Now that winter is approaching, it’s time to wave goodbye to sunny rooftop terraces and say hello to indoor bars! We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most aesthetically pleasing and stylish bars within Manchester to make the transition from summer to winter a bit smoother.
1. The Washhouse Manchester
Hidden behind what appears to be an American-style launderette is the speakeasy-themed bar The Washhouse! This hidden gem serves a variety of cocktails, including a fresh take on the Bloody Mary, which incorporates chipotle seasoning to give the cocktail a smokey flavour. If you’re interested in visiting a bar that offers an immersive factor without becoming an activity, look no further. The element of sneaking through a launderette to get to the speakeasy transports visitors back to the 1920s and is a great place to visit if you’d like to try something new.
To find out more about The Washhouse, visit this link.
View this post on Instagram
2. NQ64
If you’re an avid gamer, then this could be the bar for you! Located in the Northern Quarter, the NQ64 is filled with dozens of old-school video games and is a great place to release your inner geek. Its bright neon interior adds a retro feel to this unique venue, in addition to its extensive drinks menu, which features a spectrum of cocktails, each of which is based on a different video game. NQ64 is a great option for those who are looking to visit an exciting and different bar that has a bit of quirk.
If you’d like to see the range of games that this bar has onsite, click here.
View this post on Instagram
3. Cane & Grain
Looking for a venue that is visually appealing and offers an unusual experience? Cane & Grain bar in Manchester is home to a hideaway called ‘Science + Industry’. An excellent place to spice up your evening, this eccentric bar aims to offer customers a completely new dining and drinking experience by creating a drinks laboratory where mixologists experiment with new flavours, creating mind-blowing cocktails. This bar offers a long list of cocktails and has split the menu into four parts: past, present, and future, and a section dedicated to the classic cocktails if you’d rather play it safe.
Visit this link to book your visit to Cane & Grain.
View this post on Instagram
4. Ménagerie
This beautiful and modern bar is covered in faux foliage and flowers, making it very Instagrammable and chic in its appearance. While this bar is undoubtedly gorgeous, its popularity is rooted in its thorough cocktail menu and delicious food. Ménagerie specialises in Asian cuisine and serves each dish on small plates, giving customers the opportunity to try a variety of dishes on the menu (similar to tapas!). The wine menu is particularly extensive, something which is often rare in modern bars, making Ménagerie an excellent choice for wine lovers as well as cocktail enthusiasts.
To explore Ménagerie’s menu, click here.
View this post on Instagram
5. Three Little Words
Calling all gin lovers, Three Little Words is a gin bar located just a six-minute drive from Manchester city centre. This bar is situated next door to The Spirit of Manchester Distillery where it sources many of their spirits. Inspired by the process of distilling and producing alcohol, Three Little Words has titled its cocktail menu ‘from ground to glass’ and has worked intensely with mixologists in order to develop a menu that will wow visitors. Nestled under the historic railway arches, this bar is absolutely gorgeous and sophisticated in its appearance, making it great for people of all ages.
Follow this link to visit the Three Little Words website.
View this post on Instagram
6. Sunset by Australasia
If you fancy something a tad more girly, Sunset by Australasia is a pink paradise ideal for Instagram photos. Well known for its afternoon tea, this stunning bar offers Asian-inspired cuisine that is sure to leave you wanting more. Sunset by Australasia boasts a four-page cocktail menu which features a variety of different drinks, including botanical spritzers, frozen blends, and prosecco sorbet!
To explore the Sunset by Australasia cocktail menu, click here.
View this post on Instagram
7. Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
Should you wish to partake in a more immersive experience, why not visit the Alcotraz Cell Block Bar? Put on your orange jumpsuits and prepare to smuggle your booze in, the Alcotraz bar is filled with authentic actors and is set in a fake prison. Once you’ve successfully smuggled in your alcohol and have been escorted to your cell, the prison guard will serve you a range of cocktails. Perfect for those who want to experience something new and exciting, Alcotraz Cell Block Three-Four is a great activity for those visiting for the weekend.
Immerse yourself in the Alcotraz experience by booking tickets here.
View this post on Instagram
8. The Liars Club
Inspired by a tropical hideaway, this tiki bar is full of greenery and offers a list of exotic cocktails served in imaginative cups including those shaped like volcanoes, pineapples, and coconut shells. Additionally, this bar plays a mix of reggae, Afrobeats, and hip-hop, creating a fun and enjoyable vibe. If you’d like to immerse yourself in a tropical hideout, consider visiting The Liars Club.
Visit The Liars Club by following this link.
View this post on Instagram
9. Speak in Code
Named as one of the top 10 bars within the UK by the Morning Advertiser February, Speak in Code is a classy and aesthetic cocktail bar located in the heart of Manchester city centre. At this bar, sustainability is incredibly important, so much so that the bar often uses homemade ingredients within its cocktails and fixes chipped glassware using kintsugi bonding. Speak in Code has been described as ‘bringing New York to Spinningfields’, referring to its sultry interior and range of eclectic drinks.
To book a table at the 10th best bar in the UK, click here.
View this post on Instagram
10. Cottonopolis
This contemporary and innovative bar in Manchester city centre boasts a collection of cocktails and a variety of tasty Asian-inspired dishes. Cottonopolis has a glowing reputation and has been described as having a remarkable atmosphere, as well as appealing to a variety of dietary requirements. In addition to the venue being incredibly beautiful, the cocktails are all £10 or below, making Cottonopolis a very affordable bar.
To find out more about Cottonopolis, follow this link.
View this post on Instagram
