The football is on, the sun is nowhere to be seen, and we’ve decided it’s about time that we take the summer into our own hands and make it want we want it to be. The weather might not be on our side, but we can still make it a summer to remember, which is why we’ve picked some of our favourite places to go out for an evening. Go with your mates, your partner, or even on a solo date, long as you’re enjoying yourself.

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The Blues Kitchen

Image Source: @theblueskitchenmcr

We don’t like to play favourites, but Blues Kitchen will always have a little spot in our hearts. Blues have got a small but absolutely incredible menu that they’ve perfected over the time, and the vibe in there is a solid 10/10. Think moody jazz, but somehow you feel at home from the moment you walk through the door. We also absolutely love their little monkey lights – make sure you check these out when you visit.

For us, we’ve always got to get a side of the mac and cheese and the corn ribs. You will not find a better side combo in the city, that corn rip dip has got us absolutely obsessed. If you’re feeling brave, and you’re not bursting at the seams, you should give their oreo and peanut butter milkshake a try, too – deLISH.

Happy Seasons

Image Source: @happyseasons_mcr

Happy Seasons is one of the most popular restaurants in Chinatown, and it isn’t hard to see why. A small family business that offer up authentic meals, there’s a reason that there’s always queues to get in, and it isn’t just because the venue only seats 60 people.

If you’re craving Chinese food, this is where you need to go. We’d suggest the steamed prawn dumplings and a side of the stir-fried squid – those dumplings live in our mind rent-free.

Yum Cha

Image Source: @yumcha.uk

If you’ve been in Manchester and not tried Yum Cha yet, you’ve not lived. It’s another authentic Chinese restaurant, but with a different feel to Happy Seasons – it’s more relaxed, but still honours some traditional values with their tea being poured into tiny cups.

We know it’s a super basic choice, but hey, it’s popular for a reason – the katsu curry here is next level. We also have a soft spot for their broccoli and pak choi side – getting your five a day in never tasted so good.

Crazy Pedro's

Image Source: @crazypedros

We couldn’t talk about our top spots without mentioning Peds, aka Crazy Pedros. They’ve got some of the best happy hours you’ll find, running 5-10pm Sunday to Friday, which makes a slice of their pizza £3 – or a full 16” for only £12.50, they really know how to treat you. Struggling to pick a topping, or want to share with your mate? They offer half’n’half pizzas, so you can live the best of both worlds.

Our recommendation? The Buffalo Pedro or the World Famous Hot Dog Pizza. You might need to give us a second, we’re absolutely starving now and we’re about to start drooling.

Manchester has got tonnes of options for a good meal our, so whatever you fancy, you’re guaranteed to find something delicious. Where’s your favourite place to go? Reach out on our socials and let us know!