Secret Bars in Manchester
Every city has its secrets. And every city has its secret bars. Those little backstreet, hard to find but totally amazing bars known only by the locals. Manchester Nightlife has some great little secrets tucked around every corner, from password-only bijou drinking dens to tiny underground rock n roll bars. So if you're too lazy to search high and low for these places yourself, then check out our recommended list of the best secret bars in Manchester. But shhhh, we don't want everyone to know. Let's keep them between ourselves, yeah?
Last updated on 26th April 2017
Cane and Grain may now be a well known name on the Manchester drinks scene, but it's their First Floor Bar that harbours the very best in boozy secrets. New Orleans inspired and hidden behind an elusive door, find this space to indulge in rustic interiors and cocktail cool.
Tucked away in a basement just off Deansgate, this hidden Manchester gem is a secret that's well worth discovering. Venture away from the main drag of Deansgate bars and you'll discover a cool, unpretentious crowd enjoying great Manchester music, fantastic cocktails and a great atmosphere late into the night, every night of the week.
Just because you think you can wash your underwear, doesn't mean you can. And just because you don't think you can get stunning cocktails here, doesn't mean you can't. One of the sexiest secret Manchester bars, immerse yourself in drinks behind the facade of a launderette.
Dusk til Pawn is one of the Northern Quarter's best kept secrets; discreet? These cool kids have got it more than covered. From the front it looks like a quirky little Pawn shop, but step past the facade and be welcomed into one of the finest hidden bars in Manchester.
This one was voted one of the hardest bars to find in the world - the perfect drinking den if you fancy a challenge, and a really hard challenge at that. Hidden away down a discreet back alley in the Chapel Street area of Salford, the hard-to-find Under New Management (formerly Corridor) is a late night speakeasy bar with smashing, creative cocktails, a cool crowd and excellent resident DJs playing late into the night every weekend.
Referred to by locals as 'The Temple of Convenience' due to its former life as a public toilet, this Oxford Road underground bar is a popular hang out with local indie types and musicians (it's one of Guy Garvey's favourites) thanks to its great jukebox, good beer selection and rock n roll vibes.
Hidden underneath the foodie cool of Dogs N Dough, 17 Below is a secret bar in Manchester that's primed for those that want a little entertainment with their evening. Head on down to this subterranean and neon plot for pool tables and a cool 1980s theme.
One of the most unassuming and secret places to drink in Manchester, Gaslamp comes at you with vintage minimalism and subterranean charm just shy of Deansgate. Head on down and drink your way amongst kitsch nitbits and retro white tiling.
With its discreet side street location, small frontage and a blackboard on the pavement, Cord may not seem like much, but step inside and enjoy one of the best hidden bars in Manchester. With a cheeky basement 'vault' bar to make it even more special, Cord is a Northern Quarter gem not to be missed.
