Now don't get us wrong, we love a good old TV binge as much as the next person, but no one meets the love of their life sitting at home alone in their jammies watching Friends repeats. You gotta get out there to find your Netflix-and-chill comrade. A daunting prospect, we know, but that's where we come in. We've got you sorted with a selection of Manchester's best cocktail spots, indie clubs and tiki bars for you to try out your best one-liners. Go forth and mingle, my single pringles.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 5th January 2024
From the UK's biggest gay club, On Bar is a unique clubbing concept on Manchester's Canal Street. Full of different bar areas, booths, dance floors and even a retractable roof on the top floor, there's plenty of places to hide away should you spot someone on the dance floor.
Looking for top-notch speed dating sessions? Then be sure to check out Slow Dating at Floripa. Expect 4 minutes with each date, followed by a mingling session where you can choose who you'd like to pursue further. This is an event you won't want to miss.
While it may seem like a haven for beer and sports, Manchester Bierkeller also has a few tricks up its sleeve to appeal to the masses. With various drinks deals, a buzzing Bavarian bier hall atmosphere, live music and a regular roster of DJs, this is THE place to be social in the city.
This cocktail bar is a top party spot with an eclectic mix of hip hop, dance, indie and party anthems being played by the resident DJ till the early hours. Spend your night busting a move on the dance floor or take a pew on one of the tables with the total hottie you've been making eyes at.
Take your mates for some cracking cocktails, beer and wine offers (available every day before 9pm) at this Northern Quarter hipster haunt before heading downstairs to their party bar. With a couple of bevs in you, you'll be able to unleash your inner dancer till the early hours.
Whether you want to just hang out with your chums or you're on the look out for a potential beau, head on down to Revolucion de Cuba for their daily happy hours, exotic cocktails, and great party vibes or hit up one of their weekly salsa classes and dance your way to a first date.
Botanical bliss is better than boys if you ask us... revel in The Anthologist's gorgeous interiors with your gang and make the most of their varied menu of expertly-crafted cocktails and delicious bites, with an outdoor terrace for sunning yourself and catching the eye of an admirer.
Single and ready to get out there? Original Dating have over 20,000 come to their events every year, so there's plenty of opportunity to mingle. Think lock and key parties, mixers and more for mingling with new people, all with an online site for connecting with other event attendees too.
Spread out over two floors and with references to 1970s private members clubs, Whiskey Down Manchester is one unique place to spend your night. Explore the self-declared playground with your mates before diving into the collection of over 300 whiskies.
Based over three floors, this Manchester staple attracts a mix of people from all walks of life with its chilled atmosphere and affordable drinks. However Trof's late night licence means you can stay partying and whispering sweet nothings with your beau till the early hours.
The Liars Club offers a mix of classic tiki cocktails and great music until 4am, which means you've got plenty of time to meet that special someone. If all goes well why not shake what your mother gave you and try a cocktail masterclass for a fun second date?
This is hands down one of the best bars in Manchester and top spot for music lovers. Filled with rock'n'roll posters, Chesterfield sofas, pool tables and a pinball machine, Jimmy's also hosts a regular roster of live performances - the perfect place to catch eyes with someone.
