The best happy hours in Manchester

The best happy hours in Manchester

With the cost of living constantly rising, you might feel like going out for a few drinks is a luxury you can hardly afford these days. However, all is not lost – heading to a bar when it's happy hour means you can get more value for money with great discounts on drinks. Lots of venues in Manchester run happy hours with enticing offers on drinks. Check out this guide to happy hours in Manchester for some help with your planning.

Tamsin Spargo, Thatsup
Tamsin Spargo
  1. Manchester's best happy hours
    1. 1
      The Blues Kitchen Weekly Wednesday happy hour
    2. 2
      Sandinista Time for a classic cocktail
    3. 3
      Foundry Project Hip warehouse hang-out
    4. 4
      Albert's Schloss Join the Alpine party
    5. 5
      Chakalaka South African vibrancy
    6. 6
      Be At One Energetic cocktail bar
    7. 7
      Bunny Jackson's Budget-friendly dive bar
    8. 8
      The Smithfield Social Cool NQ venue
    9. 9
      The Black Friar Top Salford gastropub
    10. 10
      The Pen and Pencil New York-style all-day venue
    11. 11
      Trof Classic food, historic setting
    12. 12
      Dog Bowl Drinks deals plus extra fun
    13. 13
      The Jane Eyre Welcoming neighbourhood bars
    14. 14
      Twenty Twenty Two Drinks and games
    15. 15
      Common Colourful place for cocktails
    16. 16
      Crazy Pedro's Fun and easy-going
    17. 17
      Electrik Neighbourhood venue in Chorlton
    18. 18
      Salt Dog Slim's Authentic American dive bar
    19. 19
      Manahatta New York glamour
    20. 20
      Dirty Martini Smart cocktail bar
    21. 21
      The Beagle Quirky local pub
    22. 22
      Matt & Phred's Intimate music venue
    23. 23
      Haunt Inspired by the Med
    24. 24
      Turtle Bay Vibrant Caribbean venues
    25. 25
      Banyan Vibrant place for a cocktail

Jump to

Manchester's best happy hours

The Blues Kitchen

Weekly Wednesday happy hour

The Blues Kitchen takes inspiration from the southern US states, combining live music, down-to-earth cooking, delicious drinks, and a party vibe. Happy hour runs all night long on Wednesdays, with all cocktails available for a low price that'll impress you. Enjoy a few drinks in these vibrant surroundings whilst you listen to tunes from the house band.

Sandinista

Time for a classic cocktail

At Sandinista you can enjoy food and drinks inspired by Mexico and Latin America – think nachos, tacos, margaritas, and other colourful cocktails. The venue is relaxed and eclectic, giving off a historic feel. Happy hour here runs until 7pm Sunday-Thursday. Drinkers can get two classic cocktails for a discounted price that offers great value.

Foundry Project

Hip warehouse hang-out

Located in the Northern Quarter, Foundry Project is a buzzy venue in a converted warehouse. It's a laid-back and trendy spot serving food and drinks, including bottomless brunch. Visit before 7pm Monday-Friday for a two-for-one offer on selected classic cocktails including Long Island iced tea, bellinis, negronis, and espresso martinis.

Albert's Schloss

Join the Alpine party

At Albert's Schloss you'll find an Alpine-themed party palace that's a welcome escape from the real world. Guests can expect hearty food, German beers, live music and entertainment, and a raucous vibe. Visit during the early evening Monday-Friday and take advantage of special offers on cocktails, pints, and bottles of prosecco to get your money's worth.

Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka
Chakalaka – Happy hours
Chakalaka

Chakalaka

South African vibrancy

Chakalaka is a vibrant restaurant and bar making South African cuisine accessible. The venue has a bright yellow exterior and bold African motifs on the walls inside. Hearty South African food like boerewors sausages and bunny chow are served, plus drinks including draft beer, wine, and cocktails. Happy hours with discounts on selected drinks run every day.

Be At One

Energetic cocktail bar

When you want a cocktail bar that has a fun party atmosphere, Be At One is a go-to. This trendy contemporary bar has an energetic atmosphere. A varied range of cocktails are available and you can get two-for-one drinks during the daily happy hours. The friendly staff set the mood, mixing drinks and interacting with guests.

Bunny Jackson's

Budget-friendly dive bar

City centre dive bar Bunny Jackson's is the place to be if you're going out on a budget. This fun venue is loud and lively, featuring quirky and eclectic decor. The food here is seriously affordable, including their famous wings for just pennies each. Added to that, happy hour kicks off at 10pm every night.

The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social
The Smithfield Social – Happy hours
The Smithfield Social

The Smithfield Social

Cool NQ venue

The Smithfield Social is an on-trend place to hang out in the Northern Quarter. It's an all-day venue with a moody and contemporary aesthetic, as well as plenty of outside space. Globally-inspired dishes are served here throughout the day, whilst drinks include original cocktails and draft and craft beer. Happy hour takes place every weekday.

