It's no secret that Manchester is absolutely heaving with places to get a drink (or five), but here's just a handful of some of the very coolest of the lot...
Renae, Northern Quarter
Renae has that slightly cramped, low-lit feel but it's always packed - and for good reason. You’re close to the bar, close to each other, and the whole place ticks along at the same pace. The DJs here are ace, alongside the experimental cocktail list.
Ad Hoc, Northern Quarter
This is one of the coolest wine bars in the Northern Quarter. The mood shifts night to night, and there’s no sense of a fixed formula set at this buzzing industrial-chic spot. You can drop in without much thought, and it usually delivers something decent, whether that’s the music, the people or the immense choice of tipples to sip on.
Side Street, Quay Street
You walk in, and it immediately feels like the evening’s underway. The music is always in perfect keeping with the vibe, the room fills up around it, and you can easily settle into it without really noticing. It’s a good one for when you don’t want to overthink where you are.
Kerb, Ancoats
This Ancoats spot is a go-to for those into their wine. It suits a slower start that turns into a longer night, especially when the music picks up, and the room shifts with it.
The Doberman, Stretford
The Doberman has the feel of a place that’s been part of the area for years, even though it hasn’t. Locals treat it like their own, but it doesn’t feel closed off if you’re not from around there. You can tell some care has gone into what they’re pouring, but it never tips into being too precious.
Henry C, Chorlton
Nothing’s rushed at this Chorlton haunt, which makes a slap-up Negroni. It’s quieter than most on this list, not in volume but in pace. A good place to reset a bit without the night dropping off.
Bar Shrimp, New York Street
Bar Shrimp changes as the hours go on. Early on, it’s all fairly relaxed, people easing into it over food and a drink or two. Stay a bit longer, and it loosens up, the music creeps in, and the room takes on a different edge. Worth catching both sides of it if you can.
Bruk, Stockport
Bruk in Stockport keeps things simple. You’re there for a drink, maybe a couple, and that’s enough. Stockport’s been picking up pace, and this is one of the places that shows why people are making the trip.
The Core International, Stockport
The Core International, another Stockport addition, is a great new joint to check out if you're keen on something a bit more rough around the edges, but that’s the charm.
Odioba, Stockport
Odioba leans heavily on music, and everything else falls around that. The feel of the place changes depending on what’s on, and no two nights are the same. It’s one of those venues people end up slightly protective over, which usually means it’s doing something right.