Discover the latest places Manchester has to offer for a tasty treat and a cheeky cocktail.
Alcotraz
It’s always nice to see something that’s a bit different, and new city centre bar Alcotraz is certainly that. Inspired by the success of films and TV such as the Shawshank Redemption and Orange Is The New Black, this immersive experience sees revellers become new inmates in a prison smuggling liquor to be turned into bespoke cocktails by the veterans of the clink. You won’t find a menu at this establishment; cocktails are based on whatever you manage to sneak in. Crooked guards will help you figure out how to sneak in your booze, but make sure you don’t get caught by the fearsome warden!
NQ64
This new basement is a neon splattered maze filled with retro arcade machines. NQ64 has opened a second Manchester location on Peter Street following the previous success of its Northern Quarter venture. Sip on their game-themed cocktails, including the strawberry gin based Pac’s A Punch and the rum and absinthe based Mad Max, while challenging your mates to beloved games of the past. Game highlights include Mortal Kombat, Mario Kart, Pac Man, and Space Invaders, to name a few.
The Spinn
The second iteration of this popular burger restaurant opened last month in MediaCityUK. The chain was first opened in 2019 by ex-Emmerdale star Adam Thomas and his business partner and best friend Scott Graham in Gatley. Scott has already seen previous success in the Manchester food scene with his Oh My Glaze sauce range, which is now featured in the restaurant. This new location will serve the same menu of American-inspired bar food as the initial restaurant, including favourites such as the Veggie Mac & Cheese burger. For drinks you can expect classic cocktails with a slight twist, such as the Pink Pornstar (Smirnoff vodka and Chambord served with a mini kir royale) and the Salted Caramel Old Fashioned.
PizzaLuxe
Following successful endeavours in Leeds and Manchester Airport, this well-loved pizza and cocktail chain is opening up a new location in the Arndale shopping centre. This new venture will serve the same reasonably priced Roman-style crust pizzas that the brand is famous for, as well as a made-to-order cocktail menu including well-known classics such as an espresso martini and some unusual tipples such as their lemon cake inspired cocktail.
10 Tib Lane
Based in a three storey town house in the heart of the city centre, 10 Tib Lane is the place to go if you really care about what’s on your plate. This new restaurant serves contemporary French-inspired small plates, giving familiar classics a creative twist. Some menu highlights include leeks served with trompette mushrooms and tomatoes, and bread served with whey butter. For drinks, 10 Tib Lane boasts a cocktail menu full of unique tipples you won’t find elsewhere such as the Eden, made up of Malfey Rosa gin, lime, grapefruit, and Velvet Falernum.