Things to do while you wait for your MOT at Duffy Motors

(Updated 6th October 2021)

At Duffy Motors we are incredibly proud of our location, right in the centre of Manchester. We’re really easy to find, just off Great Bridgewater Street and Deansgate and only a short drive away from major road links like the Mancunian Way, Princess Road and Chester Road.

Our city centre location, right underneath the Gmex Centre means that there’s a huge selection of things to do while you wait for an MOT or service.

Go to work

The vast majority of our return customers like to leave their car with use while they go to work in the city centre. They’ll drop their car off in the morning, head to work on foot or on public transport, and return to collect their car in the evening on the way home.

The garage is in easy walking distance of dozens of office blocks including busy business districts like Spinningfields.

Deansgate tram and train stations, with good links to Piccadilly and Media City, are just a five-minute walk away. And there are loads of good bus links on our doorstep too. Use the Citymapper app to plan your commute.

And the best part about leaving your car with us? You can avoid those expensive city centre car park fees.

Do some shopping or catch a film

The Great Northern Warehouse is the first thing you see when you pull up to Duffy Motors in your car. This huge shopping centre has enough shops and eateries to keep anyone satisfied for an hour or two.

You could even catch the latest blockbuster at the Odeon Cinema located inside the shopping centre.

Afternoon tea, with a view

Built 10 years ago, and visible from many of the major approaches into the city, the Beetham Tower has come to dominate Manchester’s skyline. It is also just a stone’s throw distance from our under-arch garage.

Located on the 23^rd floor of the tower, Cloud 23 is one of Manchester’s most exclusive night time spots. Daytime visitors can also enjoy the towers lofty pleasures with their Traditional Afternoon Tea, costing £23.00 per person.

Sample one of the 200 whiskies on offer at the Briton’s Protection

If you are a bit more down-to-earth, or you fancy something a little stronger, then this local pub is the place for you. It’s one of the oldest and most unspoilt in the city, with high quality local ales on tap and a 200 strong selection of whiskey bottles to choose from.

Make sure you have a designated driver if you mean to pick up your car afterwards!

Who’s tried our st George’s barrel by @englishwhisky? pic.twitter.com/y6zhb7CHoR

— Britons Protection (@BPManchester) April 27, 2016

Visit the Museum of Science and Industry

Also a short walk away, the Museum of Science and Industry tells a story of the industrial revolution which is inextricably linked to Manchester. Located inside the oldest surviving passenger train station, in the heart of the world’s first industrial city, the museum is a must see for anyone interested in science, technology and local history.

Get lost in Castlefield Urban Heritage park

In the same district as the Museum of Science and Industry, the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park is a slice of serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This spot is great for a wander down by the canals and narrow boats, watch out for the geese though. They can be less than friendly this time of year.

Have a really fine dining experience

If you want a fancy bite to eat while you wait then we can recommend The French restaurant in The Midland hotel. Run by Michelin star chef Simon Rogan, the hotel eatery is one of the city’s finest dining spots. Be warned though, it won’t be as easy to book in here as it is in Duffy Motors.

Gordo’s Week: the French at The Midland @TheFrenchSR cor pic.twitter.com/o1w7nIayH0

— Mark Garner (@GordoManchester) February 13, 2016

Absorb some knowledge in one of Manchester’s fine libraries

Manchester has some fantastic libraries and we are lucky enough to be within walking distance of two of them. The most visually striking is the John Rylands library, just off Deansgate. The gothic structure was erected just before the turn of the 20^th century and is great for architecture nuts.

The recently restored Manchester Central Library, also within walking distance, almost always has a good exhibition on.