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Everything You Need to Know about Ancoats

| Last Updated: August 2025

Say, ever thought about taking a little trip to learn more about Manchester’s bits and pieces of history? Like, say, walking down cobblestone paths instead of concrete pavements or maybe venturing around historic buildings instead of skyscrapers.

Now, don’t get us wrong, getting to see and travel to all the latest hotspots and up-and-coming places isn’t bad at all! But sometimes, we want to get to know about Manchester’s past. Not only that, we want to do it in style!

And let’s be honest, Ancoats is probably one of the best places in Manchester for taking a little historic or cultural trip to. Taking a step there feels like opening up a time capsule, with the bonus of trying out some of Manchester’s best cafés and bars! 

So, what’re you waiting for? Come and join us as we take a trip down where the past and present blend together in one of Manchester’s liveliest neighbourhoods!

Where is Ancoats?

ancoats-manchester-map

You can find Ancoats east of the Northern Quarter of Manchester. It’s also located southwest of Miles Platting and northwest of Bradford.

How to Get to Ancoats

By bus: You can get to Ancoats from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens via the Bee Bus network, routes 230 and 231. Both routes will have you dropped off at Great Ancoats Street. 

By train: It’s also possible to get to Ancoats by following the routes from the train stations in these places: Stockport Sports Village, Trafford Park, and Wardley Park & Ride in Walkden.

What to Do in Ancoats

Check out the Beehive Mill building

Media from: @weareurbansplash

Location: Jersey St
Contact: 0161 839 2999 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Operating Hours: 
Website

There’s no building that’s undergone an evolution quite like the Beehive Mill building! 

This nearly century-old building is such a massive part of Ancoats’ history that you need to include it in your trip!

Back in ye olden days, Beehive Mill started as a cotton mill and underwent three different phases throughout Ancoats’ history. Aside from a cotton mill, it’s been a soap factory and then a nightclub.

These days, it’s become a place where up-and-coming businesses can rent out a space to use as an office or base of operations. But it’s still worth a visit for two reasons: it’s the place that helped kickstart Manchester’s Industrial Revolution, and it’s got a great café!

Go for a self-guided tour around Murray’s Mills

Media from: @mcrlifeuk 

Location: 50 Bengal St
Contact: [email protected] (email)
Website

Once you visit and snap a pic of this one, you can tell your friends you’ve met the grandfather of Mancunian cotton mills! Murray’s Mills is one of the oldest mill complexes in Manchester; in fact, it’s even older than Beehive Mill. 

This sprawling complex has been around since the 1700s – talk about old! Even after its recent refurbishment, it still retains some design elements of its time, so your inner architect can geek out over its design. 

And heck, even if you’re not big on interior design and architecture, it’s still a pretty impressive building that’s been standing for a long, long time!

Snap a pic of the Daily Express building

Media from: @express_mcr

Location: 9 Great Ancoats St
Website

Believe it or not, this ultra-modern-looking building has seen Ancoats in its pre-war era! While this building isn’t open to the public, it’s still worth seeing in person, especially if you’re going on a tour of the long-standing attractions of Ancoats.

Designed by engineer Owen Williams, just walking around the Daily Express building will have you feeling like you’re in a sci-fi movie! Right around the corner of Great Ancoats Street, you can find this futuristic-looking building shining in the sunlight. 

Just looking at pictures of its sleek, glassy design won’t do it justice; you have to see it in person to take in all its art deco glory! 

And once you get a look at it yourself, you might even find yourself agreeing with the architects of the world who’ve said that this is one of the most impressive buildings in Manchester.

Visit Hallé St. Peter’s

Media from: @hallestpeters

Location: 40 Blossom St
Contact: 0161 806 0260 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Operating Hours: Daily — 24/7
Entrance Fee: Free
Website

You want talent? Well, Ancoats has got it right in the Hallé St. Peter’s theatre! History nerds will know that this not-so-little theatre had its humble origins as a church back in the Victorian era. 

Nowadays, though, it’s become a rehearsal and performance spot for The Hallé orchestra. It’s also open to the local community of Ancoats, so theatre groups will also use the different rooms to practice and perform. 

If you manage to schedule your Ancoats trip right, you can catch a small performance or two here! Plus, the venue is also occasionally used to hold workshops, which could be a treat for your inner theatre kid!

Watch a performance in Hope Mill Theatre

Media from: @hopemilltheatre

Location: 113 Pollard St
Contact: 0161 275 9141 (cel.),[email protected] (email)
Operating Hours: Daily — 6 PM-11 PM
Entrance Fee: Around £13-18 (varies per show)
Website

From a cotton mill to a performance venue that’s still going strong to this day! Hope Mill Theatre regularly holds plays, comedy shows, and musicals. 

