Something A Little Different In Manchester

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.

Head over to Watson Street where this cocktail experience is bringing you one of Manchester's most fun activities. An immersive prison-themed speakeasy, Alcotraz will have you smuggling booze past the wardens and mingling with mixology-savvy inmates.

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.

Do you dare to do battle with Doctor Who villains, outsmart bloodthirsty cowboys or try to flee a sinking pirate ship? Then Escape Hunt Manchester is just the place for you. Choose from their classic escape rooms, or opt for fun outdoor missions and at home adventures.

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.

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. 

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.

When you're in need of trying something new next time you head out, Point Blank Shooting is just the place. Tucked away on Deansgate, this speakeasy-style choice of activity bars in Manchester is not only harbouring bespoke cocktails and mouthwatering bites, but also a simulation shooting range to boot.

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. 

In the mood to be mystified and thoroughly entertained? Mesmerising performer Steve Price will be putting on his Magic at the Midland show in Manchester's most historic hotel. Watch as he does the impossible with ordinary objects, and he's bound to make you laugh as well. 

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.

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.

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.

If you're after something beyond the usual bars or cinemas, Grit Studios is your answer. This art space in the Grade II-listed Great Northern Warehouse hosts Sip & Paint evenings that combine creativity, socialising, and great drinks.

No artistic skills required - just bring your curiosity and enjoy a fresh experience that's both relaxing and fun. Whether you come with friends or on your own, the friendly vibe and inspiring setting make it easy to unwind and create something unique.

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.

Fronting immersive gaming experiences where you try to become spies, befriend aliens and take on Squid Game, this unique experience isn't to be missed. From family outings to date nights and work dos, Immersive Gamebox is a sure fire way to do something unforgettable in the city.

One of the best bars in Manchester for something a little different, Impossible is the three-floor beauty bringing immersive night life and plenty of surprises to the city. From the hidden gin palace serving over 60 different bottles of the stuff to the basement theatre and catwalk area, there's always something fun.

From beer pong in Manchester to cocktails inspired by our city, Moxy offers something fun on all levels. The hotel bar not only has activities and unique drinks, but also 24/7 pizza once hunger pangs strike.

Project Halcyon Distillery is the bar that's hidden beneath Old Granada Studios, bringing modern jazz-hop, cutting edge cocktail techniques and a whole absinthe lounge to the historic warehouse building. Plus, they've already made it onto the list of the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars for all their efforts.

Head to Pizza Pilgrims on Deansgate for their brilliant Dough It Yourself pizza making masterclass, where their expert chefs will guide you through the process of creating the perfect margherita. Begin by learning more about their story while enjoying a selection of Italian snacks, before getting in the kitchen.

You'll try your hand at shaping dough, balancing toppings and baking your pizza in the dome oven, before enjoying your creations. Plus, your ticket includes two drinks and a scrumptious Nutella ring dessert to finish, starting from just £54 per person.

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.

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. 

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.

Forget your usual Manchester brunch - this one's got a bit of an edge. The Blues Kitchen's Slow Jams Brunch combines a killer playlist of 90s and 00s R&B with a menu that goes beyond avocado toast. Order burgers, taco bowls and more, then wash them down with bottomless bubbles and rum punch while nodding along to the likes of Usher and Destiny's Child.

Take to Sixes Cricket's high-tech batting nets and it'll feel like you've stepped out on the crease at Old Trafford. Test your skills against the world's best bowlers, before tucking into food and drink once you've worked up an appetite at this top pick of activity bars in Manchester.

Known for their frothing, popping and fizzing tipples, The Alchemist have some of the kookiest drinks around. For a theatrical night out, accompanied by swish interiors, there's no better place than these New York Street, Spinningfields and MediaCity hangouts.

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. 

When it comes to a unique night out, nothing quite says it like cocktails. Not only boasting brooding New York inspired vibes and charm, the guys and gals at Arcane know more than a thing or two about drinks thanks to their mixology knowledge and in-depth, cocktail roster.

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.

Doghouse Manchester is BrewDog's first UK carbon-negative beer hotel on Fountain Street and boy is it a stunner. It offers 18 boutique rooms, equipped with fridges and in-room taps. What's more, you'll find you can attend beer school (that's right), which includes a guided tasting and five 1/3 pints paired with a cheese board for £25 per person. 

A unique way to spend a day out in a group, THE CUBE sees you working in groups of up to four across a series of one and two-player challenges that test everything from balance to reactions and more. Take on the iconic TV gameshow glass boxes and their highly pressurised atmosphere, with plenty of drinks and burgers from The Butcher afterwards - as well as crazy golf.

Combining a pub, fairground-inspired decor and darts, Flight Club is offering up something pretty unique for your night out. Go for the bullseye against all your mates, as you sip on slushie cocktails and munch on pizza in your private oche.

Hunting for game bars in Manchester with a healthy dose of entertainment to boot? Look no further than the ping pong wonderland that is Twenty Twenty Two. Not only an urban art space, the watering hole promises darts, beer pong and DJ sessions, all accompanied by cocktails or pints. 

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. 

These guys need to be on your unique food list for one reason: the pizzas. Only offering the weirdest and most wonderful toppings, including chicken 'n' waffles, your taste buds will go on the strangest adventure of its life. Meanwhile, you can enjoy their fun atmosphere and late night partying. 

An alpine-style beer palace serving Europe's best tankards of booze, Bavarian plates, and seven days of live entertainment, Albert's Schloss is the beer and pleasure palace of your dreams. And don't forget the live entertainment—they promise seven days a week of fantastisch showtime performances. No ticket is needed—just come on in and enjoy the fun.

While being one of the best rooftop bars in Manchester, YES is equally blessed with unique things to do. There's a regular roster of live DJs and bands in the pink gig space, pop-up kitchens fronting a choice of pizza or vegan kebabs, and a huge beer garden too.

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.