Manchester is fast becoming one of the swankiest places to be. With two football teams, a soap series and a host of bars, clubs and restaurants, it’s not hard to see why a gaggle of celebrities want to hang out in our thriving city. If you fancy bumping into a few famous faces, these are some of the places you need to hang out.

Rosso Restaurant

Spring Gardens, Manchester

Co-owned by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, there is a high chance of bumping into him amongst other footballers at this 116-year-old grade II listed diner. Even if you don’t meet the man himself, your surroundings in this beautiful building will surely make you feel like the WAG you deserve to be (or the sporting superstar you aspire to become). Either way, the delicious cuisine you’ll sample on your visit to this upmarket eatery is sure to grasp the focus of your attention – forget the celebs, we’ll take the rest to go please!

Bijou Club

Chapel Street, Salford

image,bijou

Frequented by reality TV stars, this nightclub also hosts famous DJs and celeb party guests. If you fancy a boogie in luxury surroundings, this club will cater for all your needs as well as providing the perfect back drop for a photo with your squad. With a dress code that oozes glamour, be sure to make an effort when arriving here.

Neighbourhood

The Avenue North, Manchester

After a £1million makeover, this all day bar and eatery attracts well-known diners that include Scott Thomas and his Love Island girlfriend Kady McDermott. If you want a tasty breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or even afternoon tea, Neighbourhood ticks every box. In the evening, bands and DJs turn the establishment into one big party so why not pop along for some drinks and a dance?

The Lowry Hotel

Chapel Wharf, Salford

Image: The Lowry Hotel exterior

Be prepared for the lenses of the paparazzi waiting outside if you plan on visiting this 5 star hotel, which is named after Stretford-born artist L.S. Lowry. Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has been living here, and the squad famously stay in the suites the night before a home game. The interior is chic and glamorous, with the Riverside Restaurant boasting amazing views from the balcony. Word on the street is that the peanut butter cheesecake is also legendary.

Proper Tearooms

Cateaton Street, Manchester

Yvette Fielding opened this tearoom and even pours the tea herself – so if you want a dining experience with a difference then this is sure to be it. The venue itself is set next to the famous Manchester Cathedral with views that look across towards Salford. It is virtually impossible to walk past without being tempted to go inside and enjoy a slice of cake or an afternoon tea.

Cloud 23

Deansgate, Manchester

image,cloud23

This sky-high champagne and cocktail bar – a popular hot spot for Coronation Street stars – is situated within the iconic Hilton Hotel. It’s renowned for its delicate afternoon-tea and exquisite drinks menu (which features a unique selection of cocktails and fine champagnes). Aside from the delicious food on offer here, there is something else that makes this bar stand out from the rest: panoramic views. With floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the width and breadth of the restaurant, you really can absorb the beauty of Manchester city centre in all its glory. Couple that with the chance of meeting your favourite soap stars, and some might say you’ll be on cloud nine (or 23, as the case may be).

Menagerie Restaurant and Bar

New Bailey Street, Salford

This is a luxury venue that is featured on The Real Housewives of Cheshire and is popular with reality TV stars, after its VIP launch last year. With colourful decor and interior complete with neon signs, this place is perfect for a girls day or night out. The menu boasts dishes such as lobster roll, truffled baby chicken, crispy duck salad and chilli rubbed rack of lamb. If you want to visit on a weekend however, be sure to book in advance as the restaurant is very popular.

Panacea Bar

John Dalton Street, Manchester

image;panacea

WAGS and footballers love this exclusive club, which was revamped in 2015. If you head down on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to arrive early to avoid the queue and grab a seat at the bar for a well-deserved drink. The dance floor surrounds the bar and gets very busy, so if you want to show off your moves (and your outfit, of course) then you will fit right in. Make sure you get yourself on the guest list to avoid disappointment.

Australasia

The Avenue, Manchester

This venue is fine-dining at its best, with lots of well-known faces keen to enjoy the atmosphere. The menu focuses on Australian cuisine, and is influenced by Southeast Asian, Indonesian and Japanese flavours. Dishes include potato and wild mushroom wonton with pea purée, sweet soy and sake broth, roast lamb with green peas and goats cheese and basil jus to name a few. For dessert, indulge yourself in passionfruit cheesecake, or why not satisfy your cravings with a chocolate dome coated in peanuts, salted caramel and blackberries? This restaurant really takes ‘food envy’ to the next level.

Lounge on 12

Bridge Street, Manchester

image;loungeon12

This luxury bar is perfect for looking at the impressive views and watching the sunset across the city. If you want to kick back after a long day and chill out, drink in hand, why not head here? The views speak for themselves as diners can absorb where the cityscape meets the sky. The A La Carte menu includes poached cod, Wye Valley asparagus and morels, and cured goosnargh duck breast, watercress, turnip and truffle.