The Corner Boy

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
The Corner Boy
The Corner Boy

The Corner Boy is a fine example of the best kind of Northern Quarter bar. Newly reopened after the easing of lockdown measures, there’s a real buzz in the air with welcoming staff and a friendly atmosphere running throughout the venue. As you’d expect, it’s an all-seated affair, with table service but it doesn’t detract from the experience in the slightest, and while in the pre-COVID days the venue was rammed to the rafters, now there’s plenty of room to sit back and relax while enjoying a drink.

The Corner Boy settles into that sweet spot between bar and pub

It’s billed as an Irish bar, but it has the feel of that certain kind of Northern Quarter bar – low lighting and traditional decor with tasteful signage and mahogany wood panelling, but with a certain something that elevates it above the typical pub. The soundtrack helps, with a smart mix of classic and modern music, taking in the best upbeat guitar music of the past few decades, including The Cure and New Order. It’s very Manchester in spirit, without being shouty about it.

Stevenson Square is right on its doorstep, meaning you can take advantage of the huge open-air drinking space outside, weather-permitting. This became pedestrianised in early July, meaning what was once a fairly unpleasant district to navigate is now relaxed, and calm, with the city’s boy racers thankfully left out in the cold. If you’re looking for an afternoon pint in the sun, whenever ‘summer’ decides to kick in, there aren’t many better areas than this.

You can take advantage of the huge open-air drinking space outside, weather-permitting

The Corner Boy settles into that sweet spot between bar and pub, not too shiny and polished but certainly not spit and sawdust either. As ever, it’s the people who work there who make it, and when even the doorman makes you feel welcome and valued, it’s the sign of a well-run bar that more than deserves your boozey pounds. A gem, no two ways about it.

21 Hilton StManchesterM1 1JJ View map
Telephone: 01612417070 Visit Now

What's on at The Corner Boy

Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

What's on near The Corner Boy

Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Women in Comedy Festival 2023
Until
ComedyAncoats
Women in Comedy Festival 2024

Described as one of the “UK’s best comedy festivals”, the Women in Comedy Festival MCR returns with its 11th bumper edition of top-notch comedy. 

from £3.00
Until
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

Where to go near The Corner Boy

UNITOM bookshop
Manchester
Shop
UNITOM

UNITOM is home to a wide array of publications on contemporary art, design, fashion, photography and counterculture, alongside an extensive range of independent magazines.

Manchester
Selina NQ1

Selina NQ1 is a creative and charming yet sophisticated hotel in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Northern Quarter
Restaurant
Flok

A much-needed addition to the fast-growing Stevenson Square area of the Northern Quarter. Flok offers sophistication, superb tapas-style food and an impressively well-stocked bar.

Bakerie, Manchester. Courtesy Bakerie
Manchester
Restaurant
Bakerie

Bakerie in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is an open-plan restaurant which features comfy booths, ordinary tables and communal-style benches.

Nibble NQ
Manchester
Restaurant
Nibble

Independent cafe in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter. Perfect if you’re looking for high-quality homemade produce.

Manchester
Shop
Barbarella

Barbarella is a barber shop and part of the long-standing Pop Boutique vintage shop.

Image of Pop Boutique's shop front on Oldham Street in Manchester
Manchester
Shop
Pop Boutique Manchester

One of the oldest vintage shops in the Northern Quarter (opened here in 1994), Pop is set out across two floors and racks up a cafe, barber’s and basement furniture section, as well as its own label and good-as-new originals – all for very reasonable prices.

Image of Soup Kitchen in Manchester's Northern Quarter
Manchester
Music venue
Soup

Soup Kitchen is a superb communal cafe by day and an excellent live music venue by night. The perfect choice for lunch or a great night out.

City Centre
Restaurant
Rewind NQ

A quirky bar, paying homage to the unfortunately deceased Blockbusters video rental stores, with aptly named cocktails and a great atmosphere.

Manchester District Guides

Culture Guides