Where to Drink In Manchester

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By Kiera Chapman Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 4th August 2026

Thanks to such an amazing of choice of where to drink in Manchester, our city is awash with options - both a blessing, and a curse when you're deciding where to head. Whether you fancy cocktail bars, cosy pubs or the most stunning venues, our guide will show you a range of places to venture over to.




Courts Club

Situated in Good Yard Park, Courts Club is a unique activity bar where you can get sporty with your friends. They've got both basketball and tennis courts available to book, and there's a bar and restaurant to celebrate the winners in afterwards. There's both indoor and outdoor seating available, and you can munch your way through a menu of cheese toasties, cob salads and crispy halloumi gyros here, paired with cocktails or draught beer.

Nell's Kampus

Whether you're in Kampus, AltrinchamChorlton or the Northern Quarter, Nell's is a great choice for affordable drinks in a laid-back setting. Boasting weekend DJ sets and simple, casual furnishings, these bars know how to make a good cocktail.

They specialise in margaritas: just £7.77 all day on Saturdays, or £6.66 for margs and £4.50 for pints between 4 and 6pm from Sunday to Friday. If you're hungry, try their delicious New York-style pizzas - we recommend the cheese and onion pie-inspired topping.

Nell's Media City

Much more than a pizza parlour, Nell's brings New York bar vibes to MediaCity, Chorlton and Altrincham. Whether you stop by to tuck into its signature slices of OG Cheese and Double Down Pepperoni or want to stick to liquid refreshments, there's fun and games by the box load. 

Head to the private karaoke booths to put on a show for your pals or get good and competitive over a game or two of shuffleboard. Get down here between 4pm and 6pm Sunday to Friday and it gets even better - we're talking £4.50 pints and £6.66 margs.

Side Street

Looking for a cool bar to visit? Then check out Side Street in Spinningfields, where you'll find cool interiors that feature checkered floors, comfy velvet sofas and pretty plants dotted around.

There's a cracking choice of beers available, as well as refreshing spritz cocktails and soft drinks. Feeling peckish? They serve up everything from rotisserie chicken to grilled monkfish or macaroni cheese.

MANCHESTER WING FEST 2026

@ Victoria Baths on Friday 18th September 2026 and 2 other dates

Manchester Wing Fest returns to Victoria Baths from September 18th to the 20th, offering flexible time slots for you and your crew from just £21.45 per ticket. Entry includes your mandatory festival trucker hat, along with full access to live music, DJ sets, games, and entertainment.

Watch top vendors go head-to-head to be crowned wing royalty, while you sample their best Buffalo and BBQ creations for just £1.50 a wing. Crown the champions with your vote, throw some axes, or step up to the plate in one of the fiery eating challenges.

The Lawn Club

Happy Hour!

When where to drink outdoors in Manchester is on your mind, The Lawn Club comes in hot with plenty of options. There's an enclosed pergola decked out with ivy and fairy lights, alongside bookable private pods and a pop-up tipi come winter. As for the summer though? Their spacious lawn and sunny terrace area are the perfect place for alfresco drinks, such as two for £12 summer spritzes served from the outdoor bar.