Ancoats & New Islington: An Area Guide
Ancoats and New Islington have become two of Manchester’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, and are going from strength to strength.
Chorlton Bookshop
Chorlton: An Area Guide
26 February 2025
Welcome to Chorlton: Loved by residents and visitors alike for its eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes and bars, as well as its verdant leafy streets. In this area guide, Böhm explores a neighbourhood with a strong sense of identity—one that offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and vibrancy, along with close proximity to the city centre, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces.
Chorlton has a rich history which dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It was originally a rural community of hamlets, but grew in popularity with the middle-class in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, and then again encouraged by the arrival of Manchester Corporation's tramway pre-WW1. Today, the suburb has a beautiful selection of historic buildings and homes, leafy streets, independent shops and verdant green spaces, making it a hugely popular place to live, visit and shop. Its fantastic links to Manchester City Centre and Media City via the metrolink, as well as being ideally located to the M60 for those venturing further away, make it the perfect place to balance work, life and exploring the surrounding areas.
For a visitor to Chorlton, the sprawling town filled with independent shops, restaurants and more can feel overwhelmed with options. The three high streets, Manchester Road, Beech Road, and Wilbraham Road, are great places to start. Running through the centre of Chorlton, these picturesque street are home to many of the restaurants, bars and independent shops listed throughout this guide. Wandering through will allow you to see so many of the highlights of the area, and is a great place to start for visitors. In this guide, we will explore some of the best places to eat and drink, some of the best independent stores, as well as the artistic community scene, and fantastic green spaces which make Chorlton such a brilliant place to be, whether to visit or make your home.
Eating and Drinking
When it comes to fantastic options to eat in Chorlton, the area is spoiled for choice. From local bagel joint Smoak, who make their delicious smoked salt-beef made on site, to popular Lebanese restaurant Jasmine, who serve a wide variety of dishes, including traditional meze platter, there are endless options to explore.
One of Chorlton's unique offerings is Yane, a Japanese restaurant, offering authentic Japanese food and sake. They offer a specialised range of Donburi (Rice Bowls), Tsukemono (Japanese pickles), Katsu Kare (authentic Katsu Curry) and a range of side dishes. Yane is a unique opportunity to try Japanese food which is less popularised than sushi and ramen, but more than equally delicious.
Olive & Thyme specialises in modern dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, bringing together a “rich tapestry of tastes, reflecting the culinary heritage of various cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.”
Although not an independent, Rudy's have cemented themselves as a firm favourite across Manchester and now across the UK. Chorlton has a Rudy’s located centrally to the area, offering their great range of sourdough pizzas, sides and aperitifs.
Rudy's Chorlton
Bars and Pubs
Chorlton also offers a great selection of pubs and bars. The Horse & Jockey is a gastropub with outdoor tables, locally sourced food, and a full calendar of events. Benito Lounge sits in the heart of Chorlton’s high street, with large full-height windows and a large outdoor terrace. Their food menus includes a full range of gluten free, vegan and kids options. Mary & Archie is a fantastic dog-friendly spot, which offers drinks, fantastic pub food, and a daily brunch.
Our first recommendation has recently been announced as the winner of the Neighbourhood Venue of the Year at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, and is a must visit for anybody spending time in Chorlton. Located on Beech Road, Bar San Juan was established in 2010, and describes themselves as “a little corner of Spain”, serving traditional tapas alongside some modern twists. They also offer an excellent selection of Spanish beers, as well as wines, spirits and more.
Another local favourite is The Laundrette, which specialises in the perfect combination of “Cocktails and Carbs”, with everything being locally sourced and made on site. This includes hand stretched neapolitan style pizzas cooked in their italian clay ovens, chargrill-cooked burgers, and a range of fresh tasty salads, and The Laundrette Truffle Mac & Cheese. They specialise in cocktails, with an extensive list of original cocktails. A strong favourite, located on Beech Road.
Bar San Juan
Architectural Details of Chorlton
Architectural Details of Chorlton
Shopping
A walk along Beech Road offers a really wonderful shopping experience, with a host of independent shops which provide everything from homewear to dog accessories. One of the best ways to explore these is simply to spend some time strolling Beech road and following your interests, browsing the beautiful local wares. A couple of local favorites include Love Lucy, an independent women’s fashion boutique, and OBJECT, a tiny, carefully curated independent store in Chorlton founded upon the values of quality, craftsmanship and simplicity.
