Gin Bars in Manchester

Charlie Hooson-Sykes

It’d be almost impossible to have missed the increase in the popularity of gin over the last couple of years. We’ve gone from a few iconic coloured bottles on the shelves to over 600 gins worldwide, as well as tonics to tempt and garnishes galore. From the sweet gin to the savoury, juniper forward to spiced, there’s a gin for everyone.

So where, in our fair city of Manchester, can you find the best gins, the best gin cocktails, or just those unusual little bottles that you might not find anywhere else? Gin expert The Lady Sybil (otherwise known as Charlie) has chosen her top spots in Manchester. We declare it gin o’clock.

Our top picks

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, 15 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4LP - Visit now

A must-visit for gin lovers and the yet-to-be-converted, the Spirit of Manchester Distillery is the perfect place to while away a few hours in Deansgate. Set in six lovingly restored Grade-II listed railway arches, the independent distillery balances an international reputation with some of the most personal tours, tastings and gin making experiences around.

Building: The Spirit of Manchester Distillary Location: Manchester Architect: Up North Architects

Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LY - Visit now

With the biggest selection in the city, Atlas Bar at the bottom of Deansgate is a must. The Gin Bible here ensures that you have an up to date list of everything on offer, with tasting notes to help you decide. It’s also the only place in the city to offer gin-matched dinners from chef Ross Parker (formerly of Arbutus and Harvey Nichols). Of course, you can always ask the staff on hand to help you pick a gin, tonic and garnish, too.

Allotment Bar

Allotment Bar, 24 Dale Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1FY - Visit now

Hands up if you realised that the hidden-in-plain-sight Allotment is a gin bar? With 55 gins on the bar, it’s got the biggest selection in the Northern Quarter, as well as a cocktail menu that reflects this great range.

allotment bar manchester
allotment bar manchester

Gorilla

Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5WW - Visit now

With its upstairs Gin Parlour, above the main bar, Gorilla deserves a mention for its classic gin cocktail menu. We’re big fans of the perfectly balanced Aviation here, and the gin and tonic menu, which takes the concept one step further, with layers of flavour.

Gorilla, Whitworth street Manchester

Where to go in Manchester

Salford
Restaurant
Kallos Cafe & Wine Bar

Kallos is a Greek restaurant and wine bar in Salford, serving up exquisite dishes throughout the day and evening.

Ego Death
Manchester
Restaurant
Ego Death

Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.

Ancoats
Bar or Pub
Finders Keepers

Welcoming waterside bar in New Islington Marina, serving a wide array of carefully-curated cocktails.

City Centre
Restaurant
Climat

Highly-regarded wine-led, French-leaning wine bar and rooftop restaurant in the city centre.

Manchester
Restaurant
Manchester Wine Tours

Manchester Wine Tours is a relaxed, fun wine tour, full of the city’s best food and drink, led by an effortlessly engaging host.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Henry C

Henry C is an intimate neighbourhood bar in Chorlton, serving up superb quality drinks.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Kennedy’s Irish Bar

A fan favourite in Altrincham, Kennedy’s Irish Bar offers live music, a vibrant atmosphere and undoubtable Irish charm and hospitality.

Manchester
Restaurant
Axe & Cleaver

This is the perfect pub for an indulgent weekend, following up a long countryside walk with a hearty and high quality meal.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
On Bar

This multifaceted venue is primarily an award winning gay bar in Manchester’s Canal Street area – but that is not all…

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