Getting to see at least one show is worth a spot in your Ancoats to-do list, since the performers give it their all! It’s also as good an addition as any if you’re looking to go on a cultural trip to Ancoats.

Walk around the Cutting Room Square

Media from: @manchestereveningnews

Location: Victoria Square (around Cotton St, Blossom St, and Hood St) 
Operating Hours: Daily — 24/7
Website

Of course, no trip to Ancoats is complete without going right to the heart of it! This bustling square shows the neighbourhood’s Industrial roots and history. Once you take a step here, you’ll feel like you’ve also stepped into the past!

Here is where you’ll find more of those old brick buildings that have been in Ancoats since the Victorian era. A lot of these buildings were warehouses and mills, but those aren’t the only sights around here.

You’ll find the five large photo installations of local Ancoats artist, Dan Dubowitz, surrounding the square. This piece, dubbed “Sentinels”, really goes to show how Ancoats isn’t just a place rooted in industry, but also in the arts.

Enjoy the street art scene

Media from: @mateusbailon

Aside from the “Sentinels” piece in the Cutting Room Square, you can also find other street art pieces throughout the city. 

One artist whose works are beloved among the locals is Mateus Bailon, who painted the iconic “The Guardian of Ancoats” mural back in 2014. Sadly, the wall that the mural was painted on was demolished the following year. 

But luckily, you can still find his other murals around the neighbourhood, plus a mosaic tribute to The Guardian!

Where to Eat and Drink in Ancoats

Mana

Media from: @restaurant.mana

Location: 42 Blossom St
Operating Hours: 

  • Wednesday — 6:30 AM-7:30 PM
  • Thursday-Saturday — 12 PM-8 PM

Contact: [email protected] (email)
Pricing: £££
Website
Menu

Ever wanted to try Michelin-starred meals? Well, you can in Mana, Ancoats’ best Michelin-starred restaurant! Okay, so it might be Ancoats’ only Michelin-starred restaurant, but that doesn’t make the avant-garde food any less delicious. 

If you ever find the time to have a meal here, you just have to order their Peking Duck. It’s been so slow-rendered that just getting a bite into the meat will make you feel like you’re tasting pure deliciousness with a nice balance of sweet and savoury.

Just Between Friends 

Media from: @justbetweenfriendscoffee

Location: Beehive Mill, Jersey St
Operating Hours: 

  • Weekdays — 8 AM-4 PM
  • Weekends — 8:30 AM-4 PM

Contact: [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Who doesn’t love a good cuppa to share with some friends? Walking around Ancoats can be tiring work, after all, so why not kick back while going on a little historic tour? 

Even better, this café’s in the Beehive Mill building, so you could have a nice sip of coffee while seeing one of Ancoats’ attractions!

As for what you should get a sip of? Their macchiato coffee is a great pick-me-up, especially when paired with the hot smoked salmon & cream cheese bagel, perfect for a long day. The bagel will have you filled up and ready to keep on touring!

Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana

Media from: @wearerudyspizza

Location: 9 Cotton St
Operating Hours:

  • Monday-Saturday — 11:45 AM-10 PM
  • Sunday — 11:45 AM-9 PM

Contact: 0161 820 8292  (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Anyone looking for a good cheesy brunch in Ancoats should come check out this pizza place! Rudy’s Pizza has some of the most authentic pies you’ll find in Manchester, and they’re made with some of the freshest ingredients too. 

Their Salsiccia Pizza, in particular, has a combination of fennel sausages and caramelised onions. Every slice has that nice crunch with the perfect amount of cheese. It’s not like your usual delivery pizza that you can get just anywhere!

Blossom Street Social

Media from: @blossomstsocial

Location: 51 Blossom St
Operating Hours: 

  • Tuesday-Thursday — 4 PM-10 PM
  • Friday — 4 PM-11 PM
  • Saturday — 12 PM-11 PM
  • Sunday — 12 PM-9 PM

Contact: 0161 392 0889 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Wine connoisseurs, here’s your stop in Ancoats! Blossom Street Social has a wide selection of fine natural wines. Their menu was even crafted with the help of a wine sommelier, so you know that you’ll be getting what you came for here!

You might enjoy their Moscato d’Asti VT Palazzina, which has the kind of sweetness that can make your day. It’s especially great if you just need to relax and chill with some friends after venturing around Ancoats!

Elnecot

Media from: @elnecot

Location: Cutting Room Square, 41 Blossom St 
Operating Hours:

  • Monday-Saturday — 11 AM-11:30 PM
  • Sunday — 12 PM-11:30 PM

Contact: 0741 257 4324 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Website
Menus

This snazzy bar around the Cutting Room Square is perfect if you’re looking for a fancier meal on your trip! Elnecot serves a seasonal menu filled with great brunch and small plate options. 

If you can look past the cramped interior, then it’s a good spot for a bit of freshly cooked brunch with a nice cocktail or two, or even three! We suggest ordering either the Tiramisu Martini or the Beekeper Martini. Either way, they’re some pretty sweet orders.

The Crown and Kettle

Media from: @thecrownandkettle

Location: 2 Oldham Rd
Operating Hours:

  • Monday-Thursday — 12 PM-11 PM
  • Friday-Saturday — 11 AM-12 AM
  • Sunday — 11 AM-11 PM

Contact: [email protected] (email)
Pricing: £
Website
Menu 

If there’s one pub in Ancoats that’s considered the pub to go to, then it’d be The Crown and Kettle! Don’t let the name fool you, though; it’s got good, affordable pints that you can share all around with your friends!

This Grade II listed pub has been serving its drinks since the 19th century, making it a must-see for any history nut venturing down to Ancoats. 

But if it’s not the history you’re looking for, then their craft beers are excellent. Their Original Munich Lager has the right balance of malts and sweetness that makes it taste like a drink for kings!

Where to Stay in Ancoats

Travelodge Manchester Ancoats

Media from: @paul051982 

Address: 22 Great Ancoats St
Check-in/Check-out: 3 PM/12 PM
Contact: 0871 984 6282 (cel.)
Pricing: ££
Website

Travelodge might be on the slightly cheaper end as far as hotels go, but it’s got all the comforts you could need for your home away from home! You can get hotel-wide wifi, pet-friendly rooms, and some good bites at their in-hotel bar café.

The hotel’s a walk away from a good number of restaurants, shops, and even a local comedy club. It’s even across the street from the Daily Express Building! So it’s a great choice if you want to have fun without breaking the bank.

Staycasa Serviced Accommodation 

Media from: @staycasasa 

Address: 47 Oldham Rd
Check-in/Check-out: 3 PM/11 AM
Contact:  [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Website

Now this is for those who want to feel right at home while on a trip! You can find this apartment-style hotel just around the northeast area of Ancoats.  

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring an office-style working space and a standard room. So it’s a good choice for either a business trip or a family trip! Either way, you’ll rest up just right in one of the rooms here.

Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre

Media from: @crowneplazamanchester 

Address: 70 Shudehill
Check-in/Check-out: 3 PM/11 AM
Contact: 0161 433 7580 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Pricing: £££
Website

What’s a better place to stay than somewhere right in the heart of the city? The Crowne Plaza hotel might be a bit of a reasonable distance away, but it takes just a four-minute car ride to get to Ancoats!

Sink into their heavenly beds after a long day or get pumped up at the gym to ready yourself for a long day. Either way, it’s a good luxurious option for a rest spot if you feel like spoiling yourself on your Ancoats trip.

Where to Shop in Ancoats

Ancoats Makers Market

Media from: @mcrlifeuk 

Location: Cutting Room Square
Business Hours: Sunday — 11 AM-5 PM
Website 

Every first Sunday of the month, the Cutting Room Square becomes the domain of different crafters and artists all around Ancoats! That’s right, you can get some handmade goodies right in the iconic square of Ancoats.

Head on down to this bazaar-style event and get yourself some independent or locally made art! Check out all sorts of homemade earrings, hand-pulled pottery, and many more artworks. It’s essentially arts and crafts galore! 

Queer Lit

Media from: @queerlituk 

Location: 27 Great Ancoats St
Business Hours: 

  • Monday-Wednesday — 9 AM-7 PM
  • Thursday-Sunday — 9 AM-11 PM

Contact: [email protected] (email)
Website 

Looking for books about what it’s like being LGBT+ in Manchester? Want to join a queer-friendly book club? Do you like sharing trivia about queer culture and pop culture? Then it might be worth checking out this book shop!

Queer Lit is an independent store that sells not just a wide range of queer literature, but also all kinds of pride merch! Aside from being a queer and quirky bookstore, they hold regular events like workshops and trivia game nights. 

If you’re interested in learning about Manchester’s queer history and want to have fun doing so, then you might enjoy checking this out. Wait, scratch that, you can learn about any queer history right here!

Wing Yip

Media from: @manc_wanderer 

Location: Oldham Rd
Business Hours: 

  • Monday-Saturday — 6:30 AM-6 PM
  • Sunday — 10 AM-4 PM

Contact: 0161 832 3215 (cel.)
Website 

Did you know that you can find one of the biggest oriental supermarkets right in Ancoats? That’s right, this mega superstore sells all kinds of Asian products and ingredients – perfect for those on a culinary trip!

Wing Yip has been selling authentic oriental products since the 1970s, and they’re only growing from there! Once you’ve stepped inside, you’ll discover a whole new world, and a delicious one at that.

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