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Searching for the best cocktail bars in Manchester? This is an extensive list of the 26 best places to go in Manchester for drinks.
Whether you are looking for something intimate or want to continue the revelry late into the night, there’s a Manchester bar for you.
The Manchester bar scene is always evolving and standards are being raised as new joints emerge.
From classic cocktails to unusual flavours, and even cocktail-making courses, these Manchester bars have a lot to offer.
You can sneak down to the basement of Arcane or absorb Latino flare at Revolution de Cuba. In Manchester, you can learn about the art of mixology and find your new beloved watering hole.
Revolucion de Cuba
- Address: 11 Peter St, Manchester, M2 5QR
- Opening times: Sunday – Tuesday 11:30AM-2AM, Wednesday – Friday 11:30AM- 3AM, Saturday 11AM-3AM
Revolution de Cuba, or Revs as it’s locally known, is one of the iconic cocktail bars in Manchester city centre.
This large bar, restaurant and club has something for everyone. Visit during the day and enjoy some excellent Mexican, Latin, and Cuban food.
Head there in the evening for delicious cocktails or party into the early hours in their nightclub.
If you are looking for something to do for a birthday or celebration, try Revs’ ‘Cocktail Masterclasses’. You will come away having learnt how to make three of the most iconic Cuban cocktails.
Some classic cocktails on offer at Revs include the Cuba Libre which is Havana Club rum, coke, and lime.
There’s also the Pineapple Daiquiri which is spiced rum, pineapple and lime and served in a super cool pineapple cup. For this drink, a donation of 10p per drink is made to the charity CALM!
READ MORE: 17+ Best Bars Offering 2-for-1 Cocktails in Manchester
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
- Address: 1a Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4EE
- Opening times: Monday closed, Tuesday & Wednesday 7:05PM-8:50PM, Thursday 7:05 PM-11:15PM, Friday 3:30PM-11:15PM, Saturday 12PM-11:15PM, Sunday 2:15 PM- 8:50PM
Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is one of the best places to go in Manchester for drinks. It’s actually much more than just a cocktail experience.
This Manchester cocktail bar is based on a speakeasy prison.
You purchase tickets in advance and are expected to bring your own alcohol which you must “smuggle” in.
Having been confiscated your liquor will be transformed into epic cocktails. It’s almost like a live theatre performance; actors play guards and prison managers, and you perform as the orange-suited inmates.
There’s no menu here, the inmates already there (i.e., paid actors/ bartenders) will serve you some unimaginably epic cocktails.
This is a fantastic afternoon or evening activity to enjoy as a group or even as part of a date night.
Dusk Til Pawn
- Address: Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN
- Opening times: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4pm-12am, Thursdays 4pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 3pm – 3am, Sunday 5pm-12am
Of the cocktail bars in Manchester Dusk Till Pawn is a little quirky. The first thing you’ll notice is the bar looks like a pawn shop from the outside.
If you are looking for secret cocktail bars in Manchester this is the place to be, you could quite easily walk past this bar and not know it existed.
Set in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter you’ll love this speakeasy-style bar.
Their cocktails are sophisticated and inventive, creating a high-end feel to a simple joint.
Why not try their signature cocktail, the Pawn Star Martini? It’s vanilla vodka and butterscotch schnapps, the perfect combination. If you are visiting in summer, be sure to order one of their refreshing frozen cocktails.
20 Stories
- Address: NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 12PM-11PM, Friday & Saturday 12PM-1AM, Sunday 12PM-10PM
Set right in the heart of Spinningfields, 20 Stories is a rooftop restaurant and bar.
Their upscale restaurant and lively bar are enjoyable places to relax. Enjoy 360-degree views of Manchester whilst you drink.
After you’ve enjoyed a selection of culinary delights from their well-crafted menu, order some of their signature cocktails.
Their house cocktails include the Petit Ananas which is raspberry-infused gin with pineapple vermouth. Their Dirty Tequila Martini is another popular delight, it’s a blend of Olmeca Altos, sherry, mezcal, and Balthazar Dry.
If you are looking for somewhere upmarket and classy to go for Christmas or New Year’s, 20 Stories has got you covered.
Arcane
- Address: 2 S King St, Manchester, M2 6DQ
- Opening times: Sunday – Thursday 5PM-2AM, Friday 4PM-4AM, Saturday 12PM-4AM
Arcane is a small spot on King Street. Though it’s tucked away in a Victorian basement, this is not one of the secret cocktail bars in Manchester, this is a super popular and well-loved local haunt.
