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We've partnered with Reposit to offer a zero-deposit alternative. This new option makes it easier and more affordable to move into an ila home by removing the need for a traditional cash deposit. Reposit offers a simple and flexible solution: instead of paying a large upfront deposit, residents pay a one-off, non-refundable fee equal to one week’s rent, plus a small admin charge. It’s a regulated and secure alternative that protects both residents and landlords, while helping you keep more of your money where it belongs – in your pocket.
This isn’t just for new residents. If you’re already living in one of our neighbourhoods and currently renting with a traditional deposit, you can switch to Reposit too. That means you can release your existing deposit funds and free up cash without having to move out. It’s a great way to get more financial flexibility, whether you want to boost your savings, cover other expenses, or simply enjoy a little extra breathing room. Using Reposit is quick and easy, and everything is managed online. There are no monthly payments, no hidden costs, and no complicated processes. Just a smarter way to rent.
To learn more about how it works and to register your interest, visit https://reposit.co.uk/ila or speak to your on-site Community Team.
Please note: Reposit is currently available at all ila neighborhoods except 219 Baker.
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]]>The post Highlights: 2025 So Far appeared first on ila Journal.
]]>Now that June's come to an end and we’ve stepped into July, we're officially halfway through 2025. So, what better time to pause and reflect on the year so far? From wellness events and creative workshops to holiday celebrations and socials, we've shared some pretty amazing moments. We've enjoyed quality time with pets, laughs with neighbours and friends, and memories we won't forget — here’s a glimpse at just a few that have made the year so special.
Holidays & seasonal celebrations
Our residents have enjoyed lots of meaningful moments this year, coming together for special holidays and seasonal festivities. From Ramadan and Mother's Day celebrations to Valentine's Day treats and visits from the Easter Bunny, there's been no shortage of celebrations.
Wholesome moments with pets
Pets are part of the family, so of course we had to celebrate them too! They've enjoyed all kinds of playful activities, from a doggy date night to a few pet photo shoots (one even featured a runway!), plus plenty of treats along the way. And it's safe to say there are more wholesome moments with furry friends still to come.
Community socials
From casual get-togethers to themed nights in, we’ve created plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbours and make new friends. We've had a lively speed social, a gin tasting evening, garden club, resident-run yoga classes, pub quizzes and more. There’s always something happening to bring people together.
Sports & entertainment
We've kept things lively with a calendar full of fun-filled entertainment and sports-themed events. From Wimbledon watch parties and Eurovision viewings, to movie nights and pyjama parties, we've found so many ways to bring entertainment and community spirit together in one room.
More celebrations
From Pride and Lunar New Year parties to extra Wimbledon celebrations, we've embraced every opportunity to come together in festive spirit and community joy.
Delicious food & sweet surprises
There’s nothing like great food and drinks to bring people together, and our neighborhoods have served up plenty. From pancake mornings with a variety of toppings and DIY smoothie bowls to cheese boards for National Cheese Day and baked treats from Delish Bakery, our residents have truly been spoiled for choice.
Charities & partnerships
We’re proud of the ways we’ve given back, supporting good causes through collaborative and impactful events. Our sponsored sleep out for charity at the beginning of the year set a generous tone, which was followed by events like a bikeathon, RSPCA Bake Sale, and a good few raffles and giveaways. Our residents have also enjoyed lots of goodies and treats from our local partners, we’re all about balance over here.
It's been a fantastic year so far… and we're just getting started. Let's see what the second half of 2025 brings!
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One of the best things about living at Swan Street House is being surrounded by so many incredible food spots. Whether you’re after a cosy Sunday roast, fresh sushi, or a delicious brunch, there’s something nearby for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of our faves:
Firehouse
This is as local as it gets – it’s right next door to Swan Street House! If you go, you have to try their Sunday roast, it’s absolutely delicious.
Ornella’s
For amazing Italian food, head to Denton (just outside the city centre) and treat yourself to Ornella’s. They only have a few tables, so you’ll need to book in advance, but if you’re lucky, you might be able to walk in without booking at lunch time. The lobster ravioli here is absolutely unreal!
Ezra & Gil
This is our Resident Services Supervisor Maia’s favourite brunch spot – and for good reason! It’s not far from Swan Street House, and the French toast is incredible.
Lucky
If you love sushi and ramen, Lucky in Ancoats is the place to visit. They offer 50% off sushi from Monday to Wednesday, and it’s honestly some of the best sushi we’ve ever had! If you go, try the Lucky Duck sushi roll – you won’t regret it.
