Best Bars In Manchester

With small bijou cocktail bars, swish drinking dens, and hundreds of cool or quirky hotspots to choose from, this city is home to some of the finest watering holes in the country. Don't get overwhelmed by all the choice; simply check out our handpicked selection of liquid lairs and hit up one of the best bars in Manchester for a memorable night out. 

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 18th March 2025



The Lawn Club

Taking Bookings

Happy Hour | Tuesday to Thursday 4pm - 7pm and 4 other offers

It's safe to say that when the sun comes out, so does most of Manchester. Luckily there's a sleek Spinningfields spot for you to check out. The Lawn Club is a wonderland of all things alfresco drinking and dining, with fruity cocktails, comfy chairs and private pods to hire. Be sure to nab a seat on their foliage-covered terrace or the spacious lawn area, where you can even get drinks directly from the outdoor bar.

Freight Island

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At Freight Island, located in the heart of The Depot, Mayfield, food and drink are taken to the next level. With 11 food vendors offering everything from juicy burgers to authentic Mexican and Indian street food, there's no shortage of flavour to explore.

Pair that with five distinct bars, including a taproom and one dedicated to tequila cocktails, and you've got the perfect spot to indulge in your favourite dishes and drinks.

1UP

Taking Bookings

One of the best bars in Didsbury, 1UP is your home of gaming for geeking out whenever you please. Think D&D campaigns, Pokemon cards, arcade machines, classic consoles and even a UV room for beer pong, all with the Wings Of Power menu to keep you fuelled.

Electric Shuffle Manchester

Taking Bookings

Happy Hour and 1 other offer

Whether you're hitting up its epic brunch or passing through for a team-building activity with your work colleagues, Electric Shuffle in Deansgate has it all. It can accommodate up to 16 players at a time and is available for private hire if you're looking for an exclusive affair. Food-wise, you'll find some delicious pizza on the menu, as well as small bites like 24-hour pulled pork bao buns and chicken souvlaki skewers.

Side Street

Taking Bookings

Tucked away in the well-known ABC building in Spinningfields, Side Street Studios is a social, creative space that celebrates the artistic scene in Manchester. The cosy lounge bar is filled with plush velvet sofas, tiled floors and shelves stacked with plants, dimly lit to create a sultry, intimate vibe. Try out their carefully curated signature cocktails like the watermelon tequila-based 1959 or a vermouth-heavy God's Acre. They've got some tasty eats up for grabs here as well, from mini chicken kievs to bavette steak.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Wednesday 26th March 2025

Mixing a speakeasy location, immersive activities and contraband cocktails, it's clear to see why Alcotraz is one of the city's best bars. The quirky prison-themed experience will have you sneaking illicit liquor into their basement space so the inmates can mix up something special.