Old books sit on a beautifully lit bookcase. Creaky wooden floorboards and an exposed brick wall just add to the atmosphere.
Everything from the lighting to the cocktail presentation is aesthetically pleasing at Arcane.
Their cocktails are fruity, flavourful, and unique. Try the Date & Tonka Bean cocktail which has brandy, tiki bitters, tonka bean and a hint of demerara to sweeten things up.
Their Pear & Cardamom cocktail is a house favourite. It’s a blend of whiskey, banana liqueur, pear and cardamom.
Grand Pacific
- Address: 50 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 1EN
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 12PM-11PM, Friday & Saturday 12PM-12AM, Sunday 12PM-10PM
The Grand Pacific is housed within a 19th-century building and can serve up to 100 people in their restaurant.
There’s also a large bar area and a separate private dining room.
Their restaurant delivers Pan-Asian food that’s inventive and delicious.
Their cocktails include The Grand Pacific G&T, Pomegranate Mojito, and an intriguing Earl Grey Sling.
Their cocktail menu is extensive and with a diverse wine list and non-alcoholic drinks too everyone is catered to at The Grand Pacific.
Enjoy their restaurant for an evening meal before heading to the bar and staying till late.
Sunset by Australasia
- Address: 1 The Avenue, Manchester, M3 3AP
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 12PM-11PM, Friday & Saturday 12PM-2AM, Sunday 12PM-10PM
Sunset by Australasia is one of the most Instagrammable afternoon tea and cocktail bars in Manchester.
A slightly odd combination but, in the daytime, you’ll find a chattering crowd enjoying scones, cakes and sandwiches and by evening the sound of clinking cocktail glasses.
This contemporary oasis is defined by its pink furnishings. Plush seats and pastel tones create an ethereal and welcoming setting.
Sit on squishy chairs enjoying some of their finest cocktails. Their Prosecco Sorbet Sunrisers are classically Australasia and real crowd pleasers.
There’s Lemon & Strawberry, Raspberry & Apple, and Mango & Pineapple. Or why not try one of their Sunset Signatures? Their Green Apple Martini packs a real punch as does their classic Pina Colada.
They also serve some deliciously sweet cocktails like the Cherry Chocolate Sour and the Tiramisu Espresso Martini.
Cottonopolis
- Address: 16 Newton St, Manchester, M1 2AE
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 12PM-12AM, Friday 12PM-1AM, Saturday 11AM-1AM, Sunday 12PM-11PM
Cottonopolis is right in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. This bar is housed in a grade II listed building that used to be a tailor.
Inspired by the flavours of Asia they serve up incredible sushi and excellent cocktails inside a warehouse-style conversion. Cottonopolis’ open kitchen creates an electric atmosphere.
Their cocktails are a little gimmicky and decadent but are strong and mixed to perfection.
There’s the Rhubarb + Jasmine which includes gin, jasmine cordial, rhubarb syrup and soda.
For vodka drinkers, there’s the Shiso + Blackberry. It’s a combination of vodka, cocchi Americano, crème de mure and nettle leaf green tea!
Speak in Code
- Address: 7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester, M2 5ND
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 5PM-11:30PM, Friday & Saturday 5PM-2AM, Sunday 5PM-11:30PM
Speak in Code sits between Jackson Row and Lloyd Street, close to Deansgate.
This is another of the nice bars in Manchester that embodies the New York speakeasy ambiance.
The bare brick walls, low light, wooden finishes, and plush furniture give this a cosy and intimate feel.
Head there with friends or your partner for an evening of good conversation fuelled by imaginative cocktails.
For cocktails try Track 13, it’s made from grape vodka, chamomile wine, pink grapefruit and former.
Vegans will feel welcomed here because they even have a range of vegan and sustainable cocktails. Perfect for the social and environmentally-conscious cocktail enthusiast.
Rosso Restaurant & Bar
- Address: 43 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BG
- Opening times: Monday – Wednesday 5PM-11PM, Thursday & Friday 12PM-11PM, Saturday 12PM-1AM, Sunday 12AM-10PM
Rosso is housed in a 130-year-old Grade II listed building and owned by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
It’s both a restaurant and bar serving high-end food and cocktails inspired by Southern Italy.
