Categories > Guides and Tips

12 Must-Visit Bars in the Northern Quarter You Can't Miss

12 Must-Visit Bars in the Northern Quarter You Can’t Miss

Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a vibrant cocktail of history, creativity, and nightlife, making it the perfect playground for bar hoppers and night owls. Packed with everything from hidden speakeasies to buzzing live music venues, this district never sleeps and always surprises!

So to help you choose your next stop, we’re lifting the lid on the must-visit bars that capture the unique spirit of the Northern Quarter. Let’s get started!

Flok

Media from flokmcr

Website: Flok

Address: 5 Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 236 7212

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM

Follow the yellow doors into Flok, and you’ll find yourself in a spot that’s perfect for winding down after a busy day. The vibe here is chilled out, with comfy leather booths and an array of intriguing nik naks that catch your eye over time. 

There’s always a diverse selection of beers on tap, alongside wines and craft options. In the summer, the outside barrels and extra seats fill up quickly, making it the place to be for sun-catching and people-watching.

Pro tip:
Grab an outdoor barrel table on sunny days to best enjoy the lively atmosphere and Manchester’s fleeting sunshine.

NQ64

Media from nq64laserquest

Website: NQ64

Address: 9 Short St, Manchester M4 1AA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 806 0813

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Thurs 4PM-12AM
  • Fri 4PM-3AM
  • Sat 12PM-3AM
  • Sun 12PM-12AM

Hidden down a back alley near Crazy Pedro’s, NQ64 isn’t just a bar, it’s a retro arcade that’ll zap you straight back to your childhood. Think Mortal Kombat, Crazy Taxi, and Guitar Hero, all waiting for you to set a new high score. 

Grab a ‘Princess Peach’ or another game-inspired cocktail and enjoy a top-notch night out. It’s the ideal spot for a laugh with mates or to impress those out-of-towners with something uniquely Manchester.

Pro tip:
The ‘Princess Peach’ cocktail is a must—perfect for reliving those nostalgia-packed gaming glory days.

7 Sins

Media from 7sinsnq

Website: 7 Sins

Address: 43 Lever St, Manchester M1 1FN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 236 4899

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM

Dive into the playful sin of 7 Sins, a basement bar where the game never stops. From shuffleboard to arcade classics, this place has all the fixings for a night of old-school fun. 

And their burgers and pizzas aren’t just your usual fare. They’ve got names that’ll make you chuckle like ‘Phil Me In’ and ‘Meat Me Halfway’. If you’re feeling brave, tackle the ‘All Star’ burger. It’s a beast.

Happy hour’s a solid deal too—cocktails, Bud, and house wine without the hefty price tag, and the gaming’s half off. 

Pro tip:
Come early if you want to snag a spot outside; it’s the best suntrap in Stevenson Square and it fills up fast!

The Pen and Pencil

Media from penandpencilnq

Website: The Pen and Pencil

Address: 57 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EJ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 660 3303

Operating Hours: 

  • Mon – Wed 10AM-12AM
  • Thu – Sat 10AM-2AM
  • Sun 10AM-12AM

Right, The Pen and Pencil, this place is a proper nod to that cool Manhattan bar vibe but without the plane ticket. You can rock up here early for one of their legendary boozy brunches—think hearty, think mimosas, think sorting your head out from last night. 

But it’s not all about the morning after; evenings here are where it’s at. They’ve got everything from your classic beers to the fancy fizz on tap. And the music? Spot on. 

DJ nights here span the whole music spectrum—disco, funk, house, you name it. Whether you’re prepping for a night on the tiles or just fancy a chill one with mates, it’s a belter of a spot.

Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the DJ nights; proper good tunes that’ll have you dancing before you know what’s hit you.

Terrace

Media from nqterrace

Website: Terrace

Address: 43 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 819 2345

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-12AM

Terrace, it’s not just another bar, it’s a bit of a local legend; this place has a rooftop that’s a proper treat when the sun decides to shine. Fancy a beer with a view? This is your gaff. 

Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so it’s bang on for a bit of petting and pint-sipping. The inside’s got that stripped-back, chilled-out Northern Quarter vibe—exposed bricks, comfy seats, all very non-try-hard. 

Evenings here are buzzing, especially when they’ve got their resident DJs spinning. It can get packed, especially in good weather, so if you’re after that prime rooftop spot, you’d best get in early.

Pro tip:
Get there sharpish if the sun’s out—those rooftop spots are gold dust and you won’t want to miss out.

Crazy Pedro’s

Media from crazypedros

Website: Crazy Pedro’s

Address: 55-57 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BQ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 359 3000

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-4AM

Crazy Pedro’s, down a little alley, is where you go to kick back after work or dive into the weekend vibes. It’s loud, lively, and a bit mad in the best way. 

They sling pizza by the slice or the whole pie, with toppings that are anything but ordinary—think chippy tea pizza or the famous Mac Daddy, inspired by that classic burger. 

