So, you or a loved one has finally finished their university studies and you’re heading for graduation this month… congratulations! Now, you need to find somewhere to celebrate. Not only do we have lots of amazing bars, restaurants and everything in between in Manchester, but many businesses are acknowledging the milestone that many will be marking with offers and toasts to the graduates. We’ve done the honours and created a guide to the best places in Manchester to celebrate your graduation.
1. Society
Located just across from the Bridgewater Hall, a graduation ceremony venue for several Manchester universities, Society is the perfect spot to celebrate pre and post graduation, with all the street food and craft beer you could want. This one’s for the more casual families, but still offers some wonderful wines and bubbly to toast with, and is an extremely convenient stop off.
The best graduation photos are also taken outside of Society so you’ll be able to follow the sun all day for the best pics, just make sure you get down to Society early for graduation celebrations as it’s likely to be packed out with fellow graduates! Booking is available here for groups of eight or more, but if you’re less it’s walk-ins only.
Society, Basement, 100 Barbirolli Square, Manchester, M2 3BD.
2. Dukes 92
Dukes 92 has one of the loveliest terraces in Manchester, so what better place to celebrate all your hard work and say goodbye to the city that supported you through? Hopefully the weather will hold out and you can celebrate by sipping on the terrace looking out at Manchester’s skyline, but the interiors are equally comforting and the whole family will love eating, drinking and being together. The vibes are truly immaculate. Make sure you book here.
Dukes 92, 18 – 25 Castle St, Manchester, M3 4LZ.
3. The Alan
The Alan is pleased to welcome Manchester and Salford graduates with an exclusive offer throughout the month of July. Graduates can receive 50% off a bottle of Telmont Champagne or Prosecco when dining at The Alan – valid university ID card must be shown when dining. Located on Princess Street, The Alan is the perfect location to raise a glass with family and friends and continue the graduation celebrations!
Taking residence within an impressive Grade II listed building, the industrial-chic interiors of the hotel pay homage to the building’s rich heritage and have been carefully curated to uncover the hidden beauty of the building’s past. You can book a table here.
The Alan, 18 Princess St, Manchester, M1 4LG.
4. Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Zouk has created a special set menu to celebrate graduation in Manchester, priced at £28 per person for the standard graduation platter and £40 person for the Lobster Graduation Platter. Both platters include a complimentary welcome drink.
The Special Graduation Platter consists of: Chicken Tikka, Lamb Chops, Tandoori King Prawns, Seekh Kebab, Mango Salad, and Katchumber Salad. The higher end Lobster Graduation Sharing Platter includes: Lobster Thermador, Spicey Salmon Pakoras, Dynamite Shrimp, Crispy Calamari, Mango Salad and Katchumber Salad – all alongside prosecco, a cocktail, mocktail or soft drink. You can book a table here – just make sure you include the word ‘Graduation’ in your booking.
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill, 5, The Quadrangle, Chester St, Manchester, M1 5QS.
5. The Midland
As one of the most recognisable hotels in Manchester, The Midland is a wonderful spot for a fancy occasion. Not only does the hotel often serve as the cap and gown pick up and drop off point for graduates, but it makes everything feel that extra little bit special with decadent interior décor and impeccable service.
The Tea Room will be helping students celebrate in style with a Graduation Afternoon Tea, which will be available from July 18 – 28. There are numerous packages to choose from, including Afternoon Tea with a bottle of Pommery, which is £125 for two people, Afternoon Tea for two with a G&T, at £70, or Afternoon Tea with two Mimosas, which is £80 for two. Each Afternoon Tea includes a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of homemade cakes – guests must book here.
Champagne and prosecco are also always on the menu, and paired with one of the excellent choices of eats, you’re bound to have the dining experience of a lifetime. You can find more information and book your spot here.
The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter St, Manchester, M60 2DS.
6. The Ivy
If you’re looking for somewhere super special to celebrate your graduation, look no further than The Ivy Asia. Not only is the food and drink impeccable, but the interior décor is beautiful, with floral touches and Asian-inspired areas throughout, making every inch of the place perfect for a photoshoot. Whether you use the indoor trees as a prop or the floral bathrooms as a backdrop, there’s no end to the photos you could take up on the second floor at The Ivy Asia, and for those who want to perfectly preserve the day, that’s extremely important. You can book a table here.
The Ivy Asia Spinningfields, The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester, M3 3HG.