The best nightlife in Manchester

Canalside pub The Wharf is a charming spot that blends history and modern comfort. The waterside terrace is particularly sought-after during warmer weather. There's plenty of space in the pub's cosy interior, too. This warm and inviting venue offers a comprehensive range of drinksand serves traditional pub grub, including seasonal specials.

Located in the Gay Village, The Molly House takes its name from the 19th-century equivalent of a gay bar. The interior is traditional, but there's also a cosy outdoor space. Guests can sample a broad range of drinks in classic pub surroundings, with tapas dishes on the menu if they get hungry.

There's a lengthy history behind The Bay Horse Tavern, but today, it's a modern pub that combines a traditional setting with on-trend contemporary style. This Northern Quarter venue has lots of events going on and serves a comprehensive choice of drinks, including a large gin collection. Hearty British food is served here, too.

The Oast House in Spinningfields is a rustic pub with a lively atmosphere. The historic building stands out around here, but it also has a large outside terrace. Drinks range from fruity cocktails to wine and beer, plus food is available like kebabs, gyros, and burgers. This pub also does a Sunday roast.

These pubs are only a small selection of the great venues Manchester has to offer. If you love heading to the pub for a few drinks, there are loads of places to go all around the city. We've put together a guide to the best pubs in Manchester to point you towards some of the city's leading drinking spots.

A trendy Northern Quarter venue based in a converted warehouse, Foundry Project is a hip place to go for food and drinks, including bottomless brunch. This easygoing spot has a real buzz around it and is known for its happy hours too – visit before 7pm Monday-Friday to take advantage of discounts on selected classic cocktails.

It's all about having a party at Crazy Pedro's. These casual venues are colourful and fun, featuring eclectic decor on the walls and ceiling. Creative cocktails and pizza with some original toppings are available here, with happy hours running Sunday-Friday. You can get discounts on wine, cocktails, and pizza.

A trendy all-day venue in the Northern Quarter, The Smithfield Social has a moody contemporary aesthetic and also has plenty of outside space. Global dishes and a wide range of drinks, including cocktails and draft beer, are available. Visit on a weekday and you can take advantage of happy hour discounts.

City centre dive bar Bunny Jackson's has a reputation for being kind to your wallet. Seriously affordable snacks, like wings for mere pennies, are available here, and there are happy hours every night that make drinks even cheaper. It's a fun and loud venue with quirky and eclectic decor. 

Hit the bar during happy hour if you want great discounts on drinks. Plenty of venues around Manchester run happy hours that make a night out just that bit more affordable. We've compiled a guide to the best happy hours in Manchester to keep you informed about all the top venues to visit.

Mana has the distinction of being the only Michelin-star restaurant in Manchester. Every table here gets a view of the open kitchen, where chefs put together contemporary British menus full of interesting flavours and textures. This grand and elegant restaurant serves set menu as well as wines and thoughtful cocktails.

Considered one of Manchester's best restaurants, 20 Stories offers sweeping views from its 19th floor location in Spinningfields. The venue is modern and refined, featuring private dining space and large windows so you don't miss anything. Guests are welcome for drinks or a meal – a variety of British menus are on offer here.

Fenix opened in 2023 and quickly became one of the hottest names on Manchester's restaurant scene. The restaurant offers opulent surroundings in neutral colours, and serves Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with distinct Asian touches. A variety of menus are available, including sharing menus and meat-free selections. Both the food and decor are considered and full of detail.

Based in Deansgate, Another Hand offers a casual dining experience in an intimate setting – there are only 24 seats available. An ideal spot for a social meal, the restaurant uses fine local produce to craft flavoursome sharing plates, paired with cocktails and natural wines. The space is sleek and contemporary whilst still feeling homey.

From budget-friendly meals to luxury dining, Manchester is full of fantastic restaurants that offer an array of different cuisines and environments. If you want your night out to involve a delicious dinner, our guide to the best restaurants in Manchester is a great place to start, showing you all of the top restaurants in the city.

Schofield's Bar has won multiple awards and is considered one of Manchester's best. This sophisticated place has a classic vibe and is based in a dramatic Art Deco building in Spinningfields. Visit to try out a changing menu of cocktails, plus beer, wine, champagne, and a large whisky selection. Refined bar snacks are also available.

A classic city centre destination, Atlas Bar was a pioneer of the café-bar trend in Manchester. This long-standing bar serves food during the day and later on becomes a popular drinking spot. It also has one of the city's biggest terraces. A variety of drinks are served but gin is a speciality, with hundreds of types available.

