Here at Portman Recruitment, we know that there are lots of great things about being a social worker. The supportive teams you get to work in. The opportunity to make a real difference in peoples’ lives. Each day promises something different, and though the majority of them are great, some days can take their toll, making us all feel a little downtrodden. Though a rest is sometimes required, at other times, you need to go out, explore the world and unwind, reminding yourself of all the new and wonderful experiences that are right on your doorstep. Therefore, we’re starting a series of city-based blogs that highlight the best places to have fun as a social worker. So, if you’re in Manchester and you’re looking for something fun to do, we’ve picked out our top choices for you.
Our Favourite Places For Where To Go In Manchester To Have Some Fun
Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing (Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN)
When you’ve been stuck inside doing a lot of paperwork that has you feeling like a tin man, we recommend a healthy dose of axe throwing, courtesy of Whistle Punks. A friendly instructor will show you how to sling an axe with style, and when you and your friends have had a couple of practice shots, you’ll get to have a tournament with the winner receiving a small trophy, and bragging rights. Each session lasts 70-90 minutes, and if time permits, the staff will show you some trick shots. A variety of snacks and drinks are also available, making it the perfect place to let off some steam and show off your skills while boosting your adrenaline.
‘’Had a brilliant time with my family at Whistle Punks! We booked in for after work and the axe throwing works a treat if you have some steam to let off! Our instructor Dan was hilarious and super helpful on getting your technique down. Was a great time with my family and we all had such a laugh. Would highly recommend and will certainly be booking again.’’ – Sophie, W.
The Comedy Store (Arches 3 and 4, Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5LH)
There say laughter is the best medicine, so when you could really do with a laugh, head down to The Comedy Store in Deansgate for comedians including Angela Barnes, Dane Baptiste, Rob Deering and Markus Birdman, as well as up and comers looking to make their mark. If you have children, they get a show all of their own on Saturdays, featuring the always hilarious (and don’t worry – PC) Alex Boardman and ‘’two other bonkers and bananas comics’’. Also a fantastic place to eat, choose from a tasty range of pizzas, burgers, kebabs and curries sure to make you want to come back for more. A Portman favourite is the Fiorentina pizza, followed by the apple and rhubarb crumble.
‘’Went for a birthday celebration and was not disappointed. Food was lovely, the staff were friendly and the stand up was fantastic. A great night all round. Definitely be coming back.’’ – Sara, L.
Breakout Manchester
Breakout Church Street: 51 Church Street, Manchester. M4 1PD
Breakout High Street: 36 High Street, Manchester. M4 1QB
For those days when you just want to shut the whole world out and spend time with the people who mean the world to you, why not do so in Breakout Manchester – full of escape rooms which mix the ingenuity and fun of shows such as The Crystal Maze, The Cube, Amazing Race, The Great Escape and Knightmare. Suitable for ages 10 and up, rooms include:
High Street:
IDENTIFY: Your friend has just been murdered and you’re tasked with finding the proof to bring them to justice.
MOST WANTED: You’re bounty hunters in the Wild West breaking into a saloon looking for the loot.
Church Street:
CURSED CARNIVAL: A girl is trapped in the body of a doll and she’s calling you to set her free, and it’s your mission to do just that.
SABOTAGE: Go deep into enemy territory and stop a missile strike that could destroy the whole world.
‘’Molly M was our guide for the identify room, (4 of us played) we all had a really good time, Molly helped us just enough, we would all recommend this room, super fun, it was the first experience for the two of us, but we will all be returning very soon’’ – Diane B.
The Gin Experience (City of Manchester Distillery, 21 Red Bank Parade, Manchester, M4 4HF)
Voted the #1 visitor attraction in Manchester by TripAdvisor for the past 2 years, the ‘Gin Experience’ is one not to be missed by lovers of the sauce. The 3-hour experience includes an immersive and interactive historical journey of gin, a tour of the distillery, a chance to learn about all the variety of barks, berries, seeds, herbs and spices that go into making gin, and to make a bottle of your very own. Throughout the tour, you can have a glass of Manchester Three Rivers Gin perfect serve G&T in your hand, to make the experience complete.
‘’We went on the course yesterday with Sherel & Alex! It was worth every single penny! Brilliant 3 hours packed with the History of gin. How to make Gin and of course lots of gin tasting. We was gutted when it finished. Sherel & Alex were amazing, so informative, fun, professional and cool! We would do it again in a flash!’’ – Amy H.
Other Great Places To Visit In Manchester
- The Youth Sanctuary Spa (Unit 3C, Wing Yip Business Centre, Oldham Road, Manchester, M4 5HU) – When you really need to destress and take some me time, a massage, facial and foot scrub will do just the trick.
- Dog Bowl (Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5WW) – If you like bowling, craft beers and American-style cuisine, then you’ll like Dog Bowl too.
- Manchester Food Tour by Scranchester Tours (Northern Quarter and beyond) – A 3.5 hour tour of Manchester’s food scene, including tastings, sightseeing and more. Dietary requirements can also be catered for.
With so much to see and do in Manchester, you really have no excuse not to go out and have some fun on those days when you need a little re-energising or relaxation. For more information on places to go, please give us a call on 0161 327 0936 and we’d only be too happy to help.