Categories > Guides and Tips
For That Perfect Evening: 10 Bars in Manchester for the Best Date Night – EVER!
Well, you finally scored the date, eh? Cheers to you! The trouble now is where to head for an evening that won’t dash your future together. After all, the first proper night out has to be fantastic, whether you’re after a bit of romance or just a laidback natter.
No need to fret, mate! We’ve done the graft to find the right date night bars and pubs that’ll leave your special someone delighted. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best spots in Manchester for every kind of taste and budget, so read on!
Cloud23
Media credit: cloud23bar
Address: Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate
Contact: 0161 870 1688, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: 12 pm – 10 pm
- Wednesday – Thursday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
Pricing: ££
A date night high in the clouds is romantic, which is what Cloud23 offers—okay, it’s not in the clouds, but it overlooks the Manchester Metropolis. It’s spot on for a romantic date because it’s posh yet not overwhelmingly so.
If you’re after a place for a night out of drinks, this is it! The menu boasts handcrafted and creative cocktails (and mocktails) inspired by Greek gods and goddesses, which will set your senses ablaze!
You can find simple meals from the good selection of light snacks on the Nibbles and Antipasti menus, although these are available until 7 pm only. You’ll still find a nice treat that’ll pair well with your drink, whether you’re getting the handcrafted or the classic wines, however.
Pro Tip:
Book your reservation ahead to ensure you get a table. While walk-ins are accepted, there’s a chance the place is fully booked, especially during peak hours.
The Whiskey Jar
Media credit: thewhiskeyjarnq
Address: 14 Tariff St
Contact: 0161 237 5686, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 5 pm – 12 am
- Thursday: 5 pm – 2 am
- Friday: 4 pm – 4 am
- Saturday: 2 pm – 4 am
- Sunday: Closed
Pricing: £
One of the most buzzing date night bars is The Whiskey Jar, a restored old mill in the Northern Quarter that offers whiskey tastings and open mic nights. It’s the place to be for whiskey lovers, as it stocks over 350 bottles—loads of options, eh?
The wicked thing about this place, aside from the laid-back atmosphere, is the live music. From Thursday to Saturday, you can listen to local artists, adding a very chill ambience to your night—no pressure to have the most romantic evening!
We were chuffed about the whiskey specials, which were deliciously crafted (on holiday seasons, they make creative ones). But this bar shines the most for its classic whiskey cocktails, like the negroni, served during happy hour that lasts until 7 pm!
Pro Tip:
For a whiskey experience that doesn’t cost a bomb, the Malt of the Month tasting is available at the end of every month for £15 per person.
Dusk Til Pawn
Media credit: dusktilpawnnq
Address: Sevendale House, Stevenson Square
Contact: 0161 236 5355
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 4 pm – 12 am
- Thursday: 4 pm – 1 am
- Friday: 4 pm – 2 am
- Saturday: 2 pm – 2 am
- Sunday: 3 pm – 12 am
Pricing: ££
Date night bars are abuzz in the Northern Quarter, and one of the loveliest spots for a chill and cosy vibe is Dusk Til Pawn. The facade looks like a full-on pawn shop for gold and electricals, but it turns completely 180 inside with a contemporary speakeasy vibe.
If you want to skip hectic establishments, this is a smashing bar! The thing we like about this spot is even when it gets mad busy, it doesn’t get too busy—a brilliant place for date nights that aren’t too casual but not overly posh, either.
The menu is small, which you might think isn’t enough compared to other bars in Manchester, but you get the classic options with something new every month. We swear by the monthly cocktail if you fancy something unique.
Pro Tip:
Since the place is small, we suggest avoiding barking mad weekends in the Northern Quarter, so go on a weekday.
The Alchemist
Media credit: thealchemistuk
Address: 1 New York St
Contact: 0161 228 3856
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 9 am – 12 am
- Thursday: 9 am – 1 am
- Friday: 9 am – 2 am
- Saturday: 10 am – 2 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 11 pm
Pricing: ££
A one-of-a-kind bar in Manchester is The Alchemist, a place you and your date definitely won’t forget because of its theatrical cocktails. Seriously, you’ll be gobsmacked because everything is super creative!
This ingenious bar serves immersive experiences where the bartenders create cocktails with a touch of flair—get ready to see fire, bubbles, and smoke! They don’t skimp out on the flavours, as the fancy cocktails surprised and impressed our tastebuds!
Since you’re here for a bit of romance, have a go at the Cosmic Oysters, where instead of shot glasses, you’ll drink out of oyster-shaped metal shells served over ice. They’re sour, citrusy, and totally out of this world!
Pro Tip:
The Alchemist has three locations in Manchester with varying kitchen hours. Check the venues for their separate hours to avoid disappointment.
Speak in Code
Media credit: speak_in_code
Address: 7 Jackson’s Row
Contact: +44 7887 947 850, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 5 pm – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 2 am
Pricing: ££
Speak in Code doesn’t mess about cocktail making. It was no shocker to us that this bar is becoming one of our top spots due to its dimly lit interior for added romance and original cocktails that boast flavours.
Everything here is intentional, from the design to the ingredients—the ice and glassware are carefully thought-out, too! The flavours of their drinks are absolutely banging, like the Demo 10 cocktail with mango and a hint of earthy flavour!
