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Top 10 Manchester bars

Cocktails and gins with Japanese flair

Inspired by Manchester’s proud history in the cotton trade, Cottonopolis offers such a stunning menu of Japanese cocktails, beers, sakes and teas that you’ll simply have to come back to sample them all.

Must try: Drunken Life, Dreamy Death – an intoxicating mix of gin, bergamot and lemon verbena.

Ale, ale and more ale

Whether you’re a total novice or a proud Real Ale champion, you’re bound to find something in the Oast House’s Ale Inventory that’ll surprise you. There’s everything from IPA and lager to Trappist and dark varieties, and their Ale Masterclasses are legendary.

Must try: Brodie’s Prime Porter – a rich, dark brew with notes of dark chocolate and treacle.

Big Bavarian biers

If you’re looking for a place that takes its beer seriously, you’ve found it. At Albert’s Schloss, the team makes a weekly 1,500 mile round trip to the Urquell brewery in Prague to fill their tanks with the good stuff before serving it in Manchester’s very own Bier Palace.

Must try: The Manchester Rein – brewed right here in the city to Bavarian standards, using Munich malts.

Whimsical cocktails and bold beers

Fresh, young and quirky, The Font is fast becoming a Mancunian favourite. If you like your cocktails tooth-teasingly sweet, with rainbow ice and a unicorn horn, you’ve found your tribe. If you don’t, you’ll still find plenty to love on the beer menu.

Must try: The Unicorn Juice – a fruity frolic of bubble gum, rainbows and glitter.

Beer where it’s brewed

Most people find themselves at Seven Brothers for the first time while they’re waiting for a table at Rudy’s Pizza, but it’s well worth a visit in its own right. A family brewery through and through, here’s where you’ll find some of the best beers in town.

Must try: The Honeycomb Pale Ale, with its subtle hints of honey and proud Manchester heritage.

Experimental mixology

Whether it’s served in a hip flask, copper kettle or tea cup, the cocktails at The Alchemist are something to behold. With innovative mixes, ingredients you’ve never heard of (yet) and spectacular presentation, you’ll be Instagramming every round.

Must try: The Caviar One, simply for the joy of making your own rhubarb caviar to add to rhubarb gin and prosecco.

Beer and wine with Mancunian soul

Under the railway arches behind Piccadilly train station is Fairfield Social Club, home to the city’s newest food market, cider festivals, vegan delicacies and a fine list of wines, beers and cocktails to sample.

Must try: Anything from the new line of boozy sodas from local pop producer Steep Soda – we love the Tropical Crush, which is exclusive to Fairfield Social Club.

Booze with a side of live music

One of the Northern Quarter’s top gig spots is also one of its best bars. Matt & Phred’s has the feel of a real neighbourhood joint – albeit one that Jamie Cullum and Adele have played at. The bar is well stocked with classic cocktails, fine wines, beers and spirits – don’t miss the carefully selected bourbons that go brilliantly with the bar’s own wood-fired pizzas.

Must try: The happy hour deal – buy two alcoholic drinks and get a free pizza. A whole pizza. For free. Seriously.

Top-notch tequila

Take a detour from the Northern Quarter via Mexico City. At El Capo you’ll find terrific tapas, as well as South American-inspired cocktails, cervezas, wines and spirits, as well as one of the largest collections of tequila in the whole city.

Must try: Lady Marmalade, with its moreish mix of gin, peach liqueur and marmalade.

Bold Mexican blends

Mexico meets Vegas at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, where you’ll find a huge range of bottled and canned craft beers and a cocktail menu packed with bold fresh fruit flavours. There’s also a killer happy hour, with £5 margaritas and £2 tequila shots – it’s not to be missed.

Must try: The paletas – Mexican ice lollies made with fresh fruit, doused in sparkling prosecco.

Fresh new flavours

Tucked away under the railway arches behind Piccadilly train station, GRUB is Manchester’s favourite street food festival. On Fridays and Saturdays there’s an incredible array of cuisine, but don’t miss the bar scene while you’re there. They have great selection of craft beers and ales, wines and cocktails, many of which you won’t have come across before.

Must try: Marble Mango – a local Kölsch-style brew by Marble Beers, packed full of juicy mango pulp.

 

Book a holiday apartment in Manchester and plan your next bar tour of the city.

Glasgow’s top 10 restaurants

I’m in the mood for…all things Scottish.

If you want to experience traditional Scottish cuisine, Café Gandolfini is your first stop. From cullen skink and haggis to smoked venison, the menu is a veritable culinary voyage across the country. It’s also just one of a growing local restaurant empire, with Bar Gandolfi, Gandolfi Fish and takeaway Gandolfi Fish to Go all flying the flag for seasonal Scottish cuisine.

I’m in the mood for…something hearty.

Germanic meets Glaswegian at West on the Green. Drink brilliant beer where its brewed, all alongside big, bold Bavarian barbecue, bar snacks and more. Think schnitzel, currywurst, and strudel for dessert. It’s also great for breakfast and brunch – try the West Full Breakfast or the Eggs Portobello – and there’s al fresco dining space too.

