At Ten, we’re proud to call Manchester home. It’s a city built on ideas, industry, rebellion and although it's often mis-characterised, it’s got creativity running through its veins. From independent record labels to quiet corners filled with history, here are a few creative things we absolutely love about our home, Manchester.

1. The Portico Library

A hidden gem above the bustling streets of the city centre, The Portico Library is a time capsule of literary history. Founded in 1806, it’s packed with rare books, exhibitions, and peaceful workspaces. We love it for its quiet elegance and its ability to make you feel like you've stepped into another era.

2. The Current Manchester Music Scene

Manchester’s musical past is over-mythologised, but the present is even more exciting. Check out some of our favourite promotors like UTB Manchester and Moving North who champion DIY bands and artists. We’ve also got a soft spot for Arms & Hearts – heartfelt songwriting and raw energy wrapped into one very North-Western package. After a long day of branding or graphic design, you might well see us at a small venue catching an up-and-coming band.

3. The Whitworth

Part gallery, part cultural refuge, The Whitworth is one of our favourite spaces to recharge and be inspired. Nestled in Whitworth Park, it blends modern architecture with beautiful exhibitions that challenge and delight. The collection spans fine art, textiles and contemporary installations – always with something new to explore.

4. Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Housed in a former Victorian fish market in the Northern Quarter, this creative hub is full of working studios and independent makers. Whether it’s hand-thrown ceramics, screen prints or jewellery, we love seeing design in action – and the café’s great too.

5. Design Manchester Festival

This annual celebration of design in all its forms is a highlight of the city’s creative calendar. Talks, workshops, exhibitions and events bring together designers, thinkers and makers. It’s our kind of festival – thoughtful, bold and full of energy. We've attended on a few occasions and even saw Paula Scher talk there!

6. The Indie Bookshop Scene

Manchester punches above its weight when it comes to independent bookstores. If you've never visited The Art Of Tea in Didsbury, for example, it's well worth a visit for a decent coffee and to get lost in the piles of books!

7. Manchester’s Craft Breweries

Last but not least, there's creativity in the taps too. Manchester’s craft beer scene is thriving, with our local favourites like Cloudwater, Track, Pomona Island, and Marble Brewery leading the charge. Their taprooms are a perfect blend of good design, bold flavour and community spirit – ideal for post-studio inspiration sessions.

Manchester’s creativity isn’t just one thing – it’s a mix of old and new, loud and quiet, bold and thoughtful. It’s why we love being a design agency here. If you're a marketing manager looking to harness that creative spirit, you know where to find us.