Mecanica

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Mecanica
Ian Jones

Based on Swan Street, Mecanica is a stylish new bar, taking over the space previously held by the short-lived The Quick Brown Fox. It’s a very modern Northern Quarter venue, all shifting lights and dark sultry shades, with plush seating and an outdoor area that looks set to be a smash hit next summer when this whole curfew business is over and done with.

It’s primarily a place for drinks, with an ‘original cocktails’ menu full of bespoke creations, with an impressive amount of energy, thought and ideas gone into each creation. We work our way through Sunset In France (an elegant concoction, made with H by Hine cognac, grape and pear juice), Earnest (a delicious, zingy drink with plenty of fizz, made with Diplomatico aged rum, grapefruit, oolong tea and a singular maraschino cherry) and the eponymous Mecanica (arguably my favourite, a long glass of Black Cow strawberry vodka, hints of rose, lemon verbena and soda water).

Mecanica

The cocktails are easily among the best in the Northern Quarter, arguably the city at large. Each not only looks stunning but more than matches up in taste, while never coming across as too busy or overcomplicated. If you like alcohol in all its forms, you’ll love Mecanica.

But it’s not solely about drinks. There’s a small but perfectly formed food section, based about food boards. For savoury, there’s a meat board and a cheese board, with accompanying bowls of bread and crackers, respectively. Again, the attention to detail is superb. Some of the finest meats and cheeses prepared in the UK can be found here, including a wonderful honeyed soft cheese that tastes like the best Camembert you’ve ever eaten, plus a tangled-up pile of dark wild boar prosciutto that proves incredibly moreish.

Mecanica

The sweet board was the undisputed highlight, however. Six fantastic mini desserts, all sourced from the locally-famed Slattery’s on Bury New Road, including a slightly-too-frozen trifle but also the most spectacular carrot cake I have ever tried in my life. Scout’s honour. I’m currently planning to go back and buy a board containing six of these little diamonds and when you’ve tried them, you will too. For just ten pounds a board (£15 for the large dessert board with six sweets) this is a bargain, especially for the Northern Quarter.

Mecanica is Spanish for clockwork, and that sums up the experience. A smooth, slick and endlessly entertaining evening packed with wonderful drinks and delicious bites to eat. It’s a worthy addition to the city, and well worth a visit or three.

1-3 Swan StManchesterM4 5JJ View map
Telephone: 01618061492 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday3:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Tuesday3:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Wednesday3:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Thursday3:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Friday12:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Saturday12:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Sunday12:00pm - 10:00pm

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

What's on near Mecanica

ActivityManchester
Beyond the Music 2024

Hear directly from the people powering the music industry in both Manchester and the UK, as well as witnessing some of the North’s upcoming talent at Beyond the Music.

from £16.75
MusicManchester
Bar Italia at Band on the Wall

One of London’s most hyped bands of the moment, Bar Italia are playing Band on the Wall in support of their acclaimed 2023 album, The Twits.

from £15
MusicCity Centre
Fair Play Festival 2024

Following two sold out festivals, Fair Play is back to take over the Northern Quarter with a day of live music in all its ‘alternative’ forms.

from £15
MusicManchester
Gaz Coombes at Band on the Wall

Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes performs live at Band on the Wall, following the release of his best album in 20 years, Turn The Car Around.

from £25

Where to go near Mecanica

Ancoats
Restaurant
The Wayfarer

The Northern Quarter pub with Live-music, outdoor seating and friendly staff, making this venue a more than enjoyable visit.

Ancoats
Event venue
The Frog and Bucket

Comedy club in Manchester on the corner of Oldham Street and Great Ancoats. A popular stop on the stand up comedy circuit, Frog and Bucket has seen the likes of Peter Kay, Richard Herring and Johnny Vegas take to its stage.

Manchester
Shop
Village Books

Village Books on Oxford Street is a cultural utopia. Offering a selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography.

matt and phreds sign manchester music
Manchester
Music venue
Matt and Phred’s

New Orleans reaches Manchester with this dedicated jazz club in the Northern Quarter – a reliable choice for a good night out.

Photo of Koffee Pot in Manchester's Northern Quarter
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Koffee Pot

This rock n’ roll greasy spoon on Stevenson Square in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is the place to be weekend mornings.

Fringe Bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter
Ancoats
Bar or Pub
Bar Fringe

No-frills bar on Manchester’s Swan Street. A wide selection of beers and ciders mixed with a great jukebox make this an ideal pre-Band on The Wall drinking spot.

Manchester
Tourist Attraction
Lucardo Escape Rooms

Challenge your strategic thinking and lock solving skills with one of Lucardo’s five immersive escape rooms.

Manchester
Restaurant
Penang

The latest iteration of long-standing Malaysian restaurant Ning, Penang is a small tastefully-lit space with eye-catching purple floral decor, based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Manchester
Restaurant
Ning

Long-standing Northern Quarter restaurant specialising in Malaysian cuisine, including their peerless take on the roti canai.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Gullivers

Head north on Oldham Street and you’ll come across Gullivers, a ‘no gimmicks and no pretensions’ pub and gig venue.

Manchester music venue, Band on the Wall
Manchester
Music venue
Band on the Wall

Band on the Wall is one of Manchester’s most legendary live music venues, the place where Joy Division, The Buzzcocks and Oasis got their first breaks.

Culture Guides

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.