Manchester’s thriving nightlife scene has no shortage of cracking bars to pick from.
If anything, there are probably TOO many options.
So, we’re here to narrow things down.
We’ve been planning hen dos since 2002, and we’ve gone and searched the city for the best bars for a hen do in Manchester, so you know where the party’s at on the bride’s big weekend away.
It was thirsty work, but someone had to do it…
Alcotraz is the one we’d book first in Manchester, and New York New York in the Gay Village is where the night tends to end up.
- Alcotraz
- Dirty Martini
- Manahatta
- Cane and Grain
- The Washhouse
- Be At One
- Atlas Bar
- MOJO
- New York New York
- Pixel Bar
- Banyan
- The Faraday
- The Liquor Store
- Lock 91
- Lost in Tokyo
Alcotraz
Alcotraz is one of Manchester’s most unique cocktail bars. Once convicted for your crimes (against fashion?), you’ll be put behind bars in this immersive cocktail experience.
You’ll be instructed by a gang on the inside to smuggle in ingredients to make bespoke cocktails. No, you won’t find a drinks menu here… after all, it is a prison!
Unfortunately, the prison doesn’t take walk-ins, so you’ll need to pre-book your tickets to reserve your cells.
Dress code: All inmates are supplied with orange jumpsuits, so, if possible, avoid wearing any skirts or dresses
Visiting Hours
Address: 1a Watson Street, Manchester M3 4EE, UK
Head here for: Cocktails with a jailbreak twist
Pro move: No walk-ins, so book your cells ahead.
Location:
- 5-minute walk to Deansgate
- 15-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 20-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Book Alcotraz Manchester | Video | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Dirty Martini
Dirty Martini is more than just a bar: it’s a dreamland where happy hours last for hours, the cocktails give you the right buzz, and the party keeps going thanks to the live DJs, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning brunches.
And whilst walk-ins are accepted, pre-booking gives you a real advantage because you can reserve your booths and pre-order their fabulous cocktails and sharers combos.
Dress code: Dress to impress, no fancy dress
Happy Hour Times
Address: 1 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR
Head here for: Happy hours, DJs and brunch
Pro move: Pre-book a booth and you can pre-order cocktails and sharers.
Location:
- 2-minute walk to Deansgate
- 13-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 20-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Manahatta
This is your chance to get a real taste of New York without jumping on a plane! Manahatta is one of the most aesthetic and authentic-looking New York-inspired bars we’ve seen.
It’s a cracking spot to visit when you’re on the lookout for a memorable night. Seriously, you’ll feel like you’re crashing a celebrity’s party!
FYI, if you’re craving a bite and don’t go for their Bottomless Party, you’ll be missing out on the brunch of a lifetime!!
Dress code: Smart casual, dress to impress on the weekend
Address: 188-192 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3ND
Get directions on Google Maps
Location:
- In Deansgate
- 12-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 20-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Head here for: A New York-style party
Pro move: Book the Bottomless Party if you want food with your fizz.
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Cane and Grain
This bar is a triple-threat cocktail venue in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
From the ground floor ‘relaxed hangout’ to an experimental cocktail laboratory to the Liars Lounge which is a mix of a tiki bar and Caribbean rum shop, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Cane and Grain.
Dress code: Casual, relaxed
Address: Cane & Grain, 49, 51 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1NA
Head here for: Three bars in one, from tiki to cocktail lab
Pro move: Head to the Liars Lounge for rum and tiki drinks.
Location:
- 3-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
- 8-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 18-minute walk to Deansgate
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Wash House
The Washouse is a hidden laundrette-themed cocktail bar that will both surprise and delight you. Please note: this secret cocktail bar doesn’t cater for your laundry needs; however, we do recommend that you drop in and give them a spin.
Expect a setting like nowhere else in town, with cocktails to match.
Walk-ins are NOT available, and you need to pre-book your entry.
Dress code: Smart-casual
Address: 19 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF
Head here for: A secret laundrette speakeasy
Pro move: No walk-ins, so pre-book your spin.
Location:
- In Manchester city centre
- 6-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
- 15-minute walk to Deansgate
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Be At One
With more than 100 cocktails on the menu, Be At One is all about choice. The party starts from the moment you enter but the energy won’t leave your systems until after the wedding.
You can try a new tipple, stick to the classics, or mix them up with their 2-for-1 cocktail deals. Perfect!
Dress code: Smart casual
Address: 80 Deansgate, Salford, Manchester M3 2ER
Head here for: Over 100 cocktails to choose from
Pro move: Visit during happy hour and grab the cocktail deals.
Location:
- 5-minute walk to Deansgate
- 6-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 13-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Atlas Bar
With more than 25 years of experience under the belt and more than 570 gins behind the bar (the largest collection in Manchester city centre), this bar is a great place to crash before you hit the clubs!
Order a cocktail to enjoy in the beer garden and soak up the sunshine (when Manchester allows it).
The venue keeps a number of tables available for walk-ins but bigger groups should book ahead.
Dress code: Smart casual
Address: 376 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LY
Head here for: A huge gin collection and a beer garden
Pro move: Only some tables are kept for walk-ins, so bigger groups should book.
Location:
- 9-minute walk to Deansgate
- 19-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 23-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Mojo
MOJO is one of Manchester’s best hen do bars.
