Manchester’s Top 5 Winter Drinking Dens

Our top 5 breakdown of Manchester’s city centre hideouts to hide from the chill, drink and be merry this winter.

1. XMAS MARKETS

Attracting shoppers from all over the UK and beyond, the market has titled Manchester city centre as the Christmas capital of the UK – the Christmas Market has become not just a fabulous place to shop but also a hugely popular leisure destination in its own right. No Mancunian winter is complete without a wander through the chalet-lined streets of the markets.

This year (until 22nd December) the market is celebrating its 15th year and takes over nine different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere:

Albert Square, Brazennose Street, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and Corporation Street.

@XmasMarkets2013 / christmasmarkets.com

2. HIBERNATE

“That tent/canopy/leafy barrack thing in Spinningfields” – formally INBLOOM, transformed into a wonderfully romantic alpine styled log cabin, roaring fires, an endearing and cosy atmosphere, a cup of delightfully warm cider and being sat with friends on fur lined log stools; welcome to HIBERNATE.

As a truly delectable piece of winter escapism HIBERNATE must be as good as it gets, it may not have a lion, a witch or a wardrobe but it sure has everything else.

The Lawns, Spinningfields, Manchester M33JE

@hibernatemcr / hibernatemcr.co.uk

3. THE TEEPEE AT THE OAST HOUSE

Adorned with fairy lights, the whimsical installation provides a quirky alternative to Manchester’s traditional festivities. The teepee is decked out with furs and wooden furniture, adding to the ‘straight from Lapland’ vibe. Think chic festive grotto, rather than festival-going grotty.

The Oast House, The Avenue, Spinningfields.

@TheOastHouseMcr / theoasthouse.uk.com

4. THE LONG BAR / BIER HAUS

A bar brought to us by the famous Living Ventures Group (The Alchemist, Australasia, The Oast House etc.) it’s generally a long metal bar with floor to ceiling doors that stretch the length of the venue. The Bier Haus is an extension of The Long Bar connected for the winter months, providing long wooden tables in theme with the German (Thwaites) Kaltenburg beer on tap.

Add to this a soundtrack of Balearic and soulful grooves, with guest DJs and brass bands in the Bier Haus playing Thursday to Sunday and on call to play sunny weekday evenings.

The Lawns, Hardman Square, Spinningfields The Lawns M3 3JE.

@TheLongBarMCR / thelongbarmcr.co.uk

5. RESERVE BY THE LIQUORISTS

Reserve by The Liquorists is thought to be the first venue of its kind in Manchester, offering a unique mix of retail, a world class cocktail bar and a creative drinking experience all under one roof.

The ground floor is a retail space where shoppers can taste and buy high end spirits. Anyone who buys a bottle will be able to pop upstairs to the bar to taste and learn how to make a world class cocktail or signature serve at home by The Liquorists own master cocktail makers.

52 King St reet, Manchester, M2 4LY

@TheLiquorists @KingStReserve / theliquorists.com/reserve