The best spots for after-work drinks in Manchester

Set in an old MOT garage on Swan Street, the pizza parlour, margarita bar and beer garden is the ultimate destination for late afternoon drinking, evening snacks and all-round good vibes. The social atmosphere of the tree-lined forecourt makes it the perfect spot for a post-work cocktail, accompanied by a slice (or two) of their signature Detroit-style pizza. With giant tipis and campfires for those cooler evenings, the suntrap space encourages large groups to enjoy drinks, laughs and stellar company around the open fire pits. The menu is packed with margaritas, martinis and other ‘wild spirits,’ with a happy hour every Wednesday for that mid-week pick-me-up. 

If you enjoy your after-work drinks with a large helping of sophistication, Cottonopolis is a classy and buzzing establishment in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building, the food and drink here is a contemporary Japanese affair, combining a celebration of the industrial past of Manchester with international influences. Impress your colleagues and friends with the extensive drinks list, which showcases unusual ingredients such as kombucha and kumquat plum sake in the inventive cocktails. There’s also a selection of beers, Japanese-inspired spirits and wine from every corner of the globe.

We’ve all been there at some point – your co-workers suggest a quick pint after work yet you’re now out until the earlier hours slinging shots and dangerously close to missing the last train home. Known for being a ‘part-time pizza parlour, full-time party bar,’ Crazy Pedro’s is popular with the post-work crowd for its sweet combination of budget friendly cocktails, huge pizza slices and lively atmosphere. With venues on both Short Street and Bridge Street, you can’t go far wrong with their popular post-5pm deals which include £2.50 slices, 2-4-£12 cocktails and an unspecified ‘cheap plonk.’ 

Nestled in the heart of stylish Spinningfields, The Lawn Club is a visually stunning bar surrounded by the greenery of Hardman Square. Choose from sitting under the twinkling pergola or pitch up in one of the bespoke ‘Lawn Pods,’ which offer a private and cosy space for catching up after a day in the office. As the go-to spot for everything from special occasions to a quick pint post-work, the pods are decked out with comfy cushions and blankets to keep you cosy all night long. When it comes to the drinks menu, there’s craft beer, exclusive spirits and even a tree of bellini cocktails.

The recently pedestrianised Thomas Street makes the ideal spot for a quick drink after work, with a large choice of alfresco seating. With its minimalist interior, floral outdoor terrace and indie soundtrack, there’s no surprise that The Smithfield Social is a magnet for millennials looking for a tipple or two. The venue also pays homage to the historic Smithfield Market that once stood down the road and combines the extensive drinks list with a menu of small plates using seasonal, local ingredients. Offering something unique for Northern Quarter drinking dens, the cocktail menu adds a contemporary twist on classic drinks using bold ingredients such as sumac, rosemary and cayenne smoke. If you stay long enough, you might even catch an impromptu live set from Liam Fray himself. 

If you prefer an after-work activity that offers slightly more substance than simply necking pints, Dog Bowl has something for everyone to enjoy – bowling lanes, arcade games and cheap drinks. The venue is an offshoot of Black Dog Ballroom in the Northern Quarter and takes inspiration from a New York speakeasy – with an added bowling alley. When everyone has bowled up an appetite, the diner serves a menu from fried chicken connoisseurs Kong’s Diner, including burgers, poutine and waffles. There’s also a residency from popular arcade bar NQ64, with a selection of arcade games and retro consoles – and you can even bring along your favourite four-legged friend.