The Great Northern

This sprawling site in the Deansgate area describes itself as offering 'luxury leisure, entertainment and retail in the heart of Manchester.'

If an AMC Cinema and Lifestyle Fitness gym count as luxurious then, fair enough. Otherwise, this is a collection of bars, places to eat, a few shops and places to do things inside a large converted old warehouse, with a nicely landscaped public square outside.

For years, Great Northern felt a little, well, forced. A clear attempt to create a destination out of a derelict site, it seemed to be going nowhere for ages until, lately, some new additions like All Star Lanes leant the place a more familiar feel. So, if you're looking for a place to eat, catch a film and casino the night away, Great Northern could be right up your alley.