My Favourite Places in Manchester's Northern Quarter with BoConcept Manchester
This post is written in #collaboration with BoConcept Manchester. Read on for a fantastic in-store discount code for followers of Simply The Nest.
Before we moved to our current leafy M20 suburb, my husband and I lived in Manchester's Northern Quarter. At the time there were about two bars there including Bluu Bar (which had just opened) and Socio Rehab (a secret bar that no one knew about, which served amazing red pepper margaritas and gingerbread martinis), and a new restaurant called TNQ located immediately opposite our apartment building. After living there for a very happy year, we decided that we wanted a couple of dogs, so moved a bit further south so we could get a garden for them.
These days the Northern Quarter and her immediate neighbour Ancoats are a vibrant, buzzy, soulful part of the city, brimming with independent shops, bars, cafes, coffee houses, with tables and people spilling out onto the pavements all year round, and street art everywhere you look. I'd like to take you on a tour of my favourite places, if you'd like to join me :-)
When we visit en masse, we usually drive in (as it's easier to wrangle three kids and an assortment of Jack Russells in a single vehicle) and park on Tariff Street. You can also hop on the train to Piccadilly or the bus to Piccadilly Gardens, which my big girls love to do because sitting on the top deck of a bus is a right old adventure when you're seven and five. Upon arrival, the first thing to do is get off the main street as quickly as possible and start wandering down the fascinating back streets. First stop from Piccadilly Station is the North Star Deli Piccadilly on Dale Street. It's just around the corner from the station but feels like you're in another world compared to the hustle of Market Street, the route that most folk take.
It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it place (the building above on the right) and most folk probably walk straight on past. I like the green energy juice drink, just what you need to fuel you for a morning of wandering.
Continue along Dale Street, and then turn right onto Lizard Street (best street name ever?) to get onto Hilton Street. Feel free to have a little look around Beaumont Organic, which sells immaculately curated ethical fashion (you might also spot Lola, the super-cute poodle belonging to business owner Hannah).
From Hilton Street, wander up to Great Ancoats Street to visit BoConcept Manchester. I'm collaborating with the BoConcept Manchester team on a series of blog posts and giveaways, and have been having a lovely time learning about their gorgeous Scandi-inspired furniture and accessories. If you're lucky, David (their social media manager) will have some homemade pastries available for in-store shoppers!
The Elba lounge chairs, Dimas rug, Bornholm side table and Fringes cushion.
My kids love testing out the sofas (this one is the Carlton), and the folk at BoConcept Manchester are perfectly happy for little ones to sit and read a magazine or two while you browse through the store.
Well-behaved Jack Russells are also made welcome :-)
The Imola chair and Rondo rug (Jack Russell not included).
The Ottawa dining table (which you’ll have the opportunity to save 25% on during the BoConcept Manchester in-store sale, which begins this weekend on 16 June), Ottawa chairs, Handle Me pendant lights and Nora dinnerware.
The Indivi sofa, also part of part of the BoConcept Manchester summer sale with a 25% discount, Lugo coffee table, Adana rug and Bordeaux console table that fits perfectly behind any sofa.
You can see lots more room-sets on this post (look out for the pink tasselled cushion styled in a bed, and looking equally at home).
The folks at BoConcept Manchester are offering followers of Simply The Nest an exclusive in-store 10% discount on all new orders using code Boconcept10. BoConcept’s Summer Sale starts this weekend (16 June) and what’s even better is that you can combine it with the discount code and save up to 25% on selected items. Boom!
This is an absolutely fantastic discount that is available in-store only in Manchester (it cannot be used online, or in other stores), and is valid until the 31st of July 2018.
Why not take a look at the main BoConcept website, and then visit the store to see a curated selection of the range in person and peruse the fabric and leather options. All BoConcept furniture can be customised with different fabrics, leathers and finishes to co-ordinate with your existing décor.
Classic Manchester architecture on Great Ancoats Street.
Keep wandering west - I highly recommend stopping off at Mackie Mayor for lunch. Such an incredible setting. We had margherita pizza, rotisserie chicken and tarragon sandwiches, and fish tacos. Kids and dogs are very welcome and it's perfect for little ones as you can order and pay immediately so there's no hanging around (my kids aren't keen on hanging around). Equally if you're sans enfants it's a great place to while away an hour or two sampling the different menus and sipping on a cocktail or two.
Once appropriately fortified, stroll south down the High Street. Feel free to stop and admire our old apartment building! (on the left, above Sweet Mandarin restaurant).
I love the Manchester Craft and Design Centre round the corner - we had our wedding rings custom-made here. It's a real treasure trove of independent crafters and makers. And just down the street is my favourite pink building. It's been this colour for at least fifteen years!
There's usually a market or street festival in full swing if you visit on a weekend.
You're probably feeling a bit weary by now so feel free to stop and have an alfresco drink in one of the many marvellous establishments on Stevenson Square.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of Ancoats and the Northern Quarter! Don't forget to use your exclusive Simply The Nest discount code Boconcept10 for 10% off new orders and up to 25% on sale items at BoConcept Manchester.