Both locals and the occasional celebrity head to Rosso to sample their impeccable food and a few cocktails.
This place is ideal for after-work drinks or a romantic date night. It can get busy at Rosso, so you can book a dining or bar table in advance to avoid disappointment.
They don’t deviate far from the classic cocktails serving Bloody Mary’s, Cosmopolitan’s and Manhattan’s. Head to Rosso on one of their live music nights for an even better atmosphere.
Hudson Social
- Address: 50 Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 1AQ
- Opening times: Sunday & Monday closed, Tuesday – Thursday 4PM-11PM, Friday & Saturday 2PM-2AM
Hudson Social is a relaxed, laidback, and simple joint that delivers on flavours.
This bar is close to the Manchester Art Gallery and the Manchester Christmas Markets.
Head into Hudson Social for drinks after a spot of shopping.
If you are looking for 2-for-1 cocktails in Manchester, well Hudson Social do a great two for £12 deal every day until 7PM.
There are 12 outstanding cocktails to try on their menu, including the Strawberry Mojito, Pornstar Martini, Jam Daiquiri and the Cherry Long Island Iced Tea. They have all the classic cocktails with a touch of flare.
Flight Club Manchester
- Address: Ship Canal House, 98 King St, Manchester, M2 4WU
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 11:30AM-12AM, Friday 11:30AM-1AM, Saturday 11AM-1AM, Sunday 11:30 AM-12 AM
This King Street bar is based around the idea of making darts more social. This Manchester cocktail bar has reinvented darts into a range of fast multi-player games.
Flight Club offers you the chance to play games and drink in a highly enthralling and competitive setting.
Some of Flight Club’s classic cocktails include the Breakfast Sour which really packs a punch. It’s whisky, cherry liqueur, almond and lemon. Tequila lovers will enjoy their Dancing On Iced Tea.
A mixture of tequila, vodka, spiced rum, peach liqueur and pea flower tea; it’s a really unique combination.
For something bubbly and in keeping with the theme, try the Social Darts Spritz, its lemongrass-infused Pimm’s with orange and grapefruit soda and Prosecco.
If you are searching for places to drink in Manchester with work colleagues or a group of friends this is a top choice.
Science and Industry
- Address: 41 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NA
- Opening times: Sunday to Thursday – 6pm – 2am, Friday 6pm –3am, Saturday – 2pm- 3am
Science and Industry is a cocktail bar located inside the New York influenced bar, Cane & Grain. If you are searching for places to drink in Manchester that have a covert feel to them, this is the spot.
Science & Industry serves some of the best cocktails in Manchester. They conduct meticulous mixology experiments which have resulted in some insane flavour combinations.
They even have their own chemistry workshop on the premises!
For something both sweet and sour try the Garden of Eden. This cocktail contains London Dry Gin, cherry liquor, chocolate bitters, and sour apple.
Or why not try the super inventive Fairy Tale of New York cocktail which has pollen-infused scotch lemon, red wine, and marmalade syrup?
Menagerie Restaurant & Bar
- Address: New Bailey, Ground One, New Bailey St, Salford, M3 5JL
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 12PM-1AM, Friday & Saturday 12PM-2AM, Sunday 12PM-1AM
Menagerie provides an eye-catching restaurant and bar experience. Located in Greater Manchester’s Salford, this bar sits on the ground floor of the One New Bailey office block.
Menagerie aims to create an immersive gastronomic and drinking experience.
Ever wondered what Unicorn Tears taste like? This cocktail is gin, framboise, St Germain, rose syrup and prosecco. The Run The World is a fruity mixture of watermelon liqueur, apple, lemon, and cranberry.
MOJO
- Address: 59A Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BQ
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 5PM- 4AM, Friday 5PM-5AM, Saturday 1PM-5AM, Sunday 5PM- 4AM
Just off Deansgate, Mojo is a shabby chic establishment. It’s another Manchester joint that pays homage to the New York bar scene.
With neon signs, and décor that screams social justice, this dive bar is one for the people. They also play some excellent music with a preference for Rock n Roll.
No matter what you like to drink on a night out, Mojo has got you covered. Peruse their easy-to-digest menu and you’ll instantly find a drink you like.
Choose from gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, prosecco, tequila, and liqueur cocktails. The Mojo Old Fashioned is an excellent whiskey choice.
