Showing a small business some love can make a huge difference to a city's vibrant culture. In Manchester, there are hundreds of independent shops and cafés with something special to offer, something that contributes to the identity of the city and strengthens the surrounding community. Paying a visit to a small business in Manchester and purchasing a treat is a great way to give back.
There are endless things to do in Manchester, but shopping is among our favourites. If you’re visiting by train, hop on a CrossCountry service to Manchester Piccadilly. We can take you there from across the UK, including Birmingham New Street and Bristol Temple Meads.
Best Independent Restaurants in Manchester
Northern Soul
A cheese toastie is a beautiful, comforting thing, but at Northern Soul, they elevate it to an art form. A toastie maker will no longer be enough once you’ve tried their grilled cheese with bacon jam or BBQ pork. There are lots of tempting options for vegetarians too (because all you really need is cheese). For an extra special treat, try the Mac Attack with jalapeños.
Located on Tib Street and at Etihad Stadium, Northern Soul promises gooey cheesy goodness. If you’re visiting Manchester, Northern Soul on Tib Street is a ten-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
The Spärrows
The Spärrows is an intimate independent restaurant specialising in Central European cuisine and traditional Spätzle (an egg pasta originating in Swabia and Alsace). A multi-year Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and Good Food Guide Top 100 Local Restaurant, The Spärrows is a real hidden gem in Manchester.
While the menu features European classics from Swiss fondue to Polish pierogi, their speciality Spätzle steals the show. Top yours with Emmental and braised onions, guanciale, sage butter, or bolognese sauce.
You can reach The Spärrows on the tram: hop on the yellow line to Piccadilly, then Shudehill, and it’s a nine-minute walk from there.
Ancoats Deli
Ancoats Deli is a neighbourhood focal point stocking elevated pantry essentials, fine wines, and artisanal snacks. Famous for the mouth-watering sandwiches chalked on their specials board, Ancoats Deli is a lovely place to either meet up with friends or enjoy solitude. Whether you're grabbing a velvety flat white, picking up a special ingredient for a fancy homemade meal, or settling down for breakfast, you’ll get great service and great food.
You can find Ancoats Deli on Murray Street; it’s a fifteen-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
Best Independent Shops in Manchester
Deadstock General Store
Located on Edge Street in the Northern Quarter, Deadstock General Store is a curiosity shop full of unique homewares, stationery, and design goods. Inside, it’s a maximalist’s dream: terrariums, fountain pens, hot water bottles, the sort of place where a whim can blossom into a new hobby or obsession. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone else, both their physical store and their online shop, BindleStore, have you covered.
Deadstock General Store is a ten-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
Blue Rinse
A true Northern Quarter institution, Blue Rinse is perfect for vintage lovers and sustainable shoppers. The shop is absolutely packed with colourful retro and vintage clothing, from bandanas to winter coats. Their reworked fashion adds instant personality to your wardrobe, and with four more stores across Leeds and Cardiff, you can keep an eye out for Blue Rinse wherever your travels take you.
If you’re keen to discover all the great small businesses around the Northern Quarter, Blue Rinse and plenty more are a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
Queer Lit
For readers looking for LGBTQ+ stories, Queer Lit is a friendly and welcoming bookshop and a must-visit indie space in Manchester. You can browse fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books and more, as well as a bunch of Pride accessories and gifts. With thousands of LGBTQ+ titles available, it’s the perfect place to find your new favourite author.
Queer Lit shares its home on Great Ancoats Street with Social Refuge, an inclusive coffee shop and bar. The two businesses come together to create a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for whiling away an afternoon with friends. Social Refuge hosts a regular programme of events, including book clubs, quizzes, open mics and social gatherings. Queer Lit is a thirteen-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
Vinyl Exchange
Manchester’s music history is legendary, and it continues to produce great talent. It’s only fitting that the city is home to some excellent independent record shops. Vinyl Exchange is a Northern Quarter favourite, boasting two floors packed with vinyl LPs, singles, and CDs. The shop stocks both new and second-hand releases, with genres ranging from indie and punk to jazz, soul, hip-hop, reggae, techno, and electronic music. You can also buy, sell or exchange your own records and other formats.
Vinyl Exchange is a ten-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
If you’re planning to visit some indie shops in Manchester, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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