The best bars in Manchester

Housed in an Art Deco building in Spinningfields, Schofield's Bar is an award-winning cocktail bar that has been named the best in the country. Step inside the dramatic entrance, and you'll find a refined bar offering a changing menu of creative mixes and an extensive range of whiskies, beer, wine, and champagne. Hot drinks and food are also available.

Considered one of the best cocktail bars in the country, Speak In Code is an award-winning venue in an elegant, intimate, and contemporary setting. Creative and Instagrammable cocktails are the speciality here, with diverse drinks for every taste available. International small plates are also served if all those cocktails make you hungry.

A trendy destination for drinks in the Northern Quarter, Public has a bright industrial interior plus lots of space outside. This easygoing neighbourhood venue serves cocktails and Asian-inspired bar snacks like sandos, but it's also a popular destination for bottomless brunch, where guests get a choice of dishes as well as all the drinks they can sink.

Long-established local favourite Atlas Bar was a pioneer of the café-bar trend in Manchester. This all-day venue is nestled against a railway bridge and has one of the city's biggest terraces. Visit for food throughout the day or come for a drink in the evening – the bar has hundreds of gins as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.

Beer drinkers will have fun at Alpine-themed party spot Albert's Schloss. Sample steins of German beer along with live entertainment and Alpine cuisine. It's a warm and cosy venue with an energetic vibe. Lots of different events take place here too to ensure that guests are always having a great time.

Independent business Salut Wines is a leading wine shop and bar in Manchester. Hundreds of wine varieties are stocked here, with the expert team on hand to help you find the right vintage. At the cosy on-site wine bar, you can sample exciting new bottles, a range of wines by the glass, and light bites.

Blinker's name comes from a now-forgotten classic cocktail, but don't worry, it's on the menu here. The venue itself also has a classic style with tiled walls and a wood-panelled bar. The seasonal cocktails here are made with local ingredients and crafted with care and attention. Expect twists on the classics as well as monthly-changing original drinks.

Speakeasy-style bar Project Halcyon Distillery stands out because it has its own on-site distillery. This award-winning bar encompasses several spaces that ooze opulence and charm. The diverse drinks list includes original cocktails, beer, and wine. Pop in for a drink, hire a space for a special event, or get involved with a cocktail masterclass.

Beer drinkers will find a great bar in Port Street Beer House. This venue specialises in craft beers and cask ales, offering 18 keg lines and 11 cask lines. The contemporary setting is fuss-free, boasting wooden furniture and art on the walls. Events like happy hours and pub quizzes are also regularly held at this bar.

Based in Chorlton, Henry C is a cosy independent bar located minutes from the tram stop. The simple interior is decorated with vintage posters but outside tables are also available. The original cocktails here take inspiration from the classics, including a number of fresh takes on a negroni. Wine, beer, and canned cocktails to take away are also available.

Head to The Washhouse for a drinking experience with a difference. This secret bar is disguised as a laundrette. Once you get through the realistic laundry setting, you'll find a sophisticated drinking spot serving up original cocktails. Expect drinks with exciting flavours and eye-catching presentation whilst you're here.

Chorlton is home to Electrik, an award-winning neighbourhood bar. It's a bustling venue with a minimalist style and plenty of seating both indoors and outside. Cocktails are a speciality here and there are daily happy hours. The venue also serves pizza, wine, and beer, and has regular events on to keep things fun.

Three Little Words is all about gin, even having its own on-site distillery and offering tours so you can learn more. The venue is elegant and industrial with exposed bricks and vaulted ceilings. Creative gin-based cocktails are a speciality here, with what's available changing regularly. Global small plates are on offer to enjoy alongside drinks.

Manchester's whiskey drinkers head to The Whiskey Jar to enjoy grain spirits with live music and exciting events. The venue is housed in a former textile mill with two separate bars and a friendly atmosphere. An extensive range of whiskies and whiskeys are served, plus cocktails. Added to that, there are events like open mics, tastings, and whisky festivals.

Visit Bundobust to sample locally-brewed beers alongside vibrant Indian street food. These popular venues have an industrial beer hall style with long communal tables. Try one of the rotating beer options available at the bar such as an original coriander lager, and stave off hunger with snacks like vada pav, parathas, and okra fries.

Cocktail bar Sunset by Australasia is a breezy spot occupying the former terrace of its sister venue in Spinningfields. This relaxed venue looks on-trend, full of greenery, soft colours, and delicate patterns. Exotic and well-crafted cocktails are served, plus Asian snacks like sushi and tempura. An Asian-inspired afternoon tea is also available.

