The 11 Best Hidden Bars in Manchester
You might think you know Manchester like the back of your hand, but have you checked out the city’s secret dens? Where mixologists conjure up unique cocktail creations, DJs play on decks made of shopping trolleys and live bands keep the audiences dancing to disco-funk until the early hours.
At Noisy Kitchen, we know all the hidden, hot spots in Manchester that are so good, you won’t want to tell your friends about them. So if you’re looking for a new venue with a bit of added mystery, then check out our handy list of the best hidden bars in Manchester.
Behind Closed Doors
Image via secretmanchester.com
Blink, and you’ll miss it; this hidden cocktail bar is nestled down in a basement in the Northern Quarter of Manchester. With a vintage and retro edge, expect the unexpected at Behind Closed Doors. Shopping trolleys are the DJ booth, rotary telephones are how you order, and 70s erotica adorns the walls. ‘Sleazy’ is how they roll at this bar, with a cocktail menu of Mojo-itos and Lovebites.
93 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm. Until 3am weekends.
One Eight Six
Image via manchestersfinest.com
One Eight Six is hidden away behind a barbershop’s mirrored doors. A sophisticated escape from the city, this hidden bar hosts nightly musicians performing jazz, Motown, RnB and soul. Don’t just book in for a beard trim at this venue; afterwards, stop by for a smokey old fashioned or a stonefruit martini.
186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
Opening Times: Thurs 4pm – 1am, Fri 4pm – 2am, Sat 12pm – 2am, Sun 3pm – 1am
Convenience Store
Image via designmynight.com
You might be mistaken in thinking this hidden bar is your local grocery store if it weren’t for the neon signs and brewery stickers across the facade. Combining all things kitsch and Americana, Convenience Store serves up Damnhattans, Stranger Tings 2, and their not to be missed, tater tot tacos!
100-102 High Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1HP
Opening Times: Wed - Thurs 5pm ‘til 1am, Fri 5pm ‘til 3am, Sat 12pm ‘til 3am, Sun 12PM ‘til 2 am
Science + Industry
Image via caneandgrain.com
Bringing scientific techniques to their cocktails, Science + Industry has a dedicated drinks laboratory where they experiment with flavour combinations and unique cocktails. Don’t expect your average Mojito here; the team brings flavours such as salt and smoked honey and wild turkey rye to their cocktails, so you can be confident that every drink you try will be like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.
caneandgrain.co.uk/science-industry
49 - 51 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter Manchester, M4 1NA
Opening Times: Sun – Fri from 5 pm ’til 10pm, Sat from 2pm ’til 10pm
The Blind Tyger
Image via blindtyger.co.uk
This secret drinking den is also one of the best gin bars in manchester. With their lengthy spirit list, they create innovative cocktails, such as our favourite ‘The Clean Slate’, infused with plum and jasmine cordial. Tucked inside the Sandinista Bar, punters must ask for the ‘blind tyger’ to gain entry into this cosy candlelit hidden bar.
Blindtyger.co.uk
2 Old Bank Street, Manchester, M2 7PF
Opening Times: Fri and Sat: 7 pm - 4 am
The Washhouse
Image via ilovemanchester.com
The first rule of The Washhouse is you don’t talk about The Washhouse….. Billed as the one launderette you actually want to visit, this sophisticated speakeasy serves up creative cocktails alongside Manchester DJs on the decks. Look out for a big door disguised as a giant washing machine to locate this hidden Manchester bar.
19 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF
Opening Times: Mon-Wed 4pm - 1am, Thurs 4pm - 3am, Fri and Sat 12pm - 3am
The Fitzgerald
Image via thefitzgeraldmanchester.com
Styled on the prohibition era, this drinking spot has a backstreet entrance and a classic speakeasy vibe. Hosting live music every Saturday, they keep the crowds entertained with jazz, swing, blues, soul, disco and electro-funk. Expect burlesque, great cocktails and top music at this hidden bar in Manchester.
11 Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DB
Friday & Saturday: 5pm -2am
Speak in Code
Image via manchestersfinest.com
Just off Deansgate, Speak in Code doesn’t give much away with what their bar offers. But you can rest assured that their drinks will be top-notch, their plant-based menu will be tasty, and you’ll have a great time sipping their cocktails until the wee hours.
7 Jackson's Row, Manchester M2 5ND
Opening Times: Mon - Thurs & Sun - 5pm - 12am, Fri & Sat - 5pm - 2am
Wood & Co
Image via kirstyannphotography.com
Look for the white tiles and goods entrance sign if you want to locate this hidden Manchester bar. From the team behind Northern Quarter bars Dusk ‘til Pawn and NoHo on Stevenson Square, you know you’re in for a treat at Wood & Co. If experimental cocktails until the early hours are your thing, then this hidden gem of a Manchester bar is for you.
Wood and Company, 39 South King Street, Manchester, M2 6DE
Opening Times: Wed and Thurs: 5pm-1am, Fri and Sat: 4pm – 3am, Sun: 5pm – 1am
The Daisy
Image via manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Daisy is a co-working space by day and a secret den of a cocktail bar by night. Hosting Manchester DJs on the decks til late, sit back with good music and creative drinks such as their unique charcoal honeycomb old fashioned.
Below Evelyn's Cafe Bar, Tib Street NQ, Manchester, M4 1NB
Opening Times: Fri & Sat: 5PM - 1AM
Corbieres
Image via manchestersfinest.com
Don’t expect a modern cocktail bar at Corbieres. Instead, this dark hideaway of a wine bar has been going strong for 30+ years. Playing indie rock classics from their jukebox, Corbieres has a buzzy atmosphere, and you might even catch the odd celeb or two hanging out here.
2 Half Moon St, Manchester M2 7PB
Opening Times: Mon - Thurs: 4pm - 11pm, Fri & Sat: 4pm - 12am
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