City Guides
Manchester
Pubs and Bars
Manchester city centre is home to more than five hundred pubs and bars, contributing to its reputation as home to some of the best nights out in the country. Along with the selection of chain pubs and franchises that one might expect, the city centre also boasts real ale pubs, chic modern bars and relaxed rock pubs.
For real ale fans, and lovers of unusual venues, The Temple is a popular choice. Located in a converted public toilet, the bar is incredibly small and the toilet is unisex. The jukebox mainly comprises music by Manchester bands – some members of which have previously been sighted in the bar! The Temple offers a wide selection of bottled international real ales. The Temple is located on Great Bridgewater Street in the city centre.
Odd Bar, on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, offers a wide range of import beers and an impressive, bohemian décor. Briton’s Protection serves a range of real ales and whiskies, and occasionally hosts live music events on its upper floor. Mr Thomas’s Chop House, on Cross Street, is one of the oldest pubs in the city and boasts a selection of real ales and an award-winning chef serving food throughout the day. Rain Bar, on Great Bridgewater Street, is a traditional real ale pub downstairs and a chic, modern venue upstairs.
Panacea is one of Manchester’s most successful bars. A cocktail bar and restaurant, the club is located in a basement venue and prides itself on a selective door policy. As a result, it is increasingly popular with celebrities.
Pure Space is a café, bar and restaurant, based on New Wakefield Street, just off Oxford Road. The café is on the ground floor and serves tapas and cocktails, the basement is home to a Northern Soul and funk club, and the bar is located on the roof terrace along with BBQ facilities. Music tends to be pop, Northern Soul and funk, and the bar boasts a wide selection of cocktails.
Opus One, in the 5* Radisson Edwardian Hotel, is an incredibly expensive but high quality cocktail bar located in the city centre. Fine wines and contemporary British cuisine are also available.
Mojo, on Back Bridge Street, is a cocktail bar specialising in classic rock from the 50s through to the 90s.
Canal Street, known as ‘the gay village’, is home to a variety of gay bars and nightclubs. Amongst these is Tribeca & Bed, a ‘New York Attic’ style bar, with large sofas, seating booths and full-size beds to recline on. Food and cocktails are served, and music includes R’n’B, Motown, funk, pop, 80s and jazz. The bar hosts live acoustic rock events and holds a Karaoke night on Tuesdays.
On Canal Street proper is Queer, a bar run by the Essential owners. The bar boasts a men-only area, known as The Main Area, its own in-toilet radio station, and an extensive list of cheap and interesting cocktails. A menu of quality Italian and American food is also on offer.
Churchill’s is a traditional pub, albeit a gay bar, with a traditional pub menu and the usual cask ale. The pub is incredibly popular and usually very busy over the weekend, attracting clientele with its array of entertainment, including karaoke and talent contests.
For real ale fans, and lovers of unusual venues, The Temple is a popular choice. Located in a converted public toilet, the bar is incredibly small and the toilet is unisex. The jukebox mainly comprises music by Manchester bands – some members of which have previously been sighted in the bar! The Temple offers a wide selection of bottled international real ales. The Temple is located on Great Bridgewater Street in the city centre.
Odd Bar, on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, offers a wide range of import beers and an impressive, bohemian décor. Briton’s Protection serves a range of real ales and whiskies, and occasionally hosts live music events on its upper floor. Mr Thomas’s Chop House, on Cross Street, is one of the oldest pubs in the city and boasts a selection of real ales and an award-winning chef serving food throughout the day. Rain Bar, on Great Bridgewater Street, is a traditional real ale pub downstairs and a chic, modern venue upstairs.
Panacea is one of Manchester’s most successful bars. A cocktail bar and restaurant, the club is located in a basement venue and prides itself on a selective door policy. As a result, it is increasingly popular with celebrities.
Pure Space is a café, bar and restaurant, based on New Wakefield Street, just off Oxford Road. The café is on the ground floor and serves tapas and cocktails, the basement is home to a Northern Soul and funk club, and the bar is located on the roof terrace along with BBQ facilities. Music tends to be pop, Northern Soul and funk, and the bar boasts a wide selection of cocktails.
Opus One, in the 5* Radisson Edwardian Hotel, is an incredibly expensive but high quality cocktail bar located in the city centre. Fine wines and contemporary British cuisine are also available.
Mojo, on Back Bridge Street, is a cocktail bar specialising in classic rock from the 50s through to the 90s.
Canal Street, known as ‘the gay village’, is home to a variety of gay bars and nightclubs. Amongst these is Tribeca & Bed, a ‘New York Attic’ style bar, with large sofas, seating booths and full-size beds to recline on. Food and cocktails are served, and music includes R’n’B, Motown, funk, pop, 80s and jazz. The bar hosts live acoustic rock events and holds a Karaoke night on Tuesdays.
On Canal Street proper is Queer, a bar run by the Essential owners. The bar boasts a men-only area, known as The Main Area, its own in-toilet radio station, and an extensive list of cheap and interesting cocktails. A menu of quality Italian and American food is also on offer.
Churchill’s is a traditional pub, albeit a gay bar, with a traditional pub menu and the usual cask ale. The pub is incredibly popular and usually very busy over the weekend, attracting clientele with its array of entertainment, including karaoke and talent contests.
Entertainment