The Best Winter Bars In Manchester

The Anthologist might have had the title of the First Dates restaurant to its name, but it's the cocktails ready to warm you from the inside-out that are sure to keep you coming back for more. Feeling extra indulgent this winter? The dessert-themed drinks here would be our recommendation.

When in need of a Manchester igloo restaurant and bar this winter, 20 Stories is the spot to hang out at. Their famous pods return each year, offering the perfect place to sip mulled wine underneath cosy blankets, all while enjoying the view and stuffing your face with the grill menu. 

This winter, Courts Club in Manchester becomes the ultimate festive getaway, transformed into Winter Assembly. Book one of the unique Chalaoke huts for an unforgettable karaoke session in a cosy chalet-style setting. Glide across the ice rink, enjoy seasonal film screenings, and indulge in decadent boozy hot chocolates.

Savour delicious Christmas street food like German BBQ, Winter Gyros, and festive grilled cheese, all while surrounded by twinkling Christmas trees and crackling marshmallow fire pits.

In need of Manchester's romantic restaurants and bars this winter? Australasia is coming in hot thanks to its combo of sleek cream interiors, festive decor and food inspired by the Pacific Rim. Think munching sushi and wagyu while getting cosy with your other half.

Igloo dining in Manchester was once covered by The Lawn Club, but now you'll find that their winter yurt is all the rage. You can hunker down in this cosy den and enjoy bottomless brunches and pizzas, or book out the space for a festive party.

Cosy up under a furry throw at Sunset by Australasia, one of Manchester's best winter bars. This Spinningfields gem is perfect for alfresco drinking and dining in chillier months with its toasty heaters, seasonal cocktails and warming noodle dishes from the Japanese-inspired menu.

This Spinningfields boozer comes into its own in the winter period, boasting its very own pop-up tipi that makes it firmly on the list of our favourite winter outdoor bars in Manchester. Lit with twinkly lights, covered in fur throws and warmed by an open fire, The Oast House is one of the city's most atmospheric venues. 

With innovative drinks like the Santa Coloda and festive sangrias, Be At One Manchester is working hard to create some epic Christmas cocktails each year. Located right on Deansgate, the bar creates limited edition drinks as soon as November to get you in a merry mood.

When you're after festive bars in Manchester, The Whiskey Jar is coming in hot with its candlelit space and stunning Christmas tree, which is decked out with luscious red bows and shining baubles. Nab the watering hole's namesake spirit over ice and settle into these seasonal surroundings.

Three Little Words' railway arch setting means it already has cosy, atmospheric lighting down, but how about the drinks? Being attached to the Manchester Gin distillery has its perks, so expect a bespoke cocktail list fronting smoking numbers and the likes of Bounty-flavoured concoctions come winter.

Right in the heart of Manchester, The Alchemist are taking winter cocktails to the next level. Known for their molecular mixology, the bar is known to showcase some sweet sips, such as biscoffee martinis and a white chocolate vodka drink. 

The basement bar of The Foundry Project screams speakeasy vibes thanks to low-lit booths and velvet furnishings. Descend down the stairs for an evening of dancing, drinking and debauchery, with Baileys espresso martinis waiting as your go-to winter tipple - a world away from the wet Manchester streets outside.

For winter bars in Manchester city centre, get Flight Club on your radar. Come the festive season, they're decked out in a seasonal look to match the fun fairground theme. Here, you can nab cocktails while getting stuck into interactive darts across fun games. That's certainly enough to keep you warm.

Head over to the Northern Quarter to discover NQ64, the popular activity bar covered in neon graffiti. They're best known for their retro gaming, from old-school consoles to arcade machines, offering Time Crisis, Guitar Hero and much more.

They've got an exciting Christmas terrace to enjoy too this year, bookable for anywhere between five and 200 guests at a time. This is covered with festive decorations, boasting heaters and more arcade games too, and you can also enjoy themed cocktails like the Lemmingade.

Not only is Dirty Martini the perfect pick for after-work drinks, date nights and Christmas parties, but the cocktail favourite always has a special seasonal menu that you just won't be able to resist. Explore the list of winter sips and get well into the festive spirit. 

