On the hunt for singles bars in Manchester? 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 pyjamas watching Friends repeats. You've got to get out there to find your person.
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 bars for you to try out your best one-liners, as well as dedicated events for singles.
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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.
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.
Hosting events in Manchester on a regular basis, Original Dating is a great way to meet new people. Each evening introduces you to 15-20 singles in your age group, in a series of four-minute dates. Afterwards, use their private matching system to see who you hit it off with.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Manchester is widely considered one of the best cities in the UK for singles. It has a large, young population, a thriving nightlife scene and a strong culture of social events — from speed dating and singles parties to salsa classes and inclusive club nights. The city's diverse neighbourhoods, from the Northern Quarter to Canal Street and Spinningfields, each offer their own flavour of social scene, meaning there's genuinely something for every type of single person, whether you're after a structured event or a more organic night out.
Beyond organised events, Manchester has plenty of naturally social venues where singles tend to mingle. Revolucion de Cuba is a standout — their weekly salsa classes are a brilliant, low-pressure way to meet people while doing something fun, and the daily happy hours and party atmosphere keep things going well into the evening. The Anthologist is another great option, with gorgeous interiors, a varied cocktail menu and an outdoor terrace that's ideal for catching someone's eye. On Bar on Canal Street draws a mixed, inclusive crowd across multiple floors and is reliably buzzing on weekends.
Speed dating is a structured format where you have a series of short, timed one-to-one conversations — typically three to five minutes each — with a rotation of singles, before submitting your matches at the end of the night. A singles party is more free-flowing: you mingle at your own pace, often with an icebreaker activity like the lock and key format, and there's no set rotation. Both formats are popular in Manchester and cater to different personalities — speed dating suits people who want guaranteed face time with lots of singles, while parties work better for those who prefer a more natural, social atmosphere.
