Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
Step into a theatrical prison world in Manchester where bespoke cocktails and immersive storytelling create a night behind bars like no other.
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four is a unique immersive cocktail bar located at 1A Watson Street. This theatrical experience combines a prison-themed setting with bespoke cocktails served by actors in character. Guests are assigned to individual jail cells, dressed in jumpsuits, and participate in an interactive storyline involving smuggling contraband and prison antics, all while enjoying expertly crafted drinks tailored to their tastes.
A brief summary to Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
- 1A Watson St, Manchester, M3 4EE, GB
- +442038355767
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 7:05 pm-8:50 pm
- Wednesday 7:05 pm-8:50 pm
- Thursday 7:05 pm-11:15 pm
- Friday 3:30 pm-11:15 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11:15 pm
- Sunday 2:15 pm-8:50 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets in advance, especially for weekends, as sessions can fill quickly.
- Arrive with your preferred liquor to have it crafted into personalized cocktails by the inmate bartenders.
- Be prepared to interact with actors and participate in the storyline for the full immersive experience.
- Wear comfortable clothing under the jumpsuit; the venue is on the first floor with lift access but requires some assistance for wheelchair users.
- Consider upgrading your ticket for extra perks like souvenirs and exclusive treats.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
An Immersive Prison-Themed Cocktail Experience
Alcotraz Manchester offers an unparalleled blend of immersive theatre and cocktail craftsmanship. Set within meticulously designed jail cells, each group of guests is assigned their own cell block, complete with authentic prison details such as sinks and toilets. Upon arrival, visitors don orange jumpsuits and become part of an unfolding storyline filled with intrigue involving a warden, crooked guards, and fellow inmates. The actors, skilled in improvisation and character work, engage guests with banter and missions that create a dynamic and entertaining atmosphere.Personalized Cocktails Behind Bars
Unlike traditional bars, Alcotraz does not offer a fixed drink menu. Instead, guests bring their own smuggled liquor, which the inmate bartenders skillfully transform into bespoke cocktails using a variety of liqueurs, bitters, and homemade syrups. Each drink is tailored to individual tastes, ensuring a unique and high-quality cocktail experience. The bar serves approximately four cocktails per guest during the 90-minute session, blending creativity with theatrical presentation.Atmosphere and Setting
The venue’s design draws heavy inspiration from Hollywood prison films and TV shows, creating an immersive environment that transports guests into a cinematic world. The dim lighting, authentic cell furnishings, and sound design contribute to the feeling of being behind bars in a high-security prison. The actors maintain character throughout, often using American accents and weaving guests’ personalities into the storyline to enhance engagement. Though the setting is intense, the mood remains lively and fun, with plenty of humor and interactive moments.Accessibility and Group Dynamics
Alcotraz Manchester is located on the first floor with lift access; however, wheelchair users require assistance for a short distance to reach their cells. The experience accommodates groups of up to 6-7 per cell, and smaller parties may share cells, providing an opportunity to meet new people. The venue is popular for stag and hen parties, team-building events, and social gatherings, offering a memorable night out that combines theatre, mixology, and social interaction.Ticket Options and Pricing
Tickets range from approximately £26 to £38, depending on the experience level chosen. Options include the basic 'Rookie' ticket, the 'Associate' upgrade which includes a souvenir prison record card, and the premium 'Boss' ticket featuring additional perks like canteen sweets and branded merchandise. The price reflects the combination of theatrical entertainment and high-quality cocktail service, making it a worthwhile experience for those seeking something beyond a typical night out.Unique Entertainment in Manchester’s Nightlife Scene
Alcotraz stands out as a pioneering concept in Manchester’s vibrant bar scene, merging immersive theatre with bespoke cocktail culture. It challenges conventional nightlife by placing guests at the center of a narrative, encouraging participation and improvisation. The dedicated cast and detailed set design create an atmosphere that is both engaging and entertaining, ensuring that no two visits are the same. This venue offers a fresh, theatrical alternative for cocktail enthusiasts and theatre lovers alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Teen Friendly