Manchester, also known as Warehouse City, has its fair share of bars and restaurants as well as a buzzing nightlife. So, we have created a list of the top bars in Manchester, each one with their own quirk that are perfect for either business or afterwork drinks!
20 Stories
Situated on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, 20 Stories is a cocktail bar and garden terrace as well as a rooftop restaurant. Providing guests with the best view of the city, the highest rooftop bar in Manchester has an extensive drinks menu from cocktails to draught beer; 20 Stories is ideal for impressing clients over business drinks in Manchester. There are two bars at 20 Stories; the first is situated between the two dining areas and the second is located on the rooftop terrace. If tempted to eat at 20 Stories know that they aim to source local ingredients from no further than 50 miles outside of Manchester. In addition, 20 Stories offers afternoon tea, a set lunch menu, and live music every Friday and Saturday night.
We Recommend – Caleño Light & Zesty, a vibrant juniper and Inca berry non-alcoholic spirit.
Speak In Code
Opened in 2018, Speak In Code is located on Jacksons Row, offering an intimate venue which seats just 43 people. This hidden gem was named the 10th top cocktail bar in the UK and offers a specially selected menu of vegan small plates and exciting cocktails. In terms of décor, Speak In Code has a New York feel from the second you step in the door, with brick walls, dark wooden features, and a relaxing soundtrack of lo-fi jazzy hip-hop. The bar splits its drinks into three categories: signatures (Tracks), B-sides (Untitled) and ClasSICs. There's an air of mystery at Speak In Codes as their drinks are kept fairly secret until guests arrive. The intimate nature of this bar in Manchester makes it perfect for drinks with business partners or when sealing a deal with an important client.
Ducie Street
Located inside Native Manchester, Ducie Street Warehouse is a buzzing restaurant and bar, serving a full range of flavoursome drinks and delicious food. The bar's relaxed vibe is complemented by a cool DJ working the decks at the entrance – sure to impress your colleagues. From organic, vegan wines and signature cocktails to tasty nibbles and dishes, the bustling bar is a hotspot for after-work drinks. Ducie Street Warehouse is a fantastic place to visit regardless of where you’re staying, however it also offers beautiful, serviced apartments from studios to penthouses ideal for business stay.
We Recommend – Underwater Martini, DSW’s take on a classic martini with a nautical twist.
Three Little Words
Three Little Words is situated in Deansgate, within a Grade-II listed building with plush mustard seating, exposed plumbing, and vaulted ceilings. This popular bar in Manchester is located inside the Spirit of Manchester Distillery and is owned by the people behind Manchester Gin, so it offers an extensive selection of delicious gins made just a couple of steps away from your table. However, the bar is far from limited to gin, serving spirits, wines, and local beers – every cocktail on the menu includes ingredients made in the distillery. Awarded a 2021 TripAdvisor's Travellers’ Choice award and Bar Team of the Year 2022 by ‘Top 50 Cocktail Bars’, just two of the many reasons to visit Three Little Words.
The Jane Eyre
Located in the Cutting Room Square, The Jane Eyre is a stylish and cosy bar owned by two brothers. Its laid-back atmosphere is complemented by its seasonal small plates, local beers, and classic cocktails with a twist. The Jane Eyre has a Mediterranean approach to eating - they encourage having lots of small plates and sharing the dishes. The simplistic nature of this bar makes it the perfect place for relaxed after-work drinks.
We Recommend – Manchester Union Craft Lager, brewed at Manchester's only dedicated craft lager brewery
Tattu
Founded in 2015, Tattu is a modern Chinese bar and restaurant, providing guests with an unforgettable experience. Located in the popular Spinningfields area, Tattu arguably put as much effort into its drinks as its delicious cuisine, creating experimental and flavoursome cocktails. Guests won’t be stuck for choices with Tattu’s incredible array of drinks – great for business drinks in Manchester as there really is a tipple to suit everyone. Alongside the drink's menu, Tattu serves traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist, encouraging guests to take part in the customary approach of sharing dishes between each other.
We Recommend – Cherry Blossom Negroni, a remarkable sight (pictured above)
Schofields Bar
Enjoy business drinks in Manchester at Schofields Bar, a classic cocktail bar named the 16th top cocktail bar in the UK. Located on the corner of Sunlight House, an art deco style grade II building. Similar to The Jane Eyre, Schofields Bar is also owned by two brothers; together they have over 25 years of bartending experience. The brothers have paired drinks with their favourite books, so guests can drink a tasty cocktail whilst reading an enjoyable book! Sip your drink whilst tucking into a Charcuterie or Cheese Selection and reading a classic.
LEVEN Manchester
One of the newer bars in Manchester, LEVEN is a vibrant red brick building, found alongside canal street in Manchester’s Village. This lounge bar features bottle green décor and is the perfect place to relax whilst drinking an intriguingly named, appetising, cocktail with a colleague. There is even a selection of newly refurbished serviced apartments within LEVEN, which makes getting from the bar to your bed highly convenient.
We Recommend – Steep in Thought, with Sailor Jerry's Spiced Rum and cranberry juice
Now you’re all knowledgeable about the best bars in Manchester, discover the top Manchester serviced apartments and whether Manchester is better than Liverpool. Book your stay from our wide portfolio of Manchester serviced apartments for your business trip today.
