Night out in Manchester - Suggestions
Discussion
To be accurate: Afternoon drinks and a meal somewhere, rather than a full blown night out.
It is a friends birthday in a few months, and he would like a day out for drinks and food in Manchester. I was hoping I could get a few suggestions of places/bars/areas to drink in (and the places to avoid).
We are all aged between 40 and 50, and are happy with the more classier joints, if I can put it like that. Restaurant suggestions would be good.
Thanks!
It is a friends birthday in a few months, and he would like a day out for drinks and food in Manchester. I was hoping I could get a few suggestions of places/bars/areas to drink in (and the places to avoid).
We are all aged between 40 and 50, and are happy with the more classier joints, if I can put it like that. Restaurant suggestions would be good.
Thanks!
Given your user name and your comments, this might not work out for the best, but Mackie Mayor is a fun place for afternoon drinks, and maybe food.
There's a place in the corner that's got a really good selection of wine, and when I was there the lady working was very knowledgeable and very helpful. My goto wine is a super oaky Californian Chardonnay. They had 3 or 4 very decent bottles on offer and I settled for one which retailed for £40 for offsales or £60 to drink there. I dread to think what this would have cost in a swanky restaurant, but it was fabulous. When we'd sunk that one and I didn't fancy another £60 the lady pointed me in the direction of a Georgian wine which as also excellent.
There's a place in the corner that's got a really good selection of wine, and when I was there the lady working was very knowledgeable and very helpful. My goto wine is a super oaky Californian Chardonnay. They had 3 or 4 very decent bottles on offer and I settled for one which retailed for £40 for offsales or £60 to drink there. I dread to think what this would have cost in a swanky restaurant, but it was fabulous. When we'd sunk that one and I didn't fancy another £60 the lady pointed me in the direction of a Georgian wine which as also excellent.
Spinningfields is probably a good area to aim for when looking for classier bars and restaurants. I like Fazenda for somewhere to eat (Good if you like your meats) but there is also the Ivy and 20 Stories which has some good views over Manchester and Salford.
Schofields is one of my favourite cocktail bars, the service there is excellent. Also if the weather is nice then Oasthouse has a large outdoor area and they sometimes have live music on. Never had their food but it's pleasant, if a little busy when the sun pops out.
Schofields is one of my favourite cocktail bars, the service there is excellent. Also if the weather is nice then Oasthouse has a large outdoor area and they sometimes have live music on. Never had their food but it's pleasant, if a little busy when the sun pops out.
omniflow said:
Given your user name and your comments, this might not work out for the best, but Mackie Mayor is a fun place for afternoon drinks, and maybe food.
There's a place in the corner that's got a really good selection of wine, and when I was there the lady working was very knowledgeable and very helpful. My goto wine is a super oaky Californian Chardonnay. They had 3 or 4 very decent bottles on offer and I settled for one which retailed for £40 for offsales or £60 to drink there. I dread to think what this would have cost in a swanky restaurant, but it was fabulous. When we'd sunk that one and I didn't fancy another £60 the lady pointed me in the direction of a Georgian wine which as also excellent.
Don't mind fun places at all, and Mackie Mayor looks great. Someone else mentioned Freight Island to me as a similar thing, but a secondary review would be good!There's a place in the corner that's got a really good selection of wine, and when I was there the lady working was very knowledgeable and very helpful. My goto wine is a super oaky Californian Chardonnay. They had 3 or 4 very decent bottles on offer and I settled for one which retailed for £40 for offsales or £60 to drink there. I dread to think what this would have cost in a swanky restaurant, but it was fabulous. When we'd sunk that one and I didn't fancy another £60 the lady pointed me in the direction of a Georgian wine which as also excellent.
Thanks for the help.
TO73074E said:
Spinningfields is probably a good area to aim for when looking for classier bars and restaurants. I like Fazenda for somewhere to eat (Good if you like your meats) but there is also the Ivy and 20 Stories which has some good views over Manchester and Salford.
Schofields is one of my favourite cocktail bars, the service there is excellent. Also if the weather is nice then Oasthouse has a large outdoor area and they sometimes have live music on. Never had their food but it's pleasant, if a little busy when the sun pops out.