As well as lifestyle-related shops, a store which is a staple of the community in Chorlton is The Unicorn Cooperative Supermarket Union. This worker-owned grocery in the heart of Chorlton offers a huge range of all vegan goods, including healthy food, organic fruit and vegetables, eco-household goods, and more.
A must-visit if you’re in the area, Barbakan Delicatessen is an award-winning artisan bakery and continental delicatessen, which has a fresh salad bar, a fantastic selection of hot & cold sandwiches, soups, quiches, charcuterie, and more. Whether you’re visiting for a delicious lunch, or to pick up some bits for an evening spread, the Barbakan Delicatessen is a truly special spot.
North Star Delicataessen, also located in the heart of Chorlton, offers a great range of hearty breakfasts, lunch dishes and freshly baked cakes to accompany their range of coffees, Mariba pure hot chocolates, cannabis tea and a range of local worked bee teas. They pride themselves in sourcing local produce and suppliers.
Chorlton Cheesemongers
Recently ranked as one of The Times and Sunday Times “Seven Best Cheese Shops”, The Chorlton Cheesemonger is a must-visit. They are passionate about bringing their customers some of the best cheese in the country, and sharing their knowledge and passion for the unique stories behind each cheese and small producer. Their stock can be found across Manchester, including being used by Companios’ baked goods. They also have a stall in Altrincham Market.
Another must-visit for bookworms is The Chorlton Bookshop, a beautiful, family-owned bookshop established in 1983. They pride themselves on their calm, friendly atmosphere, and their wide selection of books means that there is something for everyone.
And finally, Out of the Blue Fishmonger is a favourite for locals, and offers local fresh fish from sustainable sources, buying on moral and ethical grounds from British inshore fleets. Alongside their range of line-caught Cornish fish, freshwater fish, and other organic products, they also offer a range of sushi.
Details from Unicorn Grocery
Details from Unicorn Grocery
Culture and Activites
Chorlton has a strong artistic scene within the community, which offers much to be enjoyed year-round. Since 2002, the Chorlton Arts Festival has run for a week in May annually, featuring many different types of artists from South Manchester, and is entirely run by volunteers. The festival runs across cafes, bars, shops, public spaces, churches and schools, and combines music, visual arts, creative writing, and more. They work with artists, supporting inclusivity, equality and access for all, creating a vibrant and creative week across the entire town.
As mentioned in the Böhm Area Guide to the Northern Quarter, as well as Ancoats & New Islington, the Maker’s Market lands in Chorlton on the first Saturday of every month, with “an abundance of the North West’s finest makers, bakers and creators”. Visit for stalls full of art, food and drink, street food, music and more.
If you’re looking for an activity for the whole family, or just want to get a group of friends together for something a little different, Pottery Corner is an independent pottery studio who specialises in pottery painting, as well as offering baby imprints and parties. With a BYOB policy, they welcome groups for evenings of pottery painting while sipping some bubbly, perfect for birthdays, hen dos, and more!
If you’re looking for something a little different, Chorlton’s art scene includes hosting the “Life Drawing With HOP” event, which moves around different venues in Manchester but is often hosted at the Unitarian Church. Whether you’re a complete beginner, an expert, just wanting to reconnect with your creative side, this is worth a visit.
St John's Church
Green Spaces and Parks
Chorlton has access to a large range of green spaces and parks. Chorlton Water Park is a local nature reserve which comprises a lake, which is nestled within grasslands and woodlands which are home to a huge array of animals. It also has a small playground and picnic benches, making it the perfect place to come as a family. Located centrally, and with a car park, it is easily accessible. Chorlton Water Park is part of the larger Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve, which is a 58 hectare site designated as a Site of Biological Importance. It has a fantastic mix of woodland and meadows, an abundance of nature, and offers endless options for exploration.
Bordering Chorlton and a short walk from the centre is Longford Park, the largest park in Trafford. Comprising a playground, tennis and basketball courts, a pets corner, gardens, golf facilities, cafe and an athletic stadium, this park offers something for everyone, and is well worth a visit. The park was once the residence of industrialist John Rylands from 1855, and has been open to the public since 1912.
Chorlton Water Park
Chorlton Water Park
Chorlton is a neighbourhood that blends community, culture, and creativity, making it one of Manchester’s most beloved neighbourhoods. Whether you're here for its thriving food scene, independent shops, or lush green spaces, there's always something to explore. From the charm of Beech Road to the tranquility of Chorlton Water Park, this is a neighbourhood that invites you to slow down, connect, and enjoy the best of city and suburban life.
If you have a home in Chorlton that you’re looking to sell, get in touch here to learn more about our approach.
