Best Bars near The Old Quadrangle

Gorilla is a vibrant hybrid venue on Manchester's Whitworth Street, blending a lively bar, restaurant, live music spot, and nightclub. Daytime brings brunch and roasts in a bright, spacious main bar, while nights pulse with DJs, gigs, and cocktails in transformed party spaces. Funky decor, diverse menus from burgers to vegan options, and multiple rooms including a cosy Gin Parlour create an electric atmosphere for all-day indulgence.

The New Union is a vibrant gay-friendly hotel, bar, and show venue located at 111 Princess Street in Manchester's famous Gay Village. Established around 1860, it blends historic charm with lively nightlife, offering a traditional pub atmosphere by day and dynamic drag cabaret, karaoke, and DJ nights after dark. With affordable drinks, pool tables, and a welcoming crowd, it’s a cornerstone of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene and a hub for entertainment and socializing.

A vibrant LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant in the heart of Manchester’s Canal Street, Via Manchester combines stylish dark-wood interiors with lively cabaret, drag shows, and DJ sets. By day it’s a relaxed spot for cocktails and British-style food with outdoor tables by the canal; by night it transforms into a buzzing nightclub with a dance floor and regular performances. It’s a central meeting point in the Gay Village, known for its inclusive atmosphere, multiple floors, and late-night energy.

The Molly House is a vibrant tapas bar and restaurant located at 26 Richmond Street in Manchester’s bustling Gay Village. Known for its Argentinian-Spanish fusion tapas, eclectic atmosphere, and welcoming vibe, it offers a relaxed setting with vintage décor, plush outdoor seating, and a diverse drinks menu including vegan options. A favorite for casual dining and socializing, it blends charm with quality food and drink in a lively yet cozy environment.

Nestled in the heart of Manchester, The Britons Protection is a Grade II-listed pub dating back to circa 1811, renowned for its vast whisky collection and traditional charm. This lively gastropub offers a warm, no-nonsense atmosphere with multiple rooms, a large beer garden, and a celebrated selection of beers, ales, and seasonal cocktails. A true Manchester institution, it blends rich history with a welcoming community spirit.

Nestled on bustling Portland Street in Manchester, The Grey Horse Inn is a quaint, traditional pub famed for its intimate, single-room layout and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Renowned for serving a fine selection of Hydes Brewery cask ales alongside real ales from across the UK, it offers an authentic Manchester pub experience with a modern twist. Despite its compact size, the pub is a lively hub for locals and visitors seeking quality drinks at affordable prices in a friendly setting.

Nestled beneath the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station, Lock 91 is a Grade II listed former lockkeeper’s cottage transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar and events venue. Renowned for its inventive drinks, welcoming atmosphere, and versatile spaces including a stylish attic and outdoor terrace, it offers a unique blend of historic character and contemporary social buzz in Manchester’s city centre.

Located in the railway arches of Deansgate, Atlas Bar is a celebrated Manchester institution known for its extensive gin selection—over 570 varieties—and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. This award-winning bar combines sleek industrial-chic interiors with a spacious, heated terrace perfect for all weather. Alongside premium drinks, it offers freshly prepared food from breakfast through evening, making it a versatile destination for locals and visitors alike.

Three Little Words is a stylish cocktail bar, distillery, and restaurant nestled under historic Grade-II* listed brick arches on Watson Street in Manchester. Known for its expertly crafted gin cocktails, seasonal bistro-style menu, and immersive gin-making experiences, it offers a unique blend of industrial-chic ambiance and warm hospitality. Visitors can enjoy innovative drinks, fresh food inspired by local botanicals, and special events in a lively yet inviting setting.

Nestled on Manchester's bustling Deansgate, The Deansgate is a revitalized 200-year-old pub blending historic charm with modern vibrancy. Once known as The Crown, this Greene King-owned gem reopened in 2022 after a thoughtful refurbishment, offering cask ales, hearty British fare, live sports, and two rooftop terraces with city views. Perfect for after-work drinks, meals, or pre-gig pit stops near cultural hotspots.