The Best Night Out in Manchester: 20 Top Picks

Manchester doesn’t need to be labelled ‘the London of the North’ to be one of the largest hot spots for nightlife. With hundreds of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from it’s no wonder people flock to the city on a Friday night.

So where do you need to go for the best night out in Manchester? Here are some unmissable spots that will make your night one to remember.

Best Areas for a Night Out in Manchester

If you’re in the mood to wander the streets and see which venues take your fancy. Here are some areas where nightlife is always flowing.

Deansgate Locks

Under the arches of the train tracks, the converted brick-lined interiors of the bars along Whitworth Street make up Deansgate Locks. The locks are known for their lively, late-night party vibes, where food-serving joints transform into dancing hot spots when the sun goes down.

Great Northern

Situated between Deansgate and Spinningfields, Great Northern encompasses the Great Northern building (home to the Odeon cinema and Whistle Punks axe throwing). This area of Manchester includes more upmarket venues like Albert’s Schloss, as well as more casual spots like The Blues Kitchen.

NQ

The hip part of town can be found in the north of the city. The Northern Quarter, which is neighboured by the rapidly developing Ancoats area, is home to some of Manchester's most sought-after food, drink, and party spots. From famous music venues like Night and Day to fresh faces like Pen and Pencil, NQ always has something to offer, no matter what mood you’re in.

Spinningfields

For those searching out an elite, upmarket venue on Friday night, we recommend a visit to Spinningfields. This area of Manchester is home to arguably the most classy and high-end clubs and bars. Spinningfields is definitely the place to get photos for The Gram. You might even spot a celebrity. Get glammed up and party like (and potentially with) the rich and famous here.

The Village

No night out in Manchester would be complete without a trip to The Village, without a doubt Manchester’s most vibrant area. The unique, quirky, and all-around energetic atmosphere of Canal Street and it’s surrounding areas make The Village the life and soul of the Manchester party.

Vermilion

Vermilion is a venue that has something for everyone. Ease into your Manchester night out in style. This venue will take care of you and your guests with theatrical cocktails and delicious bar snacks and meals, surrounded by its lush, beautiful interior of rich colours, gold finishes, and unique decor.

Start your night off at Vermilion’s unbeatable fusion-Asian cuisine restaurant, where you can choose from a menu of designer dishes spanning every corner of the Asian continent, from China to Korea, to India, Thailand, and Japan.

Visit party venue Vermilion’s cocktail bar, Cinnabar, for an immersive experience of luxury and allow expert mixologists to bring your drinks to life before your eyes.

Contact Vermilion to find out about bespoke, private nights out for anything from birthday parties to weddings.

Find it at Lord N St, Hulme Hall Lane, Manchester, M40 8AD

Peaky Blinders Bar

Image source: www.peakyblindersmanchester.com

Forget finding celebs’ favourite bars in Manchester; feel like a member of the cast in this immersive bar experience.

This themed bar next to Albert’s Schloss takes its inspiration from the internationally famous period TV series about the exploits of the Birmingham-based crime gang of the same name.

Enjoy bespoke cocktails, gastro food, and wines in this 1920’s interior. Pick from a range of rooms and parlours for private parties too.

Find it at 23 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR.

Cargo Manchester

Image source: cargo-manchester.com

Situated in the buzzing Printworks, Cargo’s snazzy style shouldn’t be missed if you’re on the hunt for a clubbing spot. With an illuminated dancefloor, neon lights and decor, and DJ sets and live music as standard, Cargo is the perfect place for a dance.

Cargo also offers bespoke nights for hen parties, birthdays, Christmas, and stag do’s that can be organised via its team of hospitality experts.

Find it at Unit 5-6, The Printworks, Manchester M4 2BS.

Satans Hollow

Image source: www.instagram.com/satanshollow/

Self-proclaimed Manchester’s only dedicated rock venue, Satans Hollow is a night out like none other. Punk, metal, and rock lovers will be in their element in this fantastical bar that feels like you’ve been transported to the underworld.