I’m in the mood for…fancy Scottish fare.

Inspired by the famously greedy bird that gave this place its name, The Gannet is a wonderfully elegant Three Rosette restaurant. The menus here are both delicious and seasonal, using lovingly sourced Scottish produce from across the country. The wine list is excellent, too – the organic and biodynamic vintages are well worth a try.

I’m in the mood for…sizzle and spice.

Julie Macleod, MasterChef contestant and resident Glaswegian, has opened one of the city’s favourite foodie spots. Serving vibrant, lovingly prepared Malaysian dishes passed down from her mother, Julie’s Kopitiam is the place to go for a proper culinary adventure. It’s a tiny place and there’s no booking, so be ready to join the waiting list, or turn up for an early dinner when it opens at 5pm.

I’m in the mood for…a big, juicy burger.

El Perro Negro is the home of Scotland’s best burger, according to scores of reviews and regular queues. Using carefully sourced beef from small farms and ingenious garnishes like bone marrow butter, truffle mayo and black pudding, these are more than just something to soak up the booze on a night out.

I’m in the mood for…something fresh and authentic.

Bibimbap is simply Korean comfort food – a warm and cosy rice dish that’s just one delicious option on the menu here. Bibimbap in the heart of town is the perfect place to experience authentic Korean cuisine, from bulgogi (barbecue beef) and japchae (sweet potato noodles) to saeu (prawn katsu curry) and the ultimate KFC – Korean fried chicken.

I’m in the mood for…a kebab.

No, not a sweaty pile of questionable meat in a microwaved flatbread. We’re talking real kebabs, as their Greek, Turkish and Levantine heritage intended. At ‘Babs, great quality lamb, chicken, swordfish and vegan steak is grilled over proper charcoal fires, all served on freshly baked pita bread, with hummus and a tangy shredded salad. There’s also plenty of moreish mezze and artisanal baklava for dessert.

I’m in the mood for…fine French food.

You needn’t venture far for Glasgow’s best French cooking. In fact, all you need to do is trot downstairs! Atlantic Bar & Brasserie at Native Glasgow offers a fresh take on Gallic classics. Think escargots, French onion soup and moules frîtes, along with a brilliant rotisserie for the juiciest roast chicken you’ve ever had. There’s also live jazz at the weekends, and a delicious low FODMAP menu.

I’m in the mood for…the best pizza in town.

Credited with bringing real Neapolitan pizza to Glasgow, Paesano now has two restaurants in the city and shows no signs of slowing down. Here the pizzas are made with moist, light and soft crust, simple but brilliant quality ingredients, and are made by pizzaioli who are truly passionate about what they do.

Book your stay in one of Native’s Art Deco holiday apartments in Glasgow and take a food-lover’s tour of the city.

Travel well with Chessie King and Native Bankside

Once we’d worked up an appetite, we headed straight to one of Chessie’s top local eateries (and one of our own neighbourhood heroes), Tibits, just a seven minute stroll from Native Bankside. Here we treated ourselves to a lunch of delicious veggie treats and Chessie was happy to answer lots of questions about keeping fit, well and happy in the heart of town.

“If I wake up in the morning and I really just want to get out and run,” she said, “I’ll do exactly that. You can literally just put on your running shoes and just go and explore. That’s my favourite way to exercise when I’m travelling. I think that’s how you find the real gems in London.”

To finish up, Chessie took us back to her Native Bankside apartment and showed us how to make the most of the spacious, comfy rooms with some chilled out yoga, deep stretches and mindfulness. There’s also our lovely fitness suite on the fifth floor, if you fancy a change of scenery while you work up a sweat.

“If I’ve been travelling and if I’ve had a long day,” Chessie said, “I love waking up my body with a flow. Sometimes I do [yoga] just before bed, to stretch out the day. I just take some time to give some love to my body – and then it’ll love me back.”

Watch the full video on how Chessie King stays healthy and active while travelling below.

Book your Bankside stay.

Manchester’s top 10 restaurants

I’m in the mood for…the avant-garde.

Named in honour of Manchester’s cotton-trading heritage, Cottonopolis serves up Asian-inspired small plates like dim sum and sushi in a Grade II listed building, all alongside a delectable selection of sakes.

I’m in the mood for… civilised dining.

The Restaurant at the CULTUREPLEX’s full service restaurant. Its approach will be to offer uncomplicated good food, drink and service with common sense and good taste. Menus by Chef Director Blaine Duffy.

I’m in the mood for…top notch tapas.

Canto’s celebrated older sister, El Gato Negro, might well serve the best tapas you’ll ever have outside Spain. It’s also worth booking the chef’s table, where you can enjoy the theatre of the open kitchen while you savour every bite.

I’m in the mood for…variety.

Mackie Mayor is a gorgeous Grade II listed indoor food market that boasts ten exceptional eateries under its brand new glass roof, with everything from Taiwanese bao to some of the finest pizza in town.

