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Are you searching for the best speakeasy bars in Manchester but don’t know where to look?
Well, there’s no surprise there because some of these top bars are well hidden.
From faux laundrettes, pawn shop facades, dingy dive basements and many secret doors some of the best bars in Manchester just happen to be out of sight.
These 17 best speakeasies and secret bars not only provide excellent watering hole locations but also a mysterious element of fun.
Instead of searching for these spots yourself, read our list of secret bars and go check them out on your next night out in Manchester.
1. Behind Closed Doors
Right in the heart of Manchester on Oldham Street is Behind Closed Doors.
This is one of the best underground speakeasy bars in Manchester.
The tiny doorway of this bar can be easily missed among the vibrance and bustle of the Northern Quarter streets.
You ring a buzzer and answer a riddle to let inside, so definitely come with a group of friends in case you cannot work it out! Once inside be careful as you head down the dimly lit stairs.
Once in the bar space, you will find a definite and frequent reference to 1970 pornography.
From raunchy décor to menu innuendos, they don’t overtly cross the line at Behind Closed Doors but they do toe it.
Their cocktail menu for example has the ’50 Shades of Earl Grey’ or the ‘Penis Colada’, raunchy takes on classic favourites.
Behind Closed Doors X-rated theme isn’t for everyone but it’s certainly one of the most unique secret bars in Manchester.
2. Dusk Til Pawn
One of the best secret bars in Manchester is Dusk Till Pawn which is in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in Stevenson Square.
On the first walk past you may only look at the building because of the neon pawn shop sign but, hidden behind the jewellery and musical instrument displays, is one of the best bars in Manchester.
Just head through the seemingly closed doors to a world that’s not far removed from 1920s America.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday this is an excellent place to hang out with friends or go on a date.
The low lighting and small spaces make for an intimate atmosphere. Order some of their excellent cocktails or grab a beer or one of their guest ales and enjoy this quirky joint.
Whether you visit as part of a Manchester bar crawl or outright Dusk Till Pawn makes for an interesting evening and a peaceful place to enjoy some drinks.
3. Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
Alcotraz Manchester Cell Block Three-Four is one of the most unusual bars but also one of the best hidden bars in Manchester.
This experience at Alcotraz is more of a theatre performance than a classic bar.
The bar is entirely based on a speakeasy prison.
There’s no buying alcohol at Alcotraz, you must bring your own. Well, you cannot just bring your own alcohol, you must actually smuggle in your booze.
Don’t smuggle it well enough and you will be reprimanded, and your liquor confiscated!
Once confiscated you will be handed your orange jumpsuits and locked in a cell.
Actors play the guards and prison manager and they will mix your preferred cocktails and put on quite a show.
Whether you visit in the afternoon or evening this is a really enjoyable Manchester bar that will entertain you and your friends for hours.
4. The Daisy
The Daisy is one of the secret bars in Manchester mostly because it’s a co-working space by day and a cocktail den by night!
Visit during the day and see millennials working on their laptops. You would assume this place can become lively in the evening.
Located on Tib Street in Manchester The Daisy is actually in the basement of Evelyn’s restaurant.
During the evening, this place transitions into a Parisian-inspired drinking spot.
This is an ideal spot for a relaxed date or a catch-up with friends.
You will be learning French at The Daisy with many of the cocktail menu items written in French. Their cocktails are bespoke, eye-catching and not to be missed.
5. Speak in Code
The name alone offers up speakeasy vibes. Head to Spinningfields on Jackson’s Row to discover this creative cocktail bar.
Speak in Code brings industrial New York vibes to the streets of Manchester.
Again, speakeasy low lighting defines this space, but there is a real touch of style and elegance at Speak in Code.
They serve up drinks and small plates of food that are made to perfection and impeccably presented.
Whilst you chat with friends and sip on your drinks lo-fi hip-hop will be playing in the background.
Their cocktail menu is split into three. They’ve got signatures, untitled cocktails and the classics.
From the service to the cocktails, the décor to the vibe everything has been thought through at Speak in Code, creating the ultimate atmosphere for you and your guests.
6. Everyman Cinema Bar
This is a bit of a different one than most locals don’t even know about (or at least never thought about). It’s the bar from the Everyman Cinema.
If you don’t know Everyman, check it out, it’s the best cinema in Manchester and definitely worth a visit. They have incredible cinema rooms with sofas and wooden tables. It’s gorgeous and so comfortable.
That having been said, even if you are not going for a showing, you can still go to the bar and enjoy a drink and some tapas.
You will find the entrance on Quay Street, in the ABC building. You need to enter and go through the small gallery part and you will reach the entrance of the cinema.
As you walk in, you will discover the beautiful retro decor with lights, photos and vintage furniture.
The bar is located right there and you can order straight there or from one of the tables.
