Nightlife in Manchester

Manchester boasts a renowned nightlife scene, characterised by a dynamic blend of historic pubs, unique craft beer venues, and lively cocktail bars spread across its diverse neighbourhoods. Whether you prefer a laid-back drink in a quirky atmosphere or an energetic night out, the city caters to all tastes and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The Northern Quarter stands out as the creative and independent core of Manchester's drinking culture. This area exudes a hipster vibe, filled with speakeasies and hidden treasures. Notable establishments include The Castle Hotel, a traditional pub with a rich history dating back to 1776, and The Washhouse, a secret cocktail bar cleverly disguised as a laundromat. Dusk Til Pawn adds to the charm with its pawn-shop themed decor, offering a unique cocktail experience.

In contrast, Deansgate, Peter Street, and Spinningfields represent the bustling, upscale side of Manchester's nightlife. This area is known for its sleek and stylish venues, perfect for both lively parties and intimate dates. Highlights include 20 Stories, a prestigious rooftop bar with stunning city views, and Albert's Schloss, a vibrant Bavarian-inspired beer hall. The Oast House provides a cosy retreat with its rustic charm, making it a popular spot in the heart of Spinningfields.

1. Albert Schloss 

Albert's Schloss Manchester is a lively Alpine-inspired venue situated on Peter Street, offering a unique blend of entertainment and culinary delights. The atmosphere is theatrical and vibrant, featuring live performances every night alongside a menu filled with indulgent European mountain cuisine. Guests can enjoy fresh, unpasteurised Pilsner served directly from impressive copper tanks, enhancing the overall experience of this pleasure palace.

The design of Albert's Schloss draws inspiration from Prince Albert’s Bavarian roots, resembling a grand "schloss" dedicated to leisure and enjoyment. The interior is characterised by soaring ceilings, warm fires, and beautiful floral arrangements, creating a festive and energetic ambience. With a lineup of nightly shows that includes live bands, DJs, and cabaret acts, the venue promises an exciting experience for all who visit.

The culinary offerings, known as The Cook Haus, showcase dishes inspired by the Alpine regions of Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and France. Guests can savour Bavarian delights such as bubbling cheese fondue, slow-roasted pork knuckle, and freshly made Spätzle. Additionally, the on-site bakery produces a variety of treats, including pretzels and pastries, while the drink selection features Manchester's first Tankovna, serving freshly tapped Pilsner Urquell along with a diverse array of European beers, schnapps, and cocktails.

2. Waldorf 

The Waldorf is a charming British pub nestled in the bustling heart of Manchester, specifically on Gore Street, just a brief stroll from Manchester Piccadilly Station. Renowned for its inviting and friendly ambience, the pub serves up traditional British fare, a selection of cask ales, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for enjoying live sports.

This establishment features a relaxed vibe characterised by a blend of classic wood-panelled decor and modern screens. Guests can indulge in beloved pub staples such as fish and chips, burgers, and hearty pies, all complemented by well-maintained cask ales and a rotating selection of draught beers. For sports enthusiasts, the pub boasts eight full HD screens showcasing Sky Sports, making it a favoured destination on match days, complete with a coach service to weekend Manchester City home games.

Additionally, the Waldorf offers a versatile first-floor function room that can host up to 100 guests, complete with its own private bar, DJ stand, and dance floor. The pub also engages the community with weekly events, including a popular smartphone quiz, a chess club on Wednesday nights, and live music every Friday, ensuring there’s always something happening for patrons to enjoy.

3. Piccadilly Tap 

Situated in the renowned Gateway House, affectionately dubbed the ‘Lazy S’, we are conveniently located just outside Manchester’s Piccadilly station.

The Tap is dedicated to presenting an impressive selection of beers from leading brewers both in the UK and internationally, all within a welcoming venue designed for relaxation. Our focus is on delivering exceptional freshness, quality, and affordability. While we offer a variety of innovative and challenging beer styles, our primary emphasis remains on refreshing session cask and keg options.

On the first floor, guests can enjoy additional seating, a pool table, and an inviting terrace for outdoor enjoyment. We currently feature 18 kegs and 8 casks on tap—feel free to check our full beer list online or visit us to explore our latest offerings. For those looking to take home a great beer for their journey, we also provide a wide selection of bottled and canned options.

4. Crafty Pig 

The Crafty Pig, situated on Oldham Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter, is a lively bar and kitchen celebrated for its industrial-chic design, hearty comfort food, and energetic sports-pub vibe. This venue has become a favourite for casual dining, live sports events, and indulgent bottomless brunches, attracting a diverse crowd looking for a vibrant atmosphere.

The interior boasts an urban, industrial aesthetic characterised by exposed brick walls, rustic details, and contemporary lighting. It serves as a prime location for sports enthusiasts, featuring high-definition screens that broadcast football, rugby, F1, and boxing matches. Additionally, the bar offers a sun-drenched outdoor beer garden, perfect for enjoying drinks in a relaxed setting.

The menu highlights a range of approachable pub classics, including succulent burgers, wings, tacos, and stone-baked pizzas, with ample vegetarian and vegan options available. The bottomless brunch is particularly popular, allowing guests to enjoy classic dishes alongside unlimited drinks, such as beer, fizz, and cocktails, for a designated time. The drink selection is extensive, featuring a variety of craft beers, ciders, and inventive cocktails to complement the dining experience.