The classic cocktails are still there, like French martini and negroni, but with some alterations—after all, this is an innovative bar. If you feel overwhelmed, which we did in the beginning, you can always ask the bartender for recommendations on what to get.
Pro Tip:
Book a reservation in advance because this bar is popular and gets super busy. It doesn’t feel crowded inside, though!
The Refuge
Media credit: therefugemcr
Address: Kimpton Clocktower Hotel – Oxford St
Contact: 0161 233 5151
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 12 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 10:30 pm
Pricing: ££
Tucked away at the gorgeous red-brick building of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, The Refuge is not your typical bar where cocktails usually steal the spotlight. Here, the food also shares the centre stage, making it a go-to spot day or night.
The interior is breathtaking. The Gothic architecture, intricate carvings, and high ceilings scream Victorian style, but there are touches of contemporary architecture that blend so well like it was meant to be there.
For a cheeky date, the small plates deliciously work with any cocktail, but you can also check the bigger options to fill your tummy. You also get to enjoy the signature cocktails, like the Foxglove, for that tarty yet sweet drink, which was created by the head bartender.
Pro Tip:
Pick the Dining Room for a casual setting or the Winter Garden for a nature-inspired ambience. The Dining Room is very popular, so book a reservation, especially from Friday to Sunday.
Dirty Martini
Media credit: dirtymartini.manchester
Address: 1 Peter St
Contact: 0161 241 0781, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 4 pm – 1 am
- Wednesday: 4 pm – 3 am
- Thursday – Friday: 2 pm – 3 am
- Saturday: 12 pm – 3 pm
- Sunday: 2 pm – 1:30 am
Pricing: ££
Couples who love late-night energy will enjoy Dirty Martini, a cocktail bar on the corner of Peter Street and Deansgate. The vibe is lively, just the kind of place you go to have a cheeky night out with your date!
It’s well-known for its bottomless brunch, and for good reason (the overflowing drinks certainly make it popular). And brunch doesn’t end in the early afternoon—yes, you can order it until 6 pm!
We love coming here after the seasons change because of the seasonal drinks menu, which offers a couple of signature cocktails. Most of the drinks are classics, like mojitos and dirty martinis, giving your palate a sense of familiarity.
Pro Tip:
Go during happy hour (which ends at 8 pm!) for discounted drinks. But do note that this isn’t available on Saturdays.
Cafe Beermoth
Media credit: cafebeermoth
Address: Brown St
Contact: 0161 835 2049
Hours:
- Monday: 3 pm – 10 pm
- Tuesday – Thursday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: £
Coffee and a pint in one spot in the Northern Quarter? We were there in a jiffy! Cafe Beermoth is not your typical bar—it’s a craft beer cafe that serves a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (and food, too!).
What’s cool about this place is it’s very low-key, unpretentious, and spot-on for spontaneous date nights. This Belgian-style place is for beer lovers because of the different options you get from international breweries (it has a rotating lineup).
You don’t have to worry about the food because the menu goes hand in hand with beer! The four-cheese plate, where you choose your own cheeses, is delectable. There aren’t loads of snack options, though, but you get a decent variety.
Pro Tip:
Better eat at a proper restaurant first before coming here. There are no hearty options on the menu (you get snacks and crisps), so it’s best to fill your tummy first before a pint or two!
Alcotraz
Media credit: alcotraz
Address: Great Northern Tower – 1A Watson St
Contact: Online support page
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 7:05 pm – 8:50 pm
- Thursday: 7:05 pm – 11:15 pm
- Friday: 3:30 pm – 11:15 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 11:15 pm
- Sunday: 2:15 pm – 8:50 pm
Pricing: £££
True crime buffs will have a blast at this unconventional date night idea. Bring your partner in crime to Alcotraz, where there’s no need to dress fancy because you’ll have to change into orange jumpsuits just like inmates—talk about an immersive experience!
This is truly epic and fun. To get your drinks, aka chicken soup, you’ll have to “smuggle” bottles of alcohol that will be turned into cocktails, and at this prison, they serve mocktails for non-alcoholic inmates.
What makes it even more brilliant is your table is set inside a prison cell (because no jail time can stop date night). And if you’re innocent, visit the Warden to plead your case and get approved for parole (just don’t leave your date!).
Pro Tip:
If you want something even more immersive, check out the add-ons during booking and get your own little storyline. You can become the mole to destroy your enemies or the janitor who can help everyone escape!
Flight Club
Media credit: flightclubdarts
Address: Ship Canal House, 98 King St
Contact: Online support page
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 12 am
- Friday: 11:30 am – 2 am
- Saturday: 11 am – 2 am
Pricing: £
The circus theme of Flight Club is ace! The string lights on the ceiling, carnival designs, and stunning murals all make for a cracking good time with your date or mates—a double date, perhaps?
And it’s not just for sitting down. There are oches where you can play a friendly round of darts and drink a pint. All in all, it’s chill and fun.
The menu lives up to expectations. The sourdough pizzas are good for sharing (four cheese is a classic) and the cheesy nachos with pulled chicken add a laidback vibe to date night.
Let’s not forget the variety of drinks, including hard seltzers, margaritas, wines, and ales. The cocktail slushie is deliciously refreshing and perfect for a cheeky night out!
Pro Tip:
On peak days, book social darts in advance because walk-ins are not guaranteed to get a booth.
