Bars

Bars

Whether a pint of local ale or an extravagant cocktail is your tipple, Manchester has a host of drinking establishments sure to quench your thirst. People of all ages enjoy Manchester’s renowned nightlife as the city continues to be recognised as a thriving, cosmopolitan nightspot. Bristling with pubs, bars and clubs, the city centre truly does offer a friendly welcome and a good time for all.

Taps

Unit 1 Great North Tower, Watson Street, Manchester M3 4EE
Tel: 0161 819 5167

Taps - located just metres from Manchester Central - is a unique establishment at which every seating booth has its own beer pumps. Taps has done away with traditional bar service, replacing it instead with computerised beer pumps on each table so you serve yourself! It also offers a good menu of appetisers and larger meals, but the real appeal has to be the self-service beer pumps!

Epernay Champagne Bar

Great Northern Tower, Unit 1A, Watson Street, Manchester M3 4EE
Tel: 0161 834 8802
Web: www.epernaychampagnebars.com

New for 2009, Epernay is the first bar of its kind in Manchester. Bringing together open, contemporary architecture with an intimate interior, the design combines glass, traditional woodwork and exposed brickwork. It is the ideal place to take in the city during the early evening. The bar stocks over 100 champagnes from small producers through to major champagne houses; there is also a list of over 30 wines, 70 cocktails and an array of spirits.

Bar 38

Great Northern Warehouse, Peter Street, Manchester M2 5GP
Tel: 0161 835 3076
Web: manchester.bar38.co.uk

Whether you're looking for a quiet evening with friends or something a bit livelier, Bar 38 is the perfect location. Situated over three floors, it offers a mixture of style and excitement, so that every kind of occasion is catered for. There are often special promotions at Bar 38 so it is worth checking their website before you visit.

Cloud 23

Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ
Tel: 0161 870 1688
Web: www.cloud23.com

Cloud 23 isn’t just any bar - its location and ambience are unique. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer jaw-dropping views across a constantly changing cityscape and with its sensual, contemporary design, superb drinks menu, exclusive cocktails, and stylish soundtrack, Cloud 23 creates an atmosphere like no other.

Peveril of the Peak

127 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 57Q
Tel: 0161 236 6364

This gem of a pub is well worth seeking out. The splendidly tiled green exterior is matched by the range of ales on offer inside.

The Briton’s Protection

50 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5LE
Tel: 0161 236 5895

Historic pub with an epic whisky selection, where you can rub shoulders with the Hallé’s brass section as they nip out the back of The Bridgewater Hall for an interval half.

NoHo

Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester M1 1FB
Tel: 0161 236 5381
Web: www.noho-bar.com

This quirky independent is set in a roomy Grade-II listed building with parquet floors and floor to ceiling windows. It features street art splashed walls and good cocktails.

Common Bar

39 to 41 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1HW
Tel: 0161 832 9245

A gorgeous anti-corporate bar set in the resurgent Northern Quarter. Adorning the walls are huge spray and template pieces, ranging from intense j-pop kids to super-cute animals with imaginary toilet rolls. Inside the bar is absolutely tiny, but there are plenty of seats and cubicles.

Night and Day

26 Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JN
Tel: 0161 236 4597

Night and Day Cafe is a live music venue in Manchester, offering the best international and local live acts plus great food and drink.

Deaf Institute

The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HE
Tel: 0161 276 9350

The Basement Bar is dark but not dank, the perfect place for cocktail drinking, schmoozing and general lounging. The ground floor Cafe Bar is open from 9am daily for breakfast, lunch tea, frothy coffee, interesting beers, cocktails, whatever you want.

Bay Horse

35-37 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1NA
Tel: 0161 661 1041

The Bay Horse is a great first stop on a night out. Its relaxed vibe makes it an ideal place to pop in, the drinks are reasonable and there is a ‘secret garden’ for the smokers!

Odd

30-32 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1ER
Tel: 0161 833 0070

Odd is the hub of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a popular bohemian bar that polled more than any other in Manchester to win the 2007-08 Pride Of Manchester Award for Best Bar in Manchester. It offers excellent award winning food menu, featuring fresh, home-made, delicious food inspired by dishes from around the globe, all with an Odd twist! And the DJs are excellent. You will be more than entertained each week and it’s unlikely you’ll be sitting down all night!

Simple

44 Tib Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1 A
Tel: 0161 835 2526
Web: www.simplebar.co.uk

Simple is nestled within the Northern Quarter, on one of Manchester’s most historical streets, Tib Street. Now in its eighth year, Simple offers a laid back atmosphere for eating, drinking and meeting friends.

Plus, don’t miss…

Canal Street

The UK’s original gay village is still one of the most exciting areas of the city, with a range of bars and cafés running along the canalside.

Castlefield

The area that started the Manchester café bar scene is still home to some of its best, particularly if you want to sit outside and enjoy the view.