Visitors to Satans Hollow get access to some devilish perks, including cheap entry (between £2 and £5), free bar between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesdays, and live music on Sundays.

Find it at 101 Princess St, Manchester M1 6DD.

The Blues Kitchen

Image source: theblueskitchen.com

The Blues Kitchen is the ideal place to transition from a chilled-out dinner to drinks to dancing. This American deep south-themed bar features laid-back dining where guests can get classic Texas BBQ, comfort food, or even a great steak; there’s also a terrific whiskey selection here.

The Blue Kitchen offers two club levels where guests can dance to live DJ sets until 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Find it at 13 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HN

Night and Day

Image source: nightnday.org

Night and Day is known for being one of the longest-standing, most popular music venues in Manchester, having opened in 1991. Situated on Oldham Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Night and Day oozes effortless style.

Find coveted band and DJ listings at Night and Day and experience an intimate, off-beat gig venue that has been doing it right for decades.

Find it at 26 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN.

Flight Club

Image source: flightclubdarts.com

If you’re someone who wants to be entertained and thoroughly taken care of on your night out, we suggest making a pit stop at Flight Club. This entrancing bar on King Street in central Manchester is a spectacle with its modern spin on the traditional bar game of darts: ‘Social Darts’.

If you’re after a private event, Flight Club will make it happen, along with a personalised playlist, dedicated games master, and enough space for all your guests to get comfy.

Find it at Ship Canal House, 98 King St, Manchester M2 4WU.

Lola Lo

Image source: www.lolalo.co.uk

Find Lola Lo glowing pink under the arches of Deansgate Locks. This cute, lively tiki bar is a Polynesian paradise for virtually anyone sick of the Manchester rain. This 560-capacity bar sprawls onto three different floors: a lower ground floor, a ground floor, and a mezzanine, so if you’re looking for a thumping venue on a Friday night, this will be it.

Beachside-themed cocktails and interiors whisk you away from the dreary streets outside, and live sets are what you can find at this venue. Lola Lo even has a private selfie room.

Find it at Arch 7 Whitworth St W, Manchester M1 5LH.

Dirty Martini

Image source: dirtymartini.uk.com

Adding a touch of glamour to your night out will give it that pizzazz that makes it feel even more special. You’ll want to get your phone out at cool Manchester venue Dirty Martini and snap some photos of this sophisticated interior.

As the name suggests, this luxury Manchester venue specialises in the martini, whether that's the classic, popular espresso variety, or something more unique like dragon and passionfruit. Get involved in Dirty Martini’s happy hour to take full advantage of the drinks selection: Sunday 3pm–8pm, Monday to Thursday 12pm–8pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can get half-price martinis, bottles of prosecco for £20, bottles of wine for £12.50, and beers for £3.50.

Find it at 1 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR.

BLVD Manchester

Image source: blvdmanchester.com

Classy BLVD is found in the heart of Manchester sophistication: Spinningfields. The interior of BLVD is sleek and sexy without losing its lively, fresh, and fun feel. BLVD is inspired by NY and Miami bars and offers a sumptuous menu, including a bottomless brunch.

As the sun sets, BLVD turns into a lavish cocktail lounge with events, including DJ sets and live musicians, to really get you in the party mood.

Find it at The Avenue, North, Manchester M3 3BZ.

Menagerie

Image source: menagerierestaurant.co.uk

A hot spot for celebrity sightings, Menagerie is decorated OTT in the best way. Filled with greek statues, chandeliers, and its iconic bird cage, a visit to Menagerie is a treat on any Manchester night out.

Menagerie also hosts a variety of events and themed evenings, including cocktail-making classes, bottomless brunch, and the supper club, which gets you food, unlimited selected drinks, and live music for a set price.

Find it at New Bailey, Ground One, New Bailey St, Salford M3 5JL.

