Best Shopping Malls in Longsight Area

"Taking inspiration from London’s Boxpark pop-up, Hatch is a series of colourful shipping-containers housing street food vendors, bars and independent shops. Located right in the middle of Manchester’s student-focused Oxford Road, you’ll often find undergrads enjoying one of Parmageddon’s locally famous chicken-parm sandwiches or devouring Herbivorous’ range of vegan burgers and loaded fries, dripping with barbecue jackfruit. Its ever-changing selection of traders, combined with a price point that’s around the tenner mark, makes this hugely popular hang-out the perfect place to grab a bite to eat without breaking the bank."

"Tiny nanobrewery Öl has its own brew kit on-site and makes some fabulous concoctions. But, as a result of the tiny set-up, their own beers usually sell out incredibly fast, so they stock a range of others too. Find them at Hatch on Oxford Road in one of the shipping containers."

"Hatch is a hip and trendy box park located on Oxford Road, close to the University of Manchester. You can head there for drinks or food or shopping. Moreover, you can take some nice photos there."

"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."

"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."

"One of the best places to just loose yourself is Aflecks Palace. Floors of independent stalls selling everything from food, jewelry and clothing."

"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."

"Located on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art is a leading exhibition in exploring contemporary Chinese culture, through performances, workshops and film screenings. It is currently awaiting a date for reopening."

"There is something about Hawksmoor that taps into a primal part of your being that is so unbelievably satisfying, and that thing is unadulterated beef. The Manchester Hawksmoor is the first of its kind outside of London and is housed in a late-Victorian courthouse which is full of traditional charm. Do not let the stunning interior distract you from the fantastic food, however."

"Hawksmoor opened in early 2015, but the steakhouse has style and character that suggests it’s been there for years. The interior is a chorus of black leather, deep mahogany and royal green – a sumptuous combo that encourages couples to settle in for the night and order another bottle of wine. The menu, like the décor, is classic and refined."

"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."