Manchester is a city that never quite goes to sleep. By day, it hums with the energy of history, music, and football culture. But when evening rolls in, its streets light up with a different rhythm—one shaped by the clinking of glasses, the thrum of live music, and the laughter spilling from cozy pubs and stylish cocktail lounges. I spent several evenings wandering through this lively northern city, tasting, sipping, and soaking in the nightlife. What follows is a complete guide to some of the best bars and pubs you can’t miss, each with its own signature drink, atmosphere, and charm.
The Britons Protection
Address: 50 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5LE
Price Range: Around £7–£12 per drink
Signature Feature: Extensive whisky collection (over 300 varieties)
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–22:30
Reservation: Walk-ins welcome; call ahead for large groups
If you’re starting your evening with a touch of tradition, The Britons Protection is the perfect place. This historic pub, dating back to 1806, is best known for its staggering whisky selection. The dark wood interiors, old-world charm, and snug little corners make it ideal for easing into the night. I ordered a Highland single malt, recommended by the bartender, and paired it with a hearty pint. The mix of locals and travelers at the bar made conversations easy and warm, a reminder of Manchester’s welcoming spirit.
Albert’s Schloss
Address: 27 Peter Street, Manchester M2 5QR
Price Range: £8–£14 per cocktail; food around £12–£20
Signature Feature: Bavarian-inspired beer hall with live performances
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:00–02:00
Reservation: Strongly recommended for evenings via phone or booking platforms
Albert’s Schloss feels like stepping into a Bavarian beer palace—but with Manchester flair. Wooden benches, steins of German lager, and the smell of freshly baked pretzels fill the air. Live performances—from cabaret to DJs—keep the place buzzing. My go-to here was the Pilsner poured straight from the tank, fresh and crisp. For something stronger, their Espresso Martini is a crowd favorite. If you want to secure a table for the weekend, booking ahead is wise; walk-ins often wait.
The Refuge by Volta
Address: Oxford Street, Manchester M60 7HA
Price Range: £10–£15 cocktails; small plates £6–£12
Signature Feature: Glamorous setting with eclectic drinks menu
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday 12:00–23:00, Friday–Saturday 12:00–01:00, Sunday 12:00–22:00
Reservation: Recommended for groups or dinner-drinks combos
Inside the stunning Principal Hotel, The Refuge by Volta is part bar, part restaurant, part grand hall of wonder. High ceilings, vintage décor, and sprawling spaces set the scene for a sophisticated evening. Their signature cocktail, the “Refuge Punch,” balances sweet, sour, and spirit in a refreshing way. I paired it with spiced lamb kebabs from their sharing menu, and the combination was spot-on. The vibe leans toward stylish and polished, making it a great stop before heading into Manchester’s more raucous nightlife.
Cane & Grain
Address: 49–51 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA
Price Range: £8–£12 cocktails; craft beers £5–£8
Signature Feature: Rum cocktails and ribs
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:00–01:00
Reservation: Accepted by phone; walk-ins usually manageable
Tucked in the Northern Quarter, Cane & Grain has an edgier, laid-back charm. Think skateboards on the walls, a neon glow, and bartenders who take rum seriously. Their Mai Tai, with a perfect balance of tart lime and bold rum, was easily one of my favorites of the trip. For those wanting a bite, the sticky ribs here are legendary. The atmosphere leans casual but with enough personality to keep things exciting. It’s the kind of place you linger at, sipping slowly while chatting away.
The Fitzgerald
Address: 11 Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DB
Price Range: £9–£13 cocktails
Signature Feature: 1920s speakeasy vibes with jazz soundtrack
Opening Hours: Thursday 17:00–00:00, Friday–Saturday 17:00–02:00, Sunday 17:00–23:00
Reservation: Advisable, especially weekends
If you crave something atmospheric, The Fitzgerald delivers. Hidden away upstairs in the Northern Quarter, it feels like a speakeasy frozen in time. Dim lighting, velvet drapes, and a constant jazz soundtrack set the tone. I tried their twist on a Negroni, infused with chocolate bitters, which was both rich and surprisingly refreshing. The Fitzgerald is best suited for smaller groups who enjoy slow, indulgent sipping. It’s romantic, moody, and feels like a secret worth keeping.
