Ginesis at Chetham’s Library

Polly Checkland Harding

Book now

Ginesis

Chetham’s Library, Manchester
26 October 2016

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Book now

They’re a smart lot on the Manchester Science Festival team – for what better way to spike people’s interest in science than with alcohol. This year’s programme sees the return of Ginesis, a fascinating (and libatory) investigation into mother’s ruin, bunter’s tea, Vera Lynn… otherwise known as gin. Lead by the indecently knowledgeable Charlie Hooson-Skyes (who wrote our guide to the best gin bars in Manchester and is otherwise known as The Lady Sybil), Ginesis explores the biology of taste, the chemical processes behind the making of gin and how our past affects which tastes we enjoy – with plenty of tastings along the way.

Learn what garnish goes best with which gin, discover rare (and wonderful) distillations, and explore the world of tonics – Ginesis has it all. Alternatively, if you’re more of a fan of the peat and smoke of whisky, there’s also a Whiskyology session, also at Chetham’s Library (and may we kindly refer you to our guide to whisky bars in Manchester?).

What's on at Chetham’s Library

Where to go near Ginesis at Chetham’s Library

Cathedral Quarter
Restaurant
Mamucium

High-class restaurant next to Victoria Station in Manchester, and attached to Hotel Indigo. Famed for steaks.

The National Football Museum Manchester
Manchester
Museum
National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is now open to the public, ready to show off its impressive array of football-related exhibits and activities.

Cathedral Quarter
Restaurant
Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar

Head to this tiny Italian eatery for an authentic slice of Naples. It majors in mozzarella and the stuff here is a revelation: light, flavoursome, with oily, oozing pesto.

Manchester
Event venue
Festa Italiana

The 2022 Festa Italiana was a roaring success, with great food options and captivating live music performances throughout the weekend.

Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Quarter
Park
Cathedral Gardens

Cathedral Gardens is a partially lawned public space in Manchester city centre, located between Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum.

Virgin Red Room
Manchester
Virgin Red Room

The Virgin Red Room is a new private members space located at Manchester’s AO Arena, with VIP access to some of the city’s biggest gigs.

Manchester
Event venue
Federation House

Federation House in Manchester is a pop-up project space that provides opportunities for artists, artist groups and artist development agencies.

Manchester
Restaurant
Skof by Tom Barnes

We visit Skof, Manchester’s most raved-about new restaurants, mere hours before 2025’s Michelin Guide announcement.

Manchester
Music venue
The Stoller Hall

The baby in the family of Manchester’s concert halls, The Stoller Hall greatly enhances the city’s already enviable live music provision.

What's on: Exhibitions

Commons at SODA
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Commons at SODA

Commons is a programme of openly accessible, interactive events led by digital artists, showcasing the nuances of our interactions with tech.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.