7 Cosy Winter Bars in Manchester

It gets to the point when a few glasses of festive fizz aren’t quite enough to keep you cozy. Seek refuge from the chilly temps and hide out in Manchester’s best winter drinking dens.

What is it that makes a bar a ‘winter bar’? Over a few beers on a recent chilly night, I sat down with industry guru, Jamie Jones, to get the scoop and find out where I’ll be spending the next three months of my life.

“A winter bar is cozy, dimly lit, and has doors that close quickly to keep the cold out!”

“…And not too much Christmas music, the odd song is ok, but no one really wants to listen to 5 versions of ‘Let It Snow’ on loop…”

Top Winter Bars:

The Whiskey Jar

Located on Tariff Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, The Whiskey Jar has a selection of over 200 whiskies and a special Christmas Ginger Jar Toddy for just £4.50. Sink into one of their chesterfields this holiday season.

14 Tariff St, Northern Quarter, Manchester M1 2FF

The Lawn Club

This winter, The Lawn Club have cozied up their bar with open fires, faux fur throws and an absolutely divine winter drinks list! Why not grab some skates, a hot drink and hit Manchester’s only city centre ice rink? They have also teamed up with Portabello Gin and The Underground Project presenting The Wednesday Music Show, some of the best underground artists performing live from 7pm until late the last Wednesday of every month. Next Event: Nov. 26^th.

*TOP TIP* Try a ‘Festive Flip’ – Havana 7, Sweet Vermouth, Beer, Fresh Lemon, Vanilla, Mince Meat & A Whole Egg!

Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HG

Christmas Teepee at The Oast House

Dressed with fairy lights, furs, blankets and an open log fire, The Teepee at the Oast House offers a winter haven. It’s the perfect place to stay warm and fill up on cocktails and comfort foods with friends.

The Avenue Courtyard, Manchester M3 3AY

The Liquor Store

Tucked away in a basement house just off Deansgate, this hidden Manchester gem is well worth discovering. Venture away from the beaten track of Deansgate bars, towards Salford, and you’ll find a cool, unpretentious crowd enjoying great Manchester music, fantastic Christmas cocktails and a wicked atmosphere with real togetherness late into the night. Open every night of the week (til 3am). Book your table online now for free to bag the best spot and service. They f’ing love Christmas.

40 Blackfriars Street, Manchester, M3 2EG

Epernay

Who doesn’t want a glass or two of fizz during the holidays? Epernay is the perfect winter hang-out for intimate drinks and a great view of the city’s Christmas décor.

Unit 1a, Great Northern Tower, Watson St, Manchester M3 4EE

HAIG CLUB Reserve Bar

A recent addition to Spinningfields’ in The Reserve Bar and promoted by David Beckham, HAIG CLUB will be hosting a events all season showcasing their luxury whisky with a series of unique events, including tasting evenings, whisky talks and grooming nights. Relax in this festive pop up surrounded by the delights of the Christmas Markets. Open for just 10 weeks in winter.

Try “The New Old Fashioned”.

Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HG

Bar Hütte

Located in Crown Square, Bar Hutte is made of 6 alpine ski lodges around an outdoor bar, each lodge is named after a famous ski resort. They even have karaoke!

Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HG

Fumo by San Carlo

Tucked away behind the Town Hall at 1 St. Peter’s Square, San Carlo’s newest addition to the city, Fumo is set to open late November. Serving up traditional Italian dishes, street food, pasta, pizza and more, they’re also pulling out all stops on the bar. “I’ve combined classic cocktails with flavours of modern Italian cuisine.” Says Jamie Jones, the group’s bar consultant and award winning mixologist. With drinks like the ‘Signorina Negroski’ (St. Germaine Elderflower Liquor, Sweet Vermouth, Aperol and Belenkaya Vodka Garnished with Edible Butterflies) and a ‘Strawberry Balsamic Manhattan’, the menu is sure to tickle your taste-buds in the most exhilarating way.

1 Peter Square, Manchester

Home is Where the Heart is

Staying in for the night? Mister Jones has created the perfect winter warmer for you to enjoy at home!

Wint’ Julip

• 2 tsp sugar
• Hot peppermint tea
• Double shot of Wild Turkey
• 1 Mint leaf
• Served with an After Eight mint