Why Manchester is a must-visit this spring
We shine a spotlight on some of the best art, culture, and entertainment the city has to offer – as recommended by our members
Tuesday 28 April 2026 By Soho House
Singular, creative, forever forward-looking: Manchester is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. ‘It has a pulse like nowhere else,’ says Soho House Manchester Committee member Hazel Reign, a local content creator and DJ. ‘I love that people here are unpretentious, but endlessly creative; they don’t chase trends – they start them. There’s something beautifully unfiltered about Northern culture, and the creative energy here is different. It’s raw, collaborative, authentic, and full of soul.’
Since Soho House Manchester opened last November, we can attest to that first-hand. And what better way to celebrate its vibrant community than spotlighting recommendations from our members for how to make the most of the local art, culture, and entertainment.
Since Soho House Manchester opened last November, we can attest to that first-hand. And what better way to celebrate its vibrant community than spotlighting recommendations from our members for how to make the most of the local art, culture, and entertainment.
Soak up some culture
In recent years, Manchester has become synonymous with the kind of buzzy, zeitgeisty experiences that have put the city on the international cultural map. To get a taste of that, there’s one place to go, according to member and TV production manager, Gregory Saunders: Aviva Studios. ‘An obvious choice,’ he says. ‘But it’s impossible to miss – its performance spaces are unlike anything else in the UK.’
Its current programme includes a family puppet show, a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece of opera-theatre, and a landmark exhibition by Ai Weiwei that includes a 24-hour performance piece in which the Chinese artist and activist recreates his secret detention by the authorities in 2011.
Manchester’s notable Royal Exchange Theatre is similarly unmissable for member Sinéad Flood, the founder of July Child Jewellery. ‘It’s the best theatre,’ she enthuses. ‘I’ve seen so many productions there, and the interior of the building is incredible.’ As is its programme, which showcases new writing alongside a roster of notable classics. Currently celebrating its 50th season, its forthcoming debut production, Even These Things, promises to be ‘an epic story of Manchester and Ireland’.
Go gallery hopping
For artist Roisin Molly – who graduated from the Manchester School of Art in 2025 and held her debut solo show in London earlier this year – the city offers rich pickings for anyone interested in tapping into the wide range of art Manchester offers away from the big-name museums and collections. She recommends the Castlefield Gallery: ‘It has a genuine community feel and a foothold in the rich history of Manchester,’ she says (the gallery has been leading artist development in the city for over 40 years). ‘It’s also on the smaller side, which lends itself to letting the works on display shine.’
The nearby Saul Hay Gallery earns similarly high praise for offering ‘exhibitions that span multiple disciplines, from paintings to ceramics. It’s the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon.’ For its blend of art with wider cultural offerings, she recommends HOME: ‘It always has great exhibitions, talks, and events. The cinema spaces are small and cosy, with an area to relax and enjoy the excellent cocktails and food afterwards.’
In recent years, Manchester has become synonymous with the kind of buzzy, zeitgeisty experiences that have put the city on the international cultural map. To get a taste of that, there’s one place to go, according to member and TV production manager, Gregory Saunders: Aviva Studios. ‘An obvious choice,’ he says. ‘But it’s impossible to miss – its performance spaces are unlike anything else in the UK.’
Its current programme includes a family puppet show, a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece of opera-theatre, and a landmark exhibition by Ai Weiwei that includes a 24-hour performance piece in which the Chinese artist and activist recreates his secret detention by the authorities in 2011.
Manchester’s notable Royal Exchange Theatre is similarly unmissable for member Sinéad Flood, the founder of July Child Jewellery. ‘It’s the best theatre,’ she enthuses. ‘I’ve seen so many productions there, and the interior of the building is incredible.’ As is its programme, which showcases new writing alongside a roster of notable classics. Currently celebrating its 50th season, its forthcoming debut production, Even These Things, promises to be ‘an epic story of Manchester and Ireland’.
Go gallery hopping
For artist Roisin Molly – who graduated from the Manchester School of Art in 2025 and held her debut solo show in London earlier this year – the city offers rich pickings for anyone interested in tapping into the wide range of art Manchester offers away from the big-name museums and collections. She recommends the Castlefield Gallery: ‘It has a genuine community feel and a foothold in the rich history of Manchester,’ she says (the gallery has been leading artist development in the city for over 40 years). ‘It’s also on the smaller side, which lends itself to letting the works on display shine.’
