Manchester’s secret salsa spots where you can meet new people and dance the night away

If you’re looking for somewhere to dance the night away Latino style, these nights cater for all ages and dance abilities, from total beginners to Shakira standard ‘salseros’- that’s salsa dancers to you and me.

Do you love dancing but feel too old for the clubs? Do you want to meet new people? Or maybe you just fancy something a bit different.

Whatever your age or dance ability, there’s a salsa place in Manchester that will be just the ticket.

The super-friendly one: Salsa En Manchester

Never tried salsa before? Moves fit for Strictly? Whichever of these describe you, you’ll fit in at the Blue Parrot. With DJ Vlad, from El Salvador, on the decks and Roger, from Peru, putting you through your paces in his salsa classes, you’ll be a pro in no time!

Drinks are reasonably priced too, and the vibe is relaxed and unpretentious. 

Salsa class: 8 – 8.45pm, Bachata class: 8.55 – 9.45pm. Salsa and Bachata social dancing: 9.45pm – 2am. Fridays at The Blue Parrot/Portland Bar and Grill, Portland Street, M1 3LL, 8pm-2am. Social dancing: £3, classes and social: £6/£8.

The show off your moves one: Salsa Social

Most people are familiar with this Cuban themed bar-restaurant’s upstairs with its tropical cocktails, two hour daily Happy Hours, live bands and party atmosphere – but not many people know about its downstairs alter-ego.

Every Wednesday night it transforms into a Copacabana style club with salsa and Dominican Bachata music until 12.30am and reggaeton, merengue electronico, dembow and more until 3am. 

Classes: 6.30 – 9pm. Social Dancing from 9pm. Wednesdays plus monthly Salsa and Bachata parties at Revolucion De Cuba, Peter Street, M2 5QR, 7pm- 3am. Social dancing: free, classes: free/£5.

The young, late one: Latin Party Manchester

A bit of a younger crowd frequents this place – think overseas students, but don’t let that put you off if you’re older.

The mixed age salsa crowd come too, they just leave a bit earlier. 

Salsa and Bachata dancing: 11pm – 1am, reggaeton and Latin and Spanish Hits: 1am – 4.30am. Saturdays at Bliss, 19 Albion Wharf, M1 5LN, 11pm-4.30am, £10.

The pop-up one: Dimitri’s

Combine your love of food with your passion for dance with tasty Greek dishes followed by authentic Cuban salsa music. The saying: ‘a moment on the lips and a lifetime on the hips’ is happily redundant here as you’ll just dance all those calories off!

Suitable for all ages and abilities. Dining not required. The nights sometimes feature live bands, too. Ay!

Selected Saturdays (dates and prices vary) at Dimitri’s, Campfield Arcade, 322 Deansgate, Castlefield, M3 4FN, 8pm to 1am.

The funky one: Hive/Retro 

With special Salsa and Bachata themed parties, tucked away at the end of Sackville Street, Hive is the place to be if you fancy a dance after midnight.

Mainly attracts a younger crowd with a more mixed age-group earlier on.

Selected Fridays/Saturdays (dates, times and prices vary) at Hive/Retro, 78 Sackville Street, M1 3NJ, approx 10.30pm – 4am.