Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction
Explore the reconstructed Roman fort of Mamucium, a vital northern frontier garrison that shaped Manchester’s ancient roots.
Mamucium Roman Fort in Manchester is a historic site featuring reconstructed Roman military architecture, including a gatehouse and stone foundations. Established around AD 79 by General Agricola, it guarded key Roman roads and housed auxiliary soldiers. The site also includes remains of a civilian settlement, granaries, and defensive ditches, reflecting its strategic and economic importance. Now a protected Scheduled Ancient Monument, it offers visitors a glimpse into Roman Britain’s northern frontier.
A brief summary to Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction
- 106 Duke St, Manchester, M3 4RU, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the reconstructed gatehouse and visible defensive ditches.
- Take time to read the informational plaques that explain the fort’s history and archaeological phases.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Castlefield to experience Manchester’s industrial heritage alongside its Roman past.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the site includes outdoor pathways and some uneven terrain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Tram
Take the Metrolink tram to Deansgate-Castlefield stop, a 5-minute walk from the fort. Trams run frequently with tickets costing around £2.50–£4.00 depending on zones.
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Train
Use Deansgate train station, approximately a 7-minute walk from the site. Services connect to Manchester Piccadilly and other regional destinations. Tickets vary but typically cost £3–£7 for local journeys.
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Bus
Bus service 33 stops on Liverpool Road near the fort. The journey from central Manchester takes 15–25 minutes. Single fares are about £2.50.
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Car
Driving to Castlefield offers several nearby car parks; expect parking charges of £5–£10 for a few hours. The area can be busy during peak times, and some streets have restrictions.
Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction
Strategic Origins and Military Significance
Mamucium Roman Fort was established circa AD 79 during the campaigns of Governor Julius Agricola against the Brigantes. Positioned on a sandstone outcrop near the confluence of the Rivers Medlock and Irwell, it was strategically placed to guard vital Roman roads connecting Chester (Deva Victrix) and York (Eboracum). Originally constructed of turf and timber, the fort housed about 500 auxiliary infantry soldiers recruited from across the Roman Empire, including units from Germany, Spain, and central Europe. Its defensive layout featured dual ditches and a wooden rampart, designed to protect the northern frontier of Roman Britain.Architectural Evolution and Reconstruction Phases
Mamucium underwent at least three major building phases. The first timber fort was later expanded and rebuilt around AD 160 to include granaries, indicating its role as a food supply depot. Around AD 200, under Emperor Septimius Severus, the fort was reconstructed with stone ramparts and gatehouses, reflecting its enhanced military importance during regional unrest. The stone walls, measuring between 2.1 and 2.7 meters thick, replaced earlier wooden defenses, and the fort’s footprint nearly doubled to cover approximately 2 hectares. Excavations reveal that the fort’s northern gate was reconstructed in the 1980s, incorporating original Roman stones.The Vicus: A Bustling Civilian Settlement
Surrounding the fort was a civilian settlement or vicus, which grew rapidly during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Covering roughly 26 hectares on the north, east, and west sides, the vicus included timber-framed houses, a Roman temple, a mansio (inn), and workshops. Archaeological evidence highlights an early industrial estate with metalworking furnaces, supplying weapons and armor to the garrison. The vicus thrived as a cosmopolitan hub, attracting merchants and soldiers from across the Roman Empire. However, by the mid-3rd century, the settlement declined, with buildings dismantled and stone repurposed elsewhere.Legacy and Modern Preservation
Although largely abandoned by the late Roman period around AD 400, Mamucium’s legacy endures as the foundation of modern Manchester. The site was rediscovered and preserved through archaeological efforts, becoming part of the Castlefield Conservation Area and the United Kingdom’s first Urban Heritage Park. Today, visitors can explore reconstructed sections of the fort’s walls and gatehouse, original stone foundations, and the remains of granaries. Interpretive murals and information boards provide insight into the fort’s various construction phases and its role in Roman Britain.Context within Manchester’s Historical Landscape
Mamucium’s location at Castlefield places it amid a rich industrial and transport heritage. The area evolved into a canal and railway hub during the Industrial Revolution, with viaducts crossing the ancient fort site. Some viaduct piers feature castellated designs as a tribute to the Roman fort. The juxtaposition of ancient and industrial heritage highlights Manchester’s layered history, from Roman military outpost to a modern metropolis.Visitor Experience and Educational Value
The Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction offers an immersive experience for history enthusiasts and families alike. Walking along the reconstructed ramparts and viewing the double ditch defenses provide tangible connections to Roman military engineering. The site’s open-air layout and detailed interpretive materials make it an accessible and engaging destination, illustrating the complex social, military, and economic life of Roman Britain’s northern frontier.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
0.1 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Roman Gardens
0.1 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
0.1 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Castlefield historical zone
0.1 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
Rochdale Canal Lock 92
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Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.
Bahnhof Manchester
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Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
Friedrich Engels Statue
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A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Free Trade Hall
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Peterloo Massacre Monument
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A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Hotspur House
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Canada House, Manchester
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Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Historic England
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Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Mulberry Passage
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Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Albert Memorial
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A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Dalton Entry
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Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
0.0 km
Explore Manchester’s historic heart where Roman ruins, scenic canals, and vibrant culture converge in the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park.
Castlefield National Trust railway walk
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Discover a historic Victorian railway viaduct transformed into a vibrant elevated garden blending industrial heritage with nature in Manchester’s oldest district.
National Trust - Castlefield Viaduct
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A Victorian railway viaduct reborn as a lush elevated sky garden blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with vibrant urban nature.
Science and Industry Museum
0.2 km
Explore 250 years of innovation and industrial heritage at Manchester’s historic Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s oldest passenger railway station.
Upper Campfield Market Hall
0.2 km
Historic Victorian market hall in Manchester’s Castlefield, now a vibrant artisan market and creative hub blending heritage with modern innovation.
Beetham Tower
0.3 km
Manchester’s tallest skyscraper outside London, Beetham Tower combines luxury living, stunning views, and bold modern architecture in the heart of the city.
Castlefield Gallery
0.3 km
Manchester’s pioneering contemporary art gallery fostering creativity, community, and artist development since 1984.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
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Dive into the ultimate immersive adventure inspired by the iconic 90s TV show, where teamwork and fun collide in Manchester’s thrilling Crystal Maze LIVE Experience.
Saint John's Gardens
0.3 km
A serene urban oasis in Manchester preserving historic churchyard remnants and offering peaceful green space near Deansgate.
Great Northern
0.4 km
A lively blend of historic charm and modern entertainment in Manchester’s premier shopping and leisure plaza.
Opera House Manchester
0.4 km
A historic Edwardian theatre in Manchester offering world-class musicals, opera, and vibrant cultural performances in an elegant setting.
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
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Discover the thrilling cocktail experience at Alcotraz Manchester, where immersive storytelling meets masterful mixology in a unique prison-themed bar.
Albert Hall, Manchester
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Historic Wesleyan chapel turned iconic music venue with stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
HOME Manchester
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HOME Manchester: Where contemporary theatre, film, and art converge in a vibrant cultural hub.
The Bridgewater Hall
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Manchester’s premier concert hall offering world-class acoustics, diverse performances, and accessible facilities in a striking modern setting.
Essential places to dine
Dukes 92
0.2 km
A vibrant Manchester hotspot blending generous dining, lively music, and versatile event spaces in a stylish city centre setting.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.
Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester
0.2 km
Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.
Dom's Italia
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.
Don Marco
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Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
Dimitri's - Tapas Meze Bar & Restaurant
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Authentic Greek tapas and meze in Manchester’s lively Deansgate district, perfect for sharing and savoring Mediterranean flavors.
Podium
0.2 km
Sophisticated Modern British dining with inventive flavors and sleek modernist style in Manchester’s iconic Hilton Deansgate.
Evuna Deansgate
0.3 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Deansgate district.
Another hand
0.3 km
An intimate modern British restaurant in Manchester’s Deansgate Mews, celebrated for inventive seasonal dishes and natural wines.
Italiana Fifty Five Great Northern
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in Manchester’s stylish Great Northern Warehouse setting.
20 Stories
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from 20 Stories, a glamorous rooftop restaurant blending Modern European cuisine with stunning city views.
James Martin Manchester
0.4 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine in an elegant casino setting, where seasonal ingredients and expert service create a memorable Manchester dining destination.
Almost Famous GN
0.4 km
A lively Manchester burger bar serving bold, indulgent American-style burgers with loaded fries in a vibrant, casual setting.
Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant
0.5 km
Cozy British dining with eclectic charm and seasonal flavors in Manchester’s lively Spinningfields district.
Tattu Manchester
0.5 km
Modern Chinese cuisine and theatrical design in Manchester's Spinningfields district.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Science and Industry Museum Shop
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Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
Catch my Thrift
0.2 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
TVSeriesJackets
0.3 km
Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Branded Like A Boss
0.4 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
ItsFetch
0.4 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
0.4 km
Futuristic cornershop at Deansgate Square's base: craft coffee, local brews, zero-waste refills, and artisanal bites amid Manchester's iconic towers.
Curvilicious Clothing
0.4 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
INFINITE RUNNING
0.4 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
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Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Pulse
0.9 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
1.0 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Stare Society
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Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Søstrene Grene
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Rams Gift World
1.1 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
SHMYLS - Thoughtfully Made
1.2 km
Discover thoughtfully crafted jewelry and homewares at SHMYLS, a unique gift shop nestled in Manchester’s vibrant Hatch complex.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
cask
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Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
0.2 km
Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.
The Deansgate
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Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
Atlas Bar
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Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
Cloud 23
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Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
Lock 91
0.2 km
Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
The Wharf
0.3 km
Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.
Bar Eight
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Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.
Three Little Words
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A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
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Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
The Britons Protection
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Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
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Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Speak In Code
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Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.7 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
The Gas Lamp
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Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ark Manchester
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Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Royal Vida Night Club
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Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
Popworld Manchester
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Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
History Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
42's
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Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Venue Nightclub
0.6 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Club Liv Manchester
0.7 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Viva Manchester
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Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
0.9 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Satans Hollow
1.0 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
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Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Club Tropicana
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Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
The Cockatoo Club
1.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
Bijou Club
1.3 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
