Quirky Bars In The Northern Quarter

Every city has that one cool district that becomes a haven for weird and wonderful ventures. London has Shoreditch, in Liverpool it's the Baltic Triangle, and Manchester boasts this happening area. Bursting with trendy types and creative minds, it's a goldmine for unusual places to drink. To help you find your next favourite spot, we've rounded up the best quirky bars in the Northern Quarter. 

Last edited by Marcus Sanigar

Last updated on 14th January 2026




Bunny's Karaoke

Bunny's Karaoke brings you the ultimate dive bar karaoke experience, loaded with the same energetic vibe as Bunny Jackson's and Junior Jackson's. Relish in 25p wings, free karaoke, and a selection of American beers. Don't forget about pool or the option to reserve a private karaoke room, available for just £50.

NQ64 Manchester Northern Quarter

Fancy immersing yourself in a neon-lit world of arcade games? Us too. So, head on over to NQ64 in Manchester's Northern Quarter or pay a visit to its sister site on Peter Street to find a wide selection of retro delights such as Guitar Hero, House Of The Dead and Street Fighter. Hungry? Crazy Pedro's is on hand to serve up some cracking pizza and there are themed cocktails such as the fruity Full Tilt or Lara's Lost, a delicious spritz. 

Head of Steam, Manchester

Found on Newton Street, Head of Steam is a stylish craft beer bar housed in a beautifully restored Grade II-listed building. The venue is spacious and versatile, featuring exposed brick walls and a striking circular bar at its centre.

With 30 beer lines on offer, including 24 keg and six cask, you can sample a wide range of UK and Belgian brews. These are complemented by award-winning smash burgers from local favourites That Burger Place. As for entertainment? This sports screenings, darts, live music and DJ sets.

Ad Hoc Wine Shop

First opened in 2020, the Ad Hoc Wine Shop has quickly gained a reputation for top notch vino without the fuss. Its shelves are stacked with out-of-this-world bottles sourced directly from renowned importers. 

Pitch up in a window seat to watch the world go by as you taste your way through certified classics, modern movers and some of the very best low-intervention tipples around. The best part is, when you're ready to leave, you can grab your favourite bottles to take home with you.

Stray

With snug nooks, exposed brick, velvet seating and large front windows, Stray is as inviting in the evening as it is in the afternoon. Intimate and unfussy, it's perfect for a post-work drink, casual date or long evening catching up over cocktails. 

There's plenty to sip and savour here, from refined classics to an ever-changing choice of signatures like the Tomato Vine Margarita. Already a fixture in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars, this place is must-visit for lovers of all things mixology.

Jimmy's

An achingly cool destination, Jimmy's is known for budget wings, rock 'n' roll and its own lager courtesy of London Brewery Portobello. For a fun time that won't break the bank, this is where to get over to.