The Best Things To Do In Ancoats

Last year Ancoats gained fame worldwide, as several publications named the Manchester neighbourhood as one of the hippest spots in the entire world. Located just a couple minutes’ walk away from the equally hip Northern Quarter, Ancoats is a vibrant area that seems to be constantly growing. New bars and restaurants seem to be popping up every week and the neighbourhood is becoming more and more interesting. Here are some of the best things to do if visiting Ancoats.

1. Eat the best pizza in Manchester

There are several Neapolitan pizzerias around the city but Rudy’s in Ancoats is without any doubt the best of the bunch. Expect to queue to secure a seat in this incredibly popular pizza joint, but the wait is worth it. Pizzas start from just £5 and are light and delicious with a choice of traditional toppings. Rumour has it that several other branches are opening around the city, but we’d recommend visiting the original.

Rudy’s, 9 Cotton St, Manchester +44 7931 162059

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfdd1WwHB_9/?taken-by=rudyspizzamcr

2. Visit an independent theatre

Building

There are plenty of big budget productions in Manchester’s many theatres, but if you fancy something a little different, pay a visit to Hope Mill Theatre. Located in an old mill building in the heart of Ancoats, Hope Mill aims to bring fresh and exciting performances to the city, focusing on providing a platform for local theatre companies and northern writers. Expect completely original productions as well as unique perspectives on well-known plays, such as a version of Romeo & Juliet with an all-female cast.

Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard St, Manchester +44 161 275 9141

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPk6j5tBwa3/?taken-by=hopemilltheatre

3. Shop at the city’s hippest grocery store

Cafe, Grocery Store, Grocery Store

Ancoats General Store isn’t your typical corner shop. Referencing American hipster general stores, you’ll find everything from freshly baked bread to obscure bottles of beer in this hipster haven. There’s a focus on supporting local businesses, meaning that much of the produce on display is sourced locally. The store also boasts a cafe and regularly hosts quiz nights.

Ancoats General Store, 57 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester +44 161 236 7897

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfeTG-mHjmx/?taken-by=ancoatsgs

Take some time to stroll around and admire the colourful works of art that adorn many walls in the area. The street art in Ancoats rivals that in the nearby Northern Quarter and while the gigantic bird that covered the entire side of a building on Great Ancoats Street may have vanished, there are still many gems to discover.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfVVxrOBmTS/?taken-at=214533005

4. Visit Manchester’s most famous comedy club

Located on the edge of both Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, the Frog & Bucket is legendary on the comedy circuits. Huge names such as Peter Kay and Johnny Vegas have graced the popular club and many of the comedians who visit go on to become household names. The club is open four nights a week, with Thursdays providing a slower pace than the raucous weekends and Monday night’s Beat the Frog entertainment.

Frog & Bucket, 102 Oldham Street, Manchester +44 161 236 9805

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcpsTH2DopJ/?taken-at=2044941

Discover the Ancoats peeps

When you wander around Ancoats, you may spot a series of brass eyepieces built into the walls of the buildings. Take a look through the peeps to glimpse a snapshot of what life was like in the neighbourhood’s past, allowing a glimpse inside unused buildings. There are around a dozen peeps to discover around the neighbourhood and a handy illustrated map can help you to locate them all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ_LOafAJgO/?tagged=ancoatspeeps

Learn how to bake your own bread

Companio Bakery supplies Ancoats with freshly baked bread made without additives and processing aids, selling their loaves at Victorian train station on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The only ingredients you’ll find in their delicious bread are flour, water, yeast and salt, and all extra flavouring is supplied by natural ingredients such as nuts, fruits and vegetables. Experienced artisan baker Russell Goodwin also runs courses teaching the basics of bread-making with plenty of freshly baked goods to enjoy as you learn.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BexK1RcgsqF/?taken-by=companiobakery

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.