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Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter must be seen to be appreciated, with its intriguing streets, cafes and trendy record shops. The home of many fashion designers, creative agencies, art galleries and quirky retailers, the Northern Quarter also houses some of the best bars, cafes and restaurants in the city.

The area has become the heartbeat of the city’s music scene boasting one of the most highly concentrated record shopping experiences you will find anywhere in the world.

There is a host of privately owned bars and pubs offering an array of local brewed casks, foreign beers, cocktails, spirits and food and some amazing live music venues including Band on The Wall, Matt & Phreds Jazz Club, The Roadhouse and Night & Day Café. 

A center of alternative and bohemian culture, the area is usually considered to be contained within Newton Street, Great Ancoats Street and Swan Street. Popular streets include Oldham Street, Tib Street, Newton Street, Lever Street, Dale Street, Hilton Street and Thomas Street.

Places of interest:

Affleck's Palace, a former department store which has been turned into a multi-story bazaar for alternative clothing and nick-nacks.

www.afflecks.com

The area is something of a mecca for DJs, with shops such as Piccadilly Records, Vinyl Exchange, Vox Pop Records, Beatin' Rhythm, Eastern Bloc Records.

www.piccadillyrecords.com/shop/index.php

The Northern Quarter as a whole is characterised by its offbeat, alternative atmosphere. During the daytime, trendy hangouts include Cafe Pop, a cafe and shop selling retro clothing and household goods and Basement, a vegan cafe and meeting place.

www.pop-boutique.com/

Nightlife in the Northern Quarter includes music venues The Night and Day Café, Band on the Wall, Roadhouse and The Ruby Lounge, The Mint Lounge, Matt and Phred's Jazz Club, the Frog and Bucket comedy club, the Northern Nightclub and several traditional pubs, as well as a number of restaurants.

www.bandonthewall.org/