By combining shabby New York dive-style chic with great liquor and rock ‘n’ roll tunes from the last five decades, it’s a cracking alternative to your classic cocktail joint. Walk-ins are welcome but you can easily book your tables on their website to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Dress code: Smart casual
Address: 59A Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BQ
Head here for: Rock ’n’ roll and late nights
Pro move: Book a table online to skip any last-minute hassle.
Location:
- 4-minute walk to Manchester Deansgate
- 10-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 17-minute to the Northern Quarter
Website | Instagram | Facebook
New York New York
New York New York is a long-standing favourite for a lively party in Manchester’s Gay Village. For over 30 years, this place has been known for its hands-in-the-air nights with music that you can’t help but sing along to.
Yes, we’re talking outrageous drag queens, an incredible atmosphere, and tonnes of energy. You’ll see why it’s a must-visit destination for a night out in Manchester.
Dress code: Smart casual
Address: 94-98 Bloom St, Manchester M1 3LY
Head here for: Drag queens and sing-along anthems
Pro move: It runs late, so save it for the end of the night.
Location:
- 11-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 12-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
- 14-minute walk to Deansgate
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Pixel Bar
Pixel Bar is a top venue for gamers and cocktail enthusiasts. Here you can enjoy a lively, neon-lit atmosphere with a banging pop-punk soundtrack, as you sip unique cocktails and fuel up on pizza.
What’s not to love? Alternative, epic, and a memorable start to that big night on the town. Do not miss this one!
Dress code: Casual
Address: 10 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1DH
Head here for: Gaming, neon and pizza
Pro move: Book a gaming booth if the group fancies a tournament.
Location:
- 5-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
- 7-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 17-minute walk to Deansgate
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Banyan: Spinningfields
Banyan is Manchester’s friendly neighbourhood bar that’s always ready and raring to welcome its next group of hens. With its diverse range of cocktails and bites for sharing, the menu covers every taste in the group.
If you happen to visit during the day, you can even build your own bottomless brunch and gear up for the night out in style.
Walk-ins are accepted and tables are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, but if you’re heading over on a Friday or Saturday night you should consider booking yours in advance!
Dress code: Smart casual
Address: Vantage Point, Manchester M3 3PL
Head here for: Bottomless brunch and sharing plates
Pro move: Tables go first come, first served, so book for Friday or Saturday.
Location:
- 3-minute walk to Deansgate
- 13-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 20-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Faraday (formerly 7sins)
Remember 7sins on Lever Street? The venue has been reborn as The Faraday, a bar with its own games area, so you can still mix your cocktails with a bit of friendly competition.
It’s a handy first stop in the Northern Quarter before the night gets going.
Dress code: Not listed, so go smart casual to be safe
Address: 43-45 Lever Street, Manchester M1 1DE
Head here for: Drinks with a side of games
Pro move: It opens from late afternoon in the week and from midday on Saturdays, so it suits an early start.
The Liquor Store
The Liquor Store is the ultimate destination for cocktail lovers in Manchester. With a bar crammed with some of the most desirable liquors from around the world, you can’t miss out on this one.
This place throws amazing parties until 3 am EVERY night of the week and it has secured its place amongst Manchester’s best.
Dress code: Smart casual
Address: Maybrook House, 40 Blackfriars St, Manchester M3 2EG
Head here for: Late-night cocktails every night
Pro move: It parties until 3am, so it works as your last stop.
Location:
- 6-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 7-minute walk to Deansgate
- 13-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Lock 91
Lock 91 is the cosy option. Its scenic canal-side terrace is ideal for a party-minded group, whereas its Reception Bar offers a more intimate setting that’s great for socialising over a drink or two.
On a Friday or Saturday, you will need to book a table as this ‘Victorian den’, as described by visitors, gets very busy since it’s the locals’ favourite.
Dress code: (Smart) casual
Address: 9 Century St, Manchester M3 4QL
Head here for: Canal-side drinks
Pro move: Book for Friday or Saturday, as it gets busy with locals.
Location:
- 10-minute walk to Deansgate
- 20-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 22-minute walk to the Northern Quarter
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Lost in Tokyo
Lost in Tokyo is the wildcard on this list. Down in the Northern Quarter, this basement bar is well known for its wide range of Japanese whiskies and creative cocktails.
If you fancy escaping to Tokyo for the evening, these flavours will do just that. It’s a proper escape from the usual Saturday night. You won’t regret it!
Dress code: Smart casual
Address: 26b Lever St, Manchester M1 1DW
Head here for: Japanese whisky and creative cocktails
Pro move: It’s a cosy basement, so book ahead for bigger groups.
Location:
- In the Northern Quarter
- 9-minute walk to Manchester city centre
- 19-minute walk to Deansgate
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Ready To Plan Your Night Out?
Whether you found the perfect bar on this list or you’re still unsure about where to go on your night out, we can help you make the best decision for the whole group!
Give our Manchester Specialists a call on 01225 474200 or send them a quick enquiry form to get in touch.
They’ll be able to advise you on the best spots, activities and accommodations in the big city so you can plan the hen party in the most stress-free way possible.
Last orders: Many of these bars stay open until 2am or 3am at weekends, and late-night spots like MOJO and New York New York carry on even longer.
Dress-up rules: Most bars here are smart casual, and Dirty Martini won’t let fancy dress in, so double-check before the group costumes come out.
To see the city through our eyes, read about the day GoHen went to Manchester, then browse our Manchester hen weekend ideas and accommodation.
You can trust us to help you throw a brilliant bridal party!
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