Top haunts in Manchester for celebrity spotting

Manchester always gets its dose of celebrity action. From Bieber to Becks, Drake to Rihanna, famous folks from near and far touch down in our fair city to get in on its dapper night life, killer eateries, and top notch tattoo parlours.

If you’re jonesing to rub shoulders with A-listers, we’ve put together a list of hotspots for you to hang out at. Sure, you can always stand behind a barricade and brave the cold in hope of a selfie, or you can shell out some cash and guarantee a quality time. Remember to keep your iPhone charged and your Instagram hand strong because it’s about to get hot up in the MCR.

Here’s a round-up of celeb hangouts you can try out yourself.

Where they eat

Two of the biggest pop stars in the world, Drake and Rihanna, have been known to take a night off from Manchester shows with an Italian at San Carlo restaurant and/or an Indian at Zouk Tea Bar & Grill. David Beckham is also no stranger to the city – the retired footballer has returned to Old Trafford a number of times to kick a ball about, but it’s in Spinningfields where he kicks off his boots and eats in style. He’s been seen at Artisan, Australasia and Tattu restaurant & bar. Voted Best Standalone Restaurant at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2016, Tattu doesn’t get star-struck when it’s frequented by such high profile celebs.

Where they drink

Mr Beckham was most recently spotted propping up the Haig Club bar at The Living Room. The Deansgate bar/restaurant is your saving grace if you fancy an evening of sophistication, great company and top notch beverages. It’s also usually packed with VIP revellers.

The Milton Club has also seen more than a few of Manchester’s movers and shakers pop in and out of the Grade II listed venue. Plenty of footballers have paid the place a visit so if you’re a fan you’re in luck. The sleek marble floor, sweeping staircase and lavish chandeliers all add to the plush atmosphere that has attracted the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Danny Cipriani and John Ameachi. The quality jangles and well stocked bar add the finishing touches to this A-list favourite that gives revellers the chance to loosen their ties, kick back and rub shoulders with A-listers. We’re offering the chance to win a complementary limitless evening for two, with free flowing drinks, good music, canapés and a few well-crafted bar snacks at The Milton Club.

Where they stay

Having opened last year, King Street Townhouse is already making waves in Manchester’s hotel industry. Of all the luxury accommodation in the city centre, this hotel has a definitive unique selling point – its pièce de résistance is the rooftop infinity pool. Dive into its crystal clear depths or look out at the panoramic views of the city as you sip on a martini. If you’re not in the mood to take a dip, there’s a steam room and relaxation spa for you to unwind, with floor to ceiling windows and plenty of beauticians, hairdressers and therapists on hand to give you a real A-list experience. Great John Street Hotel is also a hotspot when it comes to celebs and it’s just been voted one of ‘Europe’s sexiest hotels’. Robbie Williams has stayed here a tonne of times and the plush pod is one of Victoria Beckham’s favourites. With deals like the Sunday School offer where rooms start at as little as £55 per night when you spend over £75 on food and drinks, it doesn’t seem too unreasonably priced. Mind you, the Opus Grand- now that’ll cost you.

Where they get inked

Rihanna and Drake, or should we say Rake, are known to be big fans of this city and even bigger fans of its underground scene. It’s no surprise that footballers and now stateside celebs have been flocking to Manchester’s parlours to get inked. Heart for Art is a plush tattooist on the outskirts of the city and it’s attracted a slew of celebs since opening in 2012. The shop features slick decor, eclectic furnishings and a period wardrobe that leads into a hidden studio which proves popular with A-listers. The owner, Danny Birch is a solid artist, recognised talent and a monster with a tattoo machine. Not only does he offer tattoos, him and his team also do coverups – you know, for those of you who made the mistake of inking yourselves with something a little subpar. His cover work is easily some of the best in the city and has adorned the skin of more than just a few celebs. Heart for Art is the go-to for those of you who want a little more than your run of the mill inking and their one-of-a-kind pieces are quickly becoming a celeb favourite. Once you see what the team can pull off, you’ll be down to wait your turn.