Ancoats has been declared one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world – again

Ancoats has been declared one of the top 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world – again.

The Manchester district comes in at number 27 in Time Out’s new list, announced today, which draws on a survey of more than 27,000 people around the world.

People were asked to name the best and most underrated neighbourhoods in their city, and the answers were combined with the knowledge of local Time Out editors and city experts across the world when compiling the list. 

Arroios in Lisbon was revealed as the world’s coolest neighbourhood, followed by Shimokitazawa in Tokyo, Onikan in Lagos, Wedding in Berlin and Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles.

Out of the top 50, only a few made it in from the UK and Ireland: Peckham, London coming in at number 11; Easton, Bristol at 35; Kelvinbridge, Glasgow at 38; and Stoneybatter, Dublin at 42. 

It’s not the first time Ancoats has received the accolade. Last year it also made Time Out‘s cool list, while earlier this year The Sunday Times said the Manchester neighbourhood was one of the best places to live in the country.

The survey identified areas with a buzz around them – places where cool new venues were opening, the cost of living was relatively affordable and visitors could experience the best of the city’s up-and-coming culture, food and drink scenes.

“Once synonymous with gang violence and post-industrial seediness, canalside Ancoats has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, emerging as the new hangout of choice for Manchester’s many cool kids,” says Time Out.

The guide notes that the area’s former cotton mills have been converted into “affordable co-working spaces and river-facing apartments” while highlighting the neighbourhood’s “microbreweries, colourful murals and specialist coffee shops.”

It also observes a “growing flurry of Vietnamese restaurant-opening activity” on Great Ancoats Street and nearby Oldham Road, which has earned this part of the neighbourhood the nickname ‘Little Vietnam’.

As to where to eat and drink, Time Out suggests Viet Shack’s 2018 opening for their “in-demand pho”, and Cloudwater Brewery, whose brews have been ranked among the best in the world.

Hope Mill Theatre gets a recommendation as a Grade II-listed former cotton mill which has gained a reputation as “one of the UK’s leading independent theatres.”

Locals describe the area in the guide as: “community-spirited and really cool, with lots of history.

“The open spaces are really lovely, and a huge number of restaurants and bars have opened here recently.”