Another Heart to Feed
If you're looking for a great brunch spot, you have to try this! It's a Spanish tapas bar in Chorlton, and once you try the Shakshuka and Vietnamese Latte, you’ll understand why we love it so much.
Bar San Juan
This tapas bar in Chorlton (just outside the city center, with tram access) is absolutely amazing – it makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Spain. They have an amazing menu, and the octopus here is so good!
Viet Shack
If you’re craving some Vietnamese street food, Viet Shack does some of the best in Manchester! The peanut butter loaded fries are our Resident Services Assistant Shea's fave.
Cibo
For pasta and steak in the city centre, get yourself over to Cibo. The steak with truffle mash and mushroom sauce is our go-to – you have to try it!
Pot Kettle Black
Right across the street from Swan Street House is Pot Kettle Black – one of our absolute favourite brunch spots. If you go, you have to try the Dirty Benedict – it’s unbelievably good.
Whether you’re a new resident or just looking to switch up your favourite spots, we hope you love these spots as much as we do! Let us know if you have any favourites we should check out next.
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Welcome to your new home at Swan Street House!
We’re so excited to have you as part of our community! To help you get comfortable in your new apartment, here’s a few things that will help you settle in smoothly:
Our resident handbook:
A guide to help you settle into your new home and your local neighbourhood.
The resident handbook will tell you everything you need to know about living in your new apartment. From safety and security info to some house rules, all the important information you need is right here – resident handbook.
The resident app:
Where you can manage your apartment all in one place.
Whether it’s making payments, booking in maintenance, or reserving one of our amenity spaces, our resident app is the go-to spot for managing all things to do with your apartment. You can download it by searching ‘ila Resident’ on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Our socials:
The best place to stay up to date with everything that’s happening around the neighbourhood.
Follow us on Instagram @ila.swanstreethouse to stay up to date on resident events and day-to-day moments in our community. We also show off our residents’ adorable pets on there – don’t miss out!
Exclusive resident offers:
If you thought living here couldn’t get any better, just wait until you see the offers and discounts you now get to enjoy!
Living at Swan Street House comes with some pretty great perks. Think donuts from Gooey, home design by John Lewis, and dinner at Firehouse; those are just a few of the offers and discounts that you can enjoy while living here! You can even personalize your apartment with a stunning feature wall from COAT Paints, or take advantage of free access to wellbeing services with Life&Progress. To explore more of our incredible offers, click here.
Additional services:
If DIY isn't your thing, or you just need some help, we’ve got you covered.
Whether it's assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging picture frames, painting walls, or disassembling furniture, we’ve got you covered. Just get in touch with our team, and we’ll help to arrange a quote.
Our amazing team:
The go-to people for all your important questions.
If you ever need support, our team is here to help! You can pop down to reception and find us there, or you can reach us via email or phone. Click here to get to know the friendly faces in our team at Swan Street House.
We hope this helps you settle in, but if you have any questions, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.
See you around!
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At ila, we're all about building strong communities that not only bring people together but also make a real difference in the world. Our residents and teams are passionate about supporting causes that matter, and over the past few months, we've gone above and beyond to raise money for the charities close to our hearts! From bikeathons and bake sales to mountain climbs and skydives, here's a look at some of the ways our communities have supported these charities.
ila
Hope and Homes for Children – Bikeathon
Our communities joined forces to raise money for Hope and Homes for Children; a charity that helps to transform the lives of vulnerable children by making sure they have the loving and supportive homes they deserve. Together, we cycled a whopping 488.59 MILES and raised a total of £1445 for the charity, and we couldn’t be more proud to have supported them in such a fun way!
- Learn more about the charity here – Hope and Homes for Children
Hairpin House
Macmillan Cancer Support – Bake Sale
The residents at Hairpin House enjoyed a bake sale with the most delicious baked goods to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity works hard to provide information, services and support to people living with cancer during every stage of their journey. Together we raised £20 for the charity, as well as bringing awareness to the meaningful work that Macmillan does.
- Learn more about the charity here – Macmillan Cancer Support
Sherborne Place
RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre – Snowdon climb
Sherborne Place’s very own Charlotte and Kyron took on Snowdon to support a charity close to their hearts: RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre. The charity works to protect and improve animal welfare and end animal cruelty. With the climb, Charlotte and Kyron raised a huge £726 for the charity, exceeding their initial goal of £500 in donations and making both themselves and the ila team extremely proud!