Cloud 23
Address: Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ
Price Range: £12–£16 cocktails
Signature Feature: Panoramic skyline views of Manchester
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday 12:00–01:00
Reservation: Recommended for window seating
Perched high above the city in the Beetham Tower, Cloud 23 is where you go for views as much as for drinks. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up Manchester’s skyline, and at sunset the city seems to glow. Their “Mr. Mercure” cocktail, a gin-based drink with floral notes, was a highlight. While it leans on the pricier side, the combination of views, polished service, and luxurious ambience makes it worth the splurge. Best to reserve ahead if you want a table by the glass.
The Wharf
Address: 6 Slate Wharf, Castlefield, Manchester M15 4ST
Price Range: £6–£10 per drink; meals around £12–£18
Signature Feature: Riverside pub with cozy interiors
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–22:30
Reservation: Walk-ins welcome; call ahead for larger groups
In the Castlefield area, The Wharf offers a more relaxed, riverside vibe. It’s less about flashing cocktails and more about hearty pints, wine, and classic pub food. The outdoor terrace overlooking the canal makes it especially inviting. I ordered a locally brewed IPA and sat by the water, watching the reflections of lights ripple across the canal. The Wharf is perfect for those who prefer an easygoing end to their night.
Twenty Twenty Two
Address: Little Lever Street, Manchester M1 1EZ
Price Range: £7–£10 drinks; ping-pong tables available
Signature Feature: Underground bar with ping-pong tables and DJs
Opening Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 17:00–04:00
Reservation: Possible by phone; walk-ins fine on weekdays
For something playful and high-energy, Twenty Twenty Two is a must. This underground spot in the Northern Quarter combines cocktails, beer, and late-night ping-pong matches. The neon-lit vibe and live DJs draw a younger crowd. Their tequila-based “Ping Pong Margarita” is both cheeky and refreshing. It’s the kind of place that turns casual drinks into a lively night out, perfect if you’re traveling with friends who want some fun beyond just drinking.
Peveril of the Peak
Address: 127 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5JQ
Price Range: £5–£7 per pint
Signature Feature: Traditional Victorian pub with green-tiled exterior
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–22:30
Reservation: Walk-ins only
No Manchester bar guide would be complete without Peveril of the Peak. With its distinctive green-tiled exterior and Victorian character, this pub feels timeless. Inside, you’ll find patterned carpets, wood-paneled walls, and the comforting buzz of regulars. I ordered a local pale ale and simply soaked in the atmosphere. It’s a no-frills, authentic Mancunian experience, where the charm lies in its simplicity.
Manchester’s nightlife is as varied as its history, shaped by centuries of culture, industry, and music. One evening can take you from a traditional whisky pub where locals swap stories over pints, to a high-rise cocktail bar with panoramic views stretching across the city skyline. You might begin in a Bavarian-style beer hall filled with music and laughter, and end in a hidden speakeasy where soft jazz sets the mood. The diversity of choices means that every night out in Manchester can feel like a new adventure.
The price range reflects this variety too. Budget-friendly pints start at around £5 in classic pubs, perfect for those who enjoy the authentic British pub atmosphere. At the other end of the spectrum, luxury cocktails in glamorous rooftop bars can cost up to £16, appealing to travelers seeking a sophisticated experience. Between these two extremes lie countless mid-range options: craft beers, rum-based cocktails, gin infusions, and even creative mocktails for non-drinkers. Manchester is a city that doesn’t limit its nightlife to alcohol—it celebrates flavors, creativity, and atmosphere.
But what truly sets Manchester apart is that its bars and pubs offer more than just drinks. Each venue tells a story. Some are steeped in history, like the green-tiled Victorian pubs that have stood for generations. Others are modern, edgy, and experimental, bringing together art, design, and mixology in exciting new ways. Step inside one of these places, and you’re not just ordering a drink—you’re entering a community. Conversations flow easily, whether you’re chatting with locals who’ve been coming for years or travelers who, like you, are discovering the city one glass at a time.
For me, the joy of Manchester’s nightlife was in these contrasts. In one night I experienced the polished sophistication of cocktail lounges, then the grit and warmth of traditional pubs. I danced to DJ sets in a buzzing basement, and just a few hours later, found myself quietly sipping whisky in a candlelit corner. The city thrives on its ability to be many things at once: historic and modern, cozy and grand, familiar yet full of surprises.
So whether you’re visiting Manchester for its football culture, its legendary music scene, or simply to explore its streets after dark, the city’s bars and pubs are ready to welcome you. They offer drinks that please every palate, spaces that suit every mood, and atmospheres that make every evening memorable. Whatever your preference—beer, whisky, cocktails, or just the joy of good company—Manchester has a glass with your name on it.