Categories > Guides and Tips
Drinking in Manchester: Top 7 Activities to Enjoy in the City
- Go bar Hopping around Oxford Road
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Black Dog Ballroom
- Step into the retro world of Roxy's
- Get luxurious cocktails in Spinningfields’ best bars
- Dance all night at Warehouse Project
- Enjoy a wild night at The Gay Village
- Have fun with friends at Deansgate Locks
- FAQs about Things to Do in Manchester Drinking
Manchester’s an absolute belter of a city, buzzing with life and endless options for a good old drink-up. Whether you’re a proper Manc or just visiting, you’re in for a proper treat with our nightlife scene—there are bars, clubs, and pubs for days!
The things to do in Manchester are plentiful and varied, offering something for everyone. From traditional pubs to trendy bars, cocktail-making classes, and brewery tours, there are many ways to enjoy a drink in this vibrant city.
So, let’s get into it, shall we? Here are the top seven things you can’t miss when it comes to drinking in our beloved city. Get ready for some bar hopping, dance floor action, and fancy cocktails that’ll have you feeling like a proper VIP.
1. Go bar Hopping around Oxford Road
| HIGHLIGHTS | Offers a diverse range of drinking options, including some of the best bars in Manchester. Some of the popular bars include Revolution, Allotment Bar, and Gorilla. |
| GOOD FOR | People looking for a diverse and lively night out. It is also an excellent option for those looking to explore the city’s nightlife scene. |
| ADDRESS | Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL |
| HAPPY HOUR | Many bars along Oxford Road offer happy hour deals, including Revolution, which offers 2-4-1 cocktails from 5 pm to 9 pm, and The Font, which offers a 50% discount on all drinks from 5 pm to 9 pm. |
| INSIDER TIPS | Make sure to plan your route ahead of time to avoid queues, especially on weekends. Many bars on Oxford Road also have outdoor seating, making it a great option during the warmer months. |
We started our night out with some bar hopping around Oxford Road, and we were not disappointed. The street has a wide variety of bars, each with its own unique character and atmosphere.
The bars were all within walking distance of each other, so we didn’t have to worry about transportation or getting lost.
We also like that the bartenders in the area were friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks, and we were able to sample different cocktails and beers from different places.
One of our favourite bars was Revolution, which had a spacious outdoor seating area and a vast selection of drinks. We also enjoyed the cosy and laid-back atmosphere of Font, which had a vintage interior and a wide selection of craft beers.
Overall, we had an excellent time exploring the bars around Oxford Road and trying out different drinks. We highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun night out in Manchester.
2. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Black Dog Ballroom
| HIGHLIGHTS | Has a pool table, pinball machines, and a jukebox, making it the perfect spot for a fun night out. |
| GOOD FOR | Those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. |
| ADDRESS | 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW |
| HAPPY HOUR | Offers a happy hour deal from 4 pm to 7 pm, with selected drinks at half price. |
| INSIDER TIPS | Make sure to arrive early, as Black Dog Ballroom can get busy, especially on weekends. The bar also has a secret VIP room, which can be booked for private parties. |
When we visited Black Dog Ballroom, we were immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere of the place. The bar had a vintage vibe, with exposed brick walls, leather seats, and a pool table that added to the fun atmosphere.
The bartenders were friendly and attentive, and we enjoyed watching them create intricate cocktails.
We ordered a couple of drinks and some food from their extensive menu, which included burgers, pizzas, and small plates. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, and the drinks were even better.
They had a wide variety of cocktails, and we enjoyed trying out different flavours and combinations.
The music at Black Dog Ballroom was excellent, with a mix of old and new tunes that kept us dancing all night long. The bar got quite busy later on, but we never felt overcrowded or uncomfortable.
We had an amazing time at Black Dog Ballroom and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a vibrant and fun night out.
3. Step into the retro world of Roxy’s
| HIGHLIGHTS | The bar’s decor is a mix of retro and modern, with arcade games, neon lights, and a disco ball, creating an exciting and vibrant atmosphere. |
| GOOD FOR | Those who enjoy retro-inspired decor and arcade games. |
| ADDRESS | 69-71 Canal St, Manchester M1 3EZ |
| HAPPY HOUR | Roxy’s offers a happy hour deal from 5 pm to 8 pm, with selected drinks at a discounted price. |
| INSIDER TIPS | Make sure to bring cash, as Roxy’s is a cash-only bar. The bar also has a private room, which can be booked for private events. |
Roxy’s has a fantastic atmosphere, with retro decor and a fun, laid-back vibe. The bar was dimly lit, which added to the ambiance, and there was a mix of seating options, including booths and high tables.
The bartenders were friendly and attentive, and we enjoyed chatting with them about the different drinks on offer.
The drinks themselves were excellent, with a wide selection of cocktails and beers to choose from.
