The big summer blowout of the year is finally pending, and after quite a few full weeks at work, we’re so ready. We know, it’s dramatic, but there’s nothing worse after experiencing the joys of the four-day week. Ready to kick back and shake off the stress this three-day weekend? Here’s our guide to the best spots for some bank holiday cocktails this weekend in Manchester.
1. Three Little Words
The stunning gin bar that lives under the arches of the Great Northern, next to their very own Manchester Gin distillery, Three Little Words is serving an array of cocktails to sup on this weekend (and beyond). Offering up a summery range, especially for the warmer months, guests can enjoy fruity flavours such as raspberry, banana, blackberry and passionfruit, with more savoury cocktail flavours including cucumber, ginger, cardamom and hibiscus for those who prefer a more Earthy tone with their gin. Three Little Words is also renowned for its weekly Sunday roast, too, so be sure to give it a try next time you’re visiting. Three Little Words, 12-13 Watson St, M3 4LP.
2. The Anthologist
Located on beautiful St. Peter’s Square, The Anthologist offers up the perfect atmosphere for all-day drinking, with bright and airy interiors, tasty ‘bar bites’ and an extensive list of cocktails. Think all the classics, including Espresso Martinis, Pornstar Martinis and more, alongside glam decor that lends itself perfectly to bank holiday celebrations. The Anthologist, One St Peter’s Square, M2 3DE.
3. Lost Cat NQ
Launching just last May, the Lost Cat is the Northern Quarter’s newest neighbourhood cocktail bar, serving up some delicious concoctions mixed up with gin, vodka, spiced rums, tequila and Irish whiskey. There’s pretty much a flavour for everyone – with a number of fruity creations, the more warming and deep-flavoured of the bunch (hello whiskey, honey and cider!), and even a carrot cake-inspired cocktail, which, if you ask us, sounds absolutely delicious. Lost Cat, 64 Oldham Street, M4 1LE.
4. Albert’s Schloss
Albert’s Schloss is set to be in full swing this weekend with its usual antics, and we are so ready to sup on cocktails with a side of Schloss Showtime. From highballs and schnapps, to fruity and Alpine-inspired cocktails, there’s plenty to enjoy this bank holiday at Manchester’s liveliest bier house. Live music and entertainment are on the cards, too, so it’s the perfect pick if you’re planning a late one. Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
5. The Oast House
Manchester’s sun-trap of a beer garden is serving up hanging kebabs and cocktails all summer (and year) long – with Aperol Spritz’s, mojitos, coladas, martinis, tasty gin mixes and more providing a little tipple for everyone to enjoy. It’s long been known as the city’s summer destination, thanks to its ample outdoor seating, cosy little pub, and bloomin’ brilliant menu packed with classic dishes. Don’t miss live music this weekend, too. The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard, M3 3AY.
6. The Botanist
Deansgate’s beautifully botanical bar and restaurant, The Botanist, serves some fantastic cocktails, with a little something for everyone on the menu. We’re talking everything from the fruity and floral to the fresh and herbaceous, with gins, wines and beers for those who aren’t feeling so fruity. Similarly to their sister site, The Oast House, The Botanist is serving up their ‘famous’ Hanging Kebabs, too, with plenty of classic dishes on the menu to try out all summer long. The Botanist, 78 Deansgate, M3 2FW.
7. Evelyn’s Cafe Bar
A classic fave in the Northern Quarter, Evelyn’s serves up Asian-meets-British brunch, lunch and dinner with a side of delectable cocktails. The Asian-fusion vibes continue throughout their drinks menu, too, resulting in concoctions such as the lychee and rose pornstar martini, bourbon with white miso broth and matcha, pineapple mimosas and so much more. The cafe offers a bustling, neighbourhood-style atmosphere – which is absolutely spot on for catching up with mates over a drink. Evelyn’s Cafe Bar, 44 Tib St, M4 1NB.
8. Firefly
The transformative venue that offers casual Cali vibes by day and cosmopolitan city vibes by night, Firefly boasts live DJs on the weekends, bringing the party vibes alongside a menu of Japanese-inspired food and cocktails. Think sushi with a side of matcha-infused gin cocktails, wasabi margaritas, botanical and blossom-themed gins and so much more. If it’s proper cocktail bar vibes you’re after this bank holiday, Firefly is the place. Firefly, Suite 2, Ground Floor, One New Bailey, Stanley St, Salford, M3 5JL.
9. Miami Ice
Fairly new to Hatch, Miami Ice brings retro Miami vibes to Manchester – serving up a seriously good cocktail menu under the Mancunian Way. The 80s beach bar meets disco nightclub serves up an array of disco-themed cocktails, with unique twists on classics such as the Old Fashioned and the Pornstar Martini, as well as a variety of local and popular beers to enjoy. Miami Ice is also home to its very own secret rooftop Tiki bar, too, in case you fancied something a little more tropical this weekend. Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, M1 7ED.
10. Mecanica
A hotel cocktail bar without the hotel, Mecanica is a new spot on Swan Street, serving up ‘gimmick-free’ cocktails in a decadent space, in equally as decadent glassware. The team here are absolute pros when it comes to whipping up a delicious cocktail, with around 250 cocktails in their repertoire. If you don’t see your favourite tipple on the menu, guests are invited to request it from their talented bartenders, who can pretty much whip up whatever you’d like. Mecanica, 1-3 Swan St, M4 5JJ.
11. Sunset by Australasia
A Manc favourite for Asian-inspired cocktails, Sunset by Australasia is by far one of Manchester’s most beautiful venues – with everything in sight finished with a soft pink hue. The lengthy menu uses typical Australasian flavours such a lychee, yuku sake, kiwi, miso and thai ginger – combining them with both classic cocktails and their own mouthwatering creations that’ll have you ticking off drinks one by one all night long. Sunset by Australasia, 1 The Avenue, M3 3AP.
12. Dive Bar
Newly renovated with an incredible outdoor, covered and heated terrace, Dive Bar & Grill is back with a new concept – offering up American-style small plates alongside a diverse menu of classic cocktails, mocktails, tons of beers and even more wines. The outdoor terrace offers the best of both worlds – allowing the sun to shine down when it does rear its head, and providing shelter from the outside storms when the grey and gloomy weather sets in. Basically, it’s the ideal place to catch up with mates over the bank holiday weekend – whatever the weather. Dive Bar & Grill, Tib St, M4 1SH.
13. One Eight Six
One of Manchester’s very best hidden bars, One Eight Six can be found behind a mirror of a functioning barbershop, offering secret speakeasy vibes with live jazz, low lighting and a more-than-decent list of cocktails. We’re talking an entire list of gin serves, dark serves and delicious cocktails, with both classic options and their own mixes on the menu. It’s the perfect place to sneak off to on a date night if you feel like escaping the city, with a transportive line-up of music that’ll almost make you forget you’re in Manchester. One Eight Six, 186 Deansgate, M3 3WB. [One Eight Six is currently closed following a fire]
14. The Fitzgerald
Another of Manchester’s gorgeous speakeasies, The Fitzgerald offers prohibition-inspired vibes, with live music, cocktails and more tucked away down a Northern Quarter alley. The decor gives a gorgeous nod to the 1920s, with even the small touches – such as the glassware – fitting within the era. Expect gin cocktails, the fruitier of the bunch, along with the deeper and darker flavours, too, as well as an array of spirits on offer to enjoy. The Fitzgerald, 11 Stevenson Square, M1 1DB.