Exploring a city without a tourist map is sometimes the best way to discover places one would normally miss if you just stick to a pre-planned route. As usual, I left the hotel without any plan. I let my intuition guide me around until I feel I’m completely lost, then I always have the google maps as my lifeline.
I ended up in the Northern Quarter which has some hidden alleys with vibrant graffiti and street art.
Once an industrial quarter with manufacturing plants has now been converted into a cool area with startups, boutiques and cafes.
I enjoyed the vibe of The Foundation cafe which also hosts yoga, movies and pop up shops in its cool open space, it might have once been a warehouse. I had the delicious avocado egg toast with Ecuadorian hot chocolate.
The shop shutters have been transformed into a colorful art gallery.
The weather in Manchester was perfect but I was told by lot of locals that I’m lucky because it’s usually cooler and will be much cooler in the Highlands where I’m heading in a week. Since I had not packed any warm clothing, after months of not shopping, I was excited to go on a hunt for a trendy warm hoodie, which I finally found at a cute boutique and it was on sale 🙂
After some shopping, I stumbled upon the Nexus, which is more than just a cafe, it’s safe space for the creative and spiritual minded individuals, whatever their gender or orientation is. The quirky garden in the back was the perfect place to chill and read a book, which is what I ended up doing.
Later, after cross-crossing Chinatown, I ended up at the Manchester Art Gallery which has free admission. I enjoyed my time here wandering around the gallery, appreciating the art work and the buildings architecture. The Gallery Cafe is not to be missed for its cakes and cream tea.
The best part was the current exhibition, Eclectica – Global Inspirations, by artist “Halima Cassell,” who is UK’s most distinctive and dynamic ceramicist and sculptor. It inspired me in so many ways. One day I would love to own one of her pieces. What do you think?
Streets of Manchester – so impressed with the well preserved architecture and historical buildings. This University town has a lot going on, which is obvious from the number of construction cranes around town.
After walking around town, I was super hungry, so I decided to go for dinner across my hotel, at one of the oldest pub in Manchester, Nicholson’s Pub, serving the best gin since 1873. The Chase Rhubarb & Bradley Apple Gin was the best gin I ever had. And paired perfectly with the sweet potatoes mushroom pot pie. The interior with exposed wooden beams definitely gives you a nostalgic feeling of the good old days where time has come to a stand still.
Next day, I had some time before leaving Manchester so I went to the Museum of Science and Industry. I enjoyed learning more about the influence of this city in the industrial revolution from generating efficient energy to machine automation. The hard working men and women of this town deserve to be recognized for their futuristic outlook as it is transforming itself into a modern metropolis.
A friend of mine had mentioned that a visit to Manchester is not complete if you have not been to the John Rowland’s Library, so I made my way there but had to wait until noon when the library opened. This library was built in memory of John Rowland by his widow. My train was at 12:30, so it didn’t leave me enough time to explore on a slower pace. I wish I had more time but nonetheless I’m so glad I got to check out some of the rooms. It’s hands down one of the best libraries I’ve ever been to. The gothic cathedral style architecture added so much character to this library. Whoever said that reading is boring will have to think again in this space!
I rushed to the hotel to pick up my bag and then just got in time to board my train to York from the Victoria Station.