- Learn more about the charity here – RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre
Pall Mall Press
Alder Hey Children's Charity – Bake Sale
The team at Pall Mall Press baked some sweet treats and put together an amazing bake sale in support of Alder Hey Children's Charity. The charity raises funds to support Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, going towards research, equipment and activities for the children. The residents definitely enjoyed it as most of the baked goods were gone before lunchtime – and the best part? We raised an amazing £112 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity!
- Learn more about the charity here – Alder Hey Children’s Charity
Machine Works
Life Oasis Hayes – Charity Brunch
The residents at Machine Works came together for a brunch in support of Life Oasis Hayes, a food bank which serves the Hayes and Hillingdon areas of London. The team prepared a delicious spread of lunchtime classics for everyone to enjoy, while the residents contributed by bringing along their own food donations for Life Oasis Hayes.
- Learn more about the charity here – Life Oasis Hayes
Kangaroo Works
The Children’s Hospital Charity – Skydive
Carl, our adventurous Resident Services Supervisor from Kangaroo Works, fearlessly skydived to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity based in Sheffield. The charity helps to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital in funding treatment for children, offering vital medical care and support to young patients and their families during challenging times. With the skydive, Carl managed to raise a HUGE £452 for the charity!
- Learn more about the charity here – The Children’s Hospital Charity
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At Swan Street House, we’re all about making sure our residents get the most out of Manchester. Living here means more than just being close to the city’s best spots – it also comes with exclusive perks! We know that life's better with a good mix of work and play, which is why we’ve partnered with some of Manchester’s coolest local businesses to offer you amazing discounts and special deals. After all, who doesn’t love a little extra treat to keep things fun?
Dining & entertainment
Gooey
If you're anything like us and you have a sweet tooth, you need to try out Gooey! Here you can find some of the most delicious sweet treats, and you can enjoy a delicious 10% off. Known for their fresh-baked cookies, dreamy doughnuts, and irresistible pastries, Gooey is the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. Just show your ila Resident app to redeem the offer.
La Fugassa
Discover the true taste of Italy! Premium cured meats, freshly baked focaccia sandwiches, authentic coffee, and Italian-style aperitive with wines, beers and cocktails. Just show your ila Resident app to redeem 10% off every time.
Nell's Pizza
Nell's is home to the 22" pizza, tasty slices, £6 margaritas,and a buzzing social vibe in Salford! Open midday 'til late with shuffleboard, karaoke, and family-and-dog-friendly fun! Just show your Resident app to redeem 10% off every time.
The Firehouse
Treat yourself to some of the crispiest grilled chicken, wood-fired pizza, and a whole menu full of mouthwatering flavors at The Firehouse. With so many delicious options, there's something to please every palate. Even better, our residents can enjoy a 15% discount on food! While you're there, don’t miss out on the lively atmosphere with cabaret shows and dance performances that’ll make your night even more memorable.
Pot Kettle Black
Get ready to indulge at Pot Kettle Black, where delicious coffee and freshly baked goods are just the start! From hearty brunch dishes to perfectly brewed espresso, this spot has everything you need to fuel your day. And soon, our residents will be able to enjoy an exclusive discount on all their favorite treats!
Shopping
Northern Flower
Looking to brighten up your space? Head over to Northern Flowers in Manchester, where you can find the most stunning plants and flowers to liven up any room. Our resident's can enjoy a 10% discount on all their beautiful blooms and greenery. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or picking out the perfect gift, Northern Flowers has you covered.
Harvey Nichols
Get ready for some serious luxury shopping at Harvey Nichols in Manchester! From exclusive in-store events to the latest in fashion, beauty, and more, Harvey Nichols is the perfect place for a premium shopping experience. And soon, our residents will get an exclusive discount, making your shopping sprees even more exciting. Keep an eye out for more details!
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Yoga Republic
Yoga Republic is a pilates is home to two pilates studios in Manchester and Salford. Offering an exclusive 10% discount for residents at Swan Street House and Oldfield Wharf. Whether you're a yoga novice or a seasoned yogi, Yoga Republic has a range of class types that are perfect for all levels.
The Light Room
Treat yourself to a unique, light-touch ASMR massage experience designed to create deep sensory response using a range of soothing tools. Our residents can enjoy 10% off all treatments with code 'ILA10TLR'
Re-Sculpt
Re-Sculpt is a pilates studio in Salford. Offering an exclusive NEWBIE offer of 8 classes for £99. Think bigger beds, bolder resistance, and 45 minutes of strength-driven movement that delivers serious results. Each session is set to high-energy playlists, under mood-boosting lights, with programming that evolves every month to keep bodies challenged and minds engaged.
