Deansgate

The name ‘Deansgate’ actually dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and during the Roman occupation the town formed the route between two river crossings; the River Medlock and the River Irwell.

Urban development increased rapidly around the 1730s with the building of a major quay on the River Irwell as well as the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894. Holding a reputation as one of Manchester’s most exciting areas, Deansgate plays host to a vibrant and energetic nightlife with contemporary bars and restaurants lining its locks. In fact a riverside stroll along Whitworth Street, which links Deansgate to Piccadilly Basin, will take you past some of the most glamorous and chic bars outside of London, such as The Sugar Lounge.

If dining out is your thing, you’re spoilt for choice in Deansgate, with many eateries lining the banks of the River Irwell, most being located under the old railway bridges. The sheer variety of food on offer also means that you could happily sample delicacies from a different country every night - with cuisine coming from as far afield as Australia, India, Greece, Turkey, Thailand and South America. Loaf for example serves modern British food and is a firm favourite amongst its many footballer-star patrons. For somewhere more down to earth, head away from the locks into inner Deansgate where gems such as Topkapi Palace; a family-run Turkish restaurant, await you.

Deansgate offers a fantastic selection of shops - the Arndale Centre on Market Street offers the usual high street fare at affordable prices. Why not hit the shops before heading to one of the restaurants for lunch?

If sight-seeing is on the agenda don’t miss a trip to the Free Trade Hall on Peter Street, which is a Grade II listed building. Designed by Edward Walters from 1853 – 1856 it is actually the fourth structure on the site, after being burned down as well as almost completely destroyed during the Blitz. The John Rylands Library as well, a Grade I listed building and a British landmark due to its important collection of books and manuscripts. Basil Champneys started designing it in 1890 and it was finally completed in 1899. It’s now a world renowned research library owning some of the most significant texts ever produced.