Gastronomic Experiences in Manchester

As the world’s first industrialized city, Manchester is no stranger to change and innovation. The city connects to the Irish Sea, 36 kilometers to the west along the Manchester Ship Canal and continues to evolve to change with the times.

Given its industrial history, it is no surprise that many of Manchester’s most popular foods are easy to prepare, tasty and filling. At the same time, the diverse and multicultural communities in the city have contributed to its gastronomy, with eateries and dishes inspired by other cultures and traditions.

On one of the many food and wine experiences in Manchester you can immerse yourself in the city’s culinary scene. Not only are the tastes of Manchester worth experiencing, you also benefit from the chance to explore and dine like a local.

Food Tours

Food tours in Manchester combine gastronomy with history, and you will embark on a journey that takes you through the culinary history of the city, from an industrializing settlement to the trendy destination of today.

Each tour differs when it comes to the food and drinks tasted or sampled, with some tours focusing more on local Mancunian dishes including foods like Eccles Cake and Manchester Tart. Other tours visit some of the most popular bakeries, pubs and restaurants, giving you a glimpse into the wide variety of flavors that add to the modern culinary scene.

Some tours include transportation and you may drive between locations, or you might enjoy a walking tour in areas such as the Ancoats and Northern Quarter. On a food tour, you will get the chance to meet some of the locals that prepare the food or frequent the many pubs and restaurants, making this type of tour its own kind of cultural immersion.

No matter what your culinary preferences are, there is a Manchester food tour to suit you. You can even opt for a private tour if you want a more customized foodie experience.

Beer Tastings

Manchester has the reputation of being one of England’s best craft beer scenes. You can test his statement out for yourself on a beer tasting tour in Manchester. Beer tours typically visit local pubs, craft breweries and tap rooms with local expert brewers and knowledgeable guides.

Most tours include a certain number of tastings and you will leave your tour with a better understanding of the different beer styles, brewing processes and flavor profiles.

While you can choose to join a small group for a sociable beer tour and tasting, you can also book a private tour in Manchester which can be tailored to include breweries of your choosing.

Dinners

Printworks is Manchester’s premier entertainment complex, and for a lively afternoon or evening of food and entertainment, you can book a skip-the-line entry to the iconic Hard Rock Café.

Different menu options are available for the American-style lunches and dinners in Manchester, and the eye-catching décor and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia add to the location’s reputation as a memorable experience destination.

Cheese Tastings

If you are not someone with a sweet tooth, but would like to see a different aspect of the city's food scene, you can join a cheese tasting in Manchester that combines a sightseeing tour with a tasting experience.

On this type of tour, you will visit some of Manchester’s most well-known cheesemongers as well as a few well-kept secret gems. As you sightsee, your guide will enlighten you about some cheese making facts, you will take part in games, solve puzzles and have the chance to taste a cheese made by a local celebrity.

This excursion is a fun and interesting way to experience Manchester in a different way. Small groups ensure that your guide is able to keep you entertained and informed throughout the tour.