Manchester's bar scene has always been a source of envy for the rest of the north, ever since the iconic Hacienda paved the way for innovation in 1989 with its own pioneering affiliate bar, Dry. Since then, the city has been teeming with late-night establishments of all kinds, ranging from sophisticated cocktail haunts to hidden underground dive bars. However, for those adventurous drinkers willing to explore, there are still secret hideaways waiting to be discovered. The key is simply knowing where to begin...
If you're up for a thrilling night out in Manchester, why not start your search for these hidden gems? For a touch of vintage glamour, try visiting The Fitzgerald - a 1920s-inspired speakeasy offering an extensive menu of classic cocktails in a dimly lit, atmospheric setting. Or, for a truly unique experience, head to Science & Industry - a mysterious hidden bar nestled within Cane & Grain, where experimental mixology takes center stage. These secret bars are just the tip of the iceberg; the Manchester nightlife scene is full of surprises for those who dare to venture off the beaten path. So, embrace the thrill and get ready to uncover the city's best-kept secrets. If you’re coming from out of town and looking for a stylish place to stay, consider booking a room at the charming yorkshire-hotel.com to complete your experience of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort. With a convenient location and luxurious amenities, it’s the perfect home base from which to explore all the nocturnal adventures Manchester has to offer.
The Hidden Gem: Cloudwater Tap Room
Unusually for an industrial estate, the Piccadilly Trading Estate is home to a top-notch place for a drink, standing out as an exception to the norm. The renowned Manchester-based Cloudwater brewery, a producer of globally acclaimed beer, offers a spectacular selection of craft beers – from commendable IPAs and double IPAs to exquisite lagers, sours, and weiss brewed in-house, though their premium quality does reflect in the price. Hidden on a mezzanine level next door, you'll find a chic taproom embellished with collective seating areas, Nordic-style furnishings, hanging lamps, and an impressive array of over 20 taps. Fear not if you're not a fan of wheat-based drinks, they also cater to tastes for gin and artisanal non-alcoholic beverages. The taproom, a veritable beer enthusiast's paradise, opens its doors every day from 3pm.
Address: Cloudwater Unit 9 Tap Room, Unit 9, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP
Phone: +44 161 6615943
Online: visit their website.
The Hidden Spot: Runaway Tap Room
In complement to the Honest Burger's establishment in Manchester, a splendid and intimate taproom is tucked away on the third floor. This is the craftwork of the renowned Runaway Brewery, also worth your visit with its flagship taproom located on Dantzic Street. Look for a humble chalkboard sign that says 'taproom' and ascend. The brewery presents a selection of its newest brews and firms its charm with exclusive access to a hidden rooftop terrace.
The taproom's quiet atmosphere and excellent beer give visitors a unique, unforgettable experience. Honest Burgers and Runaway Brewery's joint venture provides the city's beer enthusiasts with a new destination to discover. The Runaway Tap Room has quickly become both a local favourite and a hidden gem for tourists, contributing to Manchester's thriving pub scene.
Address: Runaway Taproom, 36 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
Telephone: +44 161 359 4039
Website: honestburgers.co.uk
Experience the Atmospheric Ambiance of Corbieres Wine Cavern
With its impending 40th anniversary, Corbieres Wine Cavern has firmly cemented its status as an institution within Manchester's drinking scene. Tucked away on a dimly lit backstreet near the Royal Exchange Theatre, this subterranean haven offers a nostalgic escape reminiscent of the city's vibrant music era.
Step through the unassuming doors and descend down a flight of stairs into a time capsule of captivating sights and sounds. The jukebox, renowned for its alluring selection of local musical heroes, breathes life into the cavern while a rotating wine list adds a touch of sophistication. Yet, it's the cavernous vibes that truly captivate patrons, creating an enchanting atmosphere that lingers long after the last sip. And, if you're in the mood for some lighthearted entertainment, challenge a friend to a thrilling game of pinball.
Address: Corbieres, 2 Half Moon St, Manchester M2 7PB
Telephone: +44 161 834 3381
Into the Gathering Dusk
This enticingly elusive pop-up is the tireless work of Manchester cocktail maven Emma Roberts, who, when she's not behind the bar, can be found trudging the fields and forests, foraging for obscure ingredients for her homemade tonics, tinctures and bitters. The results are dramatic and delicious, notably a signature Wild and Stinging Martini, using nettle gin and nettle leaves, and a moody take on the Manhattan, with rye whiskey, hawthorn brandied cherries and 'dark night' bitters. As much attention is paid to the non-alcoholic offerings, with cordials made from preserved figs and sarsaparilla made with juniper and hops. Follow them on social media to find out where they're popping up next.
Address: Various
Website: instagram.com/intothegatheringdusk/
The Gas Lamp
Secreted between a hair salon and an acupuncturist, you could happily walk past this subterranean drinking den every day of the week without realising that there's a cosy bar hidden below. Head down a narrow stairwell and find a dizzying array of sturdy craft ales and single malt whiskies. Built on the site of the Wood Street Children's Mission – founded in 1869 – the building's history is worn with pride, the original austere white tiles and wooden floors as they would have been nearly 150 years ago.
Address: The Gas Lamp, 50A Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BW
Telephone: +44 161 478 1224
Website: thegaslamp.co.uk
Discover the Charm of Peggy's Bar
Experience a unique gem in Salford known as Peggy's Bar, inconspicuously nestled in an unassuming alleyway. This softly illuminated haven serves a wide array of extraordinary cocktails masterfully crafted to perfection. Two passionate bartenders, Adam Day and Shane Kilgarriff, the latter holding the title of former bar manager from London's Michelin-starred Clove Club, founded this sanctuary. Both gentlemen honed their skills under the guidance of renowned chef Simon Rogan at the Midland Hotel.
Their ingenious creations give a fresh spin on classic beverages like the Pina Colada, infusing rum with buttermilk whey and turmeric for an invigorating twist. They also incorporate fermented drinks such as the exotic Tepache from Mexico, and locally sourced elements like the Yorkshire rhubarb and Lancashire mustard greens to incorporate a local flare. A standout on their menu was the martini with a touch of pickled walnut, a true game-changer. The selection varies weekly ensuring the freshest seasonal produce is used, and the ice used for their beverages is meticulously hand-carved. This bar truly exudes class and uniqueness.
Address: Peggy's Bar, 6 Barlow's Croft, Salford M3 5DY
Telephone: +44 161 832 6699
Website: visit Peggy's
Unveiling the Washhouse
The innocent-looking exterior of The Washhouse masks its real identity, appearing to be a functioning launderette filled with coin-operated washers and laundry baskets. However, the true magic occurs when you lift the vintage telephone, a signal to be admitted into the exclusivity of the reservation-only backroom, accessed through an oversized tumble dryer. The flamboyant nature of the entrance sets the stage for the wonders that await inside; concoctions are theatrically served in cauldrons, nestled within a miniature sandpit, spritzed with atomisers, or in one intriguing instance, a bowl brimming with Coco Pops is your vessel of spirit. For those preferring an unadorned approach, their selection of potent spirits, topped by a fierce white rye whiskey, is quite commendable.
Location: The Washhouse, 19 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF
Contact Number: +44 161 839 5287
Official Website: the-washhouse.co.uk
Discovering Wood & Company
Tucked behind a nondescript wall marked with the plea 'engine off for delivery trucks' and a directive stating 'Goods Entry - Maintain Open', the clandestine charm of Wood & Company is indeed compelling. One needs to descend a flight of stairs to encounter an assortment of expertly mixed cocktails set amidst an elegant yet understated ambiance. Favorites include the Brooklyn (a twist on the Manhattan enhanced with nuances of walnut bitters and cherry), and the intriguing Mexican Lady, which masterfully blends tequila, tart citrus, and a hint of smoke.
Did you know? Despite its covert nature, Wood & Company is a favorite spot among locals and tourists for after-work drinks and late-night conversations. This place's hidden location and fascinating drink selection have also made it a prime spot for Instagram-worthy cocktail photos!
Location: Wood & Company, 39 S King St, Manchester M2 6DE, England
Contact Number: +44 161 839 3916
Website: Visit here
Convenience Store
Thanks to a preponderance of lurid neon signs and the fact that Convenience Store is emblazoned above the door, apparently people still come in asking where they keep the bread, magazines and cigarettes. Booze is easier to come by in this heavily disguised shebeen, run by the outspoken founders of Almost Famous, the city's pioneering burger joint. Drinks are as brash as the surroundings, like the Flaming Moe, with vanilla bourbon and lemon beer, or the Agent Orange, the bastard offspring of the Margarita and the alcopop. To soak it all up, the 'tater tot tacos' should be every shade of wrong, but unfortunately resistance is futile.
