The warehouse where you can drink cocktails, throw axes at your ex and go bowling with Rihanna

The Great Northern Warehouse. Like Beetham Tower, it’s one of those places that stands out a mile. It’s instantly recognisable because of its sheer size and the distinctive white lettering on the walls.

Built in 1899 as a railway transport interchange, it’s become one of the most eclectic shopping and leisure spots in the city. If you fancy watching a Shakespearean showdown or maybe playing bowling on the same alley as Drake and Lady Gaga, you’re in luck.

In no particular order, here’s just five quirky things you might not know you can do at the Great Northern.

 Need to let off some steam? Try Whistle Punks Urban axe throwing

Axe throwing has landed in Manchester. Yes, axe throwing a la Game of Thrones. Is there any better way of getting your frustrations out than throwing an axe at a photo of your ex? Okay, maybe leave the photo out but this is a unique experience that allows you to come and sling axes side by side with your family, friends, or colleagues. Not at them. Step aside, Jon Snow. If you want to spice up your love life, we reckon this makes for a pretty quirky first date option too.

 Work your body and your mind with a yoga class at The Life Centre

Get your vinyasa on, align those chakras and head over to The Life Centre where they focus on meeting the full array of mind-body needs. Breathe in and breathe out, perfect some downward dogs and dolphin stretches and then sip on the green stuff that’s good for you. The Life Centre specialises in classes like pregnancy yoga, yoga for anxiety and hot yoga – a class taught in a specialist studio heated to 40 degrees. Phew. So, if you’ve been hiding those snazzy neon spanx in the back of your wardrobe, now’s your chance to get them out. Take their 21 day intro offer and give it a try.

 Design a bespoke sofa at Wesley Barrell

Unleash your inner Kirstie Allsopp and design your own bespoke sofa at Wesley Barrell Manchester. Do you really want the exact same sofa as your mate and his nan? Why settle for buying off the shelf design when you can create the perfect sofa instead? Each Wesley Barrell sofa is hand made to order in the UK, making each piece exclusive and unique. There’s no preassembled frames or designs, so each sofa is truly built to fit you. There’s no need to keep up with the Jones’ when you can stand out.

Go pawnbroking with Prestige

If you’re a fan of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn then you’re in luck. The TV stars are the owners of Prestige Pawnbrokers at the Great Northern. And, as you might expect, this isn’t your average pawnbrokers. The team at Prestige specialise in luxurious, unique items, so even window shopping is an experience in itself. Let’s face it, there’s not many other places in Manchester that you can buy a helicopter, Lamborghini or a suit of armour.

Live Theatre at AMC Cinema

Can’t make it to catch a theatre performance? Well you might just be in luck as there lots of live performances at the AMC Cinema as well as the latest blockbuster films. You can watch live performances such as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Antony & Cleopatra or Titus Andronicus broadcast live from Stratford-Upon-Avon. Forthcoming broadcasts include the National Theatre’s Peter Pan, Yerma and Salome.

So there you have it. If you’re looking to mix it up then look no further than the Great Northern Warehouse.

And don’t forget you can work out at Leisure Fitness, relax with a coffee at Grindsmith, win the jackpot at Manchester 235 Casino, eat at one of the UK’s top restaurants in James Martin Manchester and enjoy some of Manchester’s best loved junk food at Almost Famous and Home Sweet Home.

And if you’re heading down to All Star Lanes for a spot of bowling, keep your Instagram hand strong and you might be selfie-ing with the stars. Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Drake have all been spotted there.

www.thegreatnorthern.com