Top Five Things to Do in New Islington

17 December 2024

Discover the top things to do in one of Manchester's fastest-growing districts.

New Islington is rapidly emerging as one of Manchester’s most exciting and vibrant districts, known for its dazzling marina, tiny dogs in jumpers, and an endless supply of independent coffee shops.

Thanks to a major regeneration project in 2002, this former industrial site has been transformed into a trendy urban neighbourhood, now one of the city’s most sought-after locations for businesses to set up shop.

As it continues to attract creatives, entrepreneurs and young professionals from all over the world, there’s no doubt New Islington will be THE place to be in 2025.

Just minutes from Manchester’s bustling city centre, the area is well-connected by major transport links, including a Metrolink stop that runs directly to Piccadilly Station. So, if you’re in Manchester, there’s no excuse not to visit this thriving neighbourhood.

Thinking of swinging by? Here are the top five things to do in New Islington...

Workspace in New Islington - Colony Fabrica

1. Sip a coffee on New Islington Marina

At the heart of the neighbourhood lies New Islington Marina and Cotton Field Park, an urban oasis and one of Manchester’s newest green spaces.

Home to swans, geese, and joggers alike, this picturesque setting comes alive on Manchester’s rare sunny days, when there is a real buzz in the air.

The marina is the perfect place for enjoying a freshly brewed coffee from one of the many independent cafes, all while admiring the quirky narrowboat houses moored there.

Must-visit spots include Pollen, a somewhat famous sourdough and viennoiserie bakery, renowned for its fresh bread and pastries that draw visitors from across the city. A little further along, Cafe 90 Delice offers a sophisticated selection of patisserie and desserts, ideal for a sweet treat.

For those seeking a bev or two, there’s something for every taste along the waterfront. Flawd, a natural wine bar, is perfect for an intimate date night, while Finders Keepers is great for after-work cocktails. For a more relaxed vibe, Cask serves up a variety of draught and bottled beers.

New Islington Marina and Cotton Field Park - Manchester’s Finest

2. Support local artists at Pollard Yard

Just a short walk from New Islington is Pollard Yard, Manchester’s newest creative hub.

Once a derelict space of land, Pollard Yard has been filled with rows of multi-coloured shipping containers housing workshops and studio spaces for creatives.

Many of these containers have ‘shop fronts’, where visitors can admire and purchase work from local artists. The Letter Arty Shop has become very popular for this reason, filled to the brim with stunning prints, cards, stationery and more.

Over the years, Pollard Yard has also started to attract more independent food and drink businesses. If you’re browsing on your lunch break, you can grab a coffee and sandwich to go from Good Thing Cafe Bar, or tuck into some Italian bites from Marleo Streetfood.

Pollard Yard - Eat MCR

3. Watch an original musical at The Hope Mill Theatre

Manchester boasts a dynamic theatre scene, with key venues like The Lowry, The Palace Theatre, and the Opera House, and the city even hosts its own fringe festival every July.

However, for something a little more intimate and offbeat for your next team social, head to Hope Mill Theatre, an independent theatre on the border of New Islington and Ancoats.

Housed in a 200-year-old Grade II* listed textile mill, Hope Mill Theatre has transformed into a cultural landmark which specialises in small-scale productions, often featuring original and revived plays and musicals.

The theatre is also home to a thriving Community Hub, offering classes for young people, as well as opportunities to get involved in amateur dramatics, orchestras, and choirs.

Main Stage - Hope Mill Theatre

4. Enjoy a cold one at Cloudwater Brewery's Taproom

Just across the road from Colony Fabrica is Cloudwater Brewery, an independent brewery famous for crafting exciting new beers and its seasonal artwork displays.

Founded in 2014, Cloudwater produces a wide range of both classic and innovative beers, which you can find on the shelves and taps of independent bottle shops and bars nationwide. If you're in the area, we highly recommend trying their Piccadilly Pilsner!

Next to the brewery is its popular Unit 9 Taproom, a trendy after-work hangout offering 20 draft lines, all drawn fresh from a chilled 3ºC cold store beneath the mezzanine. If that’s not enough to entice you, the taproom also serves a selection of local gins, wines, soft drinks, and snacks.

One of the taproom’s highlights is the rotating artwork displayed every six months, reflecting the changing seasons and adding a creative flair to the space. It’s a great reason to return and experience something new with each visit!

Unit 9 Taproom - Taste of Manchester

5. Relax and rejuvenate at Float Level

Whether you're looking to recharge mentally or stay active, New Islington offers a range of wellness facilities designed to support both residents and workers in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

One standout feature is Float Level, the North West’s only purpose-built float centre. Here, you can unwind and experience the calming benefits of floating in state-of-the-art pods.

Floating works by lowering your brainwaves into more relaxing frequencies, similar to those achieved through advanced meditation techniques.

The result? Stress relief, mental clarity, and relief from aches and pains.

Float Room - Float Level

Considering a workspace in New Islington?

Just a 5-minute walk from New Islington Metrolink and a 15-minute walk from Piccadilly Station, Colony Fabrica offers a fresh approach to workspaces in the ever-expanding New Islington area.

We provide affordable, flexible workspaces to suit businesses of all sizes, with options ranging from day passes to eight person offices and 112+ person private floors.

With state-of-the-art amenities like premium coffee taps, modern meeting rooms and a 50-person presentation space, as well as access to a city-wide workspace network, Colony Fabrica is designed to support your business's growth.

Outside the office, you'll find plenty of spots for after-work drinks, team-building activities, and client entertainment - making it an ideal place to collaborate, connect, and unwind.

If you're looking for a place to call home for your business, why not stop by and see what Colony Fabrica and New Islington have to offer?

Click the link below to learn more about Colony Fabrica and view our membership options.

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