The nearby Saul Hay Gallery earns similarly high praise for offering ‘exhibitions that span multiple disciplines, from paintings to ceramics. It’s the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon.’ For its blend of art with wider cultural offerings, she recommends HOME: ‘It always has great exhibitions, talks, and events. The cinema spaces are small and cosy, with an area to relax and enjoy the excellent cocktails and food afterwards.’
Steep yourself in the city’s heritage
It’s not all about the new. For Thom Hetherington, founder of Landing Light creative consultancy, there’s plenty of rich heritage to discover as well. ‘John Rylands Library has one of the world’s great collections of literature, including the oldest known fragment of the New Testament, and hosts surprisingly bold exhibitions,’ he says. ‘It’s also housed in the most glorious neo-Gothic building, which brings serious Hogwarts vibes.’ As it should: following a visit by the makers of the first Harry Potter film, it’s believed to have inspired the look of Dumbledore’s office and the Hogwarts library.
If you’re looking to take a piece of Manchester’s cultural history home with you, he recommends Insitu, which ‘offers a treasure trove of architectural salvage and assorted curios spread across four floors of a historic pub building’.
Hit the shops
‘For cool vintage finds,’ Flood recommends Permanent Orbit on Quay Street. ‘I also love The Norah Store for curated indie womenswear brands and Deadstock General Store for homeware’.
For radio broadcaster and Committee member Nihal Arthanayake, the city’s streetwear is second to none. ‘Fashion brands like Drama Call [available at NOTE skateboard shop in the Northern Quarter] and Clints Inc have such a unique aesthetic, which is so authentic and proudly Mancunian,’ he says.
When it comes to kitting himself out, heritage continues to rule for Hetherington. ‘Private White V.C. has been designing and manufacturing coats in the same building since 1853,’ he says of the local menswear brand, which designs and produces its goods from Manchester’s last standalone clothing factory. ‘Once you’ve discovered it, you’ll feel part of a secret and exclusive club.’
Eat and drink
Saunders recommends heading across the River Irwell to Chapel Street in Salford (just a 10-minute walk from Aviva Studios), and settling into a seat at Porta Tapas Bar, which he says serves ‘some of the finest Spanish tapas in Manchester’ in the grand surroundings of a Victorian building that was once a bank. ‘It’s the perfect spot to enjoy authentic dishes in a rustic, relaxed setting – ideal for date night or a catch-up with friends.’
For Molly, last year’s big opening Winsome – led by notable chef, Shaun Moffat – has ‘perfected that brilliant mix of fine dining while still maintaining a comfy and laid-back feel. It’s just one of those restaurants which is what you make of it, and you can really shape your own experience.’ For ‘comfort food with all the frills’, she recommends Louis – which serves a shot of speakeasy-style glamour with its Italian American menu – noting that ‘the live entertainment really elevates the experience’.
Ross Parlane, founder-owner of Manchester’s award-winning RPB barbershop, calls out Deansgate bistro Another hand – which ‘focuses on seasonal sharing plates using zero waste and local produce’ – along with nearby Stow for its ‘winning combo’ of cocktails and open-fire cooking, and Hawksmoor ‘for its legendary Sunday roast’.
Make a night of it
Manchester’s nightlife is legendary. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink or dance the night away, you’ll be spoilt for choice. ‘I’m always on the hunt for a bar that has good music and good wine,’ says Flood. ‘Schofield Bar is one of the best in Manchester. The service, the music and the ambience are just unparalleled. It’s the ideal date-night spot.’
Molly recommends Dear Sailor, just off nearby Quay Street, which offers ‘a slick and timeless vibe with the perfect combination of fun and sophistication, as well as craft cocktails.’ Or, head across town to YES where ‘you’re guaranteed a good time’ across four floors, each of which ‘has a different atmosphere, from events in the pink room to laid-back drinks on the terrace’. A short walk from there is Red Light, next to Canal Street, which Saunders says is ‘the jewel in the crown of the city’s queer bars. Their cocktails are unrivalled and they know how to throw a party, especially during Pride.’
For live music, ‘New Century Hall always shows amazing artists,’ says Flood. ‘But if you’re looking for something more low-key, the Castle Hotel pub is fun for unsigned musicians.’ When it comes to late-night dance venues, the options are endless. For Arthanayake, ‘The Warehouse Project is my favourite clubbing experience – not just for the sheer spectacle of it, but the inspiringly eclectic programme of DJs.’
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