As summer unfortunately starts to set, we’re trying to keep our social lives alive for autumn and beyond, particularly with upcoming mate dates – and luckily for us, there are plenty of choices right here in Manchester. From casual bars with grub for everyone to those packed full of fun activities, here’s our guide to the best places for mate dates in Manchester.
1. Flight Club
One of Manchester’s most fun activity bars, Flight Club is the perfect environment for a proper catch up with mates, with a number of digital darts games available to play that really bring out everyone’s competitive edge. Take over your own oche for an hour or an hour and a half, enjoy table service where you can fill up on tasty cocktails, pizzas and more, or take on a bottomless brunch while showing your mates your skills. Book it here. Flight Club, Ship Canal House, 98 King St, M2 4WU.
2. Crazy Pedro’s Bottomless Brunch
Crazy Pedro’s arguably has one of the best bottomless brunches in Manchester. Combining both bottomless slices and bottomless drinks, there’s plenty on the menu for groups of mates to try alongside a vast array of drinks – which includes cocktails, prosecco, beers and more. A proper pizza crowd-pleaser. Crazy Pedros, Short St, M4 1AA | 55-57 Bridge St, M3 3BQ.
3. Everyman
Fancy a night at the cinema? Everyman offers a pretty unique cinema experience for Mancs to enjoy, adding bags of luxury to the traditional movie night. Expect super comfy sofa seating, a fully stocked bar, and an incredible menu of burgers, hot dogs and more to enjoy while you watch the movie. The best part? Everything can be brought right to your seat, meaning you don’t have to miss a minute of the film. Check out what’s on here. Everyman, ABC Buildings, 23 Quay St, M3 4AS.
4. Freight Island
A food hall/live music venue/bar/entertainment complex all wrapped in one neat bow, Freight Island offers an experience for everyone – thanks to its wide range of food vendors that suit everyone’s palate. Think NYC-style pizza, vegan burgers, authentic Italian pasta, grub inspired by Mexico, complementing a huge roster of entertainment every single month. Book a table here. Escape to Freight Island, 11 Baring St, M1 2PZ.
5. Twenty Twenty Two
Long established as one of the Northern Quarter’s most fun bars, Twenty Twenty Two is great for post-work drinks – thanks to its many comfy Chesterfield sofas to get cosy on, delicious menu of cocktails, and, of course, its backroom packed full of ping pong tables. Challenge each other to a game or simply kick back with a drink and enjoy the music. Twenty Twenty Two, The Basement, Little Lever St, M1 1EZ.
6. Baby Grand Slam at Albert’s Schloss
While Albert’s Schloss has a packed daily schedule of live entertainment, Baby Grand Slam, in particular, is our favourite for mid-week drinks with mates. Typically taking place on Wednesdays, the event sees two talented pianists take to the stage and battle it out in the ‘grand slam’, performing requests from the audience all night long. It’s a whole lot of fun, with plenty of dancing and singing along involved. Keep up to date with Schloss’ event schedule here. Albert’s Schloss, 27 Peter St, M2 5QR.
7. Sixes Cricket Bar
Opening just last year in Manchester city centre, Sixes Cricket Club is Manchester’s niche hangout, offering an interactive game of simulation cricket, a mouthwatering menu of BBQ-inspired grub, and tons of craft beers to try. Grab a bat and take on the simulation, before winding down with bourbon BBQ-infused dishes, cocktails and more. Book a game here. Sixes Cricket Club, Cathedral St, M4 3TR.