The best cocktail bars in Manchester

Don't be mistaken by the name of this Manc cocktail bar. As they politely remind us on their Instagram, they do not buy or sell gold watches. Located in the Northern Quarter amongst other independent businesses like vintage shops and bars, it resembles an old-fashioned pawn shop with old-school guitars and TVs scattered around. They serve a changing rota of special cocktails every week alongside classic cocktails with an inventive twist.

Impossible Manchester is more than just a restaurant and bar. By night, this Manc favourite also transforms into a banging club across its three floors and four rooms. The drinks list here is extensive, ranging from classic cocktails and spirits to more inventive cocktails, a long whiskey list, mezcal and tequila, wines and event shot paddles. It's quite a bougie spot, so you'll want to wear something a little fancy.

Menagerie is a chic spot where you can enjoy several menus chock full of global plates, a bottomless brunch, tipsy afternoon tea, or a delicious Sunday roast. As for drinks, they serve a bunch of expertly mixed cocktails, all with fun names like Unicorn Tears and Sugar Mama. They also have classics and mocktails.

Embrace your inner Gatsby and hit up this 1920s-style speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter. This hidden gem is clad in vintage decor and glassware, with a dark, moody decor. Expect live music every weekend and cocktails to boot. They also host a monthly bottomless brunch.

Right downstairs from local fave Evelyn's Cafe Bar in the Northern Quarter, you'll find The Daisy. This Pigalle-inspired subterranean bar hosts resident DJs and serves a classy drinks menu surrounded by trendy furniture, dim lights, and moody decor. It's the perfect date spot.

Three Little Words is a gin and cocktail bar serving small plates in a historic Grade II-listed railway arch building. It's known for its gin, which is made on-site and crafted into a range of gin-based cocktails that are updated regularly. The menu also includes small plates for when you get peckish, including globally inspired options or a Sunday roast if you're visiting on the weekend.

If you like cocktails and music, The Whiskey Jar in Manchester's Northern Quarter is the place to be. This stylish sanctuary, located in a former textile mill, is a top spot for cocktails and whiskey, and hosts a range of events. Swing by for an open mic night, a tasting, or one of their whiskey festivals, or drop in to enjoy your drinks at one of the two bars.

This award-winning cocktail bar in Spinningfields is set in an eye-catching Art Deco building with vibrant decor. The bar is luxurious and sophisticated and serves a changing menu of cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne. Whiskey lovers are in luck; they also serve an extensive selection of whiskey-based drinks alongside small plates and bar snacks.

20 Stories is an iconic restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Spinningfields. The rooftop bar provides sweeping city views and perfectly mixed cocktails. There's also a striking second bar sandwiched between the two dining areas. The cocktail list is contemporary and full of experimental options, paying homage to Manchester's cultural diversity.

This NYC-style cocktail bar in the heart of the city is not only one of the best in Manchester but also one of the best in the whole country. The decor is enough to want to visit, with dim lighting, cosy corners, and loads of plants. As for drinks, they're made with ingredients crafted by the bar itself, including liqueurs, syrups, and sodas. There's also a fully plant-based menu to go alongside the drinks.

Forget flower-filled cocktail bars; Mean Eyed Cat takes on a Deep South dive bar-inspired approach. Southern cocktails, like the 1940s New Orleans Hurricane, pair nicely with their free pizza offering, which includes a free handmade six-inch pizza with every drink before a specific time. You can take a snap in their photo booth, and they're also known for their Roll the Dice game – roll a six and get your round for free.

This Northern Quarter bar only opened in 2023 on Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter. They take bookings for bottomless brunch and welcome walk-ins the rest of the time. Their happy hour is generous and runs every day during the week, and they serve a range of street food classics like burgers and noodles. There's plenty of seating, so it's great if you're with a group. Plus, there are loads of seats outside, making it a summer hot spot.

Blinker is a bar in Manchester named after a forgotten cocktail. The venue is traditional, with white tiles and a wood-panelled bar. Drinks are seasonal and made with premium ingredients, including classics and new options that change every month. There are also alcohol-free drinks and a small selection of bar snacks to line the stomach.

Mojo is a cocktail and rum bar on Bridge Street in Spinningfields that combines the vibes of a late-night New York City-style dive bar with tasty American food, drinks, and rock 'n' roll from the last five decades. It's renowned for being one of the country's best bars, a title they've maintained for many years. Swing by to soak up the vibes or take part in one of their cocktail masterclasses to master the art of mixology for yourself.

You might've already guessed from the name, but Project Halcyon Distillery is a cocktail bar with its own on-site distillery. It's award-winning and specialises in original, seasonal cocktails, craft spirits, wine and beer. Swing by to enjoy drinks, or take part in one of their cocktail masterclasses and learn the art of mixology for yourself.

Henry C is the sort of place you want to take your date. This little neighbourhood bar in Chorlton serves delicious cocktails, including all the classics plus originals. They have an entire negroni menu that pays homage to the classic by reinventing it and adding a slight spin, such as the Chocolate Negroni. There are also wine, beer, and snacks for bridging a gap mid-drink.

This cosy neighbourhood favourite is an award-winning hotspot in Chorlton serving top-notch cocktails. There are also spirits and wine, plus slices of pizza to enjoy alongside your drinks. Keep an eye out for daily happy hours, gaming events, and DJ sets. There's indoor and outdoor seating for those who prefer to drink al fresco.

The Liquor Store is an award-winning rock 'n' roll bar serving creative cocktails well into the night. The menu is always a recreation of a beloved cover album, designed by the staff. Stop by for drinks or get stuck into one of their cocktail masterclasses.

Despite what the name suggests, this hidden gem in the city centre isn't a launderette—it's actually a cocktail bar. It's cleverly disguised as a place to get your washing done, but once you've made it through the laundry-themed entrance,  it's a lot more fun. You'll be greeted by a bar serving expertly crafted cocktails in a range of flavours and presented in an eye-catching way.

At Science & Industry, the art of mixology is more than just an art; it's a science. Located on the first floor of Cane & Grain, this cocktail bar is all about experimental cocktails with a focus on precision and quality, crafted at the dedicated science lab bar. Opt for a classic or pick from their extensive list of spirits; they have everything from rum and gin to mezcal, tequila, bourbon and more.

Sunset by Australasia is a chic, pink-clad cocktail bar decked out with pastel pinks, plush seating and statement lampshades. This trendy spot specialises in light cocktails, prosecco sorbet blends, spritzers, and frozé paired with Japanese favourites like tuna tartare and sashimi. Go all out with their afternoon tea that comes with wine and frozen pornstar martinis alongside savoury bento boxes.