The Whim Wham Cafe has now closed.
If you remember when all this were fields, like to view life through a sepia lens and enjoy the occasional waxed moustache, then The Whim Wham Cafe is for you. This nostalgic gin saloon has spent the last year quietly settling into its Whitworth Street home since it launched last summer; taking things slowly and getting them right. We donned our best tea dresses and headed down to sample its vintage delights.
The Venue
The Whim Wham Cafe is tucked into a Whitworth Street railway arch along the train tracks from Gorilla. You won't find any exposed brick or industrial chic here however - instead you'll discover a warm haven of homely comforts. The decor is 1930s in style, without overstepping the mark into gimmick. Everything feels authentic - because it is - from the piles of antique suitcases to the art deco radio and tasselled table lamps. The sociable Gin Saloon offers plenty of tables and chairs to huddle around, with cream walls covered in vintage mirrors and wall hangings, while the cosy Louche Lounge provides a more intimate experience with richly coloured wallpaper, sumptuous curtains and leather seats.
The Whim Wham Cafe offers something a little different to the usual Manchester bars
The clientele and atmosphere
With a warm and sociable atmosphere, and a slightly older crowd of city centre dwellers looking for an alternative to the loud music and fast pace of other Manchester bars, The Whim Wham Cafe is a great spot for food and drinks on any night of the week. We visited on a relatively quiet Thursday night, and had no problems finding a good table in the cosy Louche Lounge. Weekends are a different beast however, when things pick up a gear with live entertainment, and you're more likely to end up resting your drinks on a pile of vintage suitcases while you survey the room waiting for seats to become free. Saying that, the place never loses its relaxed charm, and no matter how busy the bar gets you'll never feel like you're in the heart of a city centre on a Friday or Saturday night.
The vintage decor make it one of Manchester's best cool and quirky bars
The food and drinks
It would be all too easy for a bar of this ilk to focus more on style than substance, but thankfully The Whim Wham Cafe's food and drinks are just as (if not more so) carefully thought out and authentic as its surroundings. It's all table service here, so no standing around at the bar. The Gin Saloon cocktails are the real star attractions, with an innovative cocktail menu showcasing a range of different gins, homemade tinctures and unusual ingredients. We tried the Vimto Smile, which came with a Vimto lolly (and definitely made us smile), and the St Germain De Pres; which infuses St Germain elderflower liqueur, Hendricks Gin, Chilli Gin Tincture, lime juice and cucumber to create a long, refreshing summer drink with a hidden kick.
The Whim Wham Cafe's Gin Saloon cocktail menu makes it one of the best cocktail bars in Manchester
Food is hearty and traditional yet refined, with a focus on locally sourced produce and traditional recipes. Sort of like The Good Old Days on a plate. Small plates, big plates and sharing platters (meat and cheese) cater for a range of appetites, but with stomachs to line we opted for the pies, which are supplied by artisan pie makers, Great North Pie Co. The Bubble and Squeak with Coconut and Mustard Pie was a real hit, served up with mash, peas and gravy. We'll definitely be returning to eat our way through the rest of the menu.
Summary
With a focus on quality, comfort and enjoyment, The Whim Wham Cafe invites you to escape the madness of the city centre, slow down, and savour the epicurean experiences it offers. From the vintage decor to the excellent food and drinks and the attentive service, everything here is carefully considered and delivered with old fashioned substance and commitment. A real Manchester gem offering something a little different in the city centre; go and pay them a visit.
