Best Manchester Nightlife

Even people who don’t like jazz like Matt and Phred’s. Rock up on a weeknight for a Charlie Parker pizza, a cheeky beer and anything from house band action to sweet sounds from Brazilian samba trios. With live music six nights a week—“jazz is our first love but we are also enthusiastic about other creative talents,” the owners say—and poetry readings, lit fests, acoustic bands and other musical genres filling the seventh night, you can’t go wrong. Book ahead for weekend gigs, because the place fills fast.

Cord hung out in the Northern Quarter before it was cool and it’s proven to have serious staying power. Initially a traditional Manchester pub, a recent refurbishment has created sleek lines, drinking nooks and distressed black leather sofas that look like they’re out of a cool film set. There’s beer on tap, killer cosmos on the cocktail list and DJs on the weekends. Chow down on giant Mediterranean-style platters (olives, hummus, warm slices of Lebanese bread) if you get hungry.

The temple, as it’s known, has two obvious selling points (other than the fact that it’s, you know, a bar). The first is its jukebox, which is better than anyone’s iTunes collection we’ve ever come across. The second? This underground drinking spot was once a public toilet. The lavs have been flushed away (well, they’ve left a few for you to use) the sinks are gone, but space is still a bit tight, which makes for a convivial atmosphere and a great place to meet new people.

Cinnabar looks like a futuristic Japanese garden, with low-lit drinking pods, bubble lighting, hues of amber, Qing Dynasty-style vases and hooded sofas smothered in cushions. Whether that sounds like bar heaven or hell to you (the local pub this ain’t), this place is worth a visit for its impressive cocktail menu (try the Gateaux Blaster with vanilla) and walk-in tasting cellar. The adjacent Vermilion restaurant does a fine line in Asian fusion food and also offers cooking classes.