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Your Ultimate Guide to Diecast Manchester
Not sure how to spend your Friday? Sorted. Think £7 frozen daiquiris, juicy burgers, and a killer soundtrack, all under one roof right at the heart of Manchester.
By day, Diecast is a laid-back haven for hot pizza and lounging by the beer garden. But by night? It’s a pulsing hub of DJs and dangerously good drinks.
I swear I was only going to grab one beer, but two daiquiris later, pizza in one hand, and the other in the air, I was a goner.
One of Manchester’s most exciting creative spaces, Diecast isn’t just a bar; it’s an experience you definitely don’t want to miss. Below is everything you need to know, from what to do, what to eat, and how to get there, so read on!
The Vision Behind Diecast
Media Credit: diecastmcr
Address: 51 Ducie Street
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 4 PM – Late
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – Late
Diecast wasn’t always the buzzing hotspot that it is today. Back in the 1870s, it was home to Presbar Fountry, a metal factory for industrial components. You’ll see many of its original pieces still in place today, like its Belfast-style roofs, steel shutters, and terrazzo concrete floors.
Fast forward to today, and the space has done a complete 180. Now, a multi-faceted creative neighbourhood at the heart of Manchester, Diecast is a vibrant cultural hub filled with arts, music, food, and nightlife.
Media Credits: therealbanksie
There’s always something going on. There are music video shoots, fashion shows, art installations, pop-up exhibitions, theatre performances, drag shows, and creative workshops.
A constantly evolving playground–part cultural lab, part festival playground–no two visits feel the same. And at the heart of it all? Good music, great food, and even better vibes.
Exploring the Spaces Within Diecast
Stepping into Diecast can be a tad overwhelming at first. With enormous former metalworks, spaces bursting with colour, and music blaring, each corner has its character and purpose. Here’s a closer look at the spaces that bring Diecast to life:
The Garden
Media Credit: diecastmcr
A hidden gem behind the unassuming industrial facade lies The Garden, Manchester’s largest beer garden. Complete with twinkling fairy lights, picnic tables, and potted palms, and a vibe that instantly gets you in the mood to unwind or turn up, especially with the music.
With a constantly rotating menu of food and drinks, there’s always something new to try out. There’s nothing like a hearty pizza and a cold beer by the fire pits, perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
My favourite part? The custom-built caravans, once humble trailers, are now a little pocket of fun, perfect for having your secret party zone within the actual party.
| Pro Tip: Arrive a little before sunset to catch Diecast at its best, when the relaxing afternoon vibes slowly give way to pulsing beats and the DJ starts to warm up for the night’s party. |
Club Leno
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Tucked deep within the walls of Diecast is one of its best-kept secrets: Club Leno. I’d go as far as to call it the heart of the venue, where music takes the centre stage and the energy shifts into high gear.
Expect genre-fluid sets from grassroots DJs, emerging talent, and local artists, creating a dynamic melting pot that reflects the vibrant underground music scene of Manchester.
The best bit? The themed weekends, like Spread on Fridays, a queer-friendly party with pulsing house music, Club Ex Machina on Saturdays, with proper dance parties and resident DJs, and Soul-String Quartet Sunday, for relaxing weekends with live string performances.
Media Credit: mcrfinest
Club Leno is also famous for its frozen daiquiris. In fact, it’s dubbed the “House of Daquiri” with up to 49 flavour combos to try. And yes, the hype about it online is true; it’s that good.
To get the most bang for your buck, their iconic frozen daquiris are just £7 all night on Thursdays and Fridays, and sometimes daily from 4–6 PM, so keep your eyes peeled for their promo offerings.
| Pro Tip: Dress comfortably as Club Leno goes late into the night, so wear something effortlessly cool but expressive and easy to dance in. |
Bodega
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More than just a corner shop, The Bodega is a playful and quirky twist on the classic NYC-style convenience culture. Think late-night snacks meet underground party energy. Sure, you’ll find your usual crisps, drinks, vape, and tobacco, but it’s the vibe that makes it unique.
Tucked away in a little corner is their karaoke room, one of those “if you know, you know” kind of spots. With mirrored walls, a disco ball, and a killer sound system, it’s perfect for singing your heart out and partying with friends all night long.
| Pro Tip: Pick up some Diecast merch as a little souvenir to commemorate your visit. |
Beer Hall
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The Beer Hall is just as fun as it sounds. Stepping inside feels like you’ve been transported to a Brooklyn warehouse with exposed brick walls, striking murals, and a buzzing atmosphere where you just know it’s going to be a night to remember.
The main attraction? The Guinness Bar. Pouring one of the smoothest pints in all of Manchester, it’s the kind of place where you come in for a pint and end up staying all night.
To keep each visit exciting, they partner with local breweries to help jazz up their menu. On some nights, there are even brewer takeovers, giving you a taste of the Manchester craft scene right in Diecast. Now, that plus good company and great music? Sign me up!
| Pro Tip: Not sure what to go for? Ask the Diecast crew. They’ll point you to what’s new, share their recommendations, or pick something fun for you. |
The Warehouse Kitchen
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If you need me, you can find me at Warehouse Kitchen with a table full of anything and everything. Honestly, if I’m not at Diecast to drink and party, I’m here to eat.
What makes it so special, you ask? Well, not to sound like an advert, but the flavours just hit different. From crispy wings to juicy burgers, the flavours deliver. Plus, everything’s made from scratch and right there using high-quality ingredients, so you know it’s good.
Here are some culinary highlights to try on your first visit:
NeoPan Pizza
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This isn’t your ordinary kind of pie, this one’s a gastronomic blend of Neopolitan flavours and New York flair, generously topped and served with housemade dipping sauces. Don’t be fooled, it’s more filling than it looks!
The Leno Burger
Media Credit: lenomcr
If you could only order one thing, it should be this. It’s a juicy, dry-aged Angus short rib patty staked with caramelised onions, pickles, cheese, smothered in housemade Leno burger sauce, in a potato-brioche bun.
Calabrian Chicken Wings
Media Credit: themanceats
Crispy wings coated in a spicy Calabrian chilli glaze dipped in oregano sour cream? Yes, please! And, yes, they’re as addictive as they sound, perfectly hitting that middle ground between sweet and spicy.
G Balls
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As childish as it sounds, I’m not afraid to admit that these little balls of deliciousness are possibly one of my favourite snacks from Diecast. They’re crispy on the outside with oozing with cheesy goodness on the inside.
| Pro Tip: Order to share so that you can try more of the menu. Since the menu changes seasonally, ask the staff what’s new, they’ll happily recommend dishes you shouldn’t miss that week. |
Getting to Diecast
By Train and Tram
The nearest station to Diecast is Piccadilly Station. From there, it’s a quick 7-minute walk, about 0.3 miles, just enough to get a little workout in before devouring pizzas and frozen daiquiris.
Alternatively, you can get off at Oxford Road Station, which is a little farther, but still within walking range and only a 15–20 minute walk.
By Car
Diecast is just off Great Ancoata St, on 51 Ducie St, making it quite convenient to get to by car.
However, there’s no on-site parking available. Luckily, there are paid car parks nearby that charge about £3–6 for 2 hours and are open 24 hours.