Redeem offers & more info
Speak to the Swan Street House team for more details on these offers and how to redeem them. Stay tuned for more exciting partnerships in the future. We hope these perks and discounts help you enjoy your time in Manchester even more.
You can also check out our national partners here → Offers: National ila Perks
Cheers to good times and great deals.
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We like brands that make a difference. That’s why we pick our partners with care and only work with brands that benefit our residents. Take a look at some of the amazing offers and exclusive discounts that our residents get to enjoy.
AndThen
Get ready for ultimate comfort! We’re excited to partner with AndThen, makers of silky smooth, sustainable bamboo boxers. Not only will you feel great, but you’ll also be doing good as half of the profits go towards supporting men’s mental health charities. Plus, our residents can enjoy an exclusive 25% off using the code ‘ila’ at checkout.
Beards & Daisies
We have a new partnership with Beards & Daisies where all ila residents can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount using code 'ilaPlantCare15', making it even easier to bring greenery into your home. Green-fingered plant lovers can shop the range of indoor plants, while self-confessed plant killers can fake it until they make it with the artificial range – so there really is something for everyone.
Blossom & Jasmine
Treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation! We've teamed up with Blossom & Jasmine, experts in luxury at-home beauty and wellness treatments. Whether it's a massage, facial or mani-pedi, their therapists bring spa-quality right to your door. As a special treat, all ila residents get 10% off all services – just use code ILA10. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a pamper session from the comfort of your home.
Candy Kittens
Our residents get to indulge in the tastiest sweets and enjoy 15% off using our discount code 'ILASWEET15'. Whether you fancy a taste of wild strawberry, sour watermelon, or any of their other tasty treats, our exclusive code will definitely come in handy.
Charlie the Vet
Are you a pet parent? We've got the purrrfect thing to keep your pet and your wallet healthy and happy! Residents can now enjoy 15% off at Charlie the Vet using our discount code 'ilaPetCare15'.
COAT Paints
COAT Paints have developed bespoke colour palettes for each of our neighbourhoods, so that our residents can get their very own feature wall painted, and at a great price!
Delish Bakery
Freshly baked brownies crafted with the finest quality ingredients from our kitchen delivered straight to your door. Residents get 10% off all postal brownie orders. Just code 'ilivearound10' and enjoy!
Doorly
Doorly used to be Appacut, but is bigger and better than ever. Download the app or visit the website to choose from a range of services that include; dog walking, cleaning and laundry, babysitting, music lessons, massage, and much much more!
Franco Manca
Why not make every visit a little more rewarding? Enjoy an exclusive 15% off your bill each time you dine. Just show your ILA Resident App and let the savings do the rest.
Frive
Healthy meals made with whole foods and no ultra-processed products, delivered to your door. Residents can enjoy 50% off their first box and 25% off their second and third boxes. Use code 'ILA50' to unlock the discount.
Honey Bee Good
Complete your kitchen accessories with 20% off handmade beeswax food wraps – perfect for keeping those leftovers fresh! Use code 'ILA20' to redeem your offer.
John Lewis
Elevate your apartment with John Lewis's expert Home Design Service. Whether you're refreshing a room or planning a complete makeover, their team will help you turn your home into a space that's uniquely yours. The best part? Our residents can enjoy 10% off (£500+ spend) – perfect for bringing your dream home to life!
Life & Progress
Seeking help is often the first step towards feeling better, but it can be hard to know where to turn to. That’s why we’ve partnered with Life & Progress, a trusted mental health and wellbeing platform that can support our residents.
​​​​​​ Nespresso
Coffee fanatic? We've got you covered! Explore the Nespresso range of coffee machines, accessories, and of course, delicious coffee.
Simply Cook
We’ve teamed up with Simply Cook to offer our residents a free trial to spice up your meal times.
The Gym Group
If you're a fitness enthusiast, we've got you covered with our 10% discount on monthly memberships plus no joining fee. Whether you're a cardio fanatic or a weightlifting guru, there's something for everyone. Get your sweat on and save money using your neighbourhood's discount code.
Birmingham
- 'HAIRPINHOUSE'
- 'SHERBORNEPLACE'
Liverpool
- 'PALLMALLPRESS'
London
- 'MACHINEWORKS'
- 'MITREYARD'
Manchester
- 'SWANSTREETHOUSE'
Sheffield
- 'KANGAROOWORKS'
Terms and Conditions
- Code offers 10% discount off the monthly rate and removes the joining fee.
- Code will work nationwide on all full monthly memberships (Excludes off-peak and 12 months upfront).
- If you are already a current member, please cancel your direct debit and re-join using the code to add the discount to your account.
The Box Company
We’ve partnered up with The Box Company to help our residents move and store their items without the hassle. When you need some extra storage space but don’t want to leave the house or worry about logistics, our exclusive discount will come in handy!
The Halal Butchery
Urban Jungle
Who Gives A Crap
Make a difference with Who Gives A Crap, the eco-friendly toilet paper brand that's good for you and the planet. Their products are made from 100% recycled materials, and they donate 50% of profits to help build toilets in communities in need. Plus, our residents can enjoy an exclusive £5 off their first subscription!
Local ila Perks
We've also teamed up with some of the best spots around each of our neighborhoods to bring our residents exclusive offers and discounts. Check out what perks come with your neighborhood below:
- Birmingham Perks (Hairpin House, Sherborne Place)
- Liverpool Perks (Pall Mall Press)
- London Perks (219 Baker, Machine Works, Mitre Yard, Equipment Works, Kew Curve)
- Manchester Perks (Swan Street House)
- Sheffield Perks (Kangaroo Works)
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Mental health and emotional wellbeing affect all aspects of our lives. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. That’s why ila has partnered with Life & Progress, a trusted mental health and wellbeing platform committed to providing exceptional tenant care. The Tenant Support & Wellbeing Service (TSWS) is a dedicated telephone and online assistance programme that provides fully confidential support, guidance, professional advice and in-the-moment counselling. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whenever you need to use it.
What help is available?
Counselling and advice topics cover a wide range of family and personal issues, including but not limited to:
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
- Stress and burnout
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and low mood
- Grief and bereavement
- Trauma and abuse
- Suicidal thoughts (with urgent referral support)
Family & Relationship Struggles
- Arguments and conflicts at home
- Parenting and childcare issues
- Relationship breakdowns and loneliness
- Domestic abuse signposting and support
Work & Money Pressures
- Redundancy and job loss
- Work-related stress and bullying
- Budgeting, debt and financial advice
- Acess to welfare benefits and legal rights
Everyday Stress & Personal Development
- Sleep issues
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Time management and coping tools
- Goal-setting and motivation
…and much more!
How can I access help?
- By phone – all ila residents can access the Tenant Support and Wellbeing service by calling 0330 094 8845 for free impartial and fully confidential advice.
- Online – simply visit tenantcare.co.uk and use the following information to log in:
- Username: ilivearound
- Password: tenant
MyMindPal App
Life can be overwhelming – but what if you had a simple tool in your pocket to help you feel calmer, more focused, and emotionally stronger every day?
The MyMindPal app is free to tenants as part of the Tenant Support & Wellbeing Service from Life & Progress – and it's designed to help you build mental fitness in just a few minutes a day- and is available to download from the App Store and Google Play Store.
Thrive Talking Sessions
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International Friendship Day "Chance Encounter" EDI Stories with guest speaker Tesse Alpeki – Click here to register for the live webinar on the 8th July
Past Webinars available for you to watch on demand:
- De-Stress and celebrate National Tea Day with Jon Lee, Tea and Me!
- International Day of Happiness "The Lost Paths" with guest speaker Jack Cornish
- International Women's Day – Inspiration, Inclusion and Empowerment with guest speakers Tesse Akpeki & Jess Baker
- Workplace Spectrums: Embracing Neurodiversity for Inclusive Success with guest speaker Anna Price
- Post Holiday Finance Blues with guest speaker James Henson
- Rebuild your Resilience thought Mindfulness in preparation for Blue Monday – with guest speaker Jon Lee
- A Super-Helper's Guide to Rest, how to prevent Festive Burnout! With guest speaker Jess Baker
- Being Kind: Why Kindness and Compassion is more than just a super power! With guest speakers Jess Baker & Tesse Akpeki
- How do we prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace? with guest speaker Tesse Akpeki
- Changing the Narrative on Suicide "Start the Conversation" with guest speaker Jake Starratt
If you, or someone you know is struggling, it’s important to ask for help and support. Talking might not always be the solution but it’s always the starting point.
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Welcome to Manchester, a vibrant city in the North-West known for its rich industrial history, its cultural diversity, and its popular football teams. From landmarks like Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum to its more hidden gems like John Ryland’s Library and Ancoats, Manchester offers a variety of places to see and explore. So, to help you decide where to visit first, we’re giving you a rundown of the top 10 places to visit when you’re in Manchester.
