Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Astley Area

"A whole dining and drinking neighbourhood made up of vibrant shipping containers, Hatch is one-of-a-kind here in Manchester – continually growing over the years to welcome more and more local traders. Hosting both events and live music frequently, guests can kind of create a DIY day or night out at Hatch – with tons of bars and restaurants housing their own indoor spaces and terraces, a vast open-air space with tons of seating, and lots of independent shops to potter around. Expect cuisines from countries such as Vietnam, Portugal, Spain, Italy and even Teesside, as well as cocktail bars, coffee shops and more."

"The colourful village of independent shops and street food just off Oxford Road will be reopening from April 12, Government roadmap allowing. The complex of shipping containers will be open for business seven days a week for outdoor dining, and is offering table bookings for the first time as well as keeping space for walk-in guests. There are more than 30 businesses calling Hatch home, including coffee shop Takk, OL brewery, Grandad's Sausages, T'Arricrii, and Hanoi 75."

"This trendy foodie outlet sits under the flyover near Manchester Met and Manchester University. Strings of exposed light bulbs cast a hipster twinkle over the self-contained courtyard, and there’s a sun-soaked garden filled with long wooden tables where you can while away summer afternoons. Peruse the artisan beers on tap and by the bottle at Öl nanobrewery."

"Anyone who grew up in Manchester probably spent a good proportion of their teenage years wandering around Afflecks (formally known as Affleck’s Palace). Since its opening in 1981, this warren of independent shops is a perfect alternative to high street shopping in the city, offering everything from rubber jumpsuits to rave gear. Yes, there will always be that side of Afflecks (you’ll also find condoms and sex toys), but there really is something for everyone if you take the time to browse its multitude of market stalls."

"AFFLECKS IS AN EMPORIUM OF ECLECTICISM, A TOTEM OF INDIE COMMERCE IN MANCHESTER’S NORTHERN QUARTER”. There are three main outlets inside Afflecks Palace which stock vintage clothing – catering for all types and styles, sizes and shapes. Afflecks has an extensive selection of different outlets from Punk and Goth, to a 100% vegan store!"

"A local institution, Affleck’s is a hub for Manchester’s alternative crowd, containing an impressive array of stalls selling everything from fetish gear to DIY jewellery. Pop inside to discover an eclectic array of clothing, jewellery, memorabilia and gifts before sneaking upstairs for a luxury ice cream at Ginger’s Comfort Emporium."

"Lurking as it does behind Deansgate Station, it’s easy to miss this quirky platform for emerging artists but it's worth seeking out. The primary emphasis at Castlefield Gallery is niche projects that have international relevance, exploring topics such as the role of art in society through collaborations with local organisations like Madlab. A registered charity, it also has a members’ scheme."

"One of the city's hidden gems, Castlefield Gallery will be able to show its Obstructions exhibition in real life for the first time - for five days only. Obstructions brought together 15 artists from across Greater Manchester during lockdown. The gallery is open from May 19 and you can see more at castlefieldgallery.co.uk."

"Barton Arcade is a beautiful grade II listed Victorian shopping arcade which is a 5-minute walk from the Arndale Centre. Therefore, the transport links are the same as those to the Arndale Centre. This is one of the best places for shopping in Manchester if you prefer local independent businesses."

"Built in 1871, the Victorian-style shopping arcade is located between Deansgate and St. Ann’s Square. The idyllic structure of cast iron and glass is now home to luxurious shops and office buildings. Go here to take your pics against the backdrop of colourful tiles and impressive artwork."

"Barton Arcade is a Victorian-style shopping arcade built in 1871. While there are many cute arcades throughout the UK, come to Barton Arcade for its colorful tiles and ironwork!"

"La Maison restaurant in the heart of leafy Sale Moor Village to the southwest of Manchester is a classic French fine dining restaurant with a reputation ..."

"Another grand old building that a lucky few can get wed inside, John Rylands is still in use as a functioning library (as part of the University of Manchester library), although many visitors come simply to admire the architecture. The building is actually a vast memorial to the late John Rylands, conceived by his wife and designed by Basil Champneys. Similar in style to the Town Hall, this is another example of neo-Gothic architecture that is revered worldwide."

"The John Rylands Library in Manchester is a breath-taking library. It opened in 1900 as a tribute to Enriqueta Ryland’s husband John Ryland. You can find statues of the both of them in the main hall."

"Usually found in an ice cream van during Town Hall’s festival season, Ginger’s now own a diner on the first floor in Affleck’s Palace. Known for their extremely popular ‘Chorlton Crack’, a lush salted caramel and peanut butter combo, Ginger’s wild and wonderful flavours can be obtained at the diner in a toasted brioche, affogato style or in a milkshake. Affleck’s, First Floor, 52 Church St, M4 1PW"

"Ginger’s Comfort Emporium – A great place to sit and enjoy a coffee and some great ice cream. Heroes Café – Homemade burgers, pies, soup, lasagne, chilli, curries and many more delicious dishes. They are also expanding selection of their Vegan dishes."

"It was presented in a cute little glass and the menu stated it was ‘made at kitchens in Manchester.’ It definitely tasted home made and although it was nice, it was so milky that the flavour was overpowered. This was also the most expensive one."