Just over a fortnight ago, over 500 people made their way through the hallowed Manchester Town Hall doors to experience a magical night of wonder and craftsmanship from some of the finest cocktail connoisseurs around.

With the event getting bigger and better every year, this year played host to 19 amazing Manchester cocktail bars, making over 1200 cocktails throughout the night. With fire, fancy dress and plenty of flair – Cocktails in the City is very much a diary fixture for any cocktail lover; whether you’re a bartender; a Drinks Enthusiast; or you just have a serious love for all things deliciously alcoholic.

The Whim Wham Cafe served up some beautiful cocktails at their great pop-up bar

However, there was a serious side behind all this as the bars were all competing for one of the coveted Cocktails in the City awards. So drum roll please as the winners have been announced....

Best Personality went to Escapade bars for their 'Cocktails at Home' concept, with cocktails served in Heinz tomato soup cans.

Best Bar went to The Whim Wham Cafe for their beautiful ‘Jumanji’ style attire (as seen above), a fantastic knowledge of all things alcoholic and a great charm together with some seriously good cocktails with Whitley Neill Gin.

Best Cocktail went to Proof for their fruity twist on a dark and stormy entitled ‘Any Port in a Storm’ using Lambs Navy Rum – delicious!

A special mention also went to the fabulous fellows of Apotheca for their amazing Kettle Party, giving the whole room a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Apotheca served up their own blend of cocktail wizardry as one of the great cocktail bars in Manchester

A huge congratulations goes to all the Cocktails in the City award winners as well as every Manchester bar which took part in this amazing event. We can’t wait until next year, where it will no doubt be bigger and better than before - so watch this space for details of Cocktails in the City 2014.