Matt Thompson

Manchester's Northern Quarter is a magical place with its own vibrant community to explore and fall in love with - and as it's home to some of the city’s most exciting bars, restaurants, shops and other attractions, it's not hard to see why. You know you live in the Northern Quarter when…   You have a strong opinion on the new, redesigned Common.   Edge Street's Common has long been a firm favourite with Northern Quarter residents, with many going as far as to class it as an institution. Whether you want to pop in for a quick bite to eat from their impressive menu, hang around catching up with friends over a cup of coffee, or are looking for a spot to spend your Friday night, it’s hard to imagine the Northern Quarter without Common. Earlier this year, however, the venue went under a major refurbishment, leading it to be closed for a short period and leaving residents lost without it. Luckily, the closure was only temporary, and soon the doors were flung open and the new Common was born. What residents weren’t quite prepared for was just how different the new Common would appear. Gone were the dark corners, multi-coloured walls and rag-tag feel, and in its place we were presented with crisp, clean designs, floor to ceiling windows and a redesigned menu. While some people instantly fell in love with the new Common, others were less impressed, saying that it had lost the vibe they had come to know and love. It’s safe to say that one way or the other, Northern Quarter residents

In recent years there’s been a rapid increase in the number of people sporting beards, with Manchester helping lead the charge. You can barely walk ten steps around the Northern Quarter or Chorlton without spotting some impressive facial hair. From the handlebar moustache to the goatee, the neatly trimmed stubble to the long, bushy beard, we’ve got it all. It's safe to say that Manchester is a beard-friendly place to be - whether you want to pop in to one of the numerous barbers to have your beard tidied up, or want to stop off for a pint of ale at BrewDog, which was recently voted amongst the most beard friendly pubs in the UK. If you’re planning on getting rid of your razor and unleashing your true bearded self, here are 14 things you should know. 1) You will go through the itchy phase <img id="5fa2a9d8-251f-9c0c-5f5e-d952e7788159" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="59421" loaded="59421" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102348725/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline">   Sorry, as much as I wish I could tell you some magic trick or some top secret, there is no way of avoiding the dreaded itchy phase. The road to beardom is treacherous and itchy, but don’t give up, power through. 2) But it won’t last forever <img id="29ecaefe-b0ac-220c-19c3-6d28de46c41b" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="60377" loaded="60377" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102348727/image.jpg" class="pho

Manchester has a proud history when it comes to technology, from Alan Turing and the first stored program computer to the multitude of technology-based businesses found in the city today. It seems as though this heritage is finally being recognised, as during the recent Budget the government promised to pump £4 million worth of funding into the city, to help build a technology start up hub in the Northern Quarter. To celebrate this announcement, here are some of the latest technological advancements that you never knew you needed. "Xbox, order me a pizza" <img id="315023e9-31af-3d13-7dd5-60533848f970" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="96832" loaded="96832" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102270303/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline">   Everyone loves a good pizza, but what if you’re feeling really lazy and can’t be bothered to move from the comfort of your sofa to head round to your local takeaway or phone a delivery? Well fear not, because it is now possible to order a delicious pizza without moving a muscle! The Domino’s app for the Xbox One uses voice activation to allow you to order your favourite pizza using nothing but your voice. A large pepperoni please! Transform your world with holograms <img id="dd9bdf39-bd75-a3af-6351-ffd68d461e76" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="84378" loaded="84378" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102270305/image.jpg" class="photo lazy

Manchester is a Northern haven for foodies, with new restaurants and unique eateries opening all the time. With so many different options, we truly are spoilt for choice. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, we've got you covered. But don't just take my word for it, here are 13 delicious reasons you should definitely be treating your tastebuds and eating more in Manchester. 1) Because who needs McDonalds when we have the famous Big Manc?Solita, Northern Quarter <img id="c08aafed-9ace-08ea-fb23-7d7d5ecdec9c" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="136340" loaded="136340" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102144089/image.jpg" alt="Solita Manchester Big Manc" class="photo lazy inline">       2) Or if you want something to share, or are just really hungry, check out the Manchester Wheel.Solita, Northern Quarter   3) Because we know how to do pies.Pie and Ale, Northern Quarter       4) Because each week Friday Food Fight celebrates the best street food around.Friday Food Fight, Great Northern       5) And Urban Food Fest is a food truck extravaganza.Urban Food Fest, Deansgate       6) Because Almost Famous are constantly pushing the limits of what you can put on a burger.Almost Famous, Northern Quarter   7) Because burritos are delicious.Luck, Lust, Liquor and Burn, Northern Quarter   8) Because who doesn't love fish and chips?Leo's Fish Bar, Oldham Street       9) Because we have cuisine from all over the world.Tampopo, Albert Square   10