It’s very cosy and the perfect spot for a date night. They have great cocktails (I particularly love their Old Fashioned) but also very good tapas.
7. Campito
We always talk about the best hidden bars in Manchester City Centre but there are plenty more in the rest of Greater Manchester!
Campito is a hidden bar in Whitefield, North Manchester. This speakeasy is part of the famous tapas restaurant Campo Blanco and is a true hidden gem.
To get there, you need to go to Campo Blanco (you can do so by car, there is on street parking on the side, or with the tram since the MetroLink stop is only 5 minutes walk from there). Once you are in front of the restaurant, go around the back on the right.
You will find a door leading to some kind of hallway. The speakeasy is just behind a hidden door but you need to ring the bell for them to let you in.
Spoiler alert: the door is actually located on the left and not in front of you.
Once you walk in, you will discover a stunning underground bar with 1920s vibe.
They service all sorts of delicious cocktails but we recommend you try the white sangria.
Since the place belongs to the Spanish restaurant, you can expect amazing sangria here!
8. 7 Sins
7 Sins is on Lever Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. 7 Sins is one of the best hidden bars in Manchester.
Hidden in the basement this is a really great bar if you are looking to play some games whilst enjoying a drink.
They’ve got shuffleboard, pool, darts, beer pong, and arcade games, all the fun you need.
If you are visiting on one of Manchester’s warmer days head to their suntrap outdoor spot on Stevenson Square. There are no reservations so you’ve got to arrive early for a drinking spot in the sun.
With happy hour every day until 7pm and 2-4-£10 cocktails, you can’t go wrong with 7 Sins.
9. Science & Industry
Head to Cane & Grain on Thomas Street, a hip New York themed bar that serves up cocktails and good grub and you may not immediately notice a secret door.
Once you spot a few people passing through the door, be sure to follow them.
Through the door, you will find Science & Industry, a whole other bar awaiting you.
They serve up some of the best cocktails in Manchester and have really perfected the art of mixology.
They are so dedicated to the creation of awesome cocktails that they even have a dedicated mixology workshop.
Try the sour Garden of Eden made from London Dry Gin, chocolate bitters, cherry liqueur and sour apple. Or for something sweet and citrusy try the FairyTale of New York.
Dim lighting, leather booths and dangling spotlights instantly make you feel like Al Capone is about to wander in.
10. Junior Jacksons
Another Oldham Street bar is Junior Jacksons. Junior Jackson’s is known for its loud music, top-notch food and late night revelry.
The bar is in a basement in the Northern Quarter and there’s certainly an American feel to the place.
With a jukebox in the corner, American sports playing live on the TV and country and blues music playing loud, you’ll be transported to the other side of the pond in no time.
This dive bar is jam packed with kitsch items, flags, banners, and posters.
No matter the time, there are always chicken wings available and other delights that will satisfy the empty stomach whilst drinking.
As is the way with American hospitality, everyone feels welcome at Junior Jacksons, and you’ll easily be allowed to make yourself at home.
11. The Fitzgerald
Another of Manchester’s pretty bars in Manchester is The Fitzgerald in Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter. It’s a little tricky to find but search for a low-lit sign and then head upstairs.
Fitzgerald pays homage to the Jazz Age of 1920s America.
Just like the secret joints of the prohibition era, The Fitzgerald in Manchester channels the same vibes.
When stepping into The Fitzgerald you will notice the nods to the 1920s.
From the glass wear to the décor, everything has a prohibition feel.
There are even silent Charlie Chaplin films projected onto the walls, a great conversation starter.
The Fitzgerald is a great place to go on a date because the establishment adds a touch of sophistication and intrigue which is so refreshing.
This bar hosts many events throughout the year, including jazz, blues and modern acoustic nights that last until the early hours.
You simply cannot go wrong with ordering a cocktail from The Fitzgerald.
Their cocktails are of course themed, with drinks like ‘My Dear Zelda’, a bourbon and lavender combination or the ‘South Side Fizz’, a Tanqueray, mint, and lime concoction.
12. Guilty By Association
Another of the best bars in Manchester Northern Quarter is Guilty By Association.
Located in Stevenson Square this bar is hidden in the basement.
This is certainly one of Manchester’s favourite joints with a local and new crowd flocking here during the week and especially at the weekend.
The décor is industrial with a definite urban feel.
Shabby concrete walls, exposed light bulbs, leather booths, and upcycled furniture provide a simple but effective feel.
From premium spirits to perfectly curated cocktails, Guilty By Association sure knows how to fuel a party.
For cocktails they have a 2 for £10 deal every day of the week until 7pm. In terms of beers, they have a wide selection of rotating bottled and canned beers.
Favourites include Estrella, Pacifico and Quilmes.
They also have a couple of Manchester’s own brewed beers including Shindigger and First Chop Salford.
Whether you are looking to sit down with mates at their high stool tables or dance until the early hours of the morning, Guilty By Association has got you covered.
13. Bunny Jacksons
The sibling of Junior Jackson, Bunny Jackson is another American-style dive bar located close to Manchester Oxford Road train station.
They serve up soul food and all the drinks you could want.
There’s live music and super affordable chicken wings too!
You actually cannot just mention the chicken wings at Bunny Jacksons, people come from across Manchester just to see what the hype is about.
Imagine (without drooling) Jack Daniels Smoked BBQ Wings, Southern Comfort Deep South Cajun Hot Wings and Sailor Jerry’s Spicy Sesame Wings, the ultimate collection of boozy chicken wings which pair perfectly with an ice-cold beer.
This is a great place to hear if you want a no-fuss bar that serves up satisfying grub. From burgers and fries to sandwiches this is a wonderful place to go for food and drink.
In terms of drinks, Bunny Jacksons has more than 100 American whiskeys and their fridges are stocked with American beers.
For cocktails they have perfected the classics and you won’t be disappointed.
14. Arcane
Arcane is tucked away in a Victorian basement and unless you knew about it you probably wouldn’t ever go there.
Though it appears to be a secret once you are there you will notice that it’s a popular local haunt.
This King Street establishment is one of the best hidden bars in Manchester.
The bar is decorated with green tiles giving it a Harry Potter Ministry of Magic kind of vibe.
The rest of the bar is simple with exposed brick walls and wooden stools and chairs.
The décor may be basic, but it allows the atmosphere to speak for itself.
Arcane is known as a fantastic cocktail bar. Try their Pear & Cardamom cocktail.
It’s a house favourite. As well as cocktails they’ve got beers on tap and by the bottle as well as a fair few wine options.
15. The Washhouse
The Washhouse is the epitome of a speakeasy.
Located close to the Arndale shopping centre at 19 Shudehill you may well walk past this mundane-looking bar!
From the outside, the place looks like a slightly shabby faux laundrette.
Step inside and you’ll find a dryer, two washing machines and a telephone. Not much of a bar!
Prior to your visit to this “laundrette” you must head to the Washhouse website and make a booking.
Only then will you be given the secret password that you must say when you dial the phone in the laundrette. It’s a super exciting start to a night house.
Once inside you will head through a secret door into a low-lit but ambient room.
Prohibition vibes are in full force at The Washhouse.
From rum to martinis, bourbon to whiskey they’ve got a vast array of liquors and cocktails to keep you merry at The Washhouse.
One of the best things about The Washhouse is the customer service, nothing is too much trouble for the staff here.
The Washhouse welcomes all for the perfect amount of escapism and wonderment.
16. Wood & Company
Wood & Company is a hideaway on King Street in central Manchester.
With the best speakeasies and secret bars in Manchester it seems to be good etiquette if the place looks shabby and unappealing from the outside.
Then you know it’ll be good inside.
Descend the steps and you’ll find a marble top bar that stretches across most of the room.
Booths lit by candles and drinks served on cast iron tables create an industrial yet hushed, cosy and secret vibe.
The bartenders and staff create a welcoming atmosphere and when it gets busy a lovely buzz of chatter fills the small space.
In terms of drinks, they serve up traditional cocktails to an exquisite standard, but they also have regular beers and lagers.
17. The Peer Hat
Just outside of the main hub of the Northern Quarter on Faraday Street is The Peer Hat.
The Peer Hat is a music venue and bar with a hidden underground stage.
The vibe is electric and a little wacky but one of the great bars in Manchester.
This bar celebrates those grassroots musicians and there’s a live music option available downstairs almost every night of the week.
From live bands to poetry slams this bar is brimming with culture.
The Peer Hat’s intriguing and eclectic décor is a feast for the eyes.
Whether you are visiting for a music session, a drinking session or during the day The Peer Hat delivers on all counts.
The Peer Hat is known for its excellent selection of craft and draft beer.
18. Salt Dog Slim’s
Salt Dog Slim’s on Bow Lane is a slick bar known for its emporium of beers, cocktails, and American-style chilli dogs.
A fantastic combination for a night out in Manchester.
Arrive at Salt Dog Slim’s and head down to the basement. Depending on the night you visit you will be treated to mind boggling quizzes, incredible food, and awesome parties.
If you aren’t wanting to wait for a drink at the bar simply head to the alcoholic vending machine and choose one.
They even stock their very own Alabama Slim beer.
Be sure to leave your mark by signing the graffiti wall and if you fancy it why not play a game or two of pool.
On the weekend you’ll find the DJs playing a host of indie and rock tunes through to the early hours of the morning.
We hope you enjoy discovering all these secret bars in Manchester and if you know any secret spots that were not mentioned, let us know!
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