The Alchemist MediaCity UK
Futuristic gold haven on Manchester Ship Canal: theatrical cocktails, global bites, and quayside views in MediaCityUK's creative heart.
Perched on the historic Manchester Ship Canal in Salford's MediaCityUK, The Alchemist captivates with its futuristic gold exterior and theatrical cocktails that change color and smoke before your eyes. This cocktail bar and restaurant blends innovative mixology, global cuisine, and panoramic quayside views amid BBC and ITV studios. Open daily from morning till late, it offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and vibrant terrace seating for waterside drinks. A modern hub where science-inspired drinks meet eclectic dishes like special fried chicken and steak sandwiches in a lively, amber-lit interior.
A brief summary to The Alchemist MediaCity UK
- The Bund The Quays, MediaCity UK, Salford, M50 3AB, GB
- +441618727396
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-12 am
- Tuesday 10 am-12 am
- Wednesday 10 am-12 am
- Thursday 10 am-1 am
- Friday 10 am-1 am
- Saturday 10 am-1 am
- Sunday 11 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Opt for terrace seating on arrival for unbeatable canal views, especially at sunset.
- Reserve ahead for peak evenings when DJs start at 9pm; walk-ins possible earlier.
- Pair colour-changing cocktails with sharing platters for the full theatrical experience.
- Check for gluten-free or vegan menu icons to match dietary needs seamlessly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
The Alchemist MediaCity UK location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Alchemist MediaCity UK
Golden Spaceship on the Quays
The Alchemist MediaCity UK stands out with its striking angular gold facade, evoking a futuristic spacecraft landed beside the Manchester Ship Canal. Nestled in the dynamic MediaCityUK district, it neighbors media giants like the BBC, ITV, and Coronation Street sets, transforming Salford Quays into a creative epicenter. Inside, expansive panoramic windows frame the shimmering water, while amber lighting bathes the grand central bar stocked with an array of spirits. The interior pulses with innovation: sleek surfaces, dramatic lighting, and a spacious terrace extend the experience outdoors, ideal for soaking in the quayside bustle.Theatrical Cocktails Unleashed
At the heart of The Alchemist is its renowned mixology, where cocktails become performances. Bartenders craft drinks like the colour-changing elixir—shifting from deep blue to lilac with Reyka vodka, apple liqueur, lemonade, and citrus—or the Lightbulb Moment, a fog-shrouded spectacle in a bulb-shaped glass blending Tanqueray gin, Pimm's, ginger beer, raspberry, lemon, and mint. Each potion delivers unique flavors through precise infusions, foams, and garnishes, turning sipping into alchemy. These creations draw from scientific precision, with dry ice fog, LED lights, and molecular techniques elevating everyday spirits into memorable spectacles.Global Flavors with Flair
The menu spans worldly delights, from breakfast staples to late-night bites. Savory highlights include special fried chicken in a basket with spiced fries and coleslaw, fillet steak sandwiches, smoked beef boards resembling sizzling fajitas, Thai fish cakes, beer-battered prawn lollipops, fish and chips, Mexican fajitas, gourmet burgers, and salads. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options ensure broad appeal, with sharing plates like churros, cookies, and ice cream for dessert. Portions emphasize quality over quantity, paired perfectly with the drink list for business lunches or evening indulgences.Waterside Rhythm and Vibe
Daylight reveals a versatile space for brunch amid media professionals; evenings ignite with resident DJs spinning tracks under captivating lights from 9pm. The soundtrack integrates seamlessly, fostering a lively yet comfortable ambiance for conversations, celebrations, or pre-theatre drinks near The Lowry. The terrace invites al fresco relaxation, overlooking the canal's historic flow and modern developments. This blend of comfort, energy, and views makes it a fixture in Salford's evolving quayside scene.Daily Doors and Creative Pulse
Opening early at 10am weekdays (11am Sundays) and stretching late—until 1am Thursdays to Saturdays—it caters to all schedules. The bar's central role in MediaCityUK ties it to the area's creative surge, sparked by the BBC's relocation, amplifying its draw as a spot where innovation meets indulgence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sky Hook Statue 1
1.1 km
Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.