Mean Eyed Cat is a Northern Quarter cocktail bar with a fun ambience. This lively venue has a flaming heart painted on its outside; it's colourful and atmospheric inside. Creative cocktails are served here and there's also a hidden rum bar. Every drink purchase before 9pm gets you a free six inch pizza with original American toppings.

Natural wine and organic homemade food are served at Isca Wines in Levenshulme. Everything is made in-house as far as possible here and the venue takes an ethical approach. Natural and organic wines from small producers are available as well as biodynamic coffee, juices, and British small plates. It's a homey and bright venue with minimal decor.

Big Hands opened in 2001 and is enduringly popular with students and live music fans in Manchester. This lively venue has a cosy and moodily-lit interior as well as its own rooftop garden. Mancunians love this spot for its affordable drinks, regular live music, and fun and positive atmosphere. 

Located in the city centre, Sandinista is a relaxed and vibrant bar and restaurant serving Mexican- and Latin American-inspired food and drinks. Margaritas are a speciality here, as well as a rotating selection of beers. Food-wise, this place serves favourites like nachos and tacos. The eclectic venue is decorated with wood panelling and wooden furniture.

You'll get a unique experience if you visit Alcotraz. This prison-themed bar in the city centre doesn't sell any alcohol - you have to smuggle in your own and hope you don't get caught. Don an orange jumpsuit, pass the metal detector, and make your way to your cell, where you can enjoy bespoke cocktails mixed by the bar staff using your own bootleg booze.

In Prestwich you'll find Osma, an easygoing restaurant and bar that brings a piece of Scandinavia to Manchester. This place serves a weekly-changing menu of seasonal dishes but you're also welcome to visit just for drinks – refined cocktails and international wines are available. The atmosphere is relaxed and the venue looks modern and moody.

Welcoming neighbourhood bar The Jane Eyre has a couple of locations in Manchester that boast an elegant and contemporary aesthetic. The bar does a regularly-changing selection of original cocktails, with happy hours running most days of the week. Global small plates are served here too like courgette fritters, polpette, and fried goat's cheese.

Cocktails are served in a rock 'n' roll environment at Mojo. This lively spot stays open all night so you have lots of time for drinking and dancing. The exterior has a large neon sign, with more neon and rock 'n' roll memorabilia decorating the interior. Classic and original cocktails and shots are available here, plus there are cocktail masterclasses.

You can have drinks and play games at 1Up. This gaming bar is spacious and contemporary, with indoor and outdoor tables and game-themed decor. As well as a varied choice of drinks and a menu of Asian dishes, this bar has a D&D table, pinball machines, games consoles, board games, and a space for UV ping pong and beer pong. The bar hosts events and tournaments too.

Music fans can enjoy Jimmy's, a distinctive rock bar in Ancoats. It's set over two floors in a red brick building, with vibrant and atmospheric decor inside. Live music is on regularly and food and drinks are served in a friendly environment. A broad choice of drinks are available, plus satisfying American dishes like burgers and chicken tenders.

Themed around film and theatre, Oscars Bar is a unique destination in Manchester. The theme comes to life thanks to memorabilia around the space. Cocktails are served here - there are daily happy hours - plus guests can enjoy live music, cabaret nights, open mic nights, and sing-a-longs that really help to get the party started.

Get an American dive bar experience at Salt Dog Slim's. This venue has an authentic feel with chequered floors and coloured lights. Drop by to sample cocktails, steins of beer, and hot dogs that are ideal for lining your stomach. The bar does happy hours and hosts a variety of events.

At first it looks like an unassuming pawn shop, but Dusk Til Pawn is actually a hidden cocktail bar. This speakeasy venue is located in the Northern Quarter and has a timeless vintage style. Vibrant and original cocktails are available, as well as beer and wine. There's a free jukebox and a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.

At 7Sins in the Northern Quarter, you can enjoy some drinks and play fun games as well. Pool and shuffleboard are on offer here, plus there are events like live music and quiz nights. The drinks options include cocktails and craft beer, plus quesadillas and tacos are served. This spot is decorated with graffiti that gives it character.

The Liquor Store stays open until late, serving cocktails in a rock 'n' roll setting. This award-winning bar serves original drinks you won't find elsewhere, as well as the classics. This simple and bustling spot has indoor and outdoor tables. Cocktail masterclasses also take place and you can hire spaces for private events.