British Bests

Looking for a taste of Manchester? Here are five other restaurants to try.

1. Koffee Pot. Hilton St., Stephenson Square 0161.228.1484. Manchester is one of Britain’s most consistently creative cities, and denizens of its art, music, and literary scenes drink coffee and eat full English at this spot around the corner from gig venues, late-night bars, and the performance spaces lining Oldham Street. Live bands Fridays around teatime.
2. Shlurp! 2 Brazennose House East, Brazennose St., 0161.793.0091. This hip and healthy hidden gem in the city’s white-collar heart is famous for all-natural soups; they’re soul-warming in the Manchester sleet. Dreadlocked bike couriers and barristers bang elbows alfresco, taking in a view of lovely St. Mary’s Church. Top price: £2.50. No credit cards.
3. Evuna. 277–279 Deansgate, 0871.811.4931. Originally a Spanish wine merchant, Evuna features hundreds of wines from small, family-run vineyards. Dishes like the sea bass baked in rock salt originated in central Spain. Tapas are also available, with daily specials after noon.
4. Love Saves the Day. 345 Deansgate, 0161.834.2266. This sassy gourmet bistro beneath the arches of the Deansgate train station, in the city’s funky Northern Quarter, bids come hither with fair-trade coffee and brioche breakfasts, as well as hot and cold lunches.
5. King’s Arms. 11 Bloom St., 0161.832.3605. Wooden floors, lofty ceilings, real ale, and an award-winning jukebox pull the punters to this smart, friendly rock-and-roll pub. Make this groovy Victorian a regular stop for its live music, movie events, and comedy nights.