Five of the swankiest Manchester cocktail bars
Manchester isn't just famed for being the home of Corrie; the city is a great place to visit whether you are looking for a night out with friends or a mini break packed with shopping, sightseeing and sensational food. From the trendy Northern Quarter to the cityscape of Deansgate, Manchester is filled with a selection of swanky cocktail bars, so if you're looking for that signature tipple visit one of these top five watering holes...
Apotheca
Located in the Northern Quarter, Apotheca opened its doors in 2008 and since then has wowed locals and visitors alike with its array of weird and wonderful cocktails. Their latest cocktail menu boasts concoctions that contain wasabi, bacon, pink wafers, beetroot & bourbon biscuits. Prices start from £7.00, but every day you'll find fabulous drinks deals to take advantage of.
Open from noon, the bar is a regular haunt for the creatives that call the Northern Quarter their spiritual home, the professionals venturing (slowly) to the train station for that long commute and individuals just looking for a good time.
Cloud 23
At the city's highest point you'll discover a memorable venue to while away those midnight hours. The bar sits at the very top of the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate and as well as enjoying incredible views of the changing skyline, you can also indulge in a delicious cocktail menu. We'd recommend trying a signature Manchester-themed creation - the Stone Roses inspired Sally Cinnamon is a personal favourite. Cloud 23 is open from 11am daily, and prices start from £8.00. Book a table ahead to dine and drink at the weekends.
The Alchemist
With two stylish branches in Manchester cocktail lovers will be spoilt for choice at The Alchemist. The original bar, found in Spinningfields, offers the ultimate drinking experience and their skilled mixologists are responsible for a never-ending drinks menu, where unbelievably each cocktail sounds as delectable as the next. Open from 10am, The Alchemist even offers master classes for those looking to unlock the secret recipes behind their favourite drink(s). Cocktail prices start from just £6.95.
Australasia
While the real Australasia is a million miles away from Manchester, this Spinningfields bar offers a swanky retreat for stylish shoppers, partygoers and city dwellers. Located just below the Armani store, the setting couldn't get any swankier if it tried and its cocktail menu offers a range of classic and uniquely crafted blends. Open until 12am Sunday to Wednesday, 1am on Thursday and 3am Friday and Saturday, cocktail prices start at £8.00.
Public Bar at Refuge
This airy bar occupies a grand space on the ground floor of Manchester's Principal hotel, just over the road from Oxford Street station. Enjoy a cocktail in the elegant Winter Garden quad, enjoy a spot of comfortable people-watching from an armchair in the huge social area, or challenge your friends to pool or foosball in the Den. The space usually hosts DJs and live music Thurs-Sun.
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