6 cocktail bars to visit in Manchester's Northern Quarter

Right near Piccadilly Gardens, Namii Kitchen & Cocktails is a sweet little cocktail bar in the Northern Quarter and one for the influencers. Its East Asian-inspired decor of florals and wall panels evoking printed screens is complimented by plenty of cocktail bar neon lights and botanicals.

The presentation of the cocktails is just as Istagrammable as the decor and design. The signature cocktail menu is divided into the four elements of earht, air, fire, and water, with each group of cocktails offering aroma, flavour, and downright alchemical concoctions. We recommend Forest Awakening from the Earth group, made of Etsu double yuzu gin, yuzu saké,

pineapple juice, lemon juice, gomme and egg white, but honestly? Any signature cocktail will floor you.

After making a giant, topical wave in the very un-tropical streets of Chester, Lono Cove washed up in the Northern Quarter. The proposition is as simple as it is effective: a high-spec Tiki bar that boasts a menu finely tuned towards getting everyone merry.

The two-floor bar has made full use of its theme, with the interior resounding in floral hangings and bright, summery colours. You're almost able to forget the damp and sickened Northern Quarter streets outside.

The drinks, of course, are why you go. The menu at Loco Cove covers all the Tiki classics, with well-made Mai Tais and the infamous Zombie being standouts. The latter is a particularly good choice if you tire of being able to maintain control over your basic motor functions: absinthe, Wray & Nephew Rum and Grand Mariner conspire alongside a wealth of flavour to leave you with no memories whatsoever of the past twelve hours.

Like most good cocktail bars, Lono cove also offers private hire opportunities (for up to 200) alongside a cocktail-making masterclass.

Black Dog has become a ubiquitous name across central Manchester. The group has opened joints in Picadilly, Oxford Road and, of course, Northern Quarter.

The Northern Quarter outlet has drawn inspiration from the kind of New York bars that probably don't exist anymore. Located underneath the iconic Affleck's Palace, Black Dog Ballroom brings together booze and pool in genuinely comfortable surroundings. You'll want to get into the spirit of the vibe with a decent American Pale Ale, or, if you're wanting a cocktail, they make a mean Manhattan; a brilliant blend of Wild Turkey Whiskey, vermouth and bitters.

The speakeasy-style spot can be hired out for up to 80 guests and can give you your very own private bar alongside DJ facilities & sound system.

Tucked into Northern Quarter's Tariff Street, you'll find this cosy, dimly lit spot. A real favourite amongst those in the know, The Whiskey Jar has combined a knack for serving the good stuff with an inviting atmosphere.

The decor is all exposed brick, comfortable furniture and lighting dim enough to save any date. Whilst whiskey on the rocks is the standard recommendation, the bar also has a great selection of cocktails to get stuck into The menu has been redrafted for Christmas 2022, with star turns coming from the Unami Old Fashioned, Irish Letterhead and Blood Orange Boulevardier. Sound good, don't they?

The Whiskey Jar does offer private hire, with the basement area available to private groups. Downstairs holds room for 175, and can cater to parties, photoshoots, conferences, yoga classes, exhibitions and much more.

Let's start with some cocktails: Thot Chocolate (vodka, Rum Chata, cookie syrup, whipped cream), Pop my Cherry (spiced rum, maraschino cherries, cinnamon and coke), Manifest your Dreams (Rosemary infused tequila, triple sec, watermelon). It seems fair to say that the folks over at On the Hush have their target audience. The cocktail bar on Northern Quarter's Church street is abuzz with dates, Instagramming 18-year olds and fuchsia pink nails digging into bottomless brunches.

If this sounds like your thing, On The Hush is open from 11 am, with most nights having a DJ from 6 pm. Their private hire options allow you to take over the whole bar and stage area, which can fit 150 guests.

Harking back to the prohibition era of the USA, The Fitzgerald brings some flapper glam to Northern Quarter.

Expect roaring 1920s cut glassware and period décor alongside delicious cocktails and a decent playlist. Top tipples here include the Southside, a Capone favourite and mix of gin, lime and mint. But really, anything is worth trying (so long as it comes in a coupe glass).

The room can be re-positioned to suit any requirement and will fit up to 120 people standing and 60 seated in this Northern Quarter venue hire.