Manchester nightlife has earned its reputation as being wild, vibrant, quirky…basically, everything you would want in a night out at one of the UK’s major cities.
The only problem is, both for locals and visitors, is deciding on where to go between the myriad of options out there. There are so many areas in the city centre with a string of fab venues that it would be impossible to visit them all in one night. You could try but we wouldn’t recommend it 🙂
Anyway, here is a list of what our members feel are the top10 places to go for Manchester nightlife. You may not agree but hey, don’t shoot the messenger 🙂
Social Circle voted 10/10 for…The Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is home to traditional pubs serving up some of the best craft beers in Manchester. But being one of the more eclectic areas of Manchester, there is also an abundance of trendy bars featuring cocktails and wine lists with options galore. The area has long been known for its quirky shops but now they are matched by some of the best nightlife, in the city centre, being the no. 1 choice for young professionals living in Manchester. There are also a number of live music venues, including old jazz favourite, Matt and Phreds.
Social Circle voted 10/10 for…Spinningfields
Spinningfields isn’t dubbed the ‘Canary Wharf of the North’ for nothing. It is a centre for commercialism during the day but really comes alive with its exciting and always-evolving stream of bars and restaurants at night. With bars such as Alchemist adding a touch of class to an already stylish area, and restaurants such as Neighbourhood offering some of the finest culinary treats in the city, Spinningfields is fast becoming the place to be.
Social Circle voted 9/10 for…Castlefield
Castlefield is one of the more scenic places in Manchester to go out on a weekend. The Summer evenings especially showcase its canal side and unique architecture. Castlefield offers some fabulous bars such as Dukes 92 to while away those summer evenings. Dukes serves up a great pint and if you’re feeling peckish, their cheese platters are the perfect choice to complement an early evening visit.
Social Circle voted 10/10 for…Canal Street
Canal Street’s Gay Village is certainly lively and despite some misconceptions, provides a fun night no matter whether you are gay, straight or bi. The area attracts visitors from all over the world and is famous in the UK for providing the setting in Channel 4 drama Queer as Folk. The fact that so many heterosexuals visit here highlights the open-mindedness of Mancunians.
Social Circle voted 8/10 for…Deansgate
Deansgate features a number of the trendiest bars in Manchester, such as The Milton Club. If you are looking for a great Saturday night out with your friends or maybe to impress your loved one, you can’t go wrong by deciding to pay a visit to Deansgate. The atmosphere is as electric as you will find in Manchester.
Social Circle voted 8/10 for…Peter Street
Peter Street is perhaps the most improved area in the city centre in terms of nightlife. Once a hornet’s nest for hen nights and stag parties, Peter Street now offers an abundance of sophistication with Revolucion de Cuba and champagne bar Epernay leading the way. There are also some fine restaurants in the plush hotels, such as Steak and Lobster in the Radisson. The area is also great to visit on the way to the nearby theatre venues, Opera House and Palace Theatre.
Social Circle voted 7/10 for…The Printworks
The Printworks remains one of the more popular areas for Manchester nightlife. Especially popular with the younger crowd, the area never fails to thrive on a Friday or Saturday night. Celeb haunt Tiger Tiger offers a taste of glam and The Birdcage just across the road offers an entirely different kind of glam with its cabaret and clubbing nights. There is also the Odeon cinema, and Bierkeller offers a variety of entertainment throughout the week, in addition to its fine German ales.
Social Circle voted 7/10 for…Deansgate Locks
Every single bar along the locks is full of students and young professionals at the weekends. So it’s of no surprise as some of the most popular bars in Manchester reside here. With bars such as the new tiki bar Lola Lo being added all the time to the lineup of established bars such as Revolution and Lock 91, there is always a reason to come back. Well worth a visit if you’re looking for a trendy night out.
Social Circle voted 7/10 for…Oxford Road
Catering mainly towards students (not surprising considering two universities are situated along here), Oxford Road is predictably a haven for nightlife for the young. But that doesn’t mean it’s not also popular with the slightly older crowd with Revolution and the Manchester rock bar scene breaking up the student pattern. It also leads down to Rusholme’s Curry Mile, which stays open until about 4am at weekends if you like your curries really late.
Social Circle voted 7/10 for…Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly features a number of venues to whet your appetite for the evening. Piccadilly gardens in particular features a string of bars and restaurants to set your night on the right foot and if your boots are in the mood for walking, you’re not far from the nearby Chinatown and the Gay Village. Portland Street is right next to the gardens and features bars such as Missoula for a casual drink before you continue your exploration of Manchester nightlife.
