18 May
Cloud 23
Start your evening at Cloud 23. A recent refurbishment has reaffirmed this bar as the best place to get a handle on the city below. Although it operates a guest list after 6pm, Cloud 23 is never pretentious. Try a pre-dinner cocktail such as Dalton’s Atomic Experiment
Gorilla
Located under the railway arches of Whitworth Street West in the City Centre, Gorilla is a bar that doubles up as a kitchen, live venue and club space. Its mezzanine gin parlour is a particularly nice touch, and it’s tempting to settle in for the evening: recent visitors include bands such as Frightened Rabbit, Dutch Uncles and Villagers
Cornerhouse
Visit Manchester’s enduring cultural hub, Cornerhouse. This venue is an art-house cinema, cafe, bar and art venue rolled into one, and if your itinerary doesn’t allow for time to catch the latest foreign film, then pop into its galleries, open until 8pm most days
Mr Thomas’s Chop House
If Mancunian authenticity is key, the homemade Corned Beef Hash (ten days in the making, no less) in the Dickensian surrounds of Mr Thomas’s Chop House makes for a memorable meal. This genuine Victorian bar with its unique atmosphere, friendly staff, fine wine, beer and food make it well worth a visit
The Northern Quarter
No late night Mancunian excursion is complete without a visit to the Northern Quarter. Amongst the numerous bars here is Marble Brewery’s 57 Thomas Street operation, Port Street Beer House (currently pub of the year) and Bakerie, a bar that bakes its own bread