5 Sir Matt Busby Way
1.2 km
Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.
Salford Lads Club
1.5 km
A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.
LS Lowry birthplace
2.5 km
Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.
Bahnhof Manchester
2.6 km
Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
Rochdale Canal Lock 92
2.6 km
Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
2.7 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Roman Gardens
2.7 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
2.8 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Castlefield historical zone
2.8 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
Friedrich Engels Statue
3.2 km
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Free Trade Hall
3.3 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Sightseeing Manchester
3.3 km
Explore the vibrant culture, rich history, and iconic landmarks of Manchester, England—where every corner tells a unique story.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
3.3 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Hotspur House
3.4 km
Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Quays
0.1 km
A regenerated waterfront of museums, media studios, shopping and waterside dining that fuses dockland history with contemporary city life.
Pier Eight Restaurant
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite flavors of Modern British cuisine at Pier Eight Restaurant, set against the stunning backdrop of The Quays in Manchester.
Quayside MediaCityUK
0.2 km
Waterside outlet shopping and family leisure in the heart of MediaCityUK’s regenerated Salford Quays waterfront.
BBC Dock House
0.2 km
Explore the vibrant BBC Dock House at Salford Quays, where cutting-edge broadcasting meets stunning waterfront views and cultural energy.
Quayside Tours Meeting Point
0.2 km
Start your journey through Salford’s rich heritage and vibrant Media City at the iconic Blue Tower meeting point.
Salford Riviera
0.3 km
Salford Riviera: Where historic docks meet vibrant culture and scenic waterfront living in the heart of Salford Quays.
Media City Footbridge
0.3 km
An elegant cable-stayed swing bridge linking MediaCityUK with cultural landmarks across the Manchester Ship Canal.
IWM North
0.3 km
Discover powerful stories of war and peace in Manchester’s iconic deconstructivist museum overlooking the Ship Canal.
Salford Quays Community Gardens
0.4 km
A peaceful community-driven garden oasis offering seasonal beauty and sustainable urban gardening in the heart of Salford Quays.
Salford quay’s
0.4 km
Discover Salford Quays, Greater Manchester’s vibrant waterfront with iconic culture, sport, shopping, and stunning architecture all within a walkable urban oasis.
Salford Watersports Centre
0.4 km
Urban watersports hub offering paddleboarding, kayaking, and year-round open water swimming on Salford Quays.
Gnome Island
0.8 km
Discover the enchanting miniature world of Gnome Island, a playful gnome colony perched on a historic concrete island in Salford Quays.
Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour
0.9 km
Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.
Manchester United
1.0 km
Experience the legendary 'Theatre of Dreams,' home to Manchester United since 1910, where football history and passion come alive.
Old Trafford
1.0 km
Explore Old Trafford, the iconic 'Theatre of Dreams' and largest football club stadium in the UK, home to Manchester United's legendary legacy.
Essential places to dine
The Alchemist MediaCity UK
0.0 km
Experience innovative cocktails and global cuisine in a striking futuristic setting overlooking Salford’s historic quays at MediaCity UK.
Nando's Salford Quays
0.1 km
Savor flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in a lively, accessible setting at Nando's Salford Quays, where Portuguese and South African flavors meet Manchester’s vibrant quayside.
Lime
0.1 km
Savor grilled delights and Asian fusion by Salford Quays' waterfront, where relaxed lunches flow into lively nights in a spacious, vibrant venue.
Unagi
0.1 km
Experience the North West’s largest sushi bar with vibrant pan-Asian street food, crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at MediaCityUK’s Unagi.
The Botanist Media City
0.1 km
A botanical-themed restaurant and bar in MediaCityUK offering creative cocktails, hanging kebabs, live music, and striking Salford Quays views.
Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk
0.1 km
Flame-grilled favorites and endless fresh salads on Salford Quays, where family dining meets MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
Bella Italia - Salford Quays
0.2 km
Casual Italian dining with diverse menu options in Manchester’s vibrant Salford Quays waterfront setting.
Turtle Bay Salford Quays
0.2 km
Escape to Caribbean flavors and reggae beats at Salford Quays' vibrant jerk pit and cocktail haven, moments from MediaCityUK.
Quay House Beefeater
0.5 km
Classic British steakhouse and family-friendly pub offering scenic waterside dining with a cosy, modern atmosphere in Salford Quays.
The Banyan Tree
2.3 km
Bohemian bistro in Castlefield serving fusion bites, brunch, cocktails, and live events amid murals and canal vibes—Manchester's go-to for eclectic dining.
Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester
2.7 km
Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.
Dukes 92
2.7 km
A vibrant Manchester hotspot blending generous dining, lively music, and versatile event spaces in a stylish city centre setting.
Dom's Italia
2.9 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.
Tattu Manchester
2.9 km
Modern Chinese cuisine and theatrical design in Manchester's Spinningfields district.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
2.9 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Works
0.1 km
Unleash creativity at unbeatable prices: books, crafts, toys and more in Salford Quays' discount haven.
Next Outlet
0.2 km
Discounted designer fashion, homewares and shoes in Salford Quays' bustling MediaCityUK hub – style-savvy shopping with premium brands at outlet prices.
M&S Outlet
0.2 km
Bargain-hunting haven in Salford Quays: M&S discounted fashion, homeware, and beauty amid MediaCityUK's creative buzz.
The Body Shop
0.2 km
Compact MediaCityUK branch of The Body Shop with core cruelty‑free ranges, seasonal gifts and refill options on the Salford Quays Quayside.
Flock and Gaggle
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted gifts and local artistry in MediaCity UK's creative gem, where independent makers shine amid Salford's quayside buzz.
The Sweet Emporium
0.2 km
Discover UK's vastest sweet collection at The Sweet Emporium in MediaCityUK—a family-run paradise of nostalgic candies, retro treats, and global confections that sparks joy for every sweet tooth.
SPAR Salford Quays
0.9 km
Small, practical 24-hour convenience store on Trafford Road serving Salford Quays visitors, residents and shift workers.
Salford Shopping Centre
1.9 km
Affordable shopping precinct in Salford's Pendleton, with free parking, daily essentials, and community conveniences under one roof.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
2.8 km
Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
INFINITE RUNNING
2.9 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
ItsFetch
2.9 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
2.9 km
Futuristic cornershop at Deansgate Square's base: craft coffee, local brews, zero-waste refills, and artisanal bites amid Manchester's iconic towers.
Curvilicious Clothing
2.9 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
Branded Like A Boss
2.9 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
Catch my Thrift
3.0 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Craftbrew
0.1 km
Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City
0.1 km
Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.
The Dockyard
0.2 km
Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.
11 Central
0.3 km
Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.
Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha
0.6 km
Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.
Matchstick Man
0.8 km
Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.
The Wharf
2.6 km
Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.
Bar Eight
2.6 km
Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.
Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
2.6 km
Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.
cask
2.9 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
Atlas Bar
2.9 km
Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
The Deansgate
3.0 km
Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
Lock 91
3.0 km
Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
Cloud 23
3.0 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
3.1 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Royal Vida Night Club
3.0 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
Ark Manchester
3.0 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Popworld Manchester
3.0 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
History Nightclub
3.1 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
42's
3.2 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Bliss Club Manchester
3.2 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Venue Nightclub
3.3 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Club Liv Manchester
3.3 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Viva Manchester
3.5 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Kable
3.6 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Bijou Club
3.6 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
3.7 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
Satans Hollow
3.8 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
3.9 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Cargo
3.9 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Futuristic Looks
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Waterfