The Manchester Shop: A Celebration of Mancunian Spirit
Discover authentic Mancunian gifts and iconic bee-themed memorabilia in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter at The Manchester Shop.
Located in the heart of Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter within Afflecks Arcade, The Manchester Shop offers a unique collection of authentic Mancunian gifts, clothing, and souvenirs. Known for its quality products featuring the iconic Manchester bee, it is a must-visit for those seeking distinctive local memorabilia and a true taste of the city's culture.
A brief summary to The Manchester Shop
- Ground Floor, Afflecks Arcade, 35 – 39 Oldham St, Manchester, M1 1JG, GB
- +441618191973
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter shopping experience and more personalized attention from staff.
- Explore the entire Afflecks Arcade to enjoy a wide range of independent shops and unique finds.
- Look out for the sterling silver bee jewelry, a popular and meaningful souvenir.
- Bring cash for smaller purchases, although card payments are generally accepted.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Manchester Shop location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Manchester Shop
A Hub of Mancunian Identity and Creativity
The Manchester Shop stands as a vibrant tribute to the city’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Nestled on the ground floor of the iconic Afflecks Arcade, this shop is more than a retail space; it is a celebration of Manchester’s identity. The shop’s product range includes a variety of unique gifts, clothing, and souvenirs that prominently feature the Manchester worker bee, a symbol of the city's industrious past and resilient character.Curated Collections with Local Flair
Visitors will find a carefully curated selection of items ranging from stylish T-shirts and hoodies to sterling silver bee-themed jewelry and quirky accessories. Many of the products are designed by local artists and makers who share a genuine passion for Manchester’s heritage. This dedication ensures that every purchase carries a story and a connection to the city’s vibrant creative scene.Atmosphere and Location Within Afflecks
Situated within Afflecks, a renowned alternative market known for its eclectic mix of independent shops and vintage stalls, The Manchester Shop benefits from an energetic and inclusive atmosphere. Afflecks itself is a cultural landmark in Manchester, attracting visitors with its bohemian vibe and diverse offerings. The Manchester Shop fits seamlessly into this environment, offering a welcoming space where visitors can explore and discover authentic Mancunian memorabilia.Community and Customer Experience
The shop is praised for its friendly and knowledgeable staff who embody the welcoming spirit of Manchester. They are eager to share insights about the products and the city’s history, enhancing the visitor experience. This personal touch makes the shop a favorite destination for both locals and tourists looking for meaningful souvenirs or gifts that reflect Manchester’s unique character.Symbolism of the Manchester Bee
The worker bee motif featured throughout the shop’s merchandise is deeply significant, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and the community’s resilience. This emblem has become a powerful icon of local pride, especially following its adoption as a symbol of unity after challenging times in the city’s recent history.Shopping Experience and Practical Details
Open daily with convenient hours, The Manchester Shop offers a relaxed shopping environment. Its location in Afflecks means visitors can combine their visit with exploring other independent boutiques, cafes, and cultural spaces within the arcade. The shop’s commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that every item purchased is a genuine piece of Manchester’s story, making it a lasting memento or gift.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.2 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.5 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Arch of Chinatown
0.5 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.5 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Robert Owen Statue
0.5 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Victory Over Blindness
0.6 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Manchester City Council
0.6 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
St. Peter's Square
0.6 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
John Bright Statue
0.6 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
0.7 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Murrays' Mill
0.7 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Dalton Entry
0.7 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
0.7 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Old Naval Yard
0.8 km
Explore the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats, a historic landmark in Manchester showcasing maritime heritage and picturesque views.
Free Trade Hall
0.8 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Unmissable attractions to see
Afflecks
0.0 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.1 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Shops
0.1 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
DRY BAR
0.1 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Piccadilly Gardens
0.2 km
Manchester’s central green space blending historic charm, modern design, and vital transport connections in a lively urban setting.
Stevenson Square
0.2 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
The Makers Market
0.2 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Empire Exchange
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s eclectic Empire Exchange, a treasure trove of vintage comics, vinyl, and collectibles where every visit uncovers a new story.
Manchester Buddhist Centre
0.2 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
City Tower, Manchester
0.2 km
Manchester’s iconic 30-storey skyscraper offering premium office spaces and panoramic city views in the heart of the vibrant city centre.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.2 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
NQ Mural
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
Fell Northern Quarter
0.3 km
Experience the heartbeat of Manchester's nightlife at Fell Northern Quarter, where craft beer meets vibrant culture in an inviting atmosphere.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Hilton House Mural
0.3 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
Essential places to dine
Pieminister Manchester
0.1 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Evuna NQ
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Cane & Grain
0.2 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
Almost Famous NQ
0.2 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.2 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Liquor and Burn
0.3 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
63 Degrees
0.3 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Tariff & Dale
0.3 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.3 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Namii Kitchen & Cocktails
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Vietnamese and pan-Asian flavors with creative cocktails in Manchester’s lively city centre.
Trof Northern Quarter
0.3 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
Higher Ground
0.3 km
A vibrant Manchester bistro blending seasonal British produce with sustainable ethos and refined, shareable dishes in a modern, welcoming setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Manchester Shop
0.0 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.0 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.0 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.1 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Thunder Egg
0.1 km
Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Pop Boutique
0.1 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.2 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Deadstock General Store
0.2 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Amazonas Gifts
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.2 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Jessica6 Designs
0.2 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
needi
0.2 km
Discover unique, locally crafted gifts with expert personal service in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly at Needi.
&made
0.3 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Kiku Boutique
0.3 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.0 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
The Daisy
0.1 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Night & Day Cafe
0.1 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.1 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Wilson's Social
0.2 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Flok
0.2 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.2 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Science And Industry
0.2 km
Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Behind Closed Doors
0.2 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
The Fitzgerald
0.2 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Wolf at the Door
0.2 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Hold Fast Bar
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
The Alchemist New York Street
0.3 km
A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
The Washhouse
0.3 km
Step through a washing machine door into Manchester’s secret speakeasy, where inventive cocktails and quirky charm create an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Twenty Twenty Two
0.1 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Funkademia
0.2 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Mint Lounge
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Aatma
0.2 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Cargo
0.4 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Satans Hollow
0.6 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Club Tropicana
0.6 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.6 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Bijou Club
0.7 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Liv Manchester
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
0.8 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
42's
0.9 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Viva Manchester
1.0 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
1.0 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Casual
- Lively
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly