St. John’s: Manchester’s hottest new neighbourhood

Here’s everything you need to know about Manchester’s newest creative district, St. John’s, from where you can eat, drink, visit and stay.  

Here’s what’s going on in the area: 

Culture and Entertainment: Home to Aviva Studios  

Aviva Studios has become the central hub for all things contemporary arts, culture and entertainment within the city. They showcase a mix of cutting-edge exhibitions, talks and live performances, including the yearly conference and festival Beyond the Music.  

The hugely popular Yayoi Kusama: You, Me and the Balloons exhibition featured as part of Factory International’s opening summer programme, and the recently announced David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) immersive exhibition will be arriving this December. 

See what’s on here. 

Aviva Studios also have their own café so you can drop in for a coffee and snack or order something from their All-Day Menu. 

Visit the renowned Science and Industry Museum  

Explore over 250 years of innovations and ideas that have shaped Manchester as we know it and discover more about the city’s industrial past. Find out how the city's heritage is interwoven with the cotton industry or partake in their most recent interactive experience: Power Up and try out over 150 consoles in this ultimate hands-on experience. 

See the full list of what’s on or coming here.  

Mingle at Side Street Studios  

Side Street Studios is a multi-purpose hangout space aimed at bringing people from all different backgrounds together. You’ll find a stacked monthly programme showcasing the best of the city’s talent, including some of Manchester’s freshest musical and comedic talent.

Experience cinema like never before at EVERYMAN 

Do you want to experience a luxury cinema experience? EVERYMAN offers just that. It has become the new go-to thing to do - sit back, relax into their comfy velvet sofa seats and switch off from the outside world!  

See what’s on here.  

Take a trip to Smolensky Gallery 

Smolensky Gallery is located next door to EVERYMAN and is an independent art gallery that was founded in 2020. Their mission is to make the art world more accessible to a wider demographic, and they offer a mix of contemporary and eclectic pieces from both emerging and blue-chip artists.  

Enter the Crystal Maze if you dare  

Take part in the Crystal Maze - The UK’s favourite 90s show, where you and your friends face challenges testing your skill, mental and physical ability across four adventure time zones: Aztec, Industrial, Futuristic and Medieval. For each challenge completed your team will earn a Crystal. The more Crystals you earn, the more time you’ll get in the final challenge – The Crystal Dome! 

Book here.  

Take part in the ultimate karting experience with Chaos Karts 

Experience racing like never before as you transcend into a virtual world, living inside a real-life video game to race-battle your friends, family and colleagues.  

This completely unique and highly innovative experience will have players burning rubber around a potentially infinite number of tracks in a digitally projected world, whilst their vehicle interacts with the virtual track and any challenges rival players might “launch” their way. With no physical obstacles on the track and anti-collision technology, helmets and driving suits are not required. 

Book here.  

Food and Drink

Caravan is the latest addition to the St. John’s area, and it is certainly living up to its London name. If you are looking for the perfect brunch spot then look no further, you can expect to find signature dishes, such as their famous baked eggs or Peanut butter and blueberry jam brioche French toast. They also serve an evening menu so you really will be spoilt for choice, plus their décor and interior truly is the perfect Instagrammable spot. 

Fenix is fast becoming the best spot in town for all things Greek cuisine. They offer an experience like no other as you go on a journey to exotic lands and discover the different phases of life. In their own words, it’s time to seize your moment and dine like never before! 

Experience Manchester's newest outdoor social spot, Courts Club, where you can sip on a cold pint, snack on a tasty toastie, and slam dunk on the court… all in one spot. 

Courts Club is a hub where people can drop in for a coffee, unwind after work and chill out. Enjoy a mix of sandwiches, toasties, and salads, or grab something heartier from Lucky Gyros, their official street food trader. 

Or unwind after a long day of sightseeing at Project Halcyon Distillery. Discover the array of cocktails they have on offer while relaxing to the backdrop of a turn of the century illicit warehouse blues bar.

Accommodation in St. John’s  

If you’re looking to be in the heart of the city, we cannot recommend St. John’s enough. Its prime location makes it the perfect place to stay, within walking distance of all the city centre’s key attractions.  

Stop at Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel the striking Grade II listed building in the vibrant District of the St John's and Spinningfields area, offering stylish hotel rooms and suites with modern amenities. You’ll fall in love with the interior as soon as you step through the door.  

Find out more here.  

For more information visit our things to see and do page.