If you’re a football fan, then you’ve definitely heard of Manchester. But if you’d like to discover the city without necessarily visiting the local club’s stadium, then follow this guide.
Reason #1: culture
In Manchester, like everywhere in England, some spots seem suspended in time. This is notably the case of two libraries: John Rylands and Chetham’s. Although extremely different from each other, both of these places immerse visitors in a setting that’s right out of Harry Potter. Art lovers will be delighted to learn that the city is packed with museums and galleries. These include the Manchester Museum, which houses paintings and objects from the past, and the Whitworth Art Gallery, which promotes more contemporary art.
Photo: Whitworth Art Gallery
Reason #2: gastronomy
Contrary to popular belief, the food scene in England is booming — especially in Manchester. At Pollen Bakery, you can try delicious sourdough bread and traditional English cookies. For a can’t-get-more-local-than-this breakfast, there’s no place better than Pip. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this restaurant is known for giving a twist to British classics. If you decide to visit the surrounding countryside, be sure to stop in Stockport, where you’ll find Cantaloupe and Little Scarfs, two of the most promising eateries in the region.
Photo: Little Scarfs
Reason #3: discovery
An American Vintage guide wouldn’t be an American Vintage guide without a few bookshop recommendations … Get ready to peruse the bookshelves at UNITOM, an independent shop, and Rare Mags, which offers (as you will have guessed by now) a selection of rare magazines. Looking for something more general? Take a stroll through Barton Arcade, a 19th-century Victorian shopping gallery. Finally, for a unique experience, visit the Victoria Baths: these historic baths are now a venue for events all year long.
Photo: Victoria Baths
The address book
John Rylands Library – 150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH, United Kingdom
Chetham’s Library – Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB, United Kingdom
Whitworth Art Gallery – Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER, United Kingdom
Manchester Museum – Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
Pollen Bakery – 42 Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3GL, United Kingdom
Cantaloupe – 71 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1PE, United Kingdom
Little Scarfs – 17A Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ, United Kingdom
Pip – Blackfriars St, Manchester M3 2EQ, United Kingdom
UNITOM – 1a Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DN, United Kingdom
Rare Mags – 5 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 1JQ, United Kingdom
Barton Arcade – 48 Barton Square, Manchester M3 2BH, United Kingdom
Victoria Baths – Hathersage Rd, Manchester M13 0FE, United Kingdom
American Vintage – 62 King St, Manchester M2 4ND, United Kingdom
Photo: UNITOM
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.