Something A Little Different In Manchester

Bars and things to do aren't hard to come by, but how about ones that dazzle, impress and break the rules? We've got plenty of those too. From destinations touting their own bowling lanes and places pushing cocktail boundaries, to South Pacific lairs and entertainment by the bucket load, this city's wonderland of unique hangouts is waiting for you. Read on to check out our recommendations for something a little different in Manchester.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 9th June 2025




Electric Shuffle Manchester Brunch

@ Electric Shuffle Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 12th July 2025

If you're looking for something a little different to do for your next get-together with your mates, book tickets from £30 each to the Electric Shuffle Brunch. Bring out your competitive side with one hour of shuffleboard followed by two of unlimited pizzas. That's right. What's more, each guest will even have their own bottle of prosecco to enjoy and there'll be complimentary carafes of orange juice for you to make your own mimosas with. 

Decadence After Dark: Time To Cher!

@ The Fitzgerald on Thu, 10th Jul 2025 @ 19:30 - 22:30

This July, head to The Fitzgerald for their brilliant Decadence After Dark event - and this month's theme is Time To Cher. You can expect an evening full of entertainment in this speakeasy-inspired space, ranging from hilarious comedy to fantastic burlesque routines and live music. There's something for everyone here, costing just £10 per person. 

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2025

@ Victoria Baths on Friday 19th September 2025 and 2 other dates

Calling all foodies. If you're serious about chicken wings, Manchester Wing Fest 2025 is where you need to be. The world's biggest chicken wing showdown will bring the heat with mouthwatering buffalo, BBQ, and wild wings to taste.

Vote for your favourite wings, chow down on £1.50 wings and discover the best in the business. Plus, enjoy beer, bourbon, and even some spicy wing challenges to really test your tastebuds.

The Big Manchester Bake

@ The Big Manchester Bake on Various dates from Thursday 10th July 2025

Whether you're familiar with the kitchen or are a baking beginner, this award-winning event is fun for all. Taking place in a marquee and with 90 minutes on the clock for you and your mates to create a masterpiece with pre-measured ingredients, The Big Manchester Bake is a great activity to book with tickets starting from £49.90 per person. 

What's on at GRUB

When on the hunt for something a little different in Manchester, check out GRUB's events. From drinks masterclasses to whole beer festivals and sultry burlesque, this award-winning venue will keep you entertained.

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

If you're looking for something a little different in Manchester, The Spirit of Manchester Distillery offers some of the city's most exciting and flavourful experiences.

Whether you're enjoying a Taste the Distillery Tour from £30 each or testing your skills at a Cocktail Masterclass, you're in for a treat. The distillery's hands-on tours and experiences give you a fresh, fun way to enjoy the city with your mates - perfect for a birthday, special occasion, or a day out.

BOUGIE DRAG EVENTS

Discounts available on certain events

If it's something unique you're after, you can't go wrong with Bougie Drag Events. They host regular bottomless brunches at On Bar and other venues, where you can expect a raucous day out hosted by Northern queens Imani Versace and Barb. There'll be plenty of lip syncing, dance-offs and catwalk contests, with DJs all afternoon and the option to add on 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco or cocktails.

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ Deansgate on Various dates from Saturday 12th July 2025

Looking for a quirky date idea? Try something a little different with Kitty Yoga in Manchester. This hour-long experience blends the relaxation of yoga with the fun of having kittens join you during your flow.

For forty minutes, practice your poses while adorable kitties wander around, and then finish with twenty minutes of playtime with your new furry friends. It's a fun, unique, and utterly cute way to enjoy some quality time together.

Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience - MANCHESTER

@ Freight Island on Sunday 3rd August 2025 and 2 other Sundays

Tired of the usual dinner and drinks routine? Try something truly unique with Soul Supper in Manchester. This immersive event combines the soulful beats of Motown with a delectable two-course meal, creating an unforgettable experience.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want a fun night out, Soul Supper has you covered. Enjoy classic tracks from artists like The Temptations and The Four Tops while feasting on mouthwatering dishes. With VIP seating options and great company, this event promises a night of fun, food, and fantastic music.

YO!

When you're looking to improve your skills in the kitchen, YO! Manchester Arndale have just the event for you. Nab tickets and venture here for gyozas on arrival, followed by a masterclass that sees you whip up four different delish sushi items. 

Courts Club

Happy Hour - Everyday - 5pm - 8pm

Looking for a fun spot where you can play, chill, and refuel? Courts Club in Manchester is your go-to for all the action. Whether you're up for a friendly game of basketball or a serious tennis match, you can book your spot on the courts for just £5 per person - and with sessions available seven days a week between 8am and 9pm, there's always time to get your game on. After you've worked up an appetite, kick back in the vibrant hangout areas, with plenty of indoor seating, outdoor benches, and deck chairs perfect for relaxing with friends.

When it's time to refuel, the Courts Club bar has you covered with a range of drinks, from smoothies and coffee to ice-cold pints, wine, and spirits. Grab a tasty toasty or dig into some protein boxes and snacks to keep the energy going. Plus, if you're into live sports, you can catch all the action from Six Nations rugby on a huge indoor screen.

