Dave Matthews Band is playing in Manchester on April 29th. If you’re heading there for the show, here are some things to check out!
Explore the Manchester United Museum and Old Trafford Stadium: A must-see for any football fan, Old Trafford is the legendary home stadium of Manchester United. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to see the players’ tunnel, dressing rooms, and trophy room, and stand on the hallowed turf. You can also visit the Manchester United Museum and learn about the club’s illustrious history.
Explore the Science and Industry Museum: Delve into Manchester’s industrial past at the Science and Industry Museum. This vast museum complex houses exhibits on everything from textiles and transportation to space exploration and nuclear power. There’s something to interest everyone here.
The Lowry: This art gallery is dedicated to the work of L.S. Lowry, a famous 20th-century artist known for his industrial landscapes and portraits of people from Northern England. The Lowry also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions by other artists.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Manchester Cathedral: Manchester Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic church dating back to the 14th century. Take a free tour to learn about the cathedral’s history and admire its architecture.
Take a walk along the Manchester canals: Manchester’s canals were once vital for transporting goods during the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are a popular spot for walking, cycling, and boat trips. You can also take a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
Explore the Northern Quarter: This trendy neighborhood is home to a variety of independent shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s a great place to wander around, soak up the atmosphere, and do some unique shopping.
Visit the Manchester Art Gallery: This art gallery houses a collection of art from the 13th to the 21st centuries, including works by European masters, British Pre-Raphaelites, and modern and contemporary artists.
Take a day trip to the Peak District National Park: Escape the city and explore the Peak District National Park, a beautiful area of hills, moors, and valleys. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and walking in the Peak District.
Go shopping at the Trafford Centre: If you’re looking for a shopping fix, head to the Trafford Centre, one of the largest shopping malls in Europe. With over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure activities, you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained.
Explore the National Football Museum: Learn about the history of football (soccer) at the National Football Museum. The museum is home to a collection of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and temporary exhibitions.
Sample the curry in Curry Mile: Rusholme, also known as Curry Mile, is a neighborhood known for its large concentration of Indian restaurants. It’s a great place to try a delicious and authentic curry.
Other than curry, Manchester has a rich culinary scene that goes beyond just fish and chips, although that’s a classic for a reason. Here are some Manchester must-tries:
- Lancashire Hotpot: This hearty stew is a true Manchester staple. Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, onions, and stock, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish, especially on a chilly day.
- Manchester Tart: Don’t be fooled by the name, this isn’t a sweet tart. It’s a savory pastry filled with minced meat, vegetables, and gravy. A true comfort food experience.
- Black Pudding: This blood sausage might not be for everyone, but it’s a traditional ingredient in many northern English dishes. It’s often included in a full English breakfast or served grilled alongside other savory items.
- Eccles Cake: A sweet treat from Salford, a neighboring town. These flaky pastries are filled with currants and sultanas, and sometimes have a hint of orange zest. Perfect with a cup of tea!
- Rag Pudding: This savory dish is a throwback to Manchester’s industrial past. Made with minced meat and onions encased in a suet pastry, it’s a filling and flavorful option.
- Pasty Barm: This is essentially a meat and potato pie served inside a bread roll. Barm refers to the specific type of bread used, which has a slightly doughy texture. A great grab-and-go option.
- Cheese and Onion Pie: A classic British comfort food, this savory pie is filled with a creamy cheese and onion sauce. Perfect with a side of mushy peas (mashed peas).
- Parched Peas: These aren’t your typical garden peas. Parched peas are a specific type of mushy peas made with split peas that have been simmered for a long time. Often served as a side dish with fish and chips or pies.
In terms of beer, Manchester’s beer scene is quite interesting! It has two main sides:
- Traditional Cask Ales: Manchester has a history of favoring lighter, drier cask ales. While not unique to Manchester, these cask ales have seen a decline nationally, but some historic breweries in Manchester like Robinsons Brewery still produce them.
- Modern Craft Beer: In recent years, Manchester has seen a boom in craft breweries and a growing love for more modern and diverse beer styles. Here, some popular options come into play:
- Cloudwater Brew Co.: This highly-regarded brewery is a local favorite, known for its innovative and unique beers, often featuring New England IPAs and Sours.
While there’s no single “most popular” beer, these categories and Cloudwater Brew Co. are a good starting point to explore the beers that Manchester is known for.
Here are some of the most popular pubs in Manchester, offering a taste of both the traditional and the new:
- The Old Wellington: This half-timbered pub is a classic Manchester establishment, offering real ales and hearty pub fare in a traditional setting.
- The Britons Protection: This ornate Victorian pub boasts a wide selection of real ales, whiskeys, and a beer garden, perfect for a relaxed pint.
- The Marble Arch: This award-winning pub is a haven for craft beer lovers, with a constantly rotating selection of brews from around the world.
- The Pilcrow Pub: Located in the Northern Quarter, this pub offers a great selection of craft beers on tap and a lively atmosphere.
- Port Street Beer House: Another great spot for craft beer enthusiasts, Port Street Beer House offers a wide selection of local and international brews.
- The Crown & Kettle: This traditional pub is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
- The Bay Horse Tavern: This modern take on a Victorian boozer offers a great selection of gins, keg beers, and cocktails, with a banging roast menu on Sundays.
- The Molly House: This vibrant LGBTQ+ pub is a popular spot for drinks and dancing, with a great selection of cocktails and beers.
- Castle Hotel: This historic hotel bar is a great place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a classic pint.
- The Wharf: With a sprawling beer garden and a cozy interior, The Wharf is a popular spot for all seasons, offering a wide selection of drinks and food.
Most of you will not be in Manchester long enough to do many tours, but if you’re a “football” fan I would recommend checking out the stadium tour!
The Manchester City Stadium Tour
There’s also the The Manchester Cheese Crawl!
If you’re going to Manchester for an extended amount of time, there are some side trips you could look at as well. Either way, enjoy your time seeing DMB across the pond!