Made from Jack Daniels this cocktail is served in a smoking barrel glass. Or perhaps you’d like a Grasshopper, its vodka, mint, and white chocolate liqueur.
The Jane Eyre
- Address: 14 Hood St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6WX
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 3PM-11PM, Friday & Saturday 12PM-12AM, Sunday 12-11PM
Calling all literature lovers! The Jane Eyre, located in Manchester’s Ancoats is just a five minute walk from Piccadilly train station.
Charlotte Bronte actually started writing Jane Eyre whilst in Manchester. Brother owners named the restaurant in memory of their mother, a lover of literature.
They serve up beautifully presented food and incredible cocktails.
From Monday to Thursday between 3PM and 6PM all their cocktails are £6. Try their Sweet Jane, which is bourbon, amarena cherry and bitters.
Fool’s Gold is a blend of tequila, Manzanilla, cinnamon, ginger ale, and black walnut.
Schofield’s Bar
- Address: 3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester, M3 3JZ
- Opening times: Monday & Tuesday closed, Wednesday – Sunday 12PM-1:30AM
This bar is close to many of the other popular cocktail bars in Manchester, like The Ivy and The Alchemist.
Scofield’s is a bar run by two brothers with more than 25 years of bartending experience.
You can uniquely order a book and a cocktail. Order Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, which is served with a Mojito. If you want a bar to sit at alone, this is an excellent spot, where you won’t feel out of place.
Try their Gin Fizz, which is made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, lemon, soda water and citrus oils. Or how about the Clover Club? It’s gin, Schofield’s Dry Vermouth, raspberry, lemon, and egg white.
Henry C
- Address: 107 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 9GA
- Opening times: Monday – Wednesday closed, Thursday 4PM-11PM, Friday 4PM-12AM, Saturday 2PM-12AM, Sunday 2PM-9PM
This small and intimate Chorlton bar is perfect if you are searching for a local spot.
If you are wondering who the bar is named after, it’s Henry C Ramos, a famous New Orleans saloon owner.
Whilst there you must try Ramos’ Gin Fizz creation. It’s a little like Marmite, you’ll either love it or hate it, but this creamy, citrusy and gin-blended cocktail is a must-try.
As well as all the archetypal cocktails there are some inventive house favourites to enjoy. The Dead Lucky is orange and black pepper gin, Triple Sec, Velvet Falernum Liqueur, lemon and honey.
Three Little Words
- Address: 12-13 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4LP
- Opening times: Monday & Tuesday closed, Wednesday & Thursday 5PM-1AM, Friday & Saturday 12pm-2:30AM, Sunday 12PM-1AM
Just a few seconds walk from Deansgate, Three Little Words is a really unique bar.
This distillery bar offers a fine dining experience and exquisite cocktails. If you are a lover of gin this is one of the best cocktail bars in Manchester.
You can take a gin tour or enjoy a fantastic meal with perfectly paired gin cocktails.
Three Little Words is a top-rated bar and they’ve even received the “Best Bar Team of the Year” by Top 50 Cocktail Bars.
This brick-covered space with arched ceilings is a beautiful industrial-style spot to drink in.
Their unique Paint the Town Black cocktail is made with activated charcoal, chocolate stout, beetroot, quince, and lemon.
For something fruity try the Gold-Digger, its pineapple-infused gin, with sour cherry and orange.
The Daisy
- Address: 44 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1NB
- Opening times: Monday – Wednesday closed, Thursday 5PM-12AM, Friday & Saturday 4PM-1AM, Sunday 3PM-12AM
Another of Northern Quarter’s top bars is The Daisy, where you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Paris.
This place has a simple cosy décor, with a touch of French refinement, complete with comfy sofas and squishy armchairs. The Daisy is perfect for a romantic evening drink or a low-key night out.
Daisy’s signature cocktails include the Grey Goose Flame of Love Martini and the coconut rum Long Beach. In true French fashion, they also have an extensive wine list.
The Pen And Pencil
- Address: Fourways House, 57 Hilton St, Manchester, M1 2EJ
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 10AM-12AM, Friday & Saturday 10AM-2AM, Sunday 10AM-10PM
If you’re searching for some of the best cocktails in Manchester head to The Pen and Pencil.
This Manchester bar is inspired by the New York mid-20th century bar ‘Steak Row’.
The bar takes its inspiration from Mad Men and the litter of newspaper journalists who used to frequent the New York joint.
