A long weekend in... Manchester

Manchester is a changed city. Gone is its reputation for guns, grime and Greggs, and now it's a booming metropolis where heritage and modernity thrive side-by-side. Thrown onto the world scene in the twentieth century due to its legendary nightlife, radical politics, famous football club, trailblazing music and defiant working-class culture, Manchester is rich with history. And today this haven still pays homage to its roots (whether it be in the city's artwork or architecture), yet simultaneously strives to keep up with the times. Its food scene is booming, its music still popular and the famous Mancunian style is referenced by fashion designers the world over.

So, if this cocksure northern crucible sounds like the city break for you then pack your bags, for there's plenty to do - and we've got the best insider tips to ensure you spend your 48 hours there wisely. Including advice on how to get there, where to eat and what to do, here's everything you need to know in order to explore this northern oasis, still full of unknown pleasures.

How to get there

There are three main stations in the city centre: Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria. With direct rail services from across the country (including Great Western Railway and Virgin Trains) operating through Manchester every day, getting there is simple.

National Express and Megabus also provide services from all over the country into Chorlton Street Coach Station which is located in the heart of the city centre.

Alternatively, for those coming from abroad, Manchester Airport has three terminals which are connected to 200 destinations globally.

Where to stay

Whatever has you visiting Manchester, Whitworth Locke Aparthotel with its millennial pink colour palette really is a home away from home, offering a base in the middle of the city that will feel yours from checking in. The hotel is a 10 minute walk from the train station, situated on the lively canal area but without compromising on peace and quiet. The suites and studios are spacious and light-filled, with super soft beds and sofas to sink into. There's plenty of extras on offer, too, like a CrossFit gym, premium coffee house, cocktail bar and co-working spaces.

74 Princess St, Manchester M1 6JD. lockeliving.com.

If Bruce Wayne decided to pursue a career in hospitality, this is what we think his hotel would look like. Unapologetically opulent and downright cool, Hotel Gotham caters to the generation of Mancs who've lost touch with their working class roots and are more interested in indulging in the riches of the Cheshire life.

This six-storey Edwin Lutyens-designed art deco building is furnished with 60 spacious rooms and suites, all of which are unique and decorated with ornaments that nod reference to the building’s past life as a bank (gold bullion toiletry stands in bathrooms) as well as Gotham City of the DC comics (Batman-designed do-not-disturb signs).

100 King St, Manchester M2 4WU

What to do

To get the full Manchester experience, spend a long afternoon pottering around this charming area which is saturated with eateries, record stores and independent retailers. Want a taste of northern soul? Then head over to Oldham Street. For the latest releases check out music mecca Piccadilly Records, or for a more retro, old-school vibe step inside Vinyl Exchange which offers everything from rare Stevie Wonder 12 inches to The Smiths B-sides.

Other must-visits include Blue Rinse (a vintage shop which sells old-school gems as well as rare football shirts), MAGMA (perhaps the best independent book and magazine store in the country), Kosmonaut (a bar which concocts flawless cocktails) and Teacup (a charming little cafe which bakes some seriously sweet cakes). And if you're a fan of art, then (if you're lucky enough) pick up a limited edition print by local street artist, Mancsy, who leaves hot-off-the-press posters dotted around the city centre every month.

The Northern Quarter, Greater Manchester

A trip to Manchester wouldn't be complete without a visit to the home of football, would it? Make sure to book yourself a tour of Old Trafford (or if the timing's right, grab some tickets to see Zlatan and co in action) for a morning or afternoon exploring the club's decorated history.

Here you'll immerse yourself in United's trophy room, walk out of the players' tunnel and see the hallowed turf up close. Sounds like a winner to us.

Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA

A calm and relaxing suburb situated just outside the city centre, Didsbury is ideal for Sunday mornings and has plenty to offer. If you're not passing a few hours in one of its boutique coffee shops (we recommend The Art of Tea, which has a well-stocked bookstore at the back), then make sure to take a leisurely walk through the picturesque Fletcher Moss park.

Didsbury, Greater Manchester

Where to eat

Helmed by Aiden Byrne, once Britain’s youngest Michelin star chef, Manchester House certainly makes a strong claim to bring back the coveted culinary award to the city. And by marrying fine-dining with northern humility, Byrne has created a spot that is big on flavour without the stuffiness of most high-end eateries.

Located in a bold, post-industrial setting with terracotta-coloured irons beams lining the ceiling, the restaurant’s aesthetic is a tasteful throwback to the city’s history while the waiters - dressed in tweed waistcoats and jeans - put guests at ease, giving them a relaxed dining experience.

But most importantly, Manchester House delivers on what it’s there to do: produce quality food. What’s most noticeable about eating here is that although the cuisines are technical to the highest order, they don’t challenge your palate just for the sake of showmanship. Beautifully presented and mouth-wateringly delicious, Byrne's menu is one that is worthy of any gastronomic accolade. Our highlights? The warming cheese and onion soup, the beautifully tender roasted pigeon with cherry foie and the smooth, slightly sweet Manchester tart ice-cream.

