CONTACT USReady to sample some of the best tipples in the north? Here’s our rundown of the best cocktail bars in Manchester. Bottoms up!
The Alchemist – Spinningfields
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What to order: The Mad Hatters (vodka, citrus, elderflower, Cointreau, and summer fruits)
Let’s start the list with an absolute classic. The Alchemist Spinningfields has been a Manchester institution for a decade, and with its eclectic mix of mouth-watering creations, there’s no need to wonder why. The original Spinningfields bar is all about that sultry, smoky vibe, as is its New York Street and Media City sister sites.
Behind Closed Doors
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What to order: 50 Shades of Earl Grey (Portobello Road gin, Earl Grey tea, lemon, honey, and lavender. Served in a teapot!)
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d come to the wrong place as you descend the stairway of this unmarked watering hole, but don’t be fooled by its unremarkable exterior, Behind Closed Doors is one of the best cocktail bars in the city. Once inside, you’ll be treated to a vintage-esque array of tiny old TVs, chandeliers, and vintage telephones to call the bar with your order. Oh, and a tempting menu of classic and contemporary cocktails.
Cloud 23
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What to order: The Stratospheric (Ciroc red berry, Tanqueray 10, hibiscus, raspberry, passionfruit, citrus, and Dom Perignon)
No list of cocktail bars in Manchester would be complete without mentioning the iconic Cloud 23. Located on the 23rd floor of Manchester’s first skyscraper, Cloud 23 offers panoramic views of the city centre in a stylish, sophisticated space.
But we know a bar is only as good as the tipples they serve, and Cloud 23’s menu does not disappoint. Proud of its Mancunian heritage, Cloud 23 serves drinks inspired by the famous Hacienda club, the Castlefield roman ruins, and a champagne cocktail ode to Beetham Tower.
Dusk Til Pawn
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What to order: Brass Balls (Old Fashioned, marmalade, and ginger)
Take a stroll down the Northern Quarter’s hip Stevenson Square and there’s every chance you’d just walk straight past Dusk Til Pawn. Hidden in plain sight, this bar is disguised as an old-school pawn shop (complete with flickering neon signs and 1970s TVs) but venture inside and you’ll be able to taste some of Manchester’s finest cocktails.
The Fitzgerald
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What to order: My Dearest Zelda (bourbon and lavender)
Manchester’s NQ has no shortage of places to wet your whistle, but The Fitzgerald is one of our favourites for cocktails. If you’ve ever fancied stepping into one of those prohibition-era drinking dens, this is the place for you.
Adorned with 1920s American décor, this stylish speakeasy offers a delicious array of tempting cocktails against a backdrop of velvet chairs, dimly-lit chandeliers, and a soundtrack of jazz and soul.
Hawksmoor
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What to order: Fuller Fat Old Fashioned (butter-infused bourbon, beurre noisette, sandalwood, and cedar oil)
You may have heard of London-based chain Hawksmoor before, it’s a nationally-renowned restaurant. But no visit to this world-class establishment is complete without sampling the delights of its cocktail bar (and nothing washes down a steak better than a bourbon-infused tipple).
Into the Gathering Dusk
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What to order: Wild and Stinging Martini (nettle gin, nettle leaves, rye whiskey, and hawthorn-branded cherries)
Cocktail goddess Emma Roberts is the woman behind this unique pop-up. Famously elusive, Into the Gathering Dusk is renowned across Manchester and beyond for its mouth-watering homemade tonics and bitters, with ingredients foraged by Emma herself. Not an alcohol drinker? Don’t let that put you off, this bar is famed alongside its cocktails for its mocktail menu, with an array of XXX cordials to tempt your tastebuds.
The Liars Club
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What to order: Painkiller (two types of rum, coconut cream, orange, and pineapple)
Dreaming of jetting off somewhere far-flung? Well, we can’t promise you’ll wind up with a sun tan, but we can guarantee you’ll find a tipple or three you enjoy at The Liars Club. Nestled away from Deansgate’s crowds, this tropical tiki bar is famed for its elaborate serving choices – think volcanos, pineapples and coconut shells – as well as its delicious tipples and relaxed reggae vibe.
Fancy a late one? The Liars Club is open until 4am everyday so you can clink those cocktails ‘til the early hours.
Lost in Tokyo
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What to order: The Emperor’s New Groove (rose bud-infused Beefeater gin, rose, cucumber, lemon, and ginger ale)
Another classic Manchester institution for you now. Inspired by the culinary delights of the far east, Lost in Tokyo has been a feature of NQ’s Stevenson Square since December 2015, and is a great place to chat, dance, and sip some sublime cocktails in the city. Whiskey fans, rejoice! Lost in Tokyo boasts the largest Japanese whiskey selection in Manchester, many of which can be crafted into some damn fine cocktails for your enjoyment.
Manahatta
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What to order: Empress’s New Clothes: (Empress 1908 gin, citrus, topped with prosecco)
True to its name, Manahatta brings a taste of New York City to Deansgate. Serving tasty all-American dishes throughout the day, it’s the sophisticated cocktail menu that takes centre stage at this establishment. The unique thing about Manahatta’s cocktail list is that it’s split into three sections, one for whichever time of day you’re sipping.
Curated alongside some of London’s top bartenders and mixologists, the cocktail menu is a flavoursome blend of gin, vodka, whiskey and rum-based drinks, all sprinkled with a bit of Mancunian magic.
Peggy’s Bar
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What to order: the menu changes weekly to suit the seasons, but we loved the Pina Colada with turmeric.
If you’re prepared to pop over the border into Salford (it’s not far, promise), Peggy’s Bar is a dimly-lit tipple-lover’s haven just waiting to be discovered. Disguised by its backstreet location, this hidden gem serves some of the most mouth-watering, visually-stunning cocktails, with many of their drinks twisting classics to create their own unique blend.
Runaway Tap Room
In case you haven’t heard of Honest Burgers, it’s a rather delectable burger bar that has taken Manchester by storm. But don’t be fooled into thinking that’s all they’re about. Hidden away on the third floor, Honest Burgers has its own tiny tap room, which is curated by Runaway Brewery and sells some of their latest creations. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also enjoy one of their many cocktails on the secret roof terrace (ideal for a summertime tipple).
Speak in Code
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What to order: Japanese-influenced No. VIII (Suntory Toki malt, pine, thyme, and lemongrass)
Located on a quiet street off Deansgate, Speak in Code is a hidden gem that packs a punch when it comes to high-end cocktails. What makes Speak in Code different from other secret bars in Manchester? It’s totally vegan, that’s for food and drinks.
The Washhouse
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What to order: Up Stream (Three Rivers gin, aquavit, smoked salmon and lemon vapour)
We’re not saying we’ve saved the best until last but if we were to choose a favourite cocktail bar in Manchester, The Washhouse would rate pretty high. From the outside, it’s disguised as a humble launderette, complete with coin-operated washing machines and baskets of clothes, but venture through the tumble dryer (yes, really) and you’ll discover a dimly-lit, cosy cocktail cavern. Oh, and some of the best drinks the city has to offer.
Remember: the only way to gain access to The Washhouse is to place a booking over the phone, and they’ll give you instructions of what to do when you arrive (it’s all a bit hush-hush!).
Why not make a weekend of it? Here at The Midland, we live and breathe Manchester. Located right in the heart of the city, our hotel is the perfect place to catch some ZZZs after an evening sipping delicious cocktails. Plus, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to advise you about what to see and do in the city.