Best Cocktail Bars In Manchester

This secret cocktail bar in Manchester is hidden behind (you guessed it) washing machines at a discreet location. Not only that, but once you make your way inside, there's a range of Japanese-inspired serves waiting for you.

Hidden away on Jackson's Row, Speak In Code is a clandestine cocktail bar in Manchester. It may be a low-key hideaway, but the drinks are anything but. Think quirky mixes, impressive presentation and attentive service, coupled with music from soul to hip hop.

The Jane Eyre in Chorlton is the neighbourhood's new go-to spot for expertly crafted cocktails and thoughtfully curated small plates. Situated on Beech Road, this stylish bar and restaurant blends warm, contemporary interiors - exposed brick, soft lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere—with a drink menu that stands out for its creativity and quality.

The cocktail list features innovative concoctions like the Venetian Highball, Rhubarb Corpse Reviver, and Spicy Paloma French 75, all served by seasoned bartenders who know their craft. Alongside an extensive wine selection and rotating local beers, the drinks perfectly complement a menu of seasonal, locally sourced dishes, making it ideal for everything from casual catch-ups to special occasions.

Any true cocktail lovers will know this name. Brought to you by the Schofield brothers, this Little Quay Street plot is usually packed out through the week. If you're lucky enough to nab a table? Don't miss the Irish coffee, it's a great treat to end on.

Tucked in the corner of Mackie Mayor's Grade II‑listed food hall, Stray is a thing of beauty - all big windows, velvet stools, exposed brick and marble finishes. The menu is just as eye-catching, packing in classics cocktails and a regularly changing list of signatures.

Expect bloody marys and mai tais with a twist, alongside vino coladas and tomato vine margaritas. Opened in 2023, it's already one of the country's most talked about spots, taking its place in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars.

Opened in 2023 by the team behind Tariff & Dale and The Lead Station, 97 has fast become a firm favourite on Manchester's bar scene. All candlelit tables, marble finishes and high-end spirits, it's perfect for date nights, post-work cocktails and bougie birthday bashes. 

The menu is packed with reimagined classics, from berry and smoked rosemary palomas to the raisin-and-apricot–sweetened house spritz. The signature serves get even more experimental - think cocoa-butter–washed pandan rum and IPA-reductions.

A hidden gem in the Northern Quarter, The Daisy can be found in the basement of Evelyn's. This was once a private members' lounge, and it retains its former charm through Parisian-style interiors and plush sofas to relax on.

There's a huge selection of cocktails to sip on, starting from only £10 - both classics and signatures. We recommend the yuzu spritz or a Strawberries and Cream.

Salt Dog Slims Manchester is the ultimate destination for lovers of beer and cocktails. Here, you'll enjoy vending machines packed with your favourite hoppy delights, while the list of unique concoctions is sure to cleanse the palate in between gourmet hot dogs.

A chic hideaway on New York Street, in Spinningfields and at MediaCity, The Alchemist is a drinking den that will inspire you with its sultry interiors, hanging light bulbs and decadent lounge sofas. Stocking a varied range of spirits in their antique cabinets, this bar has no shortage of signature lip-smacking creations on the menu. 

With a USP of seafood, drinks and sound done with precision, Bar Shrimp serves up much more than cocktails. Expect fresh oysters, Cornish crab cocktail and tuna crudo small plates with a soundtrack selected by the dedicated music director. 

All inviting lighting, plush red seating and sweeping drapes, it's cool, cosy and transitions beautifully from aperitifs to after hours. With the ingenious trio behind Flawd - Joseph Otway, Daniel Craig Martin and Richard Cossins - pulling the strings, spectacular service, fresh ingredients and precision crafted drinks are a given.

The Mean Eyed Cat Manchester is a Johnny Cash themed cocktail bar with gooey, cheesy pizzas and rum runner cocktails alongside mini cowboy hats. There's bamboo and fire a plenty downstairs at Tiki Hideaway, plus a drinks menu including vodka-based I Walk The Lime as well as a peanut butter and jelly old fashioned.

For a great selection of cocktails, head down to Lock 91, one of Manchester's most loved hidden gems. Situated in a restored 19^th century lock keepers cottage, this place offers carefully-created mixes that are perfect for sipping under the sun in their outdoor spaces.

Sure, a lot of bars can claim themselves mixologists, but there's something about Arcane that truly sticks. Not only does this place boast some of the unique cocktails in Manchester, but its brooding NY vibes, knowledgeable staff and date night charm makes it really stand out.