Official Manchester Rum Festival 2025

@ New Century Hall on Sat, 26th Jul 2025 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

This July, Manchester's original, dedicated rum festival returns. Head to New Century Hall for the Official Manchester Rum Festival 2025, where rums from all exhibitors are included in the £27.50 ticket price - a bargain for your next quirky date or group gathering. 

Find a rum cocktail bar and food at the event too, making sure you stay well-fed and watered throughout the day.

StreetHunt Games

Looking for a unique way to get you outdoors? Then check out StreetHunt Games, a quirky event that will have you working in teams to solve a self-guided mystery. Explore different parts of Manchester while cracking clues and uncovering secrets.

There are two different stories to choose from, including murder mysteries and tracking down wills. Tickets cost just £16.50 for the whole group, and you can start at any time of day - using only your phone to guide you.

Cherry Jam

From boy band-themed brunches to bottomless afternoon tea and gazing boards washed down by unlimited booze, Cherry Jam is the ideal place for fun activities. Not only that, but there's musical bingo included after each too.

NQ64 Manchester Northern Quarter

Step into a world where retro gaming meets epic nights out at NQ64 in the Northern Quarter and on Peter Street, Manchester's ultimate arcade bar. Known for being one of the coolest retro arcade-style bars in the business, NQ64 offers a nostalgia-packed gaming paradise with everything from Street Fighter and Time Crisis to Guitar Hero.

While you're busy perfecting your high scores, you can sip on quirky, games-themed cocktails that are as fun as the games themselves - or opt for a chilled glass of wine if you're feeling classy. And if hunger strikes, you're in for a treat - Crazy Pedro's slices are available until late, so you can keep the party going with some delicious pizza.

Black Cat Club Manchester

Kids Go Free! and 1 other offer

Offering interactive darts with multiple game modes and tech shuffleboard, this is the place for some friendly competition, without the risk of arguing over scores - because the machines handle it all for you. But this spot isn't just for gaming enthusiasts - Black Cat Club is the ultimate premium sports viewing experience. With luxurious seating in copper greens and burnt oranges, plus personal table service (goodbye, bar queues), you can catch every moment of the match in style, all while enjoying an immersive nod to the Manchester music scene.

Food lovers will appreciate the culinary offerings crafted by the team behind El Gato Negro. Indulge in small plates like chicken bites with curry mayo, salt and pepper ribs, or opt for hearty pizzas, burgers, and wraps - there's something for everyone. Top it off with a signature cocktail and you're set for a memorable day and night. 

Secret Bars In Manchester

From cocktail dens hidden behind porn shops to subterranean immersive prisons and 70s-inspired lairs, we've rounded up the secret bars in Manchester (and how to find them). You'll be taking your nightlife up a gear; but shhhh, we don't want everyone to find out.

All that Jazz & Brunch

@ The Fitzgerald on Every 3rd Saturday of the month

Step back in time to the glamour of the Great Gatsby era at The Fitzgerald's All That Jazz & Brunch. Held every third Saturday of the month, this unforgettable brunch experience combines the charm of live jazz with the indulgence of bottomless prohibition-style drinks and delicious food.

Enjoy two hours of endless cocktails and fizz while you take in live performances from Fitz's talented artists, creating a lively and luxurious atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating or just treating yourself, this is the ultimate way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon in style. 

The Lawn Club

Happy Hour | Monday to Wednesday 4pm - 7pm and 4 other offers

If unique outdoor bars in Manchester are what you're searching for, The Lawn Club has you covered with bookable private pods and greenhouses surrounded by fairy lights and greenery, as well as a sun-soaked terrace to enjoy a refreshing summer spritz on. Offering the best of alfresco drinking and dining, with gourmet burgers, small plates and mouthwatering pizzas to choose from, this spot delivers on all fronts.

Fabulous Brunch Events Manchester

Specialising in bottomless brunches fronting drag queens, bingo, Gaga, waiters in the buff and more, these events offer up the best day drinking. Taking over venues across the city with all kinds of naughtiness, Bougie Drag & Boy Toy have unique happenings all wrapped up.

DNA VR Manchester

Fancy being transported to another world? Then head on over to DNA VR Manchester. Perfect for group activities or unique date nights, this city centre arcade offers a number of exciting experiences to choose from, including zombie fights, racing on boats and more.

1UP

Step into the world of 1UP, a gaming bar and social haven made by game geeks for game geeks. This quirky spot in Didsbury is a paradise for all things retro and modern gaming - you'll find a unique mix of arcade machines, pinball classics, consoles, and board games. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an 8ft Donkey Kong ready to roll its famous barrels and toilets adorned with Tetris-style blocks.

The Portal infinity mirrors and Fallout apocalypse fund collection box are just the start of the gaming-inspired design that makes every corner a fun throwback. Not just a place to play, 1UP is also a social hub. With over 50 entry-level board games to dive into, plus Warhammer figure painting, Pokémon and Magic the Gathering card playing, and D&D campaigns, there's something for every kind of gamer.