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 | Kampus pop-up, Aytoun St, M1 3GL.
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 décor that lends itself perfectly to bank holiday celebrations. The Anthologist, One St Peter’s Square, M2 3DE.
3. Lost Cat NQ
The Lost Cat is one of the Northern Quarter’s fancy neighbourhood cocktail bars, 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 suntrap of a beer garden is serving up hanging kebabs and cocktails all summer (and year) long – with Aperol Spritzes, 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. Cane & Grain
Having made a name for itself on the busy Northern Quarter strip of Thomas Street, Cane & Grain continues to serve up amazing cocktails and great vibes. With a rough and ready charm that perfectly matches Manchester, the bar honours the city’s music scene with walls plastered in posters, and conceals a top secret speakeasy called Science + Industry… if you can find it.
Tongue in cheek cocktails perfect for the bank holiday include ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Spritz‘, ‘The Full Monty‘ and ‘You Go Glen Coco‘, all of which you can sip on outside on the Thomas Street terrace, as well as an extensive menu of craft beer options covering the spectrum of tastes. Cane & Grain, 49 – 51 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA.
9. Miami Ice
Miami Ice brings retro Miami vibes to Manchester’s Hatch– 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. 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.
11. The Smithfield Social
Owned by one of Manchester’s favourite sons, Liam Fray of Courteeners fame, The Smithfield Social has done relatively well for what could’ve been no more than a passion project. Having been around for a few years now, The Smithfield Social has grounded itself within the hustle and bustle of Thomas Street, and provides great cocktails, including their infamous frozen Aperol and Limoncello (and other bevs for those so inclined), without the pretentious nature of some other spots – perfect for the bank holiday. It’s so easy to sit back, relax, drink and chat the night away at this little gem, and it’s not bad to look at either. What’s more, this spot is open for food the morning after, so you’re covered when you’re feeling a little less glam. The Smithfield Social, 53 – 55 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA.
12. 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.