The Black Friar

Top Salford gastropub

Salford's The Black Friar is great for a drink but its elevated pub grub also makes it one of the top places to eat in Manchester. It's housed in a historic building that's updated with contemporary touches. Make your drinks more affordable with happy hour every weekday evening, with offers on pints, classic cocktails, and bottles of wine.

The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil
The Pen and Pencil – Happy hours
The Pen and Pencil

The Pen and Pencil

New York-style all-day venue

The Pen and Pencil takes inspiration from NYC and is a hip bar and restaurant for any time of day. It's a bright and stylish space blending the old and the new to create a unique setting. Happy hour runs Monday-Friday, with discounts on various drinks. Added to that, you can get 50% off your food bill on Mondays.

Trof

Classic food, historic setting

An iconic Northern Quarter restaurant, Trof serves generous portions of British comfort food, as well as a varied choice of drinks. It's housed in a historic building and has on-trend touches like exposed bricks and vintage decor. Happy hour takes place on Tuesday-Friday evenings, with discounts on a varied selection of drinks.

Dog Bowl

Drinks deals plus extra fun

Dog Bowl serves up food, drinks, and fun for all ages. In addition to serving indulgent food like burgers and pizza, there are five bowling lanes and an arcade full of retro consoles. This large venue is cavernous and colourful. Happy hour runs Monday-Thursday, plus there are two-for-one cocktails late on Friday nights.

The Jane Eyre Chorlton The Jane Eyre Ancoats
The Jane Eyre Chorlton
thejaneeyre.co.uk/home-ancoats
The Jane Eyre Ancoats
thejaneeyre.co.uk/home-ancoats
The Jane Eyre Chorlton
@thejaneeyrechorlton
The Jane Eyre Ancoats
@thejaneeyremcr
The Jane Eyre Chorlton The Jane Eyre Ancoats

Welcoming neighbourhood bars

Neighbourhood bar The Jane Eyre has a couple of locations. These bars are welcoming and have elegant decor. Regularly-changing creative cocktails are served here, along with international small plates like fried goat's cheese, courgette fritters, and polpette. Happy hour means discounts on cocktails, wine, and beer are available until 6pm, Tuesday-Friday.

  • 60 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy 14 Hood St, Ancoats, Ancoats
    The Jane Eyre Chorlton
    60 Beech Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy
    The Jane Eyre Ancoats
    14 Hood St, Ancoats, Ancoats
  • The Jane Eyre Chorlton
    thejaneeyre.co.uk/home-ancoats
    The Jane Eyre Ancoats
    thejaneeyre.co.uk/home-ancoats
    The Jane Eyre Chorlton
    016-188 100 05
    The Jane Eyre Ancoats
    016-123 681 71
  • The Jane Eyre Chorlton The Jane Eyre Ancoats

Twenty Twenty Two

Drinks and games

At Twenty Twenty Two you can enjoy cocktails, play ping pong, and have fun. The large and fuss-free venue has colourful art on the walls and ping pong tables throughout the space. There's a busy bar too serving a range of drinks, including cocktails. The weekday happy hours means special offers on cocktails, pilsner, and bottles of wine and prosecco.

Common

Colourful place for cocktails

Common's colourful exterior is what makes it noticeable in the Northern Quarter. This trendy bar has exposed brickwork inside that's also decorated with vibrant art. Nell's Pizza is available here, in 14 and 22 inch sizes. Cocktails and frozen cocktails are also a speciality, with happy hours every day, including all day on Mondays.

Crazy Pedro's NQ Crazy Pedro's Bridge Street
Crazy Pedro's NQ
crazypedros.co.uk/crazy-pedros-pizza-parlour-nq
Crazy Pedro's Bridge Street
crazypedros.co.uk/manchester
Crazy Pedro's NQ Crazy Pedro's Bridge Street

Fun and easy-going

Manchester is home to a couple of branches of Crazy Pedro's where it's all about having fun. These lively venues are covered in eclectic decor all over the ceiling and walls. Tasty cocktails and pizza with original toppings are served at this casual spot. Happy hour runs Sunday-Friday with discounts on pizza, cocktails, and wine.

  • 1 Short Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 55-57 Bridge St, Manchester City Centre
    Crazy Pedro's NQ
    1 Short Street, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Crazy Pedro's Bridge Street
    55-57 Bridge St, Manchester City Centre
  • Crazy Pedro's NQ
    crazypedros.co.uk/crazy-pedros-pizza-parlour-nq
    Crazy Pedro's Bridge Street
    crazypedros.co.uk/manchester
    Crazy Pedro's NQ
    016-135 930 00
    Crazy Pedro's Bridge Street
    016-135 930 00
  • Crazy Pedro's NQ Crazy Pedro's Bridge Street

Electrik

Neighbourhood venue in Chorlton

Head to Chorlton to enjoy happy hour at Electrik. This popular neighbourhood bar has a bustling feel, a simple interior, and plenty of outside space as well. Cocktails are a speciality but coffee and a variety of other drinks are available, plus pizza slices. Daily happy hours mean discounts on lager, wine, and selected cocktails.

