Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Merston Drive 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."

"Everyone’s favourite pop-up is back for all our food, drink and retail needs, everyday from the 12th. With food from all over the world and, more importantly, those dangerous two for £10 cocktails, Hatch is now open for bookings as well as walk-ins, so secure your table ASAP. Six weeks from now… Spring is in the air."

"Award-winning food, drink and retail destination, Hatch, may already be booked up, but has kept 50% of its tables back for walk-ins only from this week, so you can find menus, opening times and more information on the website here."

"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."

"I ended up at the massive building of ‘Afflecks’, which turned out to be “An Emporium of Eclecticism“, meaning it was full of shops selling random shit, basically. Afflecks is an indoor market with dozens of independent stalls, small shops and boutiques, some of them quite strange, but also a lot of them with awesome handmade goods."

"Around the corner from the Arndale in Manchester's iconic Northern Quarter you'll find Afflecks, a place we can only describe as Camden Market in a building. From top hats to tattoos, if you're the sort of person who fancy's something different from the norm, Afflecks is the place for you."

"Obstructions, Castlefield Gallery’s locked-down exhibition, will open for just five days from 19–23 May. Originally due to open on Saturday 21 November 2020, and only able to welcome visitors in the virtual realm since then, the exhibition was conceived during what now feels like the early days of the pandemic. 15 artists from the North West of England were invited to remake an existing piece of their work with one condition: they had to accept a bespoke ‘obstruction’ given to them by another artist in the exhibition."

"Established by artists in 1984, Castlefield Gallery is Manchester’s first public contemporary visual art gallery dedicated to the advancement of contemporary visual art and artists."

"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 shopping mall in a beautiful Victorian building. There are shops and restaurants on the ground floor and offices on the upper floors. The ceiling is made from cast-iron and glass and gives you the feeling of a botanical garden."

"Behind the Arts Centre in Salford Quays is an outlet mall with savings of up to 70% at 90+ stores on two floors. This is the only factory outlet mall in Greater Manchester, offering discounts in fashion, interior design, home appliances, sportswear, cosmetics and much more. A few of the British household names at the Lowry Outlet are Marks & Spencer, Clarks, Clintons and The Body Shop, as well as Gap, Black and Decker, Trespass, Holland & Barrett, The Works, Claire’s and Cotton Traders."

"Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese food, Italian food or a cheeky Nando’s, there’s really something for everyone at the Lowry Outlet, where you can grab a bite and pick up a bargain. Then why not head over to The Lowry Theatre and take advantage of their cheap ticket offers for 16-25 year olds. Whatever you do, you can always finish off the evening with a walk around the stunning Salford Quays."

"Proudly standing in the heart of this spa town is Buxton Opera House. Designed by celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham, it opened amidst great celebration on 1st June 1903. You can still enjoy year-round live performances here and it’s always worth checking online to see what’s on."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user It's No Game used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Buxton Opera House has 902 seats and it is home to the annual Buxton Festival. It was also the host venue for the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, pantomime at Christmas, and several musical events."

"Yes, Buxton has one of its own, designed by Frank Matcham no less, with a busy and varied programme. Next week there’ll be performances of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, hot from the West End."

"Manchester Opera House is the Palace Theatre’s little sister. It’s located on Quay Street, near Spinningfields. It is smaller than the Palace theatre however, there are still some amazing productions to see here."

"This is truly an amazing building and its history also tells the history of Manchester. Not officially a museum, The Royal Exchange is definitely worth exploring. You only need to step into the great entrance hall to understand why you should pop in."

"This wonderful vegetarian café offers a warm welcome and a menu containing freshly made plant-based food with flavours from around the world. Choose from homemade quesadillas, soups and pies before sampling one of their vegan and gluten free cakes and biscuits. For those on the go, simply place your order online and pick up your healthy treat at a time which is convenient to you."

"Pot Kettle Black, Unit 14, Barton Arcade Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BW - Visit now. Tucked away in Barton Arcade, a small but beautiful shopping centre between St Ann’s Square and Deansgate, is Pot Kettle Black. This cosy cafe serves up both excellent coffee and an inventive brunch menu (8am-3pm daily) – we particularly recommend the figs on toast, with whipped ricotta, fresh mint and infused honey."

"Pot Kettle Black has created a special menu especially for Pancake Day. Simply pop by their hatch on Tuesday to grab breakfast, brunch or lunch pancakes from 10am to 3pm. There’ll be pancakes topped with streaky bacon, fried egg and maple syrup; raspberry coulis and white chocolate mascarpone; and honeycomb, milk chocolate and butterscotch sauce."

"Well, we think you should venture on down to Pot Kettle Black located in Barton Arcade. Whether you want to fill that hole in your tummy, or just need your coffee-fix, this place has got you covered. Let their talented Baristas make you a cup of coffee that will take you to beverage heaven."