Thank you. Really helpful. Schofields is one of my favourite cocktail bars, the service there is excellent. Also if the weather is nice then Oasthouse has a large outdoor area and they sometimes have live music on. Never had their food but it's pleasant, if a little busy when the sun pops out.
Mackie Mayor and Freight Island are good if you are with a large group and nobody can decide on what they want to eat. Lots of independant vendors under one roof.
Mackie Mayor is much smaller, I wouldn't say claustrophobic but you can be rubbing shoulders with other people at busier times. Freight Island is based at former railway station so much more room and spread out. I've had good food at both places.
Mackie Mayor is much smaller, I wouldn't say claustrophobic but you can be rubbing shoulders with other people at busier times. Freight Island is based at former railway station so much more room and spread out. I've had good food at both places.
I'm not a big lover of Manchester these days but I must admit it is very good for food and drink.
Last couple of times I've been, I've eaten at Higher Ground (modern British) and Madre (Mexican). For nice drinks (as opposed to pints, which are also great), I've again recently been to Blinker Bar, which I think is new-ish, but my go-to for cocktails is Speak in Code. I'd say those are nice places but still casual.
Also, when hungover the next day, go to Bada Bing for a sandwich to put you right. You'll queue but it's worth it.
Last couple of times I've been, I've eaten at Higher Ground (modern British) and Madre (Mexican). For nice drinks (as opposed to pints, which are also great), I've again recently been to Blinker Bar, which I think is new-ish, but my go-to for cocktails is Speak in Code. I'd say those are nice places but still casual.
Also, when hungover the next day, go to Bada Bing for a sandwich to put you right. You'll queue but it's worth it.
Albert's Schloss has a good atmosphere and currywurst but can get very busy, Rev De Cuba is more or less next door and again, nice atmosphere and food. Both put you on Peters Street in Deansgate so lots of options and a good jumping off point for other venues etc. Also add The Oast House to the list. If you are near Piccadilly The Tap House is fun pulling your own pints, Open Tap also good
it depends what you are looking for really, I echo Mackie Mayor, nice atmosphere and plenty of choice and at what I would consider the 'right' part of town.
New Century is similar but a bit smaller scale but just round the corner, always a nice crowd and if sunny Sadlers Yard is an area still out of the reach of most tourists. Sadlers Cat is a nice little place for a drink and never overly busy, plenty of local beers on tap to choose from.
Staying on the Northern part of town theme there are a couple of good pubs along Swan Street just up from Mackie Mayor, Bar fringe is a personal favourite and has quite a decent beer garden and selection of world beers.
Hilton Street/Stevenson square is now pedestrianised and has a number of decent bars and outdoor seating areas in a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere, also plenty of options on Lever Street and Oldham Street and is a short hop from Mackie Mayor.
My avoids are The Printworks, and Peter Street with chain bars and the worst of the day trippers. I would also avoid the hype which is Mulligans and their grossly overpriced beer, a recent refurb has not altered my opinion on this place.
The Millstone is worth a visit for just 1 pint, a place which can only be described as full of the rich tapestry of life.
Corbieres wine bar is a Manchester institution just off St Anns Square, a wine bar in name only and was reputed to have the best jukebox in Manchester.
Spinningfields leaves me a bit cold, however this is the newer and more 'upmarket' part of town but not for me as I prefer the more characterful places. however I can recommend Fazenda if you want to eat yourself into a meat coma.
I hope this helps
New Century is similar but a bit smaller scale but just round the corner, always a nice crowd and if sunny Sadlers Yard is an area still out of the reach of most tourists. Sadlers Cat is a nice little place for a drink and never overly busy, plenty of local beers on tap to choose from.
Staying on the Northern part of town theme there are a couple of good pubs along Swan Street just up from Mackie Mayor, Bar fringe is a personal favourite and has quite a decent beer garden and selection of world beers.
Hilton Street/Stevenson square is now pedestrianised and has a number of decent bars and outdoor seating areas in a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere, also plenty of options on Lever Street and Oldham Street and is a short hop from Mackie Mayor.
My avoids are The Printworks, and Peter Street with chain bars and the worst of the day trippers. I would also avoid the hype which is Mulligans and their grossly overpriced beer, a recent refurb has not altered my opinion on this place.
