In the past 20 years, the Northern Quarter has been the focus of developers and culinary entrepreneurs who have an eye for a good business locale but also who thought they had something to add to the eclectic eateries springing up in the area. The NQ has seen major regeneration and is now unquestionably one of the coolest and trendiest places to eat out and socialise any day of the week in Manchester. There are so many restaurants to choose from it’s hard to narrow down a preferred list but here are some of my personal favourites from my time in Manchester so far.
TNQ:
This restaurant, for me, has GOT to be one of the very best in Manchester. Why? It’s affordable and friendly yet at the same time very stylish. The food is delicious! Located centrally, on the corner of High Street and Edge Street, a stone’s throw from Shudehill bus station, it faces the retained architecture of the old fish market’s facade. TNQ has rightly gained a reputation for the quality of its food and the care of its presentation. Both the Express and A la Carte menus change every 3 months so you’re always looking forward to what’s on offer. Customers on a Monday and Thursday can experience the set dinner menu of 3 courses and unlimited wine for £29.95 (and the wines are good quality complementary to the dishes on offer). They also offer an express main course lunch menu for just £10! Other recommendations I’ve enjoyed are the deliciously creamy eggs Benedict starter for £6 and the scrumptious Sunday roast of Gloucester Old Spot Pork Belly with every trimming…….to die for. TNQ-well worth a visit; you won’t be disappointed-fresh produce, top-notch menus and cool atmosphere. If you’re out to impress, head there.
Yard and Coop:
Being a huge chicken lover, I can be very picky when it comes to choosing a good chicken restaurant, but Yard and Coop delivers with style. This is any chicken fanatic’s paradise, wings, thighs, breasts, drumsticks and even a ‘Winner winner, chicken dinner’ if you fancy their version of a Sunday roast. My personal favourite is the wings which can be served with several mouth-watering flavour sauces. Whether you prefer BBQ or Buffalo, both will satisfy your hunger without a doubt. The sharing platters are great value. This bar is also student friendly with 10% off meals and drinks with a valid student ID card. It is spacious but, as one of the busier places to eat, especially at the weekend, it’s best to book a table to avoid standing too long. Waiting with your sense of smell in overdrive at the speciality coatings and marinades they use to create the variety on offer keeps you going. I always found the service very speedy. As the name suggests Yard & Coop only does chicken but it does it so well, in a relaxed, quite unique rustic style décor. There is a sense of humour evident here and the staff are friendly. Central In the NQ, it’s on Edge Street, 2 mins from the Bus and Tram station.
Mackie Mayor
In Manchester, around the NQ you’re on a date or meeting up with friends and the plan is to have something to eat. How often have you spent time deciding where best to go? One fancies this, another could murder ‘that’. All in all, it’s a hassle deciding and pleasing all involved. But here is the answer. A whole array of eateries serving scrumptious food all under one cool roof. Mackie Mayor is an imaginatively renovated listed building, once used as a homeless shelter. It’s not ultra cheap, but it’s a very cool vibe with atmosphere and choice galore. It offers not 1 but 5 of your favourite go to foods; from fish and chips, to pizza or mouth-watering steaks from Tender Cow. You may enjoy a delicious chestnut mushroom pizza (my personal favourite, would highly recommend!!) from Honest Crust, washed down with a choice of over 15 different ales, lagers or ciders from Mackie’s Beer brewery. Or, how about some Mediterranean delicacies from La Cucina and go for any of the many wine choices that they have to offer. Classy with style that fits perfectly within the Northern Quarter and even better yet it allows kids, dogs and has plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options! Whether it’s a first date from your match on tinder or a catch up with old friends, Mackie Mayor will not disappoint and will give you a hassle-free decisive choice to please all.
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All Things Manchester 
Lovely article!! Very interesting, I’ll definitely try both places!
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Thank you! Let me know how you get on!
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