5. Brewdog Peter Street 

Our journey began in Manchester with the opening of our first BrewDog bar, conveniently located in Deansgate, close to the Central Convention Complex. This vibrant spot is known for its mouthwatering stacked burgers, renowned wings, and a diverse menu of bar food that prioritises bold flavours. With 21 taps featuring fresh craft beer, it’s an ideal destination for lunch, after-work gatherings, or a lively night out in the heart of Manchester.

We offer a variety of amenities to enhance your experience, including a dedicated vegan menu, dog-friendly spaces, and facilities such as baby changing stations and disabled access. Whether you're catching live sports or enjoying a meal with friends, our bar is designed to cater to all your needs.

Don’t miss out on our exciting promotions, like Wings Wednesday for unlimited wings, and special events such as Father’s Day on June 21st, where dads eat free. Join our Lunch Club for a burger, pint, and fries at just £13.95, or take advantage of our student discount offering 25% off food and drink. For those under 25, enjoy a fantastic 50% off on Sundays, making it the perfect time to visit.

6. Victoria Tap 

Victoria Tap is a charming pub dedicated to craft beer, situated within Manchester Victoria Station, close to the Corporation Street entrance. Launched in October 2023 as a sister establishment to the Piccadilly Tap, it boasts a spacious, heated outdoor beer garden and an interior adorned with historical railway artefacts.

The atmosphere at Victoria Tap strikes a balance between relaxed and energetic, catering to both commuters and concert attendees heading to the nearby AO Arena. The venue features a covered beer garden that can be enjoyed in any weather, complete with views of the tram tracks and a live departure board to ensure patrons stay on schedule.

Victoria Tap prides itself on its diverse drink selection, offering a rotating array of local and regional cask ales, ciders on tap, craft kegs, and spritz deals. With pints starting at approximately £4.20, the pub aims to provide an affordable experience while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against discriminatory language, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

7. The Shakespeare 

The Shakespeare is a historic pub located on Fountain Street in the heart of Manchester, known for its distinctive black-and-white timber-framed Tudor architecture. Originally constructed in Chester in 1656, the building was carefully dismantled and moved to its current location in 1928, where it continues to attract visitors with its rich history.

While the pub showcases original 17th-century carvings, much of its structure is a 20th-century reconstruction. Local folklore adds an intriguing layer to its history, suggesting that the establishment is haunted by the spirit of a former barmaid and a 17th-century assailant. This blend of history and legend enhances the pub's charm and allure.

In November 2024, The Shakespeare underwent a significant refurbishment, introducing modern elements such as exposed brick walls, plush seating, and a cosy log fire. The venue offers a menu featuring traditional British pub fare, cask ales, wines, and cocktails, with seasonal dining options available. Additionally, it screens live sports events and provides a ground-floor function room for private hire, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all, including dog owners.

8. Exhibition 

Exhibition, a vibrant hub in the heart of St. Peter’s Square where Manchester unites to savour delicious food, refreshing drinks, and meaningful connections. This unique venue features three independent food vendors, a dedicated cocktail bar, and live DJs, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and inviting.

What sets Exhibition apart from traditional food halls is its commitment to full table service, allowing guests to relish a diverse culinary experience with the sophistication of a sit-down restaurant. Our cocktail bar is thoughtfully curated, offering seasonal and creative drinks designed to enhance every meal, ensuring a harmonious pairing of flavours.

As the day transitions from lunch to late-night, Exhibition transforms, catering to various moods and occasions. Whether you're unwinding after work, enjoying dinner with friends, or embracing the weekend's energy, our space invites exploration and indulgence, making it the perfect destination for any gathering.

9. O'Sheas Irish Bar 

For over two decades, O’Sheas has been a beloved establishment in Manchester, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and as a premier destination for live music and sports. Known for serving one of the finest pints of Guinness outside of Ireland, this iconic bar has become a staple for both locals and visitors alike.

Following a comprehensive refurbishment, we are excited to welcome guests back to experience our enhanced offerings. Our extensive selection includes a variety of draught beers, an impressive range of craft beers, and a notable collection of Irish whiskeys and gins. Additionally, our new food menu, available from 10 am until late, features favourites like the renowned Full Irish Breakfast and delicious burgers.

O’Sheas is the perfect spot to catch all the thrilling action from the Premiership, GAA, rugby, and more, alongside live music performances from Thursday to Sunday. We invite you to join us and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere that has made us a cherished part of the Manchester community.

10. The Brunswick 

The Brunswick is a Grade II listed Victorian pub situated at 97 Piccadilly, Manchester (M1 2DB), conveniently located just a short stroll from Manchester Piccadilly Station. Known for its hearty pub fare, classic pints, and regular drink promotions, it serves as a friendly and relaxed gathering spot for both commuters and local residents.

Originally established in the 1790s, the building was constructed in the early 19th century as a hotel with two adjoining townhouses. Its architecture features a classic stucco and brick façade, which is now a protected structure, showcasing symmetrical windows and elegant Tuscan pilaster detailing.

Inside, the Brunswick exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, characterised by exposed brick walls, soft pendant lighting, and wooden flooring, earning it a reputation as a quintessential local pub. The menu offers traditional British dishes, including full English breakfasts, burgers, and small plates, alongside a selection of classic ales like Timothy Taylor Landlord. Additionally, patrons can enjoy budget-friendly options such as 2-4-1 cocktails, discounted meals on Mondays, and reasonably priced breakfasts.