Top 5 Speakeasies Restaurants in Manchester for a Unique Night Out

Manchester is home to a variety of speakeasies and hidden restaurants that offer unique and intimate dining and drinking experiences. These secret spots are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of mystery and adventure with their meals and cocktails. Here are the top five speakeasies restaurants in Manchester that you must try.

1. The Washhouse

The Washhouse is one of Manchester's most famous speakeasies, hidden in plain sight as a laundromat. To enter, you have to make a booking and then arrive at what appears to be a regular laundromat. Once inside, you’re led through a secret door to a stylish and intimate cocktail bar. The Washhouse offers a creative menu of expertly crafted cocktails, each with its unique presentation and flair.

Special Menu:

• Spin Cycle – A refreshing gin-based cocktail with cucumber and elderflower.
• The Detergent – A citrusy cocktail with a foamy top.
• Rinse and Repeat – A bourbon-based cocktail with a hint of vanilla and spice.

Location: 19 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF
Contact Number: +44 161 839 5287
Official Website: The Washhouse

Customer Experience:

The Washhouse offers a quirky and intimate setting with top-notch service and a playful atmosphere. The hidden entrance adds to the fun, making it a must-visit for cocktail lovers.

Rating:

4.7/5 (Google Reviews)

2. Dusk Til Pawn

Dusk Til Pawn is another hidden gem in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, disguised as an old pawn shop. Behind the seemingly inconspicuous exterior, you’ll find a cozy and stylish bar offering a wide range of expertly mixed cocktails. The bar has a vintage vibe, with dim lighting and eclectic decor that adds to its speakeasy charm.

Special Menu:

• Pawn Star Martini – A twist on the classic Pornstar Martini with passionfruit and vanilla.
• Old Fashioned – A classic bourbon cocktail with bitters and sugar.
• The Velvet Underground – A gin-based cocktail with elderflower and raspberry.

Location: Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1FB

Official Website: Dusk Til Pawn

Customer Experience:

Dusk Til Pawn offers a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere with a focus on quality cocktails and friendly service. The unique entrance and hidden location make it a fun spot for a night out.

Rating:

4.6/5 (Google Reviews)

3. Cottonopolis

Cottonopolis, while not hidden in the traditional sense, offers a speakeasy-style experience with its secret bar, The Vault. Located in the basement of the main restaurant, The Vault is accessible by booking only and provides an exclusive space for enjoying cocktails in a more intimate setting. The main restaurant upstairs offers an Asian-inspired menu with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Special Menu:

• Matcha Highball – A refreshing cocktail with matcha and yuzu.
• Sushi Platter – A selection of fresh sushi and sashimi.
• Wagyu Beef Gyoza – Pan-fried dumplings with a rich and savory filling.

Location: 16 Newton St, Manchester M1 2AE
Contact Number: +44 161 236 5144
Official Website: N/A

Customer Experience:

Cottonopolis offers a chic and modern setting with a secretive twist in The Vault. The restaurant’s sleek decor and innovative menu make it a top choice for both dining and drinking.

Rating:

4.7/5 (Google Reviews)

Read Also: Top Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Manchester for 2024

4. The Daisy

The Daisy is a hidden bar located beneath Evelyn’s Café Bar in the Northern Quarter. This members-only speakeasy offers a cozy and exclusive atmosphere, with a focus on bespoke cocktails and fine wines. Access to The Daisy is through a discreet door at the back of the café, adding to its secretive allure.

Special Menu:

• The Daisy’s Old Fashioned – A classic Old Fashioned with a twist.
• Seasonal Spritz – A refreshing cocktail with seasonal fruits and herbs.
• Fine Wines – A curated selection of wines from around the world.

Location: 44 Tib St, Manchester M4 1NB
Contact Number: +44 161 834 3303
Official Website: The Daisy

Customer Experience:

The Daisy offers an intimate and refined setting with a focus on personalized service. The hidden location and members-only access make it a perfect spot for a private and relaxed evening.

Rating:

4.6/5 (Google Reviews)

5. The Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald is a speakeasy-style bar located in the Northern Quarter, offering a 1920s-inspired experience with a mix of classic and contemporary cocktails. The bar is named after the famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald and features an art deco design with plush seating and dim lighting, creating a glamorous and mysterious atmosphere.

Special Menu:

• The Great Gatsby – A champagne cocktail with a touch of elderflower.
• Bee’s Knees – A gin-based cocktail with honey and lemon.
• Manhattan – A classic cocktail with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Location: 11 Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DB

Official Website: The Fitzgerald

Customer Experience:

The Fitzgerald offers a stylish and nostalgic setting with a focus on creating a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. The speakeasy vibe, combined with excellent cocktails, makes it a popular spot for a night out with friends.

Rating:

4.5/5 (Google Reviews)

Conclusion

Manchester's speakeasies restaurants offer a blend of mystery, sophistication, and outstanding culinary and cocktail experiences. From secret laundromats to vintage pawn shops, these venues provide more than just food and drinks; they deliver an adventure. Whether you're in search of an intimate evening with expertly crafted cocktails or an exclusive, cozy atmosphere, these top five speakeasies and hidden restaurants should be at the top of your list. With their unique themes, secret entrances, and impeccable service, each one guarantees a memorable night out in the heart of Manchester.

FAQs

1. How do I access The Washhouse speakeasy?
To access The Washhouse, you must make a reservation. Once you arrive, you'll find what appears to be a regular laundromat. You'll then be guided through a hidden door that leads to the cocktail bar.

2. Is Dusk Til Pawn really a pawn shop?
No, Dusk Til Pawn is not an actual pawn shop. It's a cleverly disguised speakeasy that looks like a pawn shop from the outside, but inside, it’s a stylish bar offering a variety of cocktails.

3. Can I visit The Vault at Cottonopolis without a reservation?
No, The Vault at Cottonopolis is accessible by booking only. It's an exclusive speakeasy-style bar located in the basement, providing a more intimate experience.

4. Is The Daisy open to the public, or is it members-only?
The Daisy is a members-only speakeasy, located beneath Evelyn’s Café Bar. However, membership provides access to its cozy and exclusive atmosphere, along with personalized service.

5. What makes The Fitzgerald unique compared to other speakeasies?
The Fitzgerald stands out with its 1920s-inspired ambiance, plush seating, art deco design, and a cocktail menu that features both classic and contemporary drinks, making it a glamorous yet mysterious venue.