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Published 12:19 12 Oct 2026 BST
Updated 12:19 12 Oct 2026 BST

Time Out has revealed its annual ranking of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods, highlighting the places making waves for their independent businesses, lively food and drink scenes and cultural offerings.
The list was compiled with help from the publication’s nationwide network of city contributors, who considered everything from community spirit and independent businesses to shopping, nightlife and cultural attractions.
Time Out’s idea of a cool neighbourhood goes beyond trendy bars and restaurants.
The publication also looks for places with a distinct identity and a strong sense of community, making them appealing destinations for visitors as well as residents.
Three UK areas also earned places on the global ranking: Govanhill in Glasgow, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and Newington Green in London.
The Commercial Court in the Cathedral quarter of Belfast
The remaining eight neighbourhoods include established visitor hotspots, such as Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter and Bristol’s Old Market, alongside areas experiencing a wave of exciting new openings.
These include Heaton in Newcastle and Crookes in Sheffield.
Taking the number one spot was Glasgow’s Govanhill, which has increasingly attracted younger crowds looking for somewhere beyond the city’s traditional nightlife hotspots.
Writer Annie McNamee said: “Gen Z are migrating from West End bars and brunch spots to trendy new spots in Govanhill, giving this once-overlooked sandstone suburb quirkiness and energy.
“Thankfully the area, which has been Glasgow’s most diverse for a century, hasn’t lost its background amongst all the hype.”
Lifestyle