I’m in the mood for…a big, beefy burger.

Make sure you’re hungry before you venture to Almost Famous for some of Manchester’s biggest and best burgers. Pulled pork, BBQ chicken and deep fried mac ’n’ cheese await, along with beers, cocktails and shakes.

I’m in the mood for…Mexican with a twist.

Visit Mexico via Vegas with big, bold burritos, burgers, tacos and steaks from the team behind Almost Famous. At Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, the ingredients are so fresh that they even make the guacamole at your table.

I’m in the mood for…a hangover cure.

If brunch is your thing, head straight to Moose Coffee and join the queue – trust us, it’s worth the wait. Enjoy classic Benedicts and sure-fire remedies for the morning after the night before, like the Lone Star Moose meat-fest.

I’m in the mood for…understated elegance.

Yuzu is a little haven of Japanese calm that’s tucked away amidst the bustle of Chinatown and has been gaining country-wide accolades since The Guardian’s food critic, Jay Rayner, raved about it. Be sure to book ahead – it fills up fast.

I’m in the mood for…the perfect pizza.

A little taste of Napoli in Ancoats, Rudy’s is a neighbourhood favourite, serving brilliant pizzas (at brilliant prices) alongside a lovingly selected craft beer and wine list. Perfect for an easy-going night out.

And, one more for luck (because we couldn’t pick just ten)…

I’m in the mood for…everything!

Manchester’s legendary street food festival now has a permanent home under the railway arches behind Piccadilly train station: GRUB at Fairfield Social Club. Fridays and Saturdays see the place burst into life with food, drink, events and live music, and they even have a vegan day every Sunday.

Take a trip to Manchester and create your own foodie festival.

Where to Cool Down in London

Hamstead Heath Swimming Ponds

A beauty spot for London and a life saver for cooling off. Originally dammed off clay pits, the three pools are open to women, men and mixed groups. Even in the height of summer, the water is still chilly so you’re guaranteed a refreshing dip.

London Fields Lido

Located in the heart of hipster central, Hackney, London Fields can get busy but it’s worth a visit. Unlike the Swimming Ponds, the lido is heated – it might not be as cool but there’ll be no shock to the system and you can enjoy it on cooler days too.

Tooting Bec Lido

This is lido is nothing short of fantastic. It’s over 100 years old and spans 90 metres of water. The beauty of this spot is that even on sunny days, with lots of people poolside, there’s still always plenty of room to swim.

Serpentine Lido – Hyde Park

Perfect for a solo cool off, couples, families, you name it. It’s open from 10am until 6pm, with a sun terrace and sun bathing area for catching rays too. The Serpentine is a natural, no chlorine, no heat spot and the water is checked weekly to ensure quality. There’s also a separate heated, chlorinated kids pool too.

The Berkeley Hotel

If lidos aren’t your thing, The Berkeley is the place for you. Its stunning rooftop pool is available everyday to hotel guests and it’s truly a refreshing gem on a hot summer’s day. The seventh floor pool is what tranquil dreams are made of and it even boasts panoramic views of London too. You can also enjoy the secret garden, where sun loungers are among green leaves and fragrant flowers.

The Best Free Views in London

Here’s our pick of the best London views.

Primrose Hill

Once you see the panoramic views of London from the top of Primrose Hill, you’ll forget about the hustle and bustle of city life. Initially, climbing to the top of a hill might not sound like your idea of fun, or a holiday, but we absolutely back this one and guarantee it’ll be worth it. Afterwards, take a stroll around pretty Primrose Hill and enjoy the surrounding streets.

Sky Garden

The real deal. Enjoy spectacular views of London from the capitals highest garden. It’s free to go up, you must just book a ticket first. There are two destination bars and two restaurants up there, so you can make a good day of it. It could be difficult tearing yourself away from the three stories of 360 degree views though…

The Monument

Built to commemorate the Great Fire of London, this beauty is one of London’s loved attractions and you’ll see why. Climb 311 steps for panoramic views of the city and learn a bit about London’s fascinating history too. Tickets are £4.50 per adult. You can stay in our aparthotel just nearby; Native Cannon Street too.

One Tree Hill – Honor Oak

A hilly, diverse beauty spot with great history and amazing views. Rising to about 300 feet, you’ll see why the views from here are out of this world (or London). It’s home to what was the world’s largest underground reservoir when it was finished in 1909 and is still the largest in Europe today.

Tate Modern

When contemporary art and beautiful views collide. A visit to Tate Modern is well worth a visit anyway but we can assure you it’s way more than just a gallery. Behold breathtaking 360 degree views of the London skyline from high above the River Thames. Access is free and you can enjoy drinks and snacks while you’re up there too.

Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally)

Alexandra Palace is an iconic London spot with some of the best panoramic views of the city. Ally Pally, as it’s lovingly known, has a history of incredible milestones, after first opening in 1863. Alexandra Park is beautiful and boasts even more beautiful views.