A prison-themed immersive cocktail experience is coming to Spinningfields

Inspired by TV and film, Alcotraz was London’s first immersive cocktail experience, quickly establishing itself as a must-visit experience in the capital.

With three sites firmly established in the South, Alcotraz is now excited to be opening a new Cell Block and it’s first in the North, with ‘Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four’ coming to Spinningfields next month.

What is Alcotraz?

Alcotraz is the notorious bar behind bars, where guests – or more appropriately ‘inmates’ – are tasked with smuggling liquor past the Warden and getting it into the hands of some of Alcotraz’s longest-serving inmates, who then transform the contraband liquor into delicious cocktails.  

Encountering a cast of actors as a theatrical storyline plays out and drinking personalised cocktails whilst serving their time, Alcotraz has established itself as a leading alternative night out. 

Comprising of a dramatic cell block of 10 individual cells, Alcotraz Manchester will accommodate 50 inmates for public experiences and up to 100 for private venue hires perfect for 2021 Christmas parties.

The cells will range in size, perfect for couples as well as larger groups. There will also be a Prison Commissary area, for lower priced seats, and these inmates will also have their own dedicated mixologist at their own bar.

What’s more, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four will uniquely have its own Prison Canteen area. After the main experience, inmates can spend additional time within the theatrical prison world of Alcotraz by purchasing a seat within this Prison Canteen area, to enjoy an inclusive cocktail and prison ration.

What’s the experience?

The experience begins as soon as guests purchase a ticket.

Guests in advance of visiting will be able to create their own unique Criminal Record from the Department of Justice before being secretly instructed by bootleggers on the inside to smuggle their liquor into Alcotraz.   

Smuggling their spirit past The Warden, inmates will be led into Alcotraz Penitentiary and given their own unique inmate number and orange jumpsuit to wear for the duration of their sentencing to avoid escape.

Once in their cells, they will encounter a cast of shady characters and the jail’s notorious bootlegging gang who are ready to transform illicit liquor into bespoke contemporary and classic cocktails.

The prison canteen system makes for the perfect disguise of hiding contraband in this Cell Block.

Expect to see your smuggled liquor hidden inside cooking appliances and your cocktails served in discrete containers to avoid suspicions from The Warden. 

“The experience has been so popular within London that within a very short period of time we were able to grow the Alcotraz brand to have multiple sites, including one in Brighton,” says creator Sam Shearman.

“We are now absolutely thrilled to bring this unique concept to Manchester and launch our biggest and most ambitious Alcotraz to date”.

When does it open and how much is it?

Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four, will be unlocking its doors on 16th July, at 1a Watson Street, M3 4EE.

It costs £29.99 for seats within the Prison Commissary Area or £35.99 for seats within a Prison Cell.

Bookings go live on Tuesday 22nd June, and tickets are available online here.