Where to drink
The Metropolitan
This famous pub sits right on a busy crossroad right in the centre of West Didsbury. And owing largely to its big garden, excellent drinks and warm interiors it has been a popular mainstay of South Manchester’s drinking classes for many years now. Just a short ride from the airport, it offers a relaxing environment in which to have a drink, enjoy some food or just take in the sunshine. In winter the big fireplace and comfy armchairs are equally inviting.
2 Lapwing Ln, M20 2WS
www.the-metropolitan.co.uk/
Hula West Didsbury
Jumping on the success of its city centre sister bar, Hula West Didsbury is the place to go if you like your bartenders wearing coconuts and your drinks on fire (literally). Embracing a fun, partygoing attitude at all costs, Hula may be small but it doesn’t stop it from getting packed out on a weekend. Word of warning, they don’t suffer ‘suits’ in here gladly. So leave you tie at home, or risk losing it altogether.
158 Burton Rd, M20 1LH
www.hulabar.co.uk/didsbury/
Proof
This bar is something of a Chorlton institution. And when you try their cocktails it’s not hard to understand why. Offering a dark but comfortable place to hunker down with a whisky or glass of wine, Proof is a great choice if you’re looking to unwind after a long flight. Come summer time there’s a great little terrace outdoors and because it’s no more than a 15min journey from Manchester Airport, you can leave it late before you rush off to catch the redeye.
30 Manchester Rd, M21 9PH
proofbars.co.uk/
Where to eat
Volta
It didn’t take long for this West Didsbury bistro to catapult to fame and popularity once it opened its doors a couple of years ago. Owned by well-liked former Manchester DJs the Unabombers, it serves fantastic small plates in the guise of a mezze or tapas but usually from no fixed abode. The interior is dimly lit but brightly coloured and everything is designed to make you feel as laid back as you possibly can be. It works.
167 Burton Rd, M20 2LN
www.voltafoodanddrink.co.uk
The Laundrette
If you’re in need of a slap up Sunday roast served up with some exciting new world wines and an ingenious cocktail or two then look no further than Chorlton’s Laundrette. Another niche suburb of South Manchester. Here you can sit out on their sprawling terrace and gorge on pizzas, burgers and everything in between. Seriously though, you have to try the roast, it’s almost worth missing your flight for.
32 Beech Rd, M21 9EL
thelaundrettechorlton.co.uk/
Altrincham Market House
A relatively new addition to South Manchester’s trendy, affluent and up’n’coming spots. Altrincham Market House is an open hall with communal seating at its centre. Spun around the four walls of this inviting market forum are food stalls aplenty. Each offering a different but intriguing choice for you to chow down on. Think more Street feast than Street Urchins. This is a market with a touch of the refined about it.
26 Market St, Altrincham
www.altrinchammarket.co.uk/
Where to stay
Radisson Blu
Sometimes all you want from a hotel airport is that it be close to your terminal, utterly luxurious and for it to house its own bar, beauty parlour, restaurant and gym. Is it really so much to ask? And for those of you who like to get in the holiday spirit as soon as possible, the Radisson Blu even offer a complimentary glass of fizz with your breakfast. Oh and the rooms aren’t bad either. Prices start at £149 p/n.
Didsbury House Hotel
For those of you who’d rather be a little further away from the hustle & bustle of the actual airport, look no further than the immaculate and eclectically designed Didsbury House Hotel. West Didsbury is a small but fashionable suburb of south Manchester that houses some of the city’s young professional & creative types. This hotel serves as real testament to those sorts, offering comfort and style by the bucket. Rooms start at a very decent £73 p/n.
Hilton Manchester Airport
Offering less of the decadence of the Radisson Blu but still plenty of its proximity to the airport terminals is the Hilton. No, it’s nothing new but it’s a brand we can all happily trust to deliver a comfortable bed as well as all the amenities required to keep you comfortable. A cafe, gym and restaurant should serve you well before you jet off to – hopefully – warmer climes. Prices start at £112 p/n.