Refuge

Image source: www.refugemcr.co.uk

Inside the foundations of the iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Refuge is a broody romantic Manchester venue. All in ceramic tiling, decadent pillars rise up, and glittering chandeliers hang down below an elegant atrium.

Refuge is a high-ceilinged bar with lots of cosy spots to soak in the atmosphere with a decadent cocktail, choice whiskey, or top-shelf wine, including its winter garden and den for impressive private events.

Find it at Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA.

Lost in Tokyo

Image source: lostintokyo.co.uk

Back in hip NQ right on Stevenson Square, Lost in Tokyo is an Asian-inspired, Tokyo-themed bar that’ll transport you to the other side of the world when you enter its doors. This stylish Manchester restaurant and bar shows off with Japanese whiskey cocktails and other theatrical drinks, including the Spirited Away and the Baby Godzilla.

On Fridays and Saturdays, Lost in Tokyo is open from 4pm to 3am with live DJ sets.

Find it at 26A Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1DW.

Matt and Phred’s

Image source: mattandphreds.com

After that cinematic feeling that can only be attained in a dark and smoky Jazz club filled with little round tables all beneath a stage adorned with live sets (without the smoke, these days)? Then come to Matt and Phreds. This classic jazz haunt is self-described as an independent grassroots music venue and is certainly one of the coolest venues in Manchester.

Drink, dance, and enjoy unbeatable vibes in this landmark soulful spot offering a happy hour perk: buy two drinks and a free pizza.

Find it at 64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW.

Impossible

Image source: be-impossible.com

Bar Impossible is a theatrical late-night spot unlike any other. The whole venue takes 280 guests and functions as a restaurant, bar, and entertainment space. The resident ‘Theatre du Impossible’ steals the show with performances that spill out onto the catwalk and VIP private areas.

Impossible is also home to a secret ‘gin palace’, a cosy space that carries 63 different gins to sample either with mixers or in delectable cocktails.

Find it at 36 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR.

Albert’s Schloss

Combining hearty Bavarian grub, unbeatable entertainment, and exclusive vibes comes effortlessly to what is probably Manchester's most sought-after Christmas night out destination. Albert’s Schloss is a veritable alpine lodge complete with copper Pilsner tanks, heavy wood furnishings, sheepskins, and roaring fires.

Start your night off with some traditional food from the cook haus and on-site bakery. In the evening, patrons can take in a show, anything from cabaret to live brass, and dance the night away.

Find it at 27 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR.

20 Stories

Image source: 20stories.co.uk

What’s more stylish and upmarket than watching the sun set over Manchester from above? 20 Stories is the highest restaurant and bar in the city, with a rooftop terrace that looks over the glittering buildings in Spinningfields and beyond.

The contemporary modern interiors take inspiration from nature and the terrace itself features lush plants and trees to give the whole venue a striking atmosphere in the skies.

Find it at No. 1, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB.

The Liars Club

Image source: www.theliarsclub.co.uk

Secretive tropical tiki hideaway The Liars Club is a den of mischief to add to your agenda on a Friday or Saturday night. Check out The Liars Club for an impressive list of tropical cocktails with sharing drinks served in theatrical volcanoes, pineapples, and coconuts.

This amazing Manchester venue wouldn’t be complete without its reggae and afrobeat soundtrack and over 100 Caribbean rums available to buy in full and half bottles.

Find it at 19A Back Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 2PB.

Dive Bar and Grill

Image source: divebargrill.co.uk

Social dining in a vibrant atmosphere with DJs, cocktails, and dancing makes Dive Bar one of the best restaurants in Manchester for a night out on the town. Stop here for sharing options from Dive Bar’s modern grill menu.

Dive from 5 is Dive Bar’s fantastic deal: for £20 per person, you get one bottle of prosecco or eight bottles of beer, cocktails, shots, and a selection of small plates. Listen to R&B, house, and club classics while you party.

Find it at 12 Tib St, Manchester M4 1SH.