Their cocktail menu is divided into four distinct categories: Fruity and Easy, Silky and Creamy, Short and Serious, and Sweet and Tart. There’s no more scrutinising the menu searching for a cocktail that you’ll like, it’s straight to the point!
For something fruity try the Sloe and Steady, it’s gin, marmalade, sherry, winterberries and fizz. Or for something serious try the Sunset Symphony.
There’s tequila, roquito pepper, chilli paste, spices, and orange and lime to balance the heat.
Tattu
- Address: 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, Manchester, M3 3EB,
- Opening times: Sunday – Thursday 12PM-12AM, Friday & Saturday 12PM-1AM
This Asian-inspired bar really packs a punch in both its décor and cocktails.
Cherry blossom trees inside give a real feel of Asia to match their Pan-Asian cuisine.
Whilst they pride themselves on their excellent Asian-inspired dishes you’ve got to give them credit for their exceptional custom cocktails.
For something fun and eye-catching try the Aurora. It’s Grey Goose Vodka, white chocolate and cherry served in all its dome-shaped glory.
One of Tattu’s classics is the Eastern Dragon which is 135 East Gin, raspberry, and apple.
Lost Cat
- Address: 64 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE
- Opening times: Monday – Friday 5PM-3AM, Saturday & Sunday 12PM-3AM
This northern quarter bar is a popular local favourite, serving food and cocktails. The Lost Cat is spread across two floors with two bars and even a rooftop terrace. Neon signs and fluorescent pink chairs give this simplistic space all the flare it needs.
There are some funny named cocktails including the Yuppie Stockbroker and the Italian Thug. The Frantic Mother is made with gin, aperol, grapefruit, sherbet, and prosecco, a decadent scrumptious cocktail.
This is a sophisticated yet simple Manchester bar that’s great for a night out with friends or a date night.
The Liars Club
- Address: 19A Back Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 2PB
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 4PM – 4AM
Picture a rainy evening in Manchester (come on it’s not hard) and you probably just want to be transported literally anywhere else. Well, The Liars Club offers that escape!
From their exotic cocktail list to the tiki bar feel that’s decked out with volcanoes, pineapples, and coconut shells, you’ll be taken to the Caribbean.
The Liar’s Downfall was designed with the phrase “I’m only staying for one, honest” in mind.
This cocktail is made using Havana Club 3, apricot and mint cordial, peach bitters and pineapple and lime juice. So irresistible you’ll definitely have more than one.
The Liars Club also offers an awesome cocktail masterclass, which is perfect for a birthday night out or a work event.
The Alchemist – New York Street
- Address: 1 New York St, Manchester, M1 4HD
- Opening times: Monday – Wednesday 9AM-12AM, Thursday 9AM-1AM, Friday 9AM-2AM, Saturday 10AM-2AM, Sunday 10AM-11PM
The Alchemist has three Manchester locations, New York Street, Spinningfields and MediaCity.
This dark cocktail bar is classy but aims to challenge convention and provide guests with an unparalleled experience.
The Alchemist are super creative and offer some of the best cocktails in Manchester. Enjoy some daytime dining or evening cocktails.
There’s no doubt that this establishment lives up to their molecular mixology standards.
The staff and bartenders are highly knowledgeable about their cocktails and suggest some fantastic drinks.
Your cocktails aren’t just served to you, they perform! Whether they are smoking, oozing, or glowing, there’s always something to see.
Their Bold & Boozy cocktails include The Irish, which includes Jameson Whiskey, coffee, Baileys, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The perfect warm drink for a cold winter night in Manchester.
The Ivy Spinningfields
- Address: The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester, M3 3HG
- Opening times: Monday – Thursday 8:30AM-2AM, Friday & Saturday 8:30AM-3AM, Sunday 8:30AM-1AM
You might have heard of this Manchester bar but maybe only because of the iconic London joint.
Well, now The Ivy has opened up a Manchester location and everyone’s talking about it.
The Ivy is right on Hardman Square close to some of the other nice bars in Manchester.
Head to the second floor to the Ivy Asia where you can enjoy cocktails surrounded by class and sophistication.
For something as indulgent as your surroundings try The Ivy’s Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. It’s made with vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and salted caramel syrup.
One of their popular signature cocktails is the Passion Fruit Bellini, its vodka, passion fruit, Passoa, lime juice and the all-important Prosecco.
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