To do this review I suppose I have to think what makes a good workspace. For me it's good lighting,…read moresuper fast internet and coffee. I am happy to say this place had two out of three but because of its central location I can overlook the coffee options. The staff here are super friendly and cont do enough for you making this this is a nice space to be productive, creative or what ever you need it for.

MadLab or Manchester's Digital Laboratory if we're being specific, is a unique business building in…read morethe heart of the Northern Quarter. It is a place for those looking for large office/open community space to get their creative juices following in a laid back but professional environment. If you need somewhere to conduct a presentation, this is the place. If you need somewhere to hold a hackathon, this is the place. Basically it's for anyone who is looking for the room and freedom to do something they can't usually do with their colleague in the office/at home/work space that they have. It's a fantastic concept and something I feel more cities are in desperate need of! Today we had a training session and were involved in a Google Hangout meeting in the upstairs room. The room itself is vast with a large conference table and chairs, projector and small table in the corner with refreshments. Yes it's simple but that is the beauty of it. It's quiet, you won't get any interruptions or distractions, you can be focused and you really feel like your head is in the games when you're there! Sadly I can't help you out with the information in regards to reserving the areas/costs at this time but I'll make sure I update my review the next time I stop by!

This used to be known locally as Poynton folk centre and I have in the past seen many live bands…read morehere. Now the centre concentrates on a mix between adult learning courses (something for everyone) and in the evening they run dance classes in the form of "Modern Jive" a great way to have fun, keep fit and meet new friends. It's the kind of places you could easily go to alone and feel relaxed. Quite often on a sunday the car park is a host for the ever popular car boot sales with both indoor and outdoor sites. Well worth keeping an eye on this place. Something different is always happening here.

A treasure trove of second hand & vintage items!…read more This is a charity shop which funds the work of the Mustard Tree. They support vulnerable people across Greater Manchester in a variety of ways. This shop is a couple of minutes walk down Oldham Road, just out of the end of the Northern Quarter. They have a huge range of second hand items including furniture, white goods (but not cookers), clothing, bric a brac, electricals and entertainment items like vinyl. Everything is very reasonably priced as you would expect and they get some amazing vintage items in. They offer delivery for either £5 or £10 depending on the distance which is much cheaper than most other local charities. They also accept donations of items and can collect furniture for free on their vans. Call their office to book in a collection of you want to donate or you drop things like clothing off at their site. Check the website for opening times. It's well worth the extra small walk out of the main city centre to have a rummage in this hidden gem!

This place has furniture so laughably cheap I could, well, laugh. As the proud new owner of a small…read morehouse I visited here one Saturday to kit the place out. I left with: 1 double bed (frame) 1 single bed (frame) 1 double wardrobe 1 single wardrobe 1 chest of drawers 1 bookcase 4 kitchen chairs 1 hallway unit All look very nice, all very functional. Combined cost: £253. Add on a tenner and they delivered the whole lot, carried each piece into the correct room etc. NB: CASH ONLY. They know where the nearest ATM is, but don't get caught out.

This is situated towards the top of westfield street. I go in now and again for a browse because…read morethey have some quality stuff. There are the usual charity shop items such as second hand clothes and shoes but what really interests me is that they always have a few interesting books and rare cds in the shop. I like to sift through these kinds of things to find a bargain. Surprisingly, maybe for a charity shop but this place also has a changing room. So, if you do decide to get some clothes, you can try them on first with privacy. The shop is quite long but narrow so the shelves are quite close together, making the place feel a bit like a jumble sale at times. The staff are pleasant and always helpful if you need assistance, for example, bagging your goods or even directing to to another shop if they know they have something you are after.

The Zion Centre is an amazing local amenity with a variety of services and charities working with…read moreand for the local community in a really nice building which also has a pretty back garden. Unfortunately there is not much going on at the weekend except the work of an organization I have started volunteering for that helps destitute failed asylum seekers, but there's loads on in the week including opportunities to get involved. I feel lucky to live so close by!

A friend of mine used this place for her wedding, it was pretty good. In terms of space there is a…read moregood sized hall which has a bar, and the kitchen is a good size. There is also a room to the back which is a decent size all be in smaller. We spent a Friday setting it up, ready for the Saturday, and then took everything down on the Sunday afterwards. The husband and wife team who run are space are okay, although the husband just seems to be in a grump. Certainly a good location as it is fairly easy to get to, and also has a great sized field behind it, so if you want to take photo's etc. with country views you can do that. Lots of car parking too.

Located in the middle of the precinct, this British Heart Foundation store is one of the more…read morepopular charity shops in the town centre. The store is modern and laid out quite well, with different sections of charitable items for sale. Usual clothes, books and toys, they also sell their own range of cards and unusual items. Support a good cause and have a gander in here.

Yes, yes, yes. Just my kind of place…read more Somewhere I can drink coffee, relax and be surrounded by modern art. It is hard to find places like this near home. The art here is different, unusual and probably most people will find it strange and meaningless. Yes, there is a big rat head (costume) and a giant teddy bear hanging around. Constantly something is happening - life drawing, film nights and street artist exhibiting their creations. I'm always too distracted doing something or even just sitting on a comfy sofa drinking good coffee. So I've never tried the food here. Drinks are good. It is an interesting place to visit and take a break from your regular cafes. Why don't we have places like this in London ?

The quirky and cool social atmosphere…read more Plenty of seating that ranges from extra comfy to just plain weird. The coffee is great for the price and the tea is the same, the food is decent enough, if a tiny bit pricey. I'd say the staff are mostly awesome and friendly, although there is 1 guy who works though with a really crappy attitude that really puts me off staying whenever he is on the counter. Other than that, its a cool place.