Famed for its cool and quirky bars with something for everyone, the Northern Quarter has quickly become the place to be for after-work drinks, mid-work drinks or even pre-work drinks should you so desire. (NB: DesignMyNight asks you to please drink responsibly and perhaps not before your 9am work day!) With every genre of music spilling out into the streets and plenty of cocktails bars to sink your teeth into – Terrace NQ could stand unnoticed with its small yet perfectly formed front. However, despited its understated exterior,  this bar is definitely not one to be overlooked.

The Venue

Situated in the middle of Thomas Street, Terrace NQ stands proudly with its large plate glass window and characteristic dark black front. Head up the stone steps and you’re greeted instantly with a well-stocked bar with a mixture of bar stools and a couple of intimate tables. During my first visit to Terrace NQ, I naively thought “Oh this is a bit small” however once I noticed the corridor which opens up to a great room complete with DJ and sumptuous booths and tables – I quickly realised how wrong I’d been.

 Terrace's mix of stylish interiors and chic drinks selection make it one of the coolest bars in Manchester

The Clientele and Atmosphere

I headed down on a Thursday evening for a friends' new job celebration and plenty of bubbly (but we’ll get to that later!). Once we got inside, it was standing room only with a mix of young professionals, late night shoppers and students. Settling at the bar, the DJ from the next room spun into action playing cool RnB with everything from Shaka Demus & Pliers to early Usher and Sisqo.

Prop yourself at the bar or cosy up on a candle lit table - perfect for any chilled first date in Manchester 

The Drinks and Food

As we were celebrating, there was only one drink on the cards; Prosecco and plenty of it. Terrace do however have a fabulous new cocktail menu which is well worth a try with concoctions such as Bon Vivant, a gin and sweets number; and Nobody Beats The Biz, rum and milk served in a tin can with cereal toppings (delish!). As we were celebrating there was no time for food, however Terrace NQ have recently unveiled a brand new food menu. With tasty home-cooked pizzas, belting burgers and belly-busting breakfasts; I can’t wait to get down again to try it. Watch out for a menu launch review coming soon.

Share a bottle of bubbly or pick from their extensive cocktail menu - perfect for after-work drinks

Summary

With its stripped back aesthetic with bare brick walls, reclaimed gymnasium flooring and vintage school furniture – this venue oozes cool and fits in well to the other quirky Northern Quarter bars which line the streets. One of the ultimate cool bars in Manchester, Terrace NQ has stamped its name firmly on the map with plenty more yet to discover the stylishness within.