Christie's Bistro Manchester – Harry Potter-esque heaven
Now for a true hidden gem, which is not something we can say often in a world of online resources and GPS. Travellers visiting Manchester, if you find the secretive but stunning Christie’s Bistro, you’ve probably ventured where many Mancunians haven’t.
This is one of the most visually spectacular cafes you could hope to see and if you’re a fan of literature, history, academia, Harry Potter books or just plain daydreaming in romantic surroundings, this is the place to come for a well-made coffee or lunch.
If you manage to navigate the old stairwells and wooden halls of the university to find Christie’s Bistro, you’ll be greeted by a wooden-clad room lined floor-to-ceiling with journal, catalogue and book-filled shelves.
The coffee (around £ 2.20-£ 2.60) or breakfast and lunch options, such as soup (£ 5.95) and sandwiches will ensure your appetite is as stimulated as your imagination as you sit gazing out over the campus among marble busts and lively academic chat.
I’d been living in Manchester for almost ten years before I knew this café, just 15 minutes walk from my home, existed. As a rare well-kept secret among university workers and students, Christie’s is not an easy place to find. But the true travellers among you will rise to the challenge. Good luck!
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Manchester
Habesha – Great-value Ethiopian food
"Habesha" in Manchester is a small, family-run, no-frills Ethiopian restaurant in the heart of the Gay Village that offers illegally great value!
By
Denise
Tench
Sharston Books – A hidden gem for any bookworm
"Sharston Books" is a second-hand bookshop in a shipping container. With books piled high, it's definitely one of my favorite places to go exploring.
By
Lauren
Rochford
Whitworth Park and Gallery – Art in the park
"Whitworth Park and Gallery" Manchester has art even outside in the park, with regular exhibitions out in the open. It also has a play park with a zipline!
By
Lauren
Rochford
Levenshulme Antiques Village – Antiques & tea
"Levenshulme Antiques Village", a short bus ride from Manchester city centre, is home to a jumble of shops selling vintage and unique items under one roof!
By
Denise
Tench
Mockingbirds – Independent Withington boutique
"Mockingbirds" is an independent boutique and my favorite place to shop for clothes in the whole of Manchester. The lady inspires me to be more daring...
By
Alice
Hunter
Temple of Convenience – Fall down an ex-toilet
"Temple of Convenience" Manchester for me is a signature bar that personifies its attitude, atmosphere and the personality of the Manchester people.
By
Denise
Tench
Kro Bar – An unbeatable breakfast game
Denmark-inspired "Kro Bar" presents one of the best slow breakfasts in Manchester. The only problem is knowing where to start - eggs are always a good bet!
By
Denise
Tench
Fab Cafe – Retro-lovers' heaven
"Fab Cafe": a Manchester basement filled with retro TV and film merchandise & geek stuff, retro sweets etc. I love that this bar is just so unpretentious!
By
Denise
Tench
Victoria Baths – Manchester's water palace
"Victoria Baths" is a protected building just south of the center of Manchester. It's open for events & is definitely one of the city's most interesting...
By
Alice
Hunter
Chetham's Library – Oldest public library
"Chetham's Library" in Manchester, est. 1653, is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. This building just oozes history...
By
Alice
Hunter
Sinclair's Oyster Bar – Busy historic hub
"Sinclair's Oyster Bar" has genuine historical significance, sitting in central Manchester since the 16th century. It has plenty of that old pub feeling!
By
Denise
Tench
Download our app now and know your way!
Our Spotters' Local Favorites Only. Skip the Tourist Traps.
Find Nearby Spots and Navigate with Ease
Save Your Favorites and See Them on the Map
Know your way in Coffee & tea and navigate with ease!
✓ Full access to 0 local favorites. Zero tourist highlights.
✓ Get to know our 0 Spotters and ♥ their recommendations.
✓ Save favorites and show them on the map.
