Behind Closed Doors: Manchester’s Retro Speakeasy Cocktail Bar
Discover Manchester’s hidden retro speakeasy with cheeky cocktails, vinyl DJs, and private karaoke rooms in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Behind Closed Doors is a unique speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden beneath Oldham Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Known for its eclectic retro décor, neon-lit booths, and playful, provocative atmosphere, it offers expertly mixed cocktails, vinyl DJs, and private karaoke rooms. Open late into the night, it’s a vibrant nightlife destination blending vintage charm with modern party vibes.
A brief summary to Behind Closed Doors
- 93 Oldham St, Manchester, M4 1LW, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-2 am
- Wednesday 5 pm-2 am
- Thursday 5 pm-3 am
- Friday 5 pm-4 am
- Saturday 5 pm-4 am
- Sunday 5 pm-2 am
Local tips
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues, as the bar fills up quickly after opening.
- Try signature cocktails like the Furry Cup or Wet Dream for a taste of the bar’s creative mixology.
- Book the private Penthouse Karaoke room in advance for a fun group experience with up to 18 guests.
- Look out for the neon-lit booths with vintage phones to order drinks directly from your seat.
- Enjoy the vinyl DJ nights on Thursdays to Saturdays for a lively mix of Boogie, Soul, and Funk music.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Behind Closed Doors location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Behind Closed Doors
A Hidden Gem in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
Behind Closed Doors is tucked away in a basement on Oldham Street, offering an immersive speakeasy experience that transports visitors to a world of retro indulgence. The entrance is discreet, marked by bright pink flashing lights, inviting guests to descend a chandelier-lit staircase into a space filled with vintage charm and eccentric details. This hidden bar is a standout in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, known for its creative nightlife scene.Eclectic Retro Vibes and Unique Decor
Inside, the atmosphere is a playful blend of 1960s to 1980s aesthetics, with neon-lit booths, Persian rugs, mismatched mirrors, and vintage glamour model photographs adorning the walls. The bar features quirky touches such as vintage TVs and telephones at booths that patrons can use to order drinks or call other guests. One of the most distinctive features is the DJ booth made from shopping trolleys, adding to the bar’s irreverent and fun character.Expertly Crafted Cocktails and Lively Music
Behind Closed Doors is renowned for its expertly mixed cocktails, featuring creative concoctions like the Furry Cup and Wet Dream. The drink menu balances classic and innovative options, complemented by a selection of wine and beer. Music plays a central role in the experience, with vinyl DJs spinning Boogie, Soul, and upbeat Funk tunes from Thursday through Saturday nights, creating an energetic and dance-friendly atmosphere.Private Rooms for Intimate Gatherings
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the bar offers several private spaces, including the Mayfair Suite with plush sofas and mirrored ceilings, the cozy Disco Room with curtained booths, and the secret Penthouse Karaoke room, which seats up to 18 guests and boasts a vast song library. These rooms are perfect for celebrations or groups looking for a lively yet intimate setting.Nightlife and Community Spirit
Open from early evening until the early hours, Behind Closed Doors is a hotspot for late-night revelry. It embraces a welcoming and inclusive spirit, being LGBTQ+ friendly and known for its vibrant, fun-filled ambiance. While some reviews mention occasional issues with staff and crowd management, the bar remains a distinctive and memorable venue for those seeking a night out with a retro twist.Location and Accessibility
Situated in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the bar is easily accessible from the city center. Its basement setting offers a cool escape from the bustling streets above, making it a favored destination for locals and visitors alike looking for a unique cocktail bar experience in a lively urban environment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.3 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Murrays' Mill
0.5 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Robert Owen Statue
0.5 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.6 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Victory Over Blindness
0.7 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Arch of Chinatown
0.7 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.7 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Manchester City Council
0.8 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
John Bright Statue
0.8 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
St. Peter's Square
0.8 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Albert Memorial
0.8 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Dalton Entry
0.9 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
0.9 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
0.9 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
0.9 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Unmissable attractions to see
DRY BAR
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Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.1 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Stevenson Square
0.1 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
Shops
0.1 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.1 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Afflecks
0.2 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Band on the Wall
0.2 km
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.2 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
NQ Mural
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures by the kilo in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, blending style with sustainability.
Express Building
0.2 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Manchester Buddhist Centre
0.2 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
Fell Northern Quarter
0.3 km
Experience the heartbeat of Manchester's nightlife at Fell Northern Quarter, where craft beer meets vibrant culture in an inviting atmosphere.
Hilton House Mural
0.3 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
Empire Exchange
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester’s eclectic Empire Exchange, a treasure trove of vintage comics, vinyl, and collectibles where every visit uncovers a new story.
Essential places to dine
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
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Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Evuna NQ
0.1 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Almost Famous NQ
0.1 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Pieminister Manchester
0.1 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Cane & Grain
0.1 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.1 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
63 Degrees
0.2 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.2 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Liquor and Burn
0.2 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.2 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
Trof Northern Quarter
0.3 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
Tariff & Dale
0.3 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Viet Shack Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
Street Urchin
0.3 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.1 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Kiku Boutique
0.1 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Pop Boutique
0.1 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.1 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.1 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Jessica6 Designs
0.1 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Deadstock General Store
0.1 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.1 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Thunder Egg
0.1 km
Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.1 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
&made
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Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.1 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.2 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Red and Blue Umbrella
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Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
The Manchester Shop
0.2 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Behind Closed Doors
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Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
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Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Wilson's Social
0.1 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
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A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Flok
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Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Night & Day Cafe
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Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
The Daisy
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Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Dusk Til Pawn
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Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Science And Industry
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Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The Fitzgerald
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Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Bar Fringe
0.2 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Crown & Kettle
0.2 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
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Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Wolf at the Door
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A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Hold Fast Bar
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Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mint Lounge
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Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
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Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Aatma
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Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.2 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.5 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Cargo
0.5 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Club Tropicana
0.8 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
0.8 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
0.8 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Liv Manchester
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
1.0 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.1 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
42's
1.1 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Viva Manchester
1.2 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
1.2 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