The Millstone is worth a visit for just 1 pint, a place which can only be described as full of the rich tapestry of life.
Corbieres wine bar is a Manchester institution just off St Anns Square, a wine bar in name only and was reputed to have the best jukebox in Manchester.
Spinningfields leaves me a bit cold, however this is the newer and more 'upmarket' part of town but not for me as I prefer the more characterful places. however I can recommend Fazenda if you want to eat yourself into a meat coma.
I hope this helps
Onegoodleg said:
it depends what you are looking for really, I echo Mackie Mayor, nice atmosphere and plenty of choice and at what I would consider the 'right' part of town.
New Century is similar but a bit smaller scale but just round the corner, always a nice crowd and if sunny Sadlers Yard is an area still out of the reach of most tourists. Sadlers Cat is a nice little place for a drink and never overly busy, plenty of local beers on tap to choose from.
Staying on the Northern part of town theme there are a couple of good pubs along Swan Street just up from Mackie Mayor, Bar fringe is a personal favourite and has quite a decent beer garden and selection of world beers.
Hilton Street/Stevenson square is now pedestrianised and has a number of decent bars and outdoor seating areas in a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere, also plenty of options on Lever Street and Oldham Street and is a short hop from Mackie Mayor.
My avoids are The Printworks, and Peter Street with chain bars and the worst of the day trippers. I would also avoid the hype which is Mulligans and their grossly overpriced beer, a recent refurb has not altered my opinion on this place.
The Millstone is worth a visit for just 1 pint, a place which can only be described as full of the rich tapestry of life.
Corbieres wine bar is a Manchester institution just off St Anns Square, a wine bar in name only and was reputed to have the best jukebox in Manchester.
Spinningfields leaves me a bit cold, however this is the newer and more 'upmarket' part of town but not for me as I prefer the more characterful places. however I can recommend Fazenda if you want to eat yourself into a meat coma.
I hope this helps
It helps massively thank you. New Century is similar but a bit smaller scale but just round the corner, always a nice crowd and if sunny Sadlers Yard is an area still out of the reach of most tourists. Sadlers Cat is a nice little place for a drink and never overly busy, plenty of local beers on tap to choose from.
Staying on the Northern part of town theme there are a couple of good pubs along Swan Street just up from Mackie Mayor, Bar fringe is a personal favourite and has quite a decent beer garden and selection of world beers.
Hilton Street/Stevenson square is now pedestrianised and has a number of decent bars and outdoor seating areas in a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere, also plenty of options on Lever Street and Oldham Street and is a short hop from Mackie Mayor.
My avoids are The Printworks, and Peter Street with chain bars and the worst of the day trippers. I would also avoid the hype which is Mulligans and their grossly overpriced beer, a recent refurb has not altered my opinion on this place.
The Millstone is worth a visit for just 1 pint, a place which can only be described as full of the rich tapestry of life.
Corbieres wine bar is a Manchester institution just off St Anns Square, a wine bar in name only and was reputed to have the best jukebox in Manchester.
Spinningfields leaves me a bit cold, however this is the newer and more 'upmarket' part of town but not for me as I prefer the more characterful places. however I can recommend Fazenda if you want to eat yourself into a meat coma.
I hope this helps
I'd echo the recommendation of Schofields. Genuinely excellent but you might have to book on busy days
They also have another bar called Sterling.
Corbieres is fantastic in a different way as well.
Every time I've been to Mackie Mayor it's been absolutely rammed and we've struggled to get seats.
They also have another bar called Sterling.
Corbieres is fantastic in a different way as well.
Every time I've been to Mackie Mayor it's been absolutely rammed and we've struggled to get seats.
TownIdiot said:
I'd echo the recommendation of Schofields. Genuinely excellent but you might have to book on busy days
They also have another bar called Sterling.
Corbieres is fantastic in a different way as well.
Every time I've been to Mackie Mayor it's been absolutely rammed and we've struggled to get seats.
Brilliant, thank you.They also have another bar called Sterling.
Corbieres is fantastic in a different way as well.
Every time I've been to Mackie Mayor it's been absolutely rammed and we've struggled to get seats.
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