6 of the Best Bars in Manchester

Since the late 80s/early 90s, Manchester has cemented its place as the mecca for all things musical and cultural within England. Musical institutions such as the Hacienda Nightclub, the Free Trade Hall, and even the Albert Hall steered the youth of the time into an era now called the ‘second summer of love’. Bands such as the Stone Roses, Oasis and The Happy Mondays just to name a few, have all exported the vibrancy and energy of this northern city worldwide.

Standing on the shoulders of this huge legacy before it, Manchester has pushed itself into the new millennium and only continued to blossom and grow. Whether you prefer the laid-back sophistication of a cocktail bar, the high intensity of an all-night rave or the chance to see the next big band over an inexpensive pint, Manchester has it all! Read on for a selection of our top picks in this vibrant city.

A three-floored venue, The Deaf Institute is located just off Oxford Road, a perfect location for students attending Manchester Metropolitan University, whose campus surrounds the area. The main bar is tastily furnished with leather booths and sharing tables, ideal for enjoying the wide range of craft beers and local ales on offer. With an elaborate menu, covering vegan and meat eaters alike, it is the perfect place for a bite to eat before making your way to the party atmosphere of the next floor.

On the first floor you’ll find the heart of the Deaf Institute, which is a sight for the senses. Immediately you are dwarfed by the enormous mirror ball that dances from the domed ceiling, surrounded by velvet curtains and vibrantly decorated walls, you are instantly transported. Deaf Institute hosts a variety of club nights; such as “Girls on film” Manchester's most celebrated retro club night, playing the best pop, rock and guilty pleasures from the 80’s and 90’s. Or if rock and metal are more your thing, attend The Deaf Institutes “Kickstart My Heart” night, taking you back to the days of hair metal and big sing along choruses. There is rarely a night in the week where The Deaf Institute doesn’t play host to a live band or artist, so pass through their doors and you too can claim to have seen the next world-dominating band in such a small venue.

Bunny Jacksons is the all-American experience, wander through their doors and you could easily believe you’re not in the streets of Manchester, England, but in the mists of the United States itself! Everything here is catered to give you the American dive bar experience. With American football, basketball and baseball games shown on their TV’s, and a wide range of American whiskeys and beers, Bunny Jacksons will take you stateside with only a short walk through the Manchester streets. Bunny Jacksons is the perfect place to go and socialize in the days off studying, bring out your competitive side on their many pool and beer pong tables, or get a bite to eat with their famously cheap chicken wings, the cheapest costing only 10p!