For the history and culture:
- Science and Industry Museum
If you’re looking to learn more about Manchester’s industrial past, the Science and Industry Museum is the place to visit. Through interactive exhibits, vintage machinery, and engaging displays, you’ll learn about the city’s large role in the Industrial Revolution and how Manchester’s past has had a significant impact on the modern world.
- National Football Museum
Whether you’re a football fan or a general sports enthusiast, a visit to the National Football Museum should definitely be on your to-do list. Through interactive exhibits, memorabilia collections, and immersive experiences, you’ll get a look into the history of the world’s most popular sport. So, if you want an insight into the city’s passion for football and to take a look at how the sport has shaped the city, the National Football Museum is the place to visit.
- John Ryland’s Library
To enjoy a blend of architecture and literature, you should make sure to visit the John Ryland's Library. Inside of this architectural beauty, you’ll find one of the most extensive collections of rare books and manuscripts in the UK. From ancient texts to literary treasures, this historic library will give you a glimpse into the world of literature.
For shopping and entertainment:
- Trafford Centre
For an exciting day of shopping, food and entertainment, the Trafford Centre is the place to be! With over 200 stores, including high-end boutiques, department stores, and designer outlets, as well as a wide range of dining options and entertainment facilities, the Trafford Centre offers something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for fashion and beauty, or homeware and electronics, or simply looking for a bite to eat, this is the place where you’ll find it.
- Chinatown
To enjoy an experience of vibrant sights, sounds and flavours, you should head to Manchester’s Chinatown (the largest in the UK outside of London). Here you’ll be able to enjoy a stroll through streets lined with traditional Chinese arches, lanterns, and ornate buildings. You’ll also get to explore a variety of authentic restaurants, bakeries and shops offering a real taste into Chinese culture and cuisine. Offering up dishes like dim sum and noodles as well as exotic teas and unique gifts, Chinatown is a must-visit spot for all the foodies and culture enthusiasts.
- The Lowry
Home to two theatres, a gallery, and a range of performance spaces, The Lowry is the place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy an event, theatre production, dance performance, comedy show, or exhibition. The performing arts theatre hosts performances catering to a range of different interests, so no matter your age or what you enjoy, you’re likely to leave here feeling entertained. After you’re done, you’ll also be able to enjoy a meal with waterfront views at The Lowry’s restaurant or bar, or you can grab a bite to eat from the coffee shop.
For food and drinks:
- Mackie Mayor
The Mackie Mayor building, located in the lively Northern Quarter, is the ideal place to visit if you’re a food enthusiast. The beautifully restored food hall offers a diverse selection of independent food vendors, serving up everything from artisanal cheese and freshly baked bread to gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas. With its inviting communal seating and vibrant ambiance, it’s the best place to get a taste of a variety of culinary treats, while experiencing Manchester’s thriving food culture.
- Canal Street
To immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, Canal Street – based in Manchester city centre – should be on your to-visit list. Being in the centre of Manchester’s gay village and being known as one of the UK's best LGBTQ+ hubs, this lively street is home to a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking to sip cocktails on a stunning terrace, dance to incredible music, or enjoy a delicious meal out, Canal Street is a welcoming and inclusive destination where you’ll be able to be yourself, let loose, and have a great time.
- Northern Quarter
For an authentic experience of Manchester’s food and culture, you should pay a visit to the variety of independent cafes, restaurants, and bars that line the streets of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. From cozy coffee shops and quirky cocktail bars to street food and sweet treats, the Northern Quarter is truly a foodie’s dream. Whether you’re craving gourmet burgers, artisanal cocktails, or an international-style cuisine, you’ll find so many tempting options when you visit this neighborhood.
- Ancoats
If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely enjoy a visit to Ancoats. What was once the heart of Manchester’s industrial revolution is now a hotspot for food and drinks, offering a mix of hip cafes, craft breweries, and innovative restaurants. From specialty coffee shops and artisan bakeries to chic wine bars and eateries, Ancoats offers a wide variety of dining experiences for every taste and occasion.
Overall, there’s a variety of places to see and explore in Manchester, with our neighbourhood Swan Street House being close to many of them. The city's abundance of entertainment, leisure, cultural, and cuisine options ensure that there's something for everyone to enjoy. We've even partnered with a few local businesses to offer you exclusive offers and discounts! So, whether you're new to the city or you're looking to explore more of what Manchester has to offer, we hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next adventure.
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