Nestled atop the Spinningfields ABC building, The Dome offers an exclusive festive retreat this winter season. Step into a magical Winter Oasis, designed to evoke the charm of a snow globe.

Perfect for festive celebrations, this rooftop venue invites you to indulge in an unforgettable bottomless brunch experience every Saturday this December. For just £42.50 per person, enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited drinks, including spritzes, cocktails, beers, and bratwursts, all while soaking in the stunning winter views.

Never one to do things by halves, The Ivy Spinningfields is shaking things up to become one of the best winter rooftop bars in Manchester. Think cosy open fireplaces and decor that leaves it looking like a seasonal wonderland.

Get ready for a truly magical Christmas experience at Ramona's Winter Village in Manchester this 2024. This festive pop-up brings a vibrant winter wonderland to the heart of the city, offering everything you need for a fun-filled holiday season. With its charming alpine-style huts, twinkling lights, and cosy outdoor seating, it creates the perfect atmosphere for celebrating with loved ones. 

Indulge in delicious seasonal food and drinks, from hot mulled wine and spiced cider to tasty festive treats and the venue's popular Detroit-style pizzas (including festive slices topped with pigs in blankets and turkey gravy). The village also features an exciting range of winter activities, live entertainment, and seasonal cocktails to keep you in the holiday spirit all day and night.

Known for turning their iconic cherry blossoms an icy blue and covering them in sparkling frost to celebrate the season, Tattu Manchester are making sure you can enjoy a wintery bar. Last year, the restaurant's walls came to life with 'The Last Snow', while limited edition themed cocktails and desserts were available too.

This classic of winter pubs in Manchester is jam-packed with cosy nooks to huddle up in alongside a warming drink. On Sundays, this place is heaving too, thanks to all of you who are keen to sample their legendary roast and get toasty by the fire. 

The Black Friar Salford have replaced last year's outdoor dining pods in Manchester with a pop-up Winter Tavern, complete with open fires, a merry Olde English feel, fluffy furs to snuggle into, and stunning candle-lit feasts.

Not only does The Refuge front the Winter Garden and a pop-up tipi to satisfy your cosy bar needs this cold season, but it's also got all the signature cocktails you could need to warm your cockles. Ask the bartenders to whip you up one of the Manchester-themed tipples, if you're really looking to get into the local spirit.

The tables at Albert's Schloss have specially created 'press for prosecco' buttons to ensure your glass never runs dry this winter. Enjoy some Bavarian performances and cabaret with a side of bratwurst or kooky cocktails at this iconic Manchester spot, all while admiring the fairy-lit decor.

The ultimate of seasonal, wintery serves - especially around Christmas - mulled wine is the ideal way to warm yourself up by sipping through a steaming cup of something boozy. This spiced, hot wine can be found at waterfront bars, across pop-up Christmas market bars, inside tipis and more.

The Wharf is a great choice of cosy pubs in Manchester, boasting a relaxing atmosphere that comes from its picturesque location alongside the canal basin. Bursting with snug nooks, this place is perfect for a romantic date or relaxed night out of acoustic live music. 

Right in Salford, Menagerie offers everything pretty and pink, but they're also bringing the holiday spirit. You can choose from a selection of wine or candy cane cocktails, as well as festive canapes, Christmas-themed performances and a three-course menu.

If you're searching for an Altrincham spot to spend winter, then The Con Club should be right up there. Head to its rooftop and you'll uncover the hidden tipi overlooking the town's market area, which is sure to be equally decked out for the festivities.

Once again this year, Freight Island transforms into Winter Island - becoming the North's largest indoor and outdoor seasonal festival. Expect hot chocolates, mulled wine and cider from the seasonal market, as well as the usual residents like tequila cocktail bar Casa Pomelo, alongside Freight tap room for local pours.

Bar Hütte is back once more this November, offering the people of Manchester one unique winter bar experience. Keeping to their signature après ski theme, the space is decorated with cosy chalets complete with festive lights, snug heat lamps and even a 'carol-oke' machine.