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 all the way through to graduation? 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 on their special day, injecting a bit of class into your hectic graduation schedule. 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
This July and August Zouk is raising a toast to all the city’s graduates with a complementary drink. After a long winter and a not so sunny start to the summer, we’re all in need of a summer celebration. Zouk wants to congratulate all of Manchester’s students by offering a glass of Prosecco, cocktail, mocktail or soft drink on the house. The graduate’s fellow diners may choose a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink on the house.
If you’re a group, why not order from the set menu? Served as sharing platters, simply choose a menu to suit your budget and then enjoy exploring all the dishes on that menu. This one’s for sociable groups who don’t mind a casual vibe with an element of something special.
💻 Book here.
📍 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.
Champagne and Prosecco are 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.
7. Sexy Fish
If you’re feeling adventurous and a little bit bougie, look no further than Sexy Fish for all your graduation celebration needs. Adorned in gorgeous rich decor, serving perfect Japanese inspired cuisine and giving sumptuous vibes for a special occasion, Sexy Fish is truly perfect for those wanting to make their day special.
Grab yourself a gorgeous cocktail and an intricate sushi platter, and you’ll never forget the day. Plus, the restaurant provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, so do take advantage of this incredible environment to ensure you can look back on lovely memories.
💻 Book here.
📍 Sexy Fish Manchester, 1 The Avenue, Deansgate, Manchester M3 3AP.
8. Tattu
Throughout July, Tattu are offering a limited edition Golden Dragon sharing cocktail to be enjoyed by the whole table. All graduates dining from the Wisdom of the Dragon: Taste of Tattu menu will receive a gift from Tattu to You, a complimentary glass of EPC Champagne and for the table a Golden Dragon sharing cocktail.
Wash down the incredible modern Chinese cuisine with this gorgeous graduation offer, making it a day to remember.
💻 Book here.
📍 Tattu, 3 Hardman Square, Gartside St, Manchester M3 3EB.
9. FENIX
At FENIX, the ‘Feast of the Wise‘ will toast to the success of the class of 2024, with two exclusive menus, both presented as diploma scrolls. All graduates will also receive a complimentary glass of Laurent Perrier to toast to the next chapter of their life, making FENIX a very special place to celebrate your graduation.
💻 Book here.
📍 FENIX, The Goods Yard Building Goods Yard Street, Manchester M3 3BG.
10. Three Little Words
Manchester’s hidden gem gin bar, Three Little Words, is getting in on the graduation celebrations this year, with a free glass of fizz or G&T for graduates, or a free bottle of Prosecco when you dine in (minimum four people or more)! Celebrate the start of the rest of your life under the arches, as classy as you should be now. No booking is required, but is recommended.
💻 Book here.
📍 Three Little Words, 10-15 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP.