Northern Quarter Bars

It's all in the name kids, really. A top-notch nook for those that like their liquid wares with a bite, this bar boasts some of the best of a whiskey in Manchester. Housed within a Grade II listed building, The Whiskey Jar totes one of the biggest selections of scotch, bourbon, malt... you name it, they've got it.

Home to one of the most popular nights out, this cool Manhattan-style basement bar serves up a great range of cocktails, beers and spirits, as well as, a more than tempting menu of NYC diner style food. Our tip? Reserve your booth, pool table or private room in advance to beat the queues.

Located on Little Lever Street, BAB is a laid-back restaurant and cocktail bar specialising in luxury kebabs. A million miles away from your local greasy take-out, the dishes here are created using the finest seasonal and local ingredients, served in a way that's almost too gorgeous to eat (almost).

With its Mad Men vibe and killer cocktail list, The Pen & Pencil is the stuff of New York fantasies. Start the day with one of their American-style breakfasts, have brunch at the weekend with their sub sandwiches or go in the evening and try their delicious burgers.

Pairing industrial interiors with a dash of international charm, El Capo is taking you to the cool confines of South America. There's over 70 tequilas to choose from, along with some seriously delicious Mexican and Latin American street food.

The cool kid on the block comes onto the scene with all the style of a dive bar and all the chill of your typical neighbourhood gaff. Head to Dive NQ where the subterranean bar pulls in the physique of an American diner with the fun of a good old fashioned party spot and bites that come straight from the Deep South. 

Located in The Printworks, this swanky spot serves up a fierce spread from morning to night. Split across two levels, you can expect a restaurant, cocktail bar and space for drinking, dining and dancing. Dig into burgers, brunch, pizza and more all washed down with cocktails, craft beers and fizz.

Markedly one of the most unique bars in the Northern Quarter, Cane and Grain blends a little bit of everything in building the ultimate eating and drinking powerhouse. Head on down for floors that boast a speakeasy bar, smokehouse dining space, tiki bar and laid-back vibes.

Located on 50 Newton Street within the Hatters Hostel, Hold Fast is a vibrant spot offering up cracking cocktails, killer craft beers and tasty bar snacks. Think pizzas and toasties paired with maritime-themed tipples like the Mermaids Kiss and Salty Sea Dog.

A mix of decadent and industrial interiors provide the backdrop to this award-winnning restauarant and bar. Tuck into Asian-insopired dishes like crab bao buns and tiger prawn tempura, wahed down by a cocktai list that was voted the best 'avant garde' in the country.

From the award-winning team that brought you Speak in Code, Double Down is a sexy little spot that lies in the Northern Quarter. Expect hot dogs and hip hop alongside a menu of refined cocktails for that upmarket dive bar experience.

Once dubbed the 'Harrods of the North', Affleck & Brown was a huge department store. And now? That history is still incorporated in this bar's decor, from rich wooden panelling through to Victorian style lights.

Looking for a dash of secret speakeasy in the NQ? Then get down to one of the best Prohibition-style dens in the city. Plush, swanky and effortlessly cool, The Fitzgerald is a members-only hangout, attracting an exclusive crowd thanks to its clandestine vibes and impressive cocktails. 

Hidden behind a pawn shop facade, Dusk Til Pawn is one of Manchester's greatest discoveries, yet one of its most hidden liquid lairs. Get cosy on one of the sofas, hit up the jukebox and relax with a drink or two from their menu of classics and twists on old favourites.

You'll need to ring a hidden buzzer to gain entry to this secretive bar. What awaits is vintage pictures, mismatched mirrors and Middle Eastern rugs alongside a quirky bar menu of creative cocktails and contemporary tipples.

Equipped with a mind-boggling range of British, European and world beers, the Port St. Beer House is one of the watering holes in town. Smart yet traditional inside, this is definitely a bar and not a pub. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere with after-work drinkers revelling in the extensive beer and ale list.