Is this Manchester’s most exclusive bar?

Tucked away in one of Manchester’s less-travelled back alleys, hidden behind an unassuming façade, lies a bar that defies the ordinary.

Blink and you might miss it, but those in the know are more than happy to keep it that way.

This clandestine spot, with its Blade Runner-inspired decor and nod to the effortless cool of Japanese backstreet bars and furtive Izakayas, is one of the city’s most exciting—and elusive—watering holes.

This is Kōdo

This is no ordinary bar. No signs are pointing to its entrance, no social media posts spilling its location or secrets.

Kōdo is all about discovery.

The only way to enter is with a special code, which changes weekly.

Don’t bother with screen-shotting an invite from a friend who was lucky enough to get in.

KODO demands commitment, ensuring only those truly in the know cross its threshold.

What’s Kōdo like inside?

Once inside, the atmosphere is immediately captivating.

Red lighting casts a warm, smoky glow over the space, while minimal beats of house music pulse softly in the background, creating the perfect balance between ambience and conversation.

There’s a heavy futuristic cyberpunk vibe to the place.

The aesthetic is effortlessly cool—Blade Runner meets underground Tokyo.

The space feels intimate yet expansive, a place where the decor is as stylish as the drinks themselves.

Artworks by Hy One and Tetsuo

Kōdo’s interior is a visual feast. On the walls, the street art of two contemporary graffiti masters—Hy One from Leeds and Tetsuo from Manchester—grabs your attention.

You might have seen their beautiful work spotted around Manchester and Leeds.

Their bold murals are inspired by the dynamic worlds of Japanese anime, hip-hop, and street culture, using striking reds, blacks, and whites to create a sense of excitement in every corner.

The graffiti feels alive, almost as if it has always belonged to this hidden spot, elevating the bar from simply a place to drink to a place to immerse yourself in art and culture.

Their art brings an urban energy to the space, combining Japanese cultural elements with the raw vibrancy of street art.

Inspired by the bold imagery of anime and the rhythm of hip-hop culture, their murals are as much a part of Kōdo as the drinks themselves.

The use of red, black, and white against contrasting backgrounds ensures that the artwork pops, giving the space a dynamic, almost electric feel.

Their murals don’t just add colour; they breathe life into the venue.

It’s a space that feels alive with creativity, where every corner offers something new to discover.

The murals stand out against the dark, smoky backdrop, ensuring that wherever you sit, there’s something exciting to take in.

For the cocktail connoisseurs

Make no mistake—Kōdo is a bar for cocktail connoisseurs.

While many venues dazzle with over-the-top, flamboyant drinks and decor, Kōdo takes a different approach.

Here, the drinks do the talking. And their excellent bartender, Harrison who is immensely knowledgeable and talented.

Minimalist yet bold, every cocktail on the menu has been meticulously crafted to perfection, with a clear influence from Japanese and East Asian flavours.

Think subtle hints of yuzu, a dash of sake, or a twist of umeshu—all harmoniously blended into drinks that pack a punch without any of the gimmicks. It’s all about the experience.

At Kōdo, the philosophy is clear: less is more.

Minimal garnish, minimal fuss—just perfectly balanced drinks that speak for themselves.

For those tired of extravagant cocktails more suited to Instagram than enjoyment, Kōdo is a breath of fresh air.

It’s a place where the quality of the ingredients and the precision of the mixology are the stars of the show.

The bar’s laid-back, low-key vibe means that conversation flows easily.

This isn’t the kind of place where you have to shout over loud music or strain to hear.

The carefully curated house beats create an unobtrusive background rhythm, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the company of friends—or perhaps strangers who’ve managed to crack the same elusive code.

Kōdo feels like an oasis of calm in the middle of the city’s frenetic nightlife—a space where you can unwind with a perfectly crafted drink, surrounded by great art and better conversation.

The allure of mystery

Kōdo’s founders understand the power of secrecy. They know that exclusivity breeds intrigue, and they’ve created a venue that thrives on it.

In an age where almost everything is discoverable online, Kōdo holds onto its mystery.

Even its TripAdvisor reviews don’t give the game away—while many talk about the incredible experience inside, the bar’s exact location and entry details remain carefully guarded secrets.

“We’re only secret once,” the owners like to say, and they’ve taken that philosophy to heart.

The weekly code ensures that only those in the know can enter, and if you turn up without it—even on a quiet night—you’re out of luck.

But that’s part of the charm. The thrill of gaining access makes the experience even sweeter, and the sense of exclusivity is part of what keeps Kōdo’s regulars coming back.

The final word

Kōdo is not just a bar—it’s an experience.

From the moment you begin your search for the hidden entrance, to the moment you take that first sip of a perfectly crafted cocktail, Kōdo draws you in with its mystery and keeps you coming back with its quality.

It’s a place where art and drinks meet, where the vibe is effortlessly cool, and where the exclusivity only adds to the allure.

For those in the know, Kōdo is a sanctuary—a red-lit, smoky haven for the cocktail connoisseur.

So, if you’re lucky enough to crack the code and find yourself stepping inside, savour every moment.

Just don’t tell anyone how you got in.

Check out their instagram by clicking here