A jewel in Manchester's cocktail crown, Lost In Tokyo is one of the most stunning places to grab a drink in the city. Head on down for an eclectic mix Japanese-inspired cocktails and whisky, all served up in an urban and fun enviroment. 

Dan Berger's Blinker not only offers mouthwatering libations and bar snacks, but the interior is a beaut too. Check out the Spring Gardens hub for green hues, intimate corners, and great chat from bartenders if you take a seat up top.

For quirky cocktails served in unique vessels like stiletto-shaped glasses? On The Hush is the place to be. Not only will the drinks catch your eye, but also the foliage, florals, wall murals and life-sized phone box, which are all made for 'Gram snapping.

With fabulous mixes including Firestarter and The Walking Dead, this late-night offering in Deansgate pays homage to pop culture in everything from its drinks to the music and decor. With its laidback vibe and quirky menu, The Liquor Store makes the ideal spot for cocktails any time.

One of the best bars in Manchester for cocktails, Alcotraz is a prison-themed experience hidden in a basement in the heart of the city. The premise? Smuggle in your own bottles of spirits for the chance to have them turned into tasty tipples by a team of talented inmate mixologists.

A brilliant Northern Quarter speakeasy, whose list of classic mixes and Champagne is endangering its ability to stay secret, The Fitzgerald is perfect for cocktail connoisseurs and good time drinkers alike. Local musicians play live jazz and blues during the week, while at the weekend DJs front a mix of soul, disco and funk.

This Mad Men-style drinking den in the Northern Quarter has a great selection of cocktails, taking inspiration from both New York City and the UK. Try their old fashioned, which is topped with s'mores, vanilla and biscoff, or their margarita rosada - a cranberry and passionfruit twist on the classic.

Using an arsenal of different ingredients, the bar staff at Dirty Martini have curated an impressive drinks menu, alongside small plates and sharing boards. Head down with your mates and soak up all the fun-loving vibes on offer at this swanky cocktail bar.

Looking for cheap cocktails in Manchester? Boasting industrial-chic interiors, large windows and wooden furnishings, The Foundry Project is an undeniably cool place to grab a drink. To sweeten the deal, you can sip on creations during their 2 for £10 happy hour Sunday to Thursday, 3pm - 9pm.

For one of the best cocktail bars near Manchester Piccadilly, look no further than Brasserie Abode. The elegant spot serves up handcrafted concoctions, or you can chomp away on a bottomless brunch, an afternoon tea or a sumptuous Sunday roast.

Hidden away in the basement, BAB's cocktail bar opens on Fridays and Saturdays only. Come here for signature classics and unique twists, before dancing the night away to the best disco, funk and soul tunes around. Keep your eyes peeled for special events, from live music to drag bingo.

A stylish choice of rooftop bars in Manchester for cocktails, The Con Club is serving a long line of tasty cocktails, fresh pints from its on-site microbrewery and pretty views of Altrincham's market area from its hidden sky-high tipi. Hungry? The kitchen is cooking up delicious seafood and sushi.

NYC-inspired loft bar MOJO is just the place if you want somewhere super cool to go for a drink. With a love of the best in rock 'n' roll music, they've got a hefty cocktail list to match, where potent Alabama slammers and rum-laced pours make up the menu.

Located on Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter, Dusk til Pawn is a secret bar behind the front of an old fashioned pawn shop. It's got window displays full of old items, while the inside is designed like a speakeasy with dark interiors.

There's always something new to try on their cocktail menu, thanks to a rotating selection of drinks. They're known for putting unique twists on the classics too, including a pepperoni-flavoured old fashioned.

Head up to the top floor of The Ivy and you'll uncover a gorgeous spot that beats a lot of other cocktail bars in Manchester Spinningfields on style and substance. Not only does the roof boast beaut views and botanical interiors, but also a long list of tasty treats.

Located in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Kahiki Soundhouse is a vibrant cocktail bar and live music venue. Expect regular live music performances and DJs, with immersive sound and a central stage making it a full-scale production.

The bar serves a selection of premium cocktails late into the night. That's not all though, as they also host a Showtime bottomless brunch on weekends, complete with live entertainment, sing-alongs and interactive fun. Or if you fancy taking to the microphone yourself, check out their private karaoke rooms.

