Manchester has a thriving food culture, with a wealth of restaurants serving every possible style of cuisine imaginable. Many of these offer set menus and value deals, meaning that even the most ardent food lovers don’t have to miss out during these credit crunched times.Here are three of the best deals around – all of which are available for less than £20.

1. Grado

Offering authentic modern Spanish food, this innovative tapas restaurant has made a bit of a splash on the Manchester foodie scene since its launch in 2007. Eschewing the calamares and patatas bravas style of the more formulaic chain restaurants, Grado combines contemporary Spanish cuisine with slick and professional service.

Set in bright and airy surroundings, diners can enjoy a full meal in the restaurant or sample the substantial menu whilst watching the chefs at work in the open plan bar area.

Offers include two courses for £13.50 or three courses for £16.50, Monday to Friday lunchtimes and 5pm-7pm. Evening drinks discounts are also available at the bar, with 2-for-1 on cocktails and house wine between 5pm-7pm, Mondays to Fridays.

New York Street, Piccadilly, Manchester. Tel: +44 161 238 9790

2. Choice

Tucked away in its picturesque canal-side location, Choice is an absolute gem of a restaurant. Having won numerous awards for its extensive wine list and traditional British food, this is a must-do for any food lover visiting Manchester.

Using locally sourced produce, the emphasis is on comforting favourites such as beef and potato pie with pickled red cabbage or banana bread and butter pudding. All of which are presented simply but with the utmost aplomb and are guaranteed to get your mouth watering.

The Smart Choice menu, which is available all day Monday to Thursday and from 12pm-6pm Friday to Sunday, offers excellent money savings, with 2 courses for £13.95 or three courses for £16.95. You can even catch some live music while you dine, with performances from the in-house pianist on the baby grand in the bar.

Castle Quay, Castlefield, Manchester. Tel: +44 161 844 3400

3. Portofino

This warm and friendly Italian restaurant is located about six miles outside of Manchester city centre in Altrincham but is easily reached by the frequent tram service from Piccadilly Station. The journey takes around 20 minutes but the hearty home-cooked style of the food makes it well worth the trip.

As well as the usual pizzas and pastas you would expect from a traditional Italian eatery, diners can also choose from a wide variety of meat and fish dishes.

Not only is the food delicious, it is exceptionally good value for money. The early dining menu is available Monday to Thursday from 5pm-7pm and consists of starter, main course, dessert and coffee, as well as a 175ml glass of house wine, for the price of the main course (most of which are between £14 and £19).

A four course Sunday lunch deal is also available, for the startling price of just £9.95. Understandably, this is very popular, so be sure to book a table to avoid missing out.

15 Regent Road, Altrincham, Cheshire. Tel: +44 161 928 8714

A few other eateries that didn’t quite make the top slots, but are definitely worth a mention are:

• Le Petit Blanc – gourmet French cuisine from top French chef, Raymond Blanc’s chain of brasseries. Lunch from £11.95 and dinner from £14.50.

• Michael Caines at Abode Hotel – grazing menu from this award winning hotelier from just £12.

• Tropiero – meat, meat and more meat! Brazilian all-you-can eat of the highest standard for £18.95 fixed price.

Photo of forks by alles-schlumpf

Manchester’s bustling Asian community means that you are never short of a place to grab a tasty slice of the Orient. However, if this leaves your mouth watering for more, there are also plenty of places where you can learn how to whip up a Far Eastern style banquet in your own home.

1. Chaophraya Thai Cooking School

Considered by many to be Manchester’s finest Thai restaurant, Chaophraya offers a one-day cookery class designed to get even the most hopeless of cooks chopping and sizzling like a pro.

Guests will learn a variety of traditional techniques from one of the award-winning restaurant’s top chefs, before rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in themselves. Of course, the best bit is sitting down in the plush restaurant afterwards to enjoy the variety of dishes cooked by your own fair hands!

The package costs £60 and includes refreshments on arrival, all ingredients and equipment, certificates and recipes to take away, as well as a Chaophraya goodie bag.

Chapel Walks, off Cross Street, Manchester. Tel: +44 161 832 8342

2. Vermilion Thai Cooking School

Situated near the City of Manchester Stadium and the iconic B of The Bang sculpture, Vermilion brings some much needed glamour to this corner of the city. Costing £4.5 million to build, the impressive three-storey bar and restaurant is a true assault on the senses. With its vivacious interior design and innovative Asian fusion menus, Vermilion has burst onto the Manchester food scene.

Working in partnership with the Thai government, the cookery class focuses on the health benefits of Thai cuisine and ingredients. For £60, guests will learn how to cook up a healthy and delicious three course meal and will receive certificates, tuition notes and a DVD to take away with them.

Lord North Street, off Hulme Hall Lane, Manchester. Tel: +44 161 202 0055

3. Ning Malay Cookery School

Tucked in the uber-trendy Northern Quarter, Ning is one of Manchester’s best kept secrets. Serving a fresh and inspiring mix of Malaysian, Thai and Asian fusion cuisine, the restaurant has an extremely relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The popular cookery class lasts approximately four hours and begins with a workshop-style introduction to Malaysian culture, ingredients and food, led by Head Chef, Norman Musa. Participants then get busy in the kitchen, preparing a typical Malay family meal consisting of four or five dishes.

The class costs £69 and includes all ingredients and recipe handouts. There are also regular vegetarian sessions.

92-94 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester. Tel: +44 161 238 9088

4. Sweet Mandarin Chinese Cookery School

Owned by three sisters who are the third generation of female restaurateurs in their family, Sweet Mandarin has a reputation for delivering outstanding Chinese cuisine.

With two cookery programmes available, budding chefs can experience a beginner’s guide to the dim sums, spring rolls and won tons of modern Chinese food, or can choose a fiery introduction to the fast and furious world of the stir fry.

Each session costs £75 and includes lesson, ingredients, recipe sheets and lunch. Due to the popularity of these classes, bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance.

19 Copperas Street, Manchester. Tel: +44 161 832 8848

Photo of Asian food by Sanctu

The point where the twin cities of Manchester and Salford meet was once nothing more than the derelict home of heavy industry and the final stop on the Manchester Ship Canal. However, Salford Quays has experienced something of a transformation over recent years and is now the beating heart of the North West’s cultural and media scene.

With its unique mixture of heritage, leisure and retail, all set on a stunning and ever-changing waterside location, the area is quickly becoming one of Manchester’s most sought after destinations.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach Salford Quays is by hopping on one of the frequent trams from the city centre. An adult return ticket costs approximately £2 depending on the time of travel and can be purchased from the machine on the platform. Note that it is not possible to buy a ticket on the tram and the ticket inspectors are numerous and vigilant!

The Eccles line will take you directly there but if you want to make a side trip to Manchester United football ground, take the Altrincham tram to Old Trafford station.

Visit the Theatre of Dreams

With more than 330 million supporters worldwide, Manchester United Football Club is one of the most popular soccer clubs in the world. Manchester United are the reigning English, European and World Champions having won the 2007–08 Premier League, the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup.

The impressive Old Trafford stadium is world renowned and more than 200,000 people visit the on-site museum and stadium tour every year. Visitors can steep themselves in the history and atmosphere of the club, experience the backstage excitement of the trophy room and can even get up close to the famous pitch itself.

Tours take place Monday to Sunday between 9.30am and 4.30pm. Advance booking is highly recommended.

Visit the Imperial War Museum North

A short walk round the quays lies the Imperial War Museum North. Housed in an imposing building designed by award winning architect Daniel Libeskind, this is one of Britain’s most innovative and talked-about museums.

Focusing on the way ordinary people’s lives are shaped and changed by conflict from the First World War to present day, the museum is both educational and inspirational.

With hands-on action stations throughout the building, there is plenty to keep younger visitors occupied and a trip to the viewing station at the top of the funnel-like tower is a must, offering breathtaking views over Manchester. Not one for the faint of heart!

Admission to the museum is free and it is open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm.

Grab a bargain at the Lowry Outlet Mall

Over the suspension bridge from the museum is the Lowry Outlet Mall, a great place for scouting out fantastic bargains on clothes, accessories, electrical goods and homeware.

This is the only factory outlet centre in Manchester, where the stores offer their products at up to 50% of the usual high street price, all year round.

There’s also a cinema complex on the upper level showing all the latest blockbusters.

Dine on the waterside patios

While it’s true that Manchester doesn’t always have the best weather, there is nonetheless the odd sunny day when the views of the spectacular architecture can be enjoyed from the comfort of an al fresco dinner table!

Many of the restaurants have canopies and outdoor heaters to keep the valiant diners warm but if you don’t feel that brave quite yet, it’s just as easy to get a warming meal while safely tucked up inside.

Good refuelling choices include Lime Bar, for lazy drinks, burgers and bar snacks; Café Rouge for excellent coffees, baguettes and other French style light meals; or Pizza Express for reasonably priced pizza and pasta fare.

Catch some live theatre at the Lowry Centre

Rising from the dockland is yet another award winning feat of modern architecture, the Lowry Centre. This multi-purpose cultural centre is a diverse home for the performance and visual arts, encompassing two theatres, restaurant, studio and 1,610 metres of gallery space, showing modern exhibitions alongside the work of famous Salford artist, JS Lowry.

The vibrant interior and open layout of the building encourages visitors to explore and engage with its many attractions – making it a ‘must see’ destination, rather than just a theatrical venue.

The theatres welcome a number of home grown and international performances throughout the year, with an extremely varied programme of theatre, music, family shows and dance meaning there is bound to be something for everyone.

Photo of Salford Quays, Manchester, UK by Manky Maxblack

Ski slope in Manchester

The £31 million Chill Factor is the first indoor ski slope in the northwest of England, opening its doors in November 2007. The 250,000 sq ft snow dome offers visitors the chance to try real tobogganing on an ice luge, tubing down the snow in special tyres and a ski slope for skiers and snowboarders.

There’s no need to be a professional, with several courses on offer for novices to learn the ropes. Prices for one and a half hours on the slope range from £19 for adults. Find the Chill Factor at Junction Ten of the Manchester M60 ring road by huge shopping arcade the Trafford Centre, which has its own bus depot with services to and from the city centre.

Snow slide in Manchester

Piccadilly Gardens in the centre of Manchester has been turned into a gigantic 50-metre snow slide suitable for adults and children. Stroll through fir trees and Christmas lights after grabbing a drink and a bite in the alpine chalet or at the Christmas market in from of Manchester Town Hall nearby.

Children under 1.1 metres must be accompanied by an adult, but anyone can join in the fun on the white AstroTurf slide until January 4th, 2009. The ‘Snow Slide’ is open from Sunday to Friday from 11:00 to 21:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, but is closed on Christmas Day. The price for a ride is £1.50. Bring the family along for some winter time fun.

Ice rink in Manchester

Manchester’s open air ice rink is back for people who want to celebrate winter holidays in a more traditional way. The skate is located at Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, which is off Deansgate until January 4th and is closed on Christmas Day.

The dazzling ice rink has sparking Christmas trees and contemporary decorations with plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. At busy periods it is advisable to book in advance on 0870 066 6848 or for a small fee with quaytickets.com. The ice rink is open from Sunday to Friday from 10:00 to 21:00 and Saturday at 09:30 to 21:45. A ticket for an adult aged 17 and over is £8.50 with discounts for children, disabled people and senior citizens.

Photo of Chill Factor ski slope, Greater Manchester, originally posted by Pew!Pew!Pew!Lasers!

Manchester, UK is a city with much to offer the world – music, nightlife and a huge cultural scene – but it’s true it does rain there quite a lot. Here are five activities to keep you dry if it rains when you’re there:

1. TAKE A TRAM RIDE

Manchester city centre is quite compact and it’s easy to get around much of it on foot. But if the rain begins to fall it’s probably much easier to get around by tram.

The city’s Metrolink network of overland trams runs from the suburbs right into the centre of the city. And it’s a great way to see the sights of the central Manchester without getting wet.

Tickets are available at every stop and the automatic announcements tell travellers when the next trains are due. The main hub of the network is Piccadilly station in the centre of town, and it’s here you’ll arrive if you’ve come to Manchester via train from London or from the airport nearby.

2. ENJOY A CULTURAL AFTERNOON

Outside London, Manchester has the highest concentration of quality arts and heritage venues in one city. Here are a few highlights, all with free entry:

Manchester Art Gallery is based in the centre of the city. With a huge collection of British and international art, it is especially popular with schools. To avoid the rush of kids, visitors are advised that the gallery is quieter after 3pm on weekdays.

Address: mosely Street, Manchester M2 3JL

Open: Daily 10-5, closed Mondays

The Manchester Museum has over 4 million objects. There’s everything here, from Egyptian mummies and archaeological remains, to modern gadgets and even live animals. It’s especially family-friendly.

Address: Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL

Open: Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun and bank holidays 10-4

Boys old and young – and quite a lot of girls too – will enjoy the Museum of Science and Industry, with its huge collection of aeroplanes and amazing flying things and the giant steam hall, showcasing the industrial heritage of Manchester. Don’t miss the chance to creep through an original Victorian sewer!

Address: Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4FP

Open: Daily, 10-5

It’s also well worth a trip to Imperial War Museum North, an outpost of the main museum in London. Huge audio-visual presentations dominate the dramatic space on the hour and invite visitors to reflect on over a century of modern conflict. Although it sounds rather a depressing way to spend a wet afternoon, it’s truly worthwhile a visit.

Address: The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1TZ

Open: Daily, 10-5 (10-6 in winter)

3. URBIS

This striking shaft of glass and metal rising from the ground is near to the epicentre of the IRA bomb which devastated parts of central Manchester in 1996. It is the highest building in the redeveloped zone of the city known as the Millenium Quarter and is a symbol of this regenerated and now proud area of the city.

Urbis isn’t a museum, more of a visitor centre with exhibitions and displays exploring the topic of urban life. Pollution, population, travel, law and order etc.

It’s a thought-provoking place, presented in a vibrant and accessible way. With plenty of touch screens and interactive games, it’s also a place for all the family. And it’s entirely inside so you can shelter from those Mancunian rain drops.

Entrance is free, but visitors are advised to arrive early.

Address: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG

Open: Sun-Wed 10-6, Thur-Sat, 10-8

4. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Mancunians love to shop.

St Anne’s Street (next to St Anne’s Church) and King Street are home to the high-end outlets and the place to head for if you’re in search of designer labels. Harvey Nichols and Selfridges & Co also have stores nearby.

Also in the centre the former Corn and Produce Exchange has also been developed into an indoor shopping complex – the Triangle. If that’s not enough, the Trafford Centre is the largest shopping centre in the north-west of the England, on the outskirts of the city.

House of Fraser is perhaps the most famous department store in Manchester – until recently trading on the famous name of Kendal’s. It’s located on Deansgate, near to the main shopping area.

5. BRIDGEWATER HALL

Opened in 1996, this magnificent and imposing concert hall is home to Manchester’s world-famous orchestra, the Hallé. The hall also attracts international musicians, both classical and popular. Check the listings for what’s on.

It’s worth sheltering from the rain for a quick bite in the Bridgewater’s excellent café. The Charles Hallé restaurant (featured in 2008 Good Food Guide) also serves lunches daily 11-2 and dinner on concert evenings. Reservations are required.

The building is an architectural phenomenon – the core of the building is somehow cushioned on enormous spring-loaded foundations, allowing for the quiet calm of the concert hall itself to remain completely uninterrupted by nearby trams, trains or traffic. Soon after the hall opened one cleaner had been inside the hall quietly getting on with her work while the aforementioned bomb exploded nearby. She emerged completely unaware of what had happened. Now, that’s sound-proofing!

Visitors can take behind the scenes tours of this state-of-the-art building to see those giant springs and areas not normally open to the public.

Address: Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS

Photo of raindrops in Manchester, UK originally posted by BinaryApe