Just because Manchester has two top Premier League teams, does’t mean we all love football. The World Cup can be a proper ear ache for some of us. ‘Yeh, come on football. Kick that ball in the net!’ But you still fancy getting out for a drink, don’t you. But where?? Here’s a few bars we love. Feel free to add any we’ve missed at the bottom…
1. El Capo
As if you thought the Tariff Street Neighbourhood couldn’t get any better. This bundle of Mexicana don’t want any commercial none-sense. They stick to what they know and do best. Awesome cocktails with an almighty tequila twist. They MIGHT be showing some games involving Mexico, but that’s still up for dispute. Drop everything and escape to Mexico, potentially well away from any footy.
12 Tariff Street, Northern Quarter, M1 2FF
2. The Whiskey Jar
The Whiskey Jar has undoubtedly become one of the northern quarters favourite spots. This old textile mill has been beautifully restored with it’s upstairs bar playing host to a range of popular nights. No football, just proper drinks amongst people with a lot more interests.
14 Tariff Street, Northern Quarter, M1 2FF
3. Kosmonaut
Kosmonaut is a convivial neighbourhood hangout firmly established on Tariff Street. With stellar food and drinks, excellent coffee, super fast WIFI, ever-changing art exhibitions and a fierce ping pong league – you couldn’t be any further from soccer.
10 Tariff Street, Northern Quarter, M1 2FF
4. Elixir
Elixir is a welcoming, accessible, sophisticated bar without the pretence. With its rustic, reclaimed appearance and Chesterfield comfort, it’s a piece of the Northern Quarter on the Deansgate end of town. Go in for a discerning drink, a bar that caters for everyone from educated palettes to draft beer. They don’t have amy interest in any football. Probably the best Espresso Martini in town.
123 Deansgate, M3 2BY
5. The Alchemist
Far too involved with cocktail science to have any interest in football. Two sophisticated bars in the city centre serving drinks with intellect in ‘faded glamour’ surroundings.
Spinningfields: 3 Hardman Street, M3 3HF
New York St: 1 New York Street, M1 4HD
6. Cloud 23
A bar on the 23rd floor of Beetham Tower with the ultimate view of Manchester. A sensible place for sensible people with Greek god-like decor and a fantastic and classy cocktail menu. It can be annoying waiting for that lift to the 23rd floor and being told it’s full and looking like you’ve not quite made the grade in the lobby, but frankly it’s worth the wait.
Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, M3 4LQ
7. Grand Pacific
Grand Pacific is a very chilled retreat from the bustle of the city. Opening last year during the summer months as an extension of Australasia, it’s a contemporary colonial oasis. It’s accessible from Australasia past the kitchen and on ground level behind the Armani store in Spinningfields. Grand Pacific Bar & Garden combines modern Australian cuisine and Pacific Rim flavours with a wealth of adventurous cocktails. It’s no secret that the luxurious bar offers a lighter side of the Australasia experience where you can indulge in a light lunch outside.
1 The Avenue, M3 3AP
australasia.uk.com/grandpacific
8. Artisan
Artisan is Living Venture’s 12,000 sq foot mix of loft and industrial design with a 20 foot bar. And it’s just had a its bar extended to cater for its high demand. Artisan is finally finding its place. But there’s still movement. It’s still a brand that has a lot further to go. But there’s no room for football.
First Floor, Avenue North, Spinningfields, M3 3BZ
9. Manchester House
Aside from probably the best restaurant in the city, the fabulous floor 12 bar area known as The Lounge offers spectacular, wrap-around views of the Manchester skyline. And not a football in sight.
Tower 12, 18-22 Bridge Street, M3 3BZ