Salt Dog Slim's

Authentic American dive bar

Salt Dog Slim's is an American dive bar serving drinks in an authentic setting with black and white floors and coloured lights. Visit this spot for cocktails, steins of beer, and hot dogs to munch on. The bar does happy hour Sunday-Thursday, offering discounts on cocktails, other selected drinks, and classic hot dogs.

Manahatta

New York glamour

All the glamour of New York arrives in Manchester thanks to Manahatta. This cocktail bar has a lively party atmosphere, serving up mixed drinks and NY-inspired food like pretzels, bagels, and hot dogs. Two-for-one cocktails are available all day from Sunday to Friday, making this the ideal place for a few budget-friendly beverages.

Dirty Martini

Smart cocktail bar

A glamorous drinking spot in the centre of Manchester, Dirty Martini has bold and luxe decor. A diverse choice of cocktails are served here, as well as some booze-free mixes. Happy hours are on every day at this bar, where you'll get 50% off cocktails and other drinks including bottles of wine or prosecco.

The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle
The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle
The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle
The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle
The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle
The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle
The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle
The Beagle – Happy hours
The Beagle

The Beagle

Quirky local pub

It's happy hour in Chorlton at The Beagle. This pub has a quirky and colourful look, a wood-panelled bar, and plenty of space outside. Nell's Pizza is served here, plus a varied selection of drinks. Happy hour runs five days a week, including all day on Mondays. You can snag discounts on a range of drinks, including cocktails.

Matt & Phred's

Intimate music venue

Matt & Phred's in the Northern Quarter is a music venue with live acts every day - expect genres like jazz, funk, soul, and big band. Some events are free at this intimate venue. Pizza and cocktails are served here, and daily happy hours let you get hold of discounted drinks and free pizzas. Events like quizzes, brunches, and music festivals are also on here.

Haunt

Inspired by the Med

Haunt brings the Mediterranean to Manchester, and is inspired by travels in the region. This venue is laid-back and bustling, with a fuss-free interior and outside tables. Fresh baked goods, brunch dishes, and small plates are served, plus coffee and alcoholic drinks. You can get cheaper drinks every day with happy hour here.

Turtle Bay NQ Turtle Bay Oxford Street
Turtle Bay NQ
turtlebay.co.uk/restaurants/manchester-nq
Turtle Bay Oxford Street
turtlebay.co.uk/restaurants/manchester-oxford-st
Turtle Bay NQ
@turtlebayuk
Turtle Bay Oxford Street
@mancturtlebay
Turtle Bay NQ Turtle Bay Oxford Street

Vibrant Caribbean venues

Turtle Bar has a couple of Manchester locations, specialising in serving vibrant and accessible Caribbean cuisine. This spot is well-known for cocktails too. Happy hour is on every day here, letting you enjoy two-for-one cocktails in an easy-going setting with reggae tunes in the background. The restaurants are decorated with colourful wall art.

  • 46-50 Oldham St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter 33-35 Oxford St, Manchester City Centre
    Turtle Bay NQ
    46-50 Oldham St, Manchester City Centre/Northern Quarter
    Turtle Bay Oxford Street
    33-35 Oxford St, Manchester City Centre
  • Turtle Bay NQ
    turtlebay.co.uk/restaurants/manchester-nq
    Turtle Bay Oxford Street
    turtlebay.co.uk/restaurants/manchester-oxford-st
    Turtle Bay NQ
    016-123 584 11
    Turtle Bay Oxford Street
    016-123 641 01
  • Turtle Bay NQ Turtle Bay Oxford Street
Banyan Corn Exchange Banyan Spinningfields
Banyan Corn Exchange
banyanbar.co.uk/bars/corn-exchange
Banyan Spinningfields
banyanbar.co.uk/bars/spinningfields
Banyan Corn Exchange Banyan Spinningfields

Vibrant place for a cocktail

Head to Banyan for global recipes and enticing cocktails. A diverse food menu is served all day, plus lots of creative cocktails and wine. Two-for-one cocktails are available every day of the week. It's a vibrant venue that's decorated with sweeping floral arrangements and plush seating. Events like cocktail masterclasses and bottomless brunch also go on here.

  • Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq, Manchester City Centre Vantage Point, Manchester City Centre/Spinningfields
    Banyan Corn Exchange
    Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq, Manchester City Centre
    Banyan Spinningfields
    Vantage Point, Manchester City Centre/Spinningfields
  • Banyan Corn Exchange
    banyanbar.co.uk/bars/corn-exchange
    Banyan Spinningfields
    banyanbar.co.uk/bars/spinningfields
    Banyan Corn Exchange
    016-183 247 98
    Banyan Spinningfields
    016-153 767 20
  • Banyan Corn Exchange Banyan Spinningfields

Happy hours – About the guide

The best happy hours in Manchester - Our guide to the best happy hours in Manchester is updated regularly. If you know of a great place that does happy hour in Manchester that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to Manchester's best happy hours. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.