Behind Closed Doors (BCD) caught our attention as it calls itself a ‘debauched cocktail bar’, so we decided to check it out in its location in the heart of the Northern Quarter.

It’s located inconspicuously below a T-shirt printing company. The only distinction is its bright pink neon sign above a dishevelled-looking door that leads downstairs into the bar itself.

We think that because of its somewhat hidden location, it makes them a bit inconvenient to find, and this may be a concern for newcomers. On the bright side, we’re thrilled to find the range of good things at BCD!

First off, it has multiple signature cocktails, including the crowd favourite—The Chocstar Martini. We’re big fans of this drink as it’s loaded with lashings of whipped cream and chunks of chocolate.

Next, we also appreciate that the facilities are clean and well-kept, with each table having a phone known as the ‘BCD hotline’. We love quirkiness, plus the utility, as it can be used to get the attention of their staff, or phone the people on the next table.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that their entrance policies are pretty strict because of the overall NSFW vibe that includes burlesque events and risque performances which might not be for everyone .

Additionally, we also want to mention that their seating spaces are pretty limited, which might be a challenge for those looking to visit them during their peak hours.

Lastly, we just wish their menu and prices were included on their website for convenience.

However, we think these are minimal issues, and they’re worth overcoming just to experience BCD’s sleazy-yet-sultry ’70s vibe goodness!

In our books, NQ64’s stand-out feature is its diverse gaming experience ranging from classic arcade machines to Super Nintendo, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.

Another thing that we love about them is that customers don’t need to shell out money to enjoy their games, which is a big plus.

Furthermore, we also love that the NQ64’s party-friendly and homely atmosphere further enhances its appeal. We think this makes it an ideal spot for celebrations—a unique setting for memorable experiences. 

As for their menu offerings, we do have to mention that it’s not as varied as we would like. We were disappointed to find out that they don’t offer vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free options.

We do, however, appreciate that their staff is quite attentive. After dining with them, we loved that their staff does a great job at making sure their customers are taken care of despite the lively atmosphere.

We do have to mention that despite its fun and somewhat wholesome entertainment offerings, NQ64 has a strict 18+ age policy because it’s still, well, a bar. 

Additionally, we also observed that their seating spaces are a bit cramped, which may negatively affect the entire experience for those visiting during peak hours. 

However, we believe that their pros outweigh their cons which still makes us keen about them for your next night out. 

Blockbusters NQ is a nostalgic haven that combines the charm of the Blockbuster era with modern entertainment.

It’s interesting to note that this bar, themed as an 80’s video shop, is perfect for patrons looking for nostalgia. We’re fans of its tape-filled walls, CRT TVs, and a red-light section on VHS tapes.

After going over their menu, we loved that they offer a unique blend of movie-themed cocktails and classic popcorn. We think their with modern twists like ‘roast chicken’ and ‘beef burger’ which makes the overall experience more unique.

We’re just a bit iffy that their menu isn’t available on their website, which is a bit inconvenient for those who want to view their offerings beforehand.

That said, we want to highlight their weekly events like live DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as an open mic night on Sundays. This is a plus in our books, since visitors will have a diverse range of entertainment options to choose from.

The only drawback that we want to mention about them is that they’re only open four days a week. 

This isn’t a major deal-breaker for us, but given their limited space and popularity, customers might not be able to get in without a reservation. 

What keeps us positive about them despite this is that they’re responsive when it comes to addressing their customers’ concerns and inquiries through email which makes scheduling and reserving your spot hassle-free. 

The Daisy is a cocktail bar at the Northern Quarter that markets itself as a ‘late night escapism’, with its intimate and chic atmosphere.

They stood out to us by offering a cosy, and romantic ambiance that makes them perfect for small groups that want to catch up over parisian inspired cocktails and wine.

Speaking of their offerings, we love that they have a wide range of drinks to choose from. When we visited them, we loved that they have a myriad of unique cocktails that can’t be found anywhere else.

Furthermore, we’re also happy to report that they also offer non-alcoholic beverages for those that want to skip the buzz while enjoying their time there.

Another highlight in our experience at The Daisy is its live music. We think that this makes their intimate set-up all the more appealing.

Furthermore, it’s also worth nothing that Fridays and Saturdays are their peak days. These are when they host most of their events, so reservations will come in handy.

On the other hand, we must mention two things that negatively impacted our experience at The Daisy.

First is the cost of drinks, as their cocktails are around £12. With the amount of drinks we got, we think that it’s not worth your hard-earned quid.

Second would be the records of slow service during peak days, which we completely understand, but may also affect the overall experience with them.

Project Halcyon is one of Manchester’s best kept secret when it comes to cocktail spots. They stood out to us by having been named ‘One to Watch’ at the Top 50 Cocktail Bar Awards and ‘Manchester’s Best New Bar’ at the Manchester Bar Awards 2023.

These awards are a big plus in our books because it reflects the excellence of their overall offerings and services. As a matter of fact, many of the regulars we’ve talked to gave high praises on their cocktails that have lots of complex flavours.

Furthermore, we love that their bar features an in-house distillery and lab. Here, their team creates bespoke spirits and ingredients that go into their incredible cocktails—a truly unique setup.

On top of this, Project Halcyon is all about unique experiences and it doesn’t just stop at the cocktail menu; the place even has its own dedicated absinthe parlour where the infamous spirit is served traditionally tableside.

Our colleagues that tried this were big fans of this unique experience because it’s unlike anything that you can get within the city.

On the other hand, we have to mention two things we’re a bit iffy about.

One is their higher prices. Their signature drinks range from £14 to £19 which is pretty steep in our opinion.

Next would be their lack of food offerings. While Project Halcyon excels in serving unique cocktails, we wish that they would have some nosh to go with it.

That said, what keeps us positive about them is their knowledgeable and friendly staff that’s well-educated on their drink profiles. From what we’ve experienced, this helps guests find the perfect cocktail to suit their tastes—especially first-timers.