A Night Out In the Northern Quarter

2 places to eat

The nights are getting longer, it’s (sort of) getting warmer, and sometimes you just don’t want to face the fridge at home and faff with a night of cooking. The Northern Quarter is filled with great places to eat, but these are our two favs right now.

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese

We don’t think we have to explain this one that much, honestly. Northern Soul serves up the BEST grilled cheeses you’ll find across the city, and they’ve got a range of flavours and sides that you just can’t beat. Whether you’re after one of their more traditional flavours or want to branch out and try something a bit more eccentric, this is the place to do it. Oh, and don’t miss out on trying their Watermelon Iced Tea – it’ll change your life.

Nells Pizza NQ

Every true Manc absolutely loves a trip to Nells, and if you haven’t been before, you need to get down there and see what its all about. Now, if there’s one thing to know about Nell’s, it’s to make sure that you turn up hungry. They serve pizzas at 14” and 22”, and while they are a traditional thin crust, that’s still a LOT of pizza. Our favourite is the Cugine, with a side dip of truffle mayo – you just cannot beat it.

2 places to drink

After a meal, you’re on the lookout for a few cheeky bevs with your mates, you’re in the right place. Walking round the Northern Quarter, honestly, you’re going to struggle NOT finding somewhere to drink, but these are the two that we will always pop into if we’re having a night out in town.

The Mean-Eyed Cat

We very well may be the Mean Eyed Cats’ biggest fan, but for good reason. The vibes are immaculate, the playlists are perfect, and the drinks are so tasty it should be illegal. Mean Eyed Cat also run a great discount offer 7 days a week, 5-9pm – where you roll a dice, and if you hit a 2 or a 4, you get 25% off your round, roll a 6 and you get the round for free. You also get free pizzas too! Try your luck, we’ve seen them honour a free round roll on a £150 round of drinks before now – we know, right? Our drink recommendation here is the Grasshopper – think melted mint chocolate chip ice cream. DeLISH.

Terrace NQ

Fancy a drink with a view? Say no more. Terrace NQ is the perfect choice, offering out some of the tastiest cocktails you’ll find along with not one, not two, but three rooftop terraces, giving you plenty of space to catch the last of the sun and watch the Northern Quarter come to life as the night sets in and the lights go on. Grab yourself a Tropical Bird cocktail, sit back, and enjoy the perfect vibe they’ve created here.

2 places to dance

Right, you’ve lined your stomach, had a couple of cocktails; it’s time to get your best moves out and show us what you’re made of. Here are our two recommendations if you’re looking to strut your stuff and dance the night away.

Night and Day Cafe

This one might shock some of you if you’re not too familiar with the place, as you may well have walked past the Night and Day Café at 11am to see people ordering hot chocolates and toasties. Well, this place transforms of an evening, and is one of the liveliest places you’ll find in the city. Open til late, there’s a variety of live music and DJ sets that you can enjoy, and is one of the most welcoming places you’ll find in the city.

Gullivers is a lively, bustling bar that has been part of the Northern Quarter under various names since 1865. Now, it isn’t just a great bar with a variety of beers to keep everyone happy, it also has two unique live music spaces, with the Ballroom upstairs and the more intimate Lounge downstairs. You’ll find some great underground bands here, and with a designated dance floor, you know this is the place to be.

Have you had a night out in the Northern Quarter yet? Where are your favourite places to go? We’d love to get your recommendations – head over to our socials to share.