We ordered a couple of cocktails, which were expertly crafted and tasted delicious. They also had some fun, inventive options like popcorn-infused gin and tonic, which we couldn’t resist trying.
The music at Roxy’s was excellent, with a mix of old and new tunes that kept us dancing and singing along. The bar got busy later in the evening, but we never felt overcrowded or uncomfortable.
For those looking for a fun and retro night out in Manchester, Roxy’s is definitely a must-visit!
4. Get luxurious cocktails in Spinningfields’ best bars
| HIGHLIGHTS | Spinningfields is home to some of the best cocktail bars in Manchester, including The Alchemist, Dirty Martini, and The Ivy. |
| GOOD FOR | People who enjoy cocktails and a more refined atmosphere. |
| ADDRESS | Spinningfields, Manchester M3 |
| HAPPY HOUR | Offers selected cocktails at a discounted price from 4 pm to 7 pm. |
| INSIDER TIPS | Make sure to dress appropriately, as many bars in Spinningfields have a dress code. |
Spinningfields is known for its upscale bars and restaurants, and we were excited to check out some of the luxurious cocktail bars in the area. We started at The Alchemist, which had an impressive selection of cocktails that were almost too pretty to drink.
The bartenders were skilled and friendly, and we enjoyed watching them create intricate drinks with fire and smoke.
We also visited The Ivy, which had a sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive menu of drinks and food. The bartenders were knowledgeable and recommended some fantastic cocktails based on our preferences.
Overall, The Ivy is perfect for those looking for a luxurious drinking experience in Manchester that won’t break the bank! We’re glad that its prices were reasonable, considering the quality of the drinks and service.
We particularly enjoyed their signature cocktail, which was a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavours. The bar had a cosy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a small group of friends.
5. Dance all night at Warehouse Project
| HIGHLIGHTS | The club has a fantastic sound system and an electric atmosphere, making it one of the best places to party in Manchester. |
| GOOD FOR | Excellent option for those who enjoy electronic music and live acts. |
| ADDRESS | Store St, Manchester M1 2WA |
| HAPPY HOUR | The Warehouse Project does not offer happy hour deals, as it is a club rather than a bar. |
| INSIDER TIPS | Make sure to arrive early, as the club can get busy, especially on weekends. |
Dancing and partying at Warehouse Project was definitely a great way to spend our night out!
Warehouse Project is a renowned venue in Manchester known for its incredible electronic music events. The space is massive and can accommodate thousands of people, making it a great option for those looking to dance the night away.
The sound system is top-notch, and the music played by the DJs is always fantastic. The atmosphere is electric, and you’ll feel the energy of the crowd as soon as you step inside.
The drinks were also reasonably priced and the bartenders were quick to serve even in a packed club – a huge plus for us!
6. Enjoy a wild night at The Gay Village
| HIGHLIGHTS | Known for its inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great option for everyone. |
| GOOD FOR | People who enjoy a diverse and vibrant atmosphere. |
| ADDRESS | The Gay Village, Manchester M1 |
| HAPPY HOUR | Many bars in The Gay Village offer happy hour deals, including Via, which offers selected drinks at a discounted price from 5 pm to 9 pm. |
| INSIDER TIPS | Advisable to visit on a weekend, as the area can be quieter during the week. |
The Gay Village is perfect for those looking for a wild night out in Manchester. With an array of bars, clubs, and pubs, you will find something to suit every taste. The atmosphere is always lively and vibrant, with friendly people and welcoming staff.
We particularly enjoyed the party vibe at Cruz 101, which is one of the most popular gay clubs in Manchester. The music was fantastic, and the drinks were reasonably priced.
We also loved the outdoor seating area, which was perfect for taking a break from dancing and mingling with other people. So if you’re looking for a fun and unforgettable night out, head to The Gay Village and get ready to party!
7. Have fun with friends at Deansgate Locks
| HIGHLIGHTS | The area has a great selection of bars and clubs, making it easy to find something to suit everyone’s taste. |
| GOOD FOR | Those who enjoy a diverse selection of bars and clubs. |
| ADDRESS | Deansgate Locks, Manchester |
| HAPPY HOUR | Many bars in Deansgate Locks offer happy hour deals, including Lola Lo, which offers selected drinks at a discounted price from 5 pm to 9 pm. |
| INSIDER TIPS | Make sure to arrive early, as the area can get busy, especially on weekends. |
Deansgate Locks is another popular destination in Manchester for drinking and partying. The area has a variety of bars and clubs, making it a great option for bar hopping.
We particularly enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere at Revolution, which is known for its extensive selection of cocktails. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable, and the drinks were reasonably priced.
We also loved the outdoor seating area, which had a great view of the canal. Overall, we loved how Deansgate Locks provided a great place to have fun with friends, making an enjoyable night out in Manchester!