Grab a frozen cocktail or an ice-cold beer, challenge your mates to a bit of beer pong, and soak up that bustling atmosphere. 

Pro tip:
Can’t decide on a pizza? Start with the Mac Daddy; it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Behind Closed Doors

Media from bcdmcr

Website: Behind Closed Doors

Address: 91-95 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 834 8148

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-3AM

Behind Closed Doors isn’t just a bar; it’s a trip down a neon-lit staircase to somewhere a bit naughty. Hidden behind an unassuming door on Oldham Street, this place dishes up cocktails and a side of vintage erotica. 

Fancy a gin? Just pick up the vintage telephone at your table to order. With its low lighting and speakeasy vibes, it’s the perfect spot for a night that’s a bit out of the ordinary. 

The array of speciality spirits and tasty cocktails make it an essential stop for a cheeky night out.

Pro tip:
Check out their specialty spirits selection for something different—great for adding a twist to your night.

The Daisy

Media from thedaisynq

Website: The Daisy

Address: 44 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LA, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 806 0813

Operating Hours: Wed – Sun 5PM-1AM

The Daisy is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away beneath the popular brunch spot, Evelyn’s. Step inside and you’re transported to a blend of Paris’s Pigalle district, L.A.’s laid-back style, and NYC’s cocktail culture. 

With its monochrome tiles, mid-century furniture, and plush jewel tones, it’s the perfect setting for a sophisticated drink. 

Pro tip:
Their espresso martini is the talk of the town—don’t leave without trying one; it’s a real treat.

The Whiskey Jar

Media from whiskeyjarnq

Website: The Whiskey Jar

Address: 14 Tariff St, Manchester M1 2FF, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 237 5686

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-4AM

Tucked away in a restored old textile mill, The Whiskey Jar isn’t just a bar—it’s a whiskey lover’s dream with a side of history. 

This place boasts a massive stash of over 400 whiskies, from smooth Irish blends to bold international flavours, plus a menu of signature cocktails for those who fancy a mix. 

It’s not all sipping and nodding though; the joint jumps with regular events like open mic nights and whiskey tasting festivals. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or just curious, you’ll find yourself right at home here amidst the buzz and the rustic charm.

Pro tip:
Check out their whiskey tasting events—perfect for both connoisseurs and newbies looking to learn a bit about the good stuff.

District Basement Bar

Media credit: spencerjwallace

Website: District Basement Bar

Address: 60 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 834 8180

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 6PM-3AM

Nestled beneath the bustling District restaurant, the District Basement Bar takes you on a futuristic trip to the neon-lit streets of Bangkok. Think Blade Runner vibes with a Thai twist. 

The cocktail menu here is a sensory overload, crafted to hit all the right notes—sight, smell, and taste. Each sip is an experience, designed to transport you straight to the vibrant heart of Thailand, but with a distinct Manchester edge. 

It’s moody, it’s different, and it’s the place to be if you’re after something out of the ordinary.

Pro tip:
Dive into their cocktail menu; it’s a journey through Thai-inspired flavours that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stepped into another world.

The Fitzgerald

Media from thefitznq

Website: The Fitzgerald

Address: 11 Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DB, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 228 6629

Operating Hours: 

  • Wed – Thu 5PM-1AM
  • Fri – Sat 5PM-3AM
  • Sun 5PM-1AM

Right, stepping into The Fitzgerald is like being whisked back to the 1920s, proper speakeasy style. Hidden down a back alley, it’s got this mysterious feel that’s just right for a bit of hush-hush fun. 

Inside, it’s all dark and moody, decked out with vintage bits that make it feel like you’re in on a secret. They mix a mean cocktail here, and the place really comes alive when they’ve got live jazz and blues—it feels like you’re in some kind of old film. 

Weekends? The DJs keep things shaking with a bit of soul and funk. And yeah, if you’ve got a do coming up, you can take over the whole spot. Fancy, right?

Pro tip:
Drop by on a Thursday night; the live jazz is ace and it’s a proper way to ease into the weekend vibes.

Jimmy’s

Media from jimmys

Website: Jimmy’s

Address: 27 Newton St, Manchester M1 1FJ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 923 6960

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-4AM

Jimmy’s in Ancoats is the place if you’re after a bit of rock ‘n’ roll. Run by George Craig and his bro Jimmy from One Night Only, it’s got all the makings of a top night—good tunes, chilled beer, and a vibe that’s all about kicking back and having a good time. 

The walls are plastered with rock legends and neon lights, and there’s plenty to nudge at the nostalgia with stuff from their own gigs and bits from mates like Matt Healey of The 1975. Fancy a game? There’s a pool table and pinball, all ready for a laugh.

Beers? They’ve got loads, including their own brew. And the food’s decent too—think scotch eggs and pies, nothing too fancy but just right for soaking up the beer.

Pro tip:
Definitely try the Jimmy’s Lager when you’re there; it’s a smooth one and spot on for washing down one of those pies.

Related topics