18-22 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BZ

This newly renovated spot is another strong contender to win a Michelin star, having been the last restaurant in Manchester to win the accolade in 1974. And with young cooking prodigy Adam Reid taking the reigns after Simon Rogan departed The French prematurely, the restaurant is well-positioned to regain its spot amongst the world's best once again.

Gone are the lime green walls of Rogan’s version of The French, and in is a sleek new interior that has the ambience of a members-only club. But don’t be intimidated by the upscale decor. To give diners a more informal service, songs from Reid’s own playlist whisper softly from the speakers, with a few nods to The Stone Roses and The Smiths every so often.

But what is most impressive about The French is the playfulness of the menu. Although sprinkled with Asian influences (a steamed bun here, a broccoli tempura there), the dishes are modern British through and through, including a hot smoked piece of bacon with hen yolk (a clever and comforting interpretation of the classic breakfast partnership) and salt aged duck, sweet beetroot and acidic cherry sauce.

All dishes here are well-considered, immaculately presented and, most important of all, positively scrumptious. But make sure to indulge in what we thought was the star of the show, the clementine dessert - a variation of Reid’s "Golden Empire" which gained plaudits on the Great British Menu. A cacophony of white chocolate cream and a sugared orange shell, this is a crunchy, fluffy and sweet work of gastronomic art that'll bring your meal to a smashing (literally) end.

The Midland, The Midland Hotel, Peter St, Manchester M60 2DS

Despite being the first Hawksmoor branch to venture outside of the capital, this spot, located on Manchester's Deansgate, is very much on par with its London siblings and may well serve you the best steak that you'll ever have.

From a thesaurus-thick porterhouse to a bone-in prime rib, The Hawksmoor has cuts of beef to satisfy all carnivores as well as sides and sauces that you'll want to eat by the spoonful. We'd recommend the chateaubriand, drenched in the thick and rich peppercorn sauce, for a remarkably textured slice of steak as well as a side of the more-ish triple cooked fries and creamed spinach (just to be healthy, right?).

184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB

Based under a glass pyramid in Manchester’s Spinningfields, Australasia is a huge subterranean room dressed in white-washed bare brick walls and varying shades of cream. And for most young business people in the city centre, it’s a go-to weekend spot, particularly for the creative cocktails, spanning from Bulleit bourbon and sake in bottles that have been wax sealed for six months, to Old Fashioneds served with oak smoke. Music booms from the DJ bar, small enclaves line one side of the restaurant for more intimate encounters and the room is lit to a golden glow.

What about the food? Cooking up Pan Asian dishes that roll out of the open kitchen, Australasia nails both authenticity and flavour - from the juicy lobster which de-shells with minimum effort to the silk smooth sashimi that's presented in a glass case. Saturday night’s can get busy here, so make sure to book a table early.

1, The Avenue, Manchester M3 3AP

Take a break from wandering around the city and grab lunch at Artisan, the laid-back but luxe Spinningfields spot from the folks behind Australasia. The food here is all about fire. Think flatbreads, meat and fish served straight from the flames, with a menu that generally feels paired-back and healthy.

The seared tuna with spiced lentils and harissa is a particular highlight, but the grilled chicken burger (with added cheese, obviously) is also well worth a mention. After all, it’s on something simple like a burger that you can most often judge the strength of a chef. Food aside, the cavernous, industrial-looking space is light and airy, with interesting artworks adorning the walls. It's vibey and fun, which makes it a great place to go with a big group. Oh, and they do a mean espresso martini, too.

Kathleen Johnston

Avenue North, 18-22 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BZ

Where to get a dirty burger

As one of the eateries that kickstarted Manchester's booming food scene, Almost Famous is a favourite amongst Mancs all over the city. A 15-foot gorilla sits in the middle of the room (a bit like an off-duty King Kong), pop songs bellow around the room, table tops are filled with mosaics of various confectionary and, put simply, the food is ludicrous. Here you'll find cheeseburgers topped with chorizo and rump steaks, chilli burgers drenched in "hot AF sauce", and one dish that's labelled the "Filthiest Show In Town". Our tip? don't leave this joint without ordering a side of the "bacon bacon fries" - a mix of chips and sweet potato fries drizzled with bacon mayo and bacon bits. Calorific.

Unit 2, Great Northern, Peter St, Manchester, M3 4EJ

Tucked away just off a main road in Didsbury lies Solita, one of the best burger joints in town. Decorated with large prints by artist Stan Chow and a large, vaulted wooden ceiling on the second floor, Solita is a cool, no-frills eatery that's the perfect place to catch up with friends.

But be warned, this is no place for a date as the menu is chock-full of messy and saucy dishes, with the chefs in the development kitchen deep frying pretty much anything they can get their hands on (including a Big Mac).

1 Ogden St, Manchester M20 6RD