9 Reasons to Visit Ancoats & New Islington

Ancoats has become one of the places to be across Manchester, developing into a brilliant place to visit or live. So, we checked out some of the reasons to visit Ancoats & New Islington.

With huge amounts of history and stunning street art tucked away round corners, Ancoats is full of surprises. Formerly a big part of the industrial nature of Manchester with old cotton factories, glass factories and newspapers press, which have left some beautiful red brick buildings behind, now used for other purposes. 

Amongst the buildings and tucked around every corner there are some hidden (and some not so hidden) gems, here are 9 things to do in Ancoats & New Islington: 

1. Ancoats General Store 

If you spend time with anyone who knows Ancoats then they will have told you all about Ancoats General Store. Stocked with groceries, produce, wines and of course their famous coffee shop, this local gem of a store even runs a variety of events. From Scrancoats with local street food vendors to a variety of other special days or nights in the shop. One to definitely check out. 

Click here for more info. 

2. Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse 

Seven Bro7hers are a local brewery based in Salford who are taking the craft beer scene by storm. The Ancoats Beerhouse is the first thy opened and has become a huge part of the Ancoats community in Cutting Room Square. You can expect some phenomenal beers being served up along with classic pub grub, the burgers are hearty and just the kind of comfort food you need. We recommend checking out their range of beers in partnership with Kellogg’s or picking up their burger and beer offer for £10 available every day. 

Click here for the menu and more.  

3. Hope Mill Theatre 

The Hope Mill Theatre is full of creativity, the small performance venue puts on a wealth of shows including musicals, plays, concerts and so much more. The unique venue also has a small bar and restaurant which opens and hour and a half before performances making it easy to grab a bite knowing you’re going to be on time for your show! 

To find out what’s on click here.  

4. Rudy’s Pizza 

If you haven’t heard about Rudy’s yet, then you must have been living under a rock. The quality of pizza around Manchester is incredibly high and to many, Rudy’s is the cream of the crop with their Neapolitan style pizzas. The dough is made on-site every day and double fermented for 24 hours before being made into your delicious treat, cooked for just 60 seconds and served up perfectly. Rudy’s is up there for the best value for money meals in Manchester. 

Check out all things Rudy’s here.  

5. Hip Hop Chip Shop 

A chip shop like you’ve never seen before! The Hip Hop Chip Shop is a casual dine-in chip shop that is fully licensed so you can tuck into a chippy as wash it down with a pint, does it get much better? The menu covers the classics that you would expect to see as well as a few elements that have the Hip Hop twist on them just like the Jerk Battered fish and many more.  

Check out the menu here. 

 

6. Pollen 

Pollen have become well known for their beautiful sourdough and viennoiserie baked goods, with a coffee to sip and enjoy alongside. The café has been kept simple in its design, elegant and welcoming, the smell of the fresh baking just drawing you in. Once you try some of their fresh produce you will keep on coming back. 

Find out more here.  

7. Mana

The restaurant that has got everyone talking and not just in Manchester! Food critics have continued to wax lyrical about Mana and are tipping it to be the place that finally gets that elusive Michelin Star here in Manchester. The 16-course taster menu Mana offers uses seasonal British ingredients and takes inspiration from all over the world to create exceptional food.

Learn more about Mana and book here.

8. Canto 

The sister restaurant of El Gato Negro, Canto is a casual Mediterranean small plates restaurant that brings all the same quality you have come to expect from El Gato. Using fresh and seasonal ingredients you can expect some exquisite dishes to tuck into and share amongst your group whilst washing it down with a well selected range of drinks. 

For the menu and to book click here.  

9. Halle St Peter’s 

St Peter’s was built in 1859 as the first Anglican Church to be built in the predominantly Roman Catholic community of Ancoats, its iconic presence helped it stand out amongst the mills that once surrounded it. The building survived the Manchester Blitz and the declining population in the area saw the building have many purposes other than a church. Now a Grade II listed building, it was partially restored in 2013 and is used as an events space and rehearsal studio. 

Check out more here.