Salfordians will roll their eyes at Islington Mill being slotted into a guide to Manchester - Salford is, after all, a different city. However, as the two are such close neighbours and the mill is an easy walk from Manchester centre, it deserves attention from culture-loving visitors.
Islington Mill is one of the region's many abandoned industrial hubs-turned-creative-spaces, but with its inventive and eye-catching events list it deserves a special mention.
Check the listings when you're in town and you may stumble across anything from art exhibitions and cult film showings to low-key gigs from international and prolific artists such as Peaches, Bo Ningen and Gang of Four.
You may even get to attend a full-blown festival - the mill is the hub of May's much-celebrated day-long music spree, Sounds from the Other City.
Whenever you visit, Islington Mill will throw a curveball to knock you out of your Manchester comfort zone and into a night that will never blend with another.
Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
With a modest social media presence and a reputation built on hard work and word-of-mouth, "ManCoCo" has taken the title of Manchester’s best coffee.
by
"Kim's Kitchen" in Manchester has once again earned a great reputation for its freshly made, creative dishes, lively atmosphere and down-to-Earth crowd.
by
"Hulme Garden Centre" in Manchester is a green haven, a remedy to all the concrete - a community-led project that's designed to promote well-being...
by
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
"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
"Heaton Park" in Manchester is a historical park that's much bigger than it seems at first. My favorite part is the animal centre, but there's tons to do!
by
"Longford Park" in Manchester simply has everything! Playparks, a cafe, sports courts... One of my favourite details is the stone mounting block.
by
"Vinyl Fiction" in Manchester has a simple concept: they sell vinyl and books. I love how it's not stuffed to the gills and doesn't feel claustrophobic...
by
"Homeless Jesus" is a recently revealed sculpture in Manchester. It challenges the passerby to reflect on the growing homelessness crisis in the city...
by
"The Peterloo Massacre Memorial" in Manchester marks the 200th anniversary of when 18 people were killed & 700 injured protesting for parliamentary reform.
by
"Highfield Country Park" in Manchester is a nature reserve I've been going to for as long as I can remember. It makes me feel like I'm outside the city.
by
63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 63 Insider Tips