Albert's Schloss promises guests a good time and a getaway from urban life. This Alpine party palace has a warm and inviting atmosphere that's full of energy, enhanced by live music and entertainment every day. Kick back in this relaxed venue with steins of German beer and tasty Alpine-inspired cuisine.

An award-winning cocktail bar in the city centre, Speak in Code is considered one of the best in the country. The venue is comfortable and contemporary, serving a forward-thinking cocktail menu where the presentation is just as important as the taste. The venue makes as many of its own ingredients as possible, including syrups and sodas.

Regardless of what you like to drink, Manchester has a bar that will suit you. From refined cocktail spots to easygoing beer bars, we've got lots of suggestions for great bars to try out around the city. Check out our guide to the best bars in Manchester to get some inspiration for your next night out.

See award-winning comedy at Frog and Bucket Comedy Club. Names like Jason Manford, Johnny Vegas, and Peter Kay have all performed here. Enjoy drinks and food whilst you watch new and established talent. The budget-friendly Beat the Frog nights, where the audience can vote acts off the stage, are especially popular.

A well-known name in comedy, The Comedy Store has been running in Manchester since 2000 and does weekly shows at a couple of venues around town. Each show runs for two hours and features an impressive line up of world-class comics. Food and drinks are also available during the events.

Based beneath a bar in the Northern Quarter, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club is a top local destination for underground comedy. This welcoming independent comedy club hosts shows every night of the week, with performances from an eclectic line-up of local and international acts. This club also runs its own comedy festival.

You can see stand-up comedy for free at The Laughięnda Comedy Club. This award-winning comedy club puts shows on every week, giving audiences the chance to see new comics and new material on-stage. There's a different line-up of comedians each week, and shows take place in a straightforward setting.

If you want a night out full of laughs, a comedy club is a great place to go. Manchester is home to a number of different comedy clubs that are ideal for a great night and a good atmosphere. If you're unsure where to start, we've compiled a guide to the best comedy clubs in Manchester.

A classic Manchester music venue has been turned into an on-trend food hall and live music space at New Century. You'll find bars and food from a diverse range of traders here. Added to that, you can catch live gigs in the hall covering a variety of genres. It's an easygoing venue with space for groups of all sizes.

Yes spans four floors and is a favourite local destination for live music and fun times. The venue features a live music space and club, a bar, a terrace, plus a roof garden. There are DJ sets and live performances regularly in the club and bar spaces. Affordable drinks and street food are served here.

Matt & Phred's was started by two jazz musicians and remains one of Manchester's top spots for jazz music. As well as jazz, this intimate venue offers genres like funk, soul, and big band. Gigs are held every day, and some of the events are free to attend. Pizza and cocktails are served here.

This traditional pub in Salford, The Eagle Inn, is also a hotspot for live music. This classic Victorian pub has a dedicated space for live performances and also offers rehearsal space for bands. It's not just live music that this comfortable venue provides – there are quizzes and comedy shows here, too.

Anyone who enjoys metal and rock music will have a great time at Satans Hollow. This cavernous venue has decor that's right on theme, including a gigantic devil emerging from a corner. It's a lively spot that's dedicated to bringing the best alternative music to Manchester, offering a busy schedule of club nights and live gigs.

A classy and exclusive club in Deansgate, Chinawhite offers a luxury clubbing experience. There's a lively feel, with dancers helping to get the crowd going. The space is modern, enhanced with moody lighting and a variety of Asian-inspired touches. You can expect a friendly atmosphere, great music, and plenty of drinks whilst you're here.

Based in a former shipping warehouse in the Gay Village, Cruz 101 is well-established as a leading LGBTQ+ nightclub in Manchester. This vibrant club is set over two floors and features colourful decor and a lively atmosphere. Music comes from the resident DJ and exciting live acts, including drag performers.

Hidden is a nightclub based in Downtex Mill in Cheetham Hill. This bohemian spot has a reputation for being one of the best clubs in the city. There's a busy line-up of events playing music genres like garage, jungle, and D&B. Day and night parties take place at this friendly venue, which is often bustling with an energetic crowd.

Heading to a club in Manchester is a great option when you want to go out. Whatever type of music and vibe you're after, the city has a nightclub that promises you a great time. Have a look at our guide to the best nightclubs in Manchester to discover top places for clubbing around the city.