Manchester has shed its rowdy reputation to become one of the UK's most exciting drinking cities. The best bars in Manchester spread from Deansgate and the city center to the Northern Quarter. Schofield's, opened in 2021 by bartender brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield on a corner of the Art Deco Sunlight House, built its list on classics and placed No. 59 and No. 95 on the 51-100 lists of The World's 50 Best Bars 2022 and 2023. Under the Grade II listed Queens Chambers on South King Street, Arcane mixes its own tonics and elixirs, and 10 Tib Lane, just off Cross Street, pairs cocktails with seasonal sharing plates and oysters. In the Northern Quarter, The Daisy is a basement bar inspired by Paris's Pigalle, with resident DJs every weekend. On the 23rd floor of Beetham Tower, Cloud 23 mixes drinks around the city's story, including a Vimtini made with Vimto. Schofield's is mainly a walk-in bar and takes groups of up to six. These are the six we would start with.

Arcane is a mood lit cocktail bar in the basement of the Grade II listed Queens Chambers building on South King Street, opened in April 2016 by friends Mark Taylor and Gary Kilroy. They restored the old Victorian brickwork and original features, which give the room a relaxed, cozy feel. The bartenders make their own mixers, tonics and elixirs, refresh the menu regularly and will make a drink to order just the way a guest likes it.

The Daisy is a cocktail bar at 44 Tib Street in the Northern Quarter, inspired by the bars of Pigalle in Paris. Local resident DJs play every weekend, and the bar sets out a refined drinks menu for late nights with a plush, loft party feel. Space is always kept for walk ins, bookings are recommended for larger groups, and drinks are ordered at the bar.
10 Tib Lane is a cocktail bar and restaurant tucked away just off Cross Street in the heart of Manchester, pitched as a warm escape from the bustle of the city. The kitchen serves seasonal sharing plates built on fresh, locally sourced produce. Walk in guests are welcome, though booking is recommended, and some tables are high tops with bar stools.
Cloud 23 is the bar on the 23rd floor of The Manchester Deansgate Hotel in Beetham Tower, with panoramic views over the city. Its cocktail list takes its cue from Manchester's landmarks, music and art, and sits alongside Champagne and an afternoon tea service. Live DJs play on Friday evenings, and tables can be booked online, with walk ins taken when space allows.
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These 6 are the starting point. The full BarMagazine directory covers every listed bar in Manchester, with a map, filters by bar type, and new openings as we verify them.