Christmas in Manchester: The SUPER Ultimate Festive Guide
Our Go To Guide To Finding Manchesters Best Bars
We think it’s fair to say that everyone enjoys a good ol’ tipple now and again.
Luckily for those who do, there’s plenty of grand hot-spots surrounding our Church Street Aparthotel!
And, without further ado, here’s nine of the best bars we scouted in Manchester.
Drumroll please…
Behind Closed Doors
Sit back and kick your feet up while you let your mind do the wondering.
As you can imagine from the name, this cosy cocktail bar is hidden away and totally lives up to it’s name.
This gem is based in a lil’ basement on Oldham Street and makes the perfect stop-off for those who want to have a night that’s as fun as it looks in the photos the following morning. If Old Street doesn’t sound familiar to you, it’s only a 2 minute walk awayfrom our Aparthotel!
As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted with private little booths. These are kitted out with unique, vintage telephones which are fully functional and can be used to call the bar and pop through an order for another round. Talk about ordering in style!
Check out their hush-hush website here!
Cottonopolis
Next is: Cottonopolis.
With a name inspired by Manchester’s history as an industrial powerhouse, this stunning Asian-inspired bar and restaurant takes pride in offering scrumptious servings of food.
We’d definitely recommend trying the Gyoza’s or the Wagyu Beef Crumpets!
Not only do they exceed all expectations with food, but they also keep the mouth-watering cocktails coming. All this is while the best DJ’s in Manchester perform the perfect playlist to top your evening.
This spot is a must try for anyone looking for a unique night out in Manchester.
Cottonopolis is based just behind Piccadilly and is just a 4 minute walk from your suite. This bar and restaurant is hard to miss, in a stunning Grade II listed building.
Arcane
The third hot-spot to make our list is another Grade II listedbuilding – Arcane.
Everyone prepare your Instagram snapshots as this cocktail baris beautifully restored and brings focus to the original brickwork and revived 19th century Victorian fittings.
Ready yourselves as Arcane offers a classic feel, mixed with soft modern touches.
Located on South King Street, Arcane is a 10 minute stroll awayfrom our Aparthotel.
Dusk Til Pawn
Taking a wander around? Keep your eyes peeled!
If you don’t pay close attention you’ll mistake this sweet spot for an undercover pawn shop.
If you’re in the local area, Dusk Til Pawn is just a short 5 minute walk away from your suite.
Once you take a step inside, you’ll be greeted to a secret barwhere one of the best nights out in Manchester will be on offer.
Sit tight and sip on a deliciously punny ‘Pawnstar’ Martini, or try one of their more experimental mixes. You will not be short for choice here.
This place is one for those who want a serene night out, but don’t think that this place is anything short of a great time!
The Washhouse
Not one, but two hidden gems!
This bar is stashed away behind a false door in a laundromat and will be sure to spin you right round, baby, right round…
Don’t let the exterior fool you – The Washhouse is super exclusive and only 3 minutes away by foot.
You’ll need to book in ahead, but good things come to those who wait, right?
A little tip from us – if you’re asked what you’re there for, tell them you’re there to ‘wash some dirty clothes’.
They put a lot of effort in with the smaller touches, so we won’t ruin them for you. You’ll have to check this one out for yourselves!
Trust us though, do the dirty work and this place will have you feeling sparkly clean.
The Briton’s Protection
On the classic side – this pub has possibly the largest selection of whiskey you’ll ever see in Manchester! (If you don’t take our word for it, we’d recommend checking out their in-house collection of 200+ distilled whiskeys.)
15 minutes by foot, this traditional pub is perfect for those who like their seats comfy, rooms glowing, and their drinks reasonably-priced.
The Briton’s Protection is another Grade II listed building (talk about historic, aye?) which is sure to tickle your fancy – especially if you’re after a more authentic experience in Manchester.
This is a regular haunt for musicians from both The Halle, BBC Philharmonic orchestras and regular theatre goers. If that doesn’t explain the bustling crowds, we’re not quite sure what will!
Bring & Mix
The name says it all – bring your own booze and the friendly bar staff will work their magic and shake (not stirred – although, this can be arranged) up something that’ll be sure to awaken your senses.
This definitely is a cheeky spot for all to try out! Mixologists will craft bespoke cocktails out of whatever you bring – the possibilities are endless! You pick the poison.
Bookings are required, but their table service means that there is no queuing for drinks at all. You’re free to sit back, relax and enjoy the night.
To get your booking in, click here!
The Pen & Pencil
We’re not done just yet!
Get your note books ready: The Pen & Pencil makes it onto our list.
This hot-spot is sat on the corner of Hilton and Tariff Street and is just 6 minutes away from Church Street.
This bar and eatery takes inspiration from the infamous mid-20th Century bars on East 45th Street in New York. These bars were frequented by newspaper journalists and ad men – you could call them the original ‘Mad Men’.
If you’re after living like the big dogs, this place is a great all-rounder! Looking for Lunch, Brunch? Dinner, Drinks? They’ve got you sorted.
You can’t go wrong with The Pen & Pencil.
Take note, be it 12pm on a Sunday or 12am on a Saturday, this spot will always welcome you with open arms.
Science & Industry
Last and most definitely not least, this place truly is the mad scientist of cocktail bars.
Science & Industry is the closest bar of the lot, and is only a 2 minute walk away – you could practically crawl from the bar to your comfy bed.
With an in-house ‘drinks laboratory’ which crafts ways to drink and dine so revolutionary, they’d make even Einstein scratch his head.
Not only do you get to have a hands-on experience creating your own kooky cocktails, this bar will offer you some of the most unique drinks around.
This is by no means the full list (though, we’re not too sure we could handle much more) but it does just go to show the variety and vibrancy that keeps people coming back to Manchester.
The Northern Quarter is the real hub that this slice of nightlife is based around and is within walking distance of our Church Street Aparthotel.
If you’re interested in checking out the hottest restaurants too, check out our previous blog post!
When you come to visit, fill us in with the spot’s you’ve found. We’re sure there’s a few more hiding!
