google&utm_medium=maps&utm_content=cheshire-oaks&utm_campaign=googleplaces"

"Set in the quirky Baltic Triangle area, Dockleaf is the perfect bar to enjoy alfresco drinks. With a stunning rooftop terrace and a botanical downstairs area, it’s one of our favourite beer gardens in Liverpool. This rustic style Liverpool pub is also famous for its delicious food, in particular the ever-popular Sunday Roast Club."

"Check out Dockleaf, the dog-friendly Liverpool restaurant that welcomes pups with free treats and water bowls. Luckily, it also offers plenty of tasty plates for humans too, with a menu that includes hearty roast dinners, vegan burgers and handmade pizzas."

"Dockleaf in the Baltic Triangle have lots of outdoor seating areas for you to sit and enjoy some beautiful food and drinks in the sun. They aren’t taking bookings so just turn up!. View this post on Instagram"

"The Clayton Hall Living History Museum dates back to the 15th century and you will therefore not see the global moated medieval buildings. The Museum is in the Grade II category. Volunteers have restored it back to its original look and it is now open to the public twice a month."

"Dress up as a Victorian, visit several rooms, have lunch in the café, or take part in a guided tour. A really fun way to learn about Victorian and Mancunian history. Highly recommended for children, book, music and history lovers."

"Opened in 2011, the Museum of Liverpool celebrates the city's unique geography, history, and culture using displays related to the port and its people. Collections include period costumes and decorative art, as well as objects representing the city's social and urban history, along with oral testimonies, archaeological material, and photos. The museum is also home to the famous Lion steam engine, built in 1838 and star of the film The Titfield Thunderbolt."

"The Museum of Liverpool, which is housed in a landmark building on the waterfront, opened amid much fanfare in 2011. Although the initial hype may have subsided, this museum, which celebrates the city's unique history and culture, has continued to win awards and to pull in the crowds. Within the museum, you'll find a "Little Liverpool" gallery, featuring hands-on activities to keep children under seven occupied and informed."

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Manchester's Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art will reopen both of its galleries on Wednesday May 19. Exhibitions Multiplicities in Flux and Autopsy of a Home, which originally opened in October, will be back until June 13. Booking is advised at cfcca.org.uk but walk-ups are welcome."

"Contemporary Six – The Gallery is a leading independent art gallery located in the heart of the city centre of Manchester opposite the beautiful Town Hall. Established in 2010 by Alex Reuben, the gallery is known for offering a warm and friendly welcome to art enthusiasts, collectors, and new visitors and explorers to the city. Specialising in original paintings, landscapes, portraits, abstracts handmade prints, sculptures, and ceramics."

"From Darrell Evanes’ scrap metal sculpture to Matthew Bourne’s natural abstracts, Contemporary Six’s repertoire is all encompassing. Having outgrown its former location of Royal Exchange Arcade, the gallery - founded by Alex Reuben in 2010 - now occupies an airy space on Princess Street, where it represents around 40 artists. Best feature: Contemporary Six offers the Own Art Scheme, which allows buyers to pay in monthly instalments"

"From personal survivor accounts to common conflict themes, the Imperial War Museums explores the human aspect of war and the effect it has on everyday life before, during and after. Featuring one-off exhibitions as well as a main showcase and connected to other similar museums around the UK, the IWM shines and light on the conflicts Britain and the Commonwealth have been involved in since World War I. Focusing on the many changes war has brought to the UK, from the role of women in society to technology and science advances."

"One of five Imperial War Museums in the UK, Manchester’s addition to the repertoire is located in Media City. The striking aluminium-clad building houses a timeline of Britain’s conflicts since the First World War, drawing on different elements of war such as the involvement of women and the impact of science and technology on how wars are fought. Alongside the permanent exhibits are plenty of films and photographs showcasing what life was like during these conflicts.Imperial War Museum | © the yes man / Flickr"

"Walk through a timeline of history from the First World War to the present day. Again, although tickets are free, they must be booked in advance. Find out more and book here."

"A visit to Great Homer Street Market – or ‘Greatie’ to the locals – is a long-running Scouse tradition. Taking place every Saturday between 9am and 4pm, you’ll find anything from clothes and garden furniture to food and trinkets here. Parking in the immediate area can be difficult so make sure you arrive early."