Our hospitality scene may be booming with gorgeous restaurants, but it's also home to some of the best looking watering holes. These drinking spots are covered in everything from fairy lights to fresh foliage, sporting breathtaking views coupled with some of the most photogenic cocktails around. Thirsty? Check out our recommendations for the prettiest bars in Manchester.
Last updated on 2nd February 2023
Gaucho is a beautiful restaurant bar in Manchester for its sheer opulence, from the grand dining room to the large chandeliers. Plus, the cowhide accents bring a contemporary feel to the Argentinian steakhouse, which is a firm fave for its succulent bites, fine wine and cocktails.
One of the most beautiful destinations out of the best bars in Manchester city centre, thanks to its secret garden-inspired interiors and waterfront terrace space, The Botanist MediaCity is ideal for your next date night. Better yet, you can tuck into hanging kebabs and wash them down with gin-laced cocktails.
The Alchemist employs all sorts of magical touches when it comes to creating its cocktails. From smoking vials to long fruit-filled mixes, their New York Street, Spinningfields and Media City venues have date-perfect written all over them; nab a cosy corner in these low-lit gems for an unbeatable intimate atmosphere.
Head to the old railway arch that's been transformed into a tropical wonderland known as Lola Lo. This choice of pretty and fun bars in Manchester brings a taste of Polynesia to proceedings, with graffiti-style artwork, colourful fauna and bold prints scattered throughout the venue, alongside club nights to boot.
With its pink and teal colour scheme, stylish light fixtures and marble-topped bar, Cocoa Cabana Ancoats is one of the prettiest drinking dens in town. Stop by for indulgent chocolate cocktails and longstanding favourites paired with brunch bites, fresh cakes and afternoon tea.
While a traditional boozer in its own right, The Black Friar Salford is a bit of a looker, to say the least. Inside, this joint is decked out with burgundy leather booths, geometric floor tiles and more potted plants than you can shake a stick at.
Slick and sexy, Dirty Martini Manchester is a cocktail haven right in the centre of the city. There's three floors of Instagrammable interiors, with angel wings, golden walls and some seriously spacey themes, alongside a menu of signature sips that are sure to start your night off right.
A slick, intimate bar that knows a thing or two about gorgeous interiors, Provence is quite the stunner. With black and white parquet floors paired with minimalist panelled walls and hanging pendant lights, it's the perfect place to enjoy cocktails, wine or delicious food.
From the team behind stunning restaurant Australasia comes Sunset - a top choice of Instagram bars in Manchester. A proper haven for pink hues and slushy cocktails, it's perfect for beaut dates or your next girls night out.
The Anthologist should definitely be on your list of pretty places to have a drink. Not only is it a top pick of bars, but the space is filled with plush seating and soft lighting, with a suntrap summer terrace for alfresco wining and dining too.
Combining Japanese fine dining with Mexican plates in super sleek surrounds, Peter Street Kitchen is as much a feast for the eyes as it is the belly. And for drinks? The bar is serving up robata-grilled pineapple in their piña coladas, sake-laced bellinis and smoking negronis.
A top choice of the best pretty cocktail bars in Manchester, Three Little Words has an archway setting, a quirky gin distillery attached and plush velvet booths throughout. Plus, the cocktails are just as stunning.
Manchester is no stranger to renovated Grade II-listed buildings - and this tailor shop turned restaurant bar is bursting at the seams with modern flair. Deep blues contrast copper tones in a massive open space at Cottonopolis, where angular tables meet a circular bar for a camera-worthy look.
Prepare to be transported to Asia from Tattu's indoor garden; where Chinese cuisine meets stunning interiors. Body art provides the inspiration for the decor... who would have thought with a name like that? If you're after a memorable evening, their cocktails are sure to impress.
From summer all the way through to winter, 20 Stories is constantly reinventing itself with sky-high cocktails and leafy decor. Check out this rooftop favourite for an Insta-friendly time in the heart of the city centre, including handcrafted sips and a menu of British favourites.
The definition of a botanical gem, Menagerie is both one of the most quirky bars in Manchester and a pretty drinking destination to boot. Venture on down for cutesy features, stunning patterns, intricate design features and plush marble, all at this high-end, oh-so-attractive space.
Nothing is too over the top at Fumo's northern instalment. Marble countertops and the overall linear design provide a sleek and sophisticated environment, while the menu of tasty cocktails and heady concoctions makes it a great place for grabbing a tipple.
It may be one of the biggest celebrity hangouts in the city, but it also happens to be pretty easy on the eye too. From the sweeping white lines to the subtle intro of plants, Rosso is ripe with 'Grammable interiors.
The prettiest of secret bars in Manchester, Behind Closed Doors is a den of velvet seating, pops of colour and a cheeky adults-only theme. Once you've found this beauty, expect boogie, soul, funk and delish cocktails too.
With multiple floors spanning a variety of concepts, the Ivy is a pretty place with plenty to offer its visitors. Not only is it fronting of the fanciest rooftop bars in Manchester, but there's an Asian-inspired area and a beaut British brasserie too... so spend some time in them all.
