As the festive season gets into full swing, Manchester’s bars are making the most of their outdoor space with pop-up tipis, igloos and even snow globe bars.
Here’s our quick guide to some of the best festive pop-up bars in the city this Christmas.
The Lodge at First Street
First Street has swapped its ice rink for a Christmas alpine lodge with a bar hosted by Gasworks. Tuck into festive favourites like mulled wine and hot toddies alongside Nordic-style beers and hot Yorkshire pudding wraps.
The giant snow globe in Piccadilly Gardens
Enjoy boozy winter warmers, traditional and cranberry-infused hot toddies, liqueur coffees and hot chocolates. Open every day from 11am to 9pm, with last orders around 8.30pm. Time to snuggle up under a blanket and get cosy.
Ice Tiki bar at The Ice Village, Cathedral Gardens
Some like it cold. As if it’s not already cold enough outside, the Ice Tiki bar – a new addition to this year’s Ice Village – will be kept at a brisk -8C. Admission here is via a separate ticket to the other Ice Village attractions and includes a tropical cocktail or mocktail served in an ice glass. There are also super-size cocktail sharers available to pre-order, with sparklers and umbrellas in a solid ice bowl.
Christmas igloos at The Refinery, Spinningfields
Filled with soft fake furs, blankets and cosy cushions, each Christmas igloo accommodates up to eight for dining and a max of ten for drinks. Twinkling lights add to the Christmassy magic and create a cosy setting for sipping on cocktails or steaming mugs of mulled wine. To book email [email protected].Bookings are available in two-hour slots, seven days a week.
North and South poles roof terrace at The Ivy
Take a trip to the North AND South pole this Christmas on The Ivy’s rooftop garden terraces. Themed limited-edition champagne cocktails including a delicious Winter Garden cocktail (£13.25) are also available until Christmas.
Christmas ‘carol-oke’ cabins at Bar Hutte
Belt out your favourite Christmas tunes to your heart’s content in one of these private karaoke lodges. Find them right in the middle of Spinningfields Square, off Deansgate.
Giant snow globes on the terrace at 20 Stories
20 Stories have transformed their terrace into an enchanting winter garden with giant snow globes and special Moët & Chandon cocktails. Indulge in festive treated high above Manchester in an enchanted forest with winter garden globes, foliage and captivating greenery.
Festive teepee at The Oast House, Spinningfields
With fire pits, fur throws, festive fairy lights and warming drinks, the teepee is one of Manchester’s most atmospheric winter venues and the perfect spot to huddle up with friends for a hearty lunch or after-work drinks. This year you can enjoy specially-created winter warmers and even Christmas movie screenings.