Address: Convenience Store, 100-102 High St, Manchester M4 1HP
Telephone: +44 161 244 9422
Website: conveniencestorenq.com
Discovering El Gato Negro
The city's food connoisseurs have found a fascinating culinary adventure in El Gato Negro, renowned as one of the top-tier dining destinations in Manchester. This fine dining hotspot, recognised for its Basque and Catalan delicacies, has been steered to success by Simon Shaw, its celebrated chef and founder. Shaw's masterful preparation of Iberico ham from the pata negra pigs rivals the best in the culinary world. Equally addictive are the morcilla Scotch eggs aioli and apple puree that have been delighting patrons. However, the restaurant holds a delightful secret - a hidden rooftop oasis, unreachable from the street below. Here, on clear nights, clients can enjoy leisurely sips of Moroccan Lady, a delightful cocktail of gin, ginger liqueur, lemon, and dukkah syrup, seated on sumptuous leather furniture and plush banquettes under a gorgeous night sky.
Location: El Gato Negro, 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY
Contact: +44 161 694 8585
Online Presence: Visit their site here
An Encounter with the Unknown
A sense of mystique will surely envelop you as you stand before an inconspicuous city-centre entrance, questioning if you're at the correct location. Push the doorbell though, and it's a trip down to the reservedly scandalous "Behind Closed Doors". The surroundings are a curious amalgamation of risqué imagery and assorted retro trinkets - including old-school televisions, vibrant chandeliers, heavyweight onyx lamps, and plush carpets. Even the aged telephones on the tables serve a purpose - for ringing the bar directly. On offer are beverages with brazen names such as the Furry Cup and Wet Dream, making it a unique experience for those with a sense of humor and tolerance. For those preferring something a bit less racy, the vivid pink French martini accompanied by a whisper of raspberry and mint is a delightful alternative.
Address: Behind Closed Doors, 93 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW
Contact number: +44 161 834 8148
Online Site: bcdnq.com
Science + Industry
With its entrance behind a secret door in the already buzzy watering hole Cane & Grain in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter – you might have to ask behind the bar where it is – the discreet Science + Industry is a hidden gem. The walls are clad with wooden panels, and there are low lamps and sconces on the walls made from stuffed squirrels. Cocktails arrive amid clouds of dry ice, notably a Negroni Ristretto, which tastes of bitter coffee and orange chocolate. Meanwhile, the Mr. Bradsell is a zingy doff of the cap to a legendary bartender, the late Dick Bradsell, inventor of the Bramble and the Espresso Martini. Snacks-wise, there are squares of smoky burnt ends, which are, frankly, all you'll ever need. The rib-room-style menu almost upstages the drinks, with the crisped brisket, which comes slathered in a piquant orange sauce, providing a
perfect accompaniment to the hard liquor
Address: Science + Industry, 49-51 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA
Telephone: +44 161 839 7033
Website: caneandgrain.co.uk/science_and_industry
The Hidden Abode: Dusk Til Pawn
Nestled in the very heart of Manchester's northern quarter, Stevenson Square, there lies an unassuming relic of what might pass as an old, seedy pawn shop by daylight. It's marked by a motley collection of vintage neon signs and stacks of dusty televisions in the display window. Yet as dusk falls, it morphs into an entirely different entity. The well-trained staffs serve a wide variety of offbeat beverages, which demonstrate their creativity in mixology. One exciting option is the Brass Balls - a firm hat-tip to their pawn shop façade, which is essentially a tangy Old Fashioned, personalized with a touch of marmalade and ginger. The Greenback is another crowd-pleaser, artfully infusing traditional whiskey with exotic elements like sake, green tea, and the sweet-sour punch of lychee. To top it all, the pricing is blissfully reasonable, designed to give you more bang for your buck.
Address: Dusk Til Pawn, Located at Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DN
Contact: +44 161 236 5355
Website: dusktilpawn.co.uk