This NQ speakeasy bar is serving up some of the city’s best live comedy

You won’t find another bar in Manchester like The Fitzgerald.

It’s an elegant speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the Northern Quarter that hosts high-quality events along with equally high-quality drinks.

This hidden gem isn’t easy to find, adding to that exclusive atmosphere.

Head down a secret side street in Stevenson Square, go up some stairs and you’ll find one of the city’s best-looking bar spaces.

It’s all dim lighting and plush furnishings, with an excited buzz around the place as everyone knows they’re somewhere special, far removed from the raucous Magaluf-style atmosphere outside.

Everything is custom-designed to deliver that glamorous Great Gatsby vibe, from the well-stocked bar to the candlelit tables and luxurious couches that point toward the stage – which is where the magic happens.

Every last Thursday of the month, Comedy For Hot People takes over. Fear not, there are no checks at the door, this is merely the tongue-in-cheek name for a night of superb standup comedy.

Hosted by rising star Michael Mannion and the hotly-tipped Erika Ehler, this pay-what-you-want night serves up some of the city’s best live comedy, easily rivalling more established nights in terms of quality.

The January event saw the belly-achingly funny Harry Stachini introduce top-tier acts such as Danny Mcloughlin, Ben Silver and Eryn Tett, with jokes veering from cleverly surreal to room-shaking big laughs.

If you’re looking for a carefully-curated night of future big comedy names and a friendly, supportive crowd, this is the one – but be sure to book in advance as it regularly sells out.

At the weekends, the tone shifts towards live music with pitch-perfect singers such as Domonique and Hayley Russell taking to the stage on Friday and Saturday nights.

You can expect jazz-tinged covers of classic hits, taking in everyone from Nina Simone to Oasis, which invariably ends up with most of the room singing and dancing along.

This relaxed party atmosphere is largely thanks to the fabulous cocktails served up by the expert staff. Cheerful, chatty and with an in-depth knowledge of countless wonderful drinks, they’re the key to The Fitzgerald’s success.

Feeling bold? Ask the in-house cocktail virtuoso to whip you up a unique creation, or choose from one of the signature classics from the venue’s traditional leather-bound cocktail book.

If you want something dramatic, delicious and devilishly easy to drink, go for the Oriental Sling, a gin-based combination of sweet, exotic flavours.

Proud of your sophisticated palate? The Balvados, an inspired blend of Stoli caramel vodka, Calvados, French vermouth and black walnut bitters will deliver a satisfying sip.

In truth, all the cocktails on offer are beautifully made, from the very best quality ingredients, and more than reasonably priced.

Currently, there are a couple of dozen or so to pick from, but we have insider knowledge that they’re increasing this to over 50.

That’s the next few weekends sorted for all you cocktail completists.

After a couple of years of little to no partying, going out to drink, dance and laugh again feels like some illicit Prohibition-era adventure, and nowhere captures this feeling quite like The Fitzgerald.

Here, you’ll find the very best that Manchester has to offer, from comedy to live music, and most importantly, the drinks.

If you haven’t been yet, put this wonderful venue at the top of your list for 2022.