Whether you're in Spinningfields, Deansgate, Piccadilly, Albert Square or Didsbury, Slug and Lettuce is the place for 2 for 1 cocktails in Manchester. Better yet, you can grab these affordable beauties any day or time of the week.

Choose from classics like the pornstar martini and a mojito, or switch things up with the fruity Beach Babes. They also offer bottomless brunches, alongside an all-day menu of steak frites, loaded nachos, breaded chicken burgers and more.

One of the best bars on Swan Street, Mecanica is your go-to spot for quality drinks. Whether you came for classics like sgroppinos and ramos fizzes, or something a little different, you can guarantee lowkey atmosphere and superb sips.

Moxy Manchester is a hotel with a chic cocktail bar, one where your furry friends and other pals are both welcomed with open arms. Head over for Manchester-inspired twists on a Manhattan, Disco Diva drinks and more, all with pizza served 24 hours a day.

A classic on the cocktail scene up and down the UK, Be At One Manchester is no exception to the rule. Expect tunes 'til late, friendly vibes and a whole long list of classics or signature serves to get stuck into.

Looking for a stunning space to drink cocktails? Then head to 20 Stories, located on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields. They've got a stunning rooftop terrace that promises 360-degree views of Manchester, while the interior features gorgeous greenery and comfy sofas to relax on.

They've got a cracking selection of signature cocktails, from a pepper and ginger-flavoured Vesper Verde to the apricot-infused Flamingo Dance. And if you're hungry, you can enjoy the likes of barbecue lamb rump, celeriac Wellington and pan-roasted cod.

Hidden away in what used to be a subterranean bank vault in the city centre, Sterling is a chic cocktail bar that's dimly lit for a sultry atmosphere. Expect dark, stylish interiors, with a shelf full of spirits behind the bar.

Run by brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield, you can enjoy a diverse selection of cocktails here. Think vintage negronis and other classic concoctions, as well as some unique signature sips.

Sora Sky Bar at Malmaison Manchester is a rooftop retreat with a menu that spans the best of pan-Asian cuisine. Whether you're after sushi, skewers or something spicy like Korean lamb, there's plenty to pair with their creative cocktails - all twists on classics inspired by Japanese flavours.

Drinks include the togarashi margarita, frozen coconut daiquiri and peach and lychee spritz, all served seven floors up with sweeping views. There are even DJs and live musicians.

With locations in Kampus, Altrincham, Chorlton and the Northern Quarter, Nell's is a laid-back cocktail bar that specialises in margaritas and giant New York-style pizzas. Expect casual, simple interiors, with resident DJs playing on weekends.

Head here on a Saturday for £6 margaritas all day, or sample other blends like the cherry amaretto sour. On the food menu? Scrumptious slices topped with the likes of miso corn, barbecue chicken or burrata.

Hidden behind a red-brick façade in Manchester's lively Kampus neighbourhood, Red Light MCR is a speakeasy-inspired haven blending bold cocktails, queer art, and inclusive energy.

From dim-lit dirty martinis and cosy date nights to evenings with friends, this back-alley liquor joint serves up a premium cocktail experience in one of the city's coolest spots.

Ever wondered where you can see the complete panoramic views in Manchester while sipping on some of the city's best cocktails? Cloud 23 is the answer. Escape ground level and retreat to the 23rd floor of the iconic Beetham Tower, where you'll find a cocktail menu with heaps of character: think dry ice, bubbles, a mini ice cream cone to garnish and a bright blue concoction. The mixes are inspired by the vibrant culture of the city – and boy, have they fit the brief on that. 

Visit during the day for a clear view of the sights or book an evening table to be surrounded by the twinkly lights of the skyline. You can also opt for a sky-high bottomless brunch if the occasion calls for it, featuring global small plates and the option to upgrade to champagne. 

Who knew that one of Manchester's best cocktail bars would be hidden inside a hotel? Dakota Hotel is a sophisticated hotspot boasting sleek, stylish interiors designed to impress. This eight-storey boutique destination is stunning all round, but what we're here to talk about is the cocktail bar: the dark furnishings and minimal lighting make for a moody atmosphere – perfect conditions for a romantic date night. 

As for the drinks? Expect the best. This bar doesn't shy away from high expectations – because it knows how to deliver. With master mixologists at the helm, every cocktail is expertly crafted with care. Enjoy your sip at the high tables, pair it with a meal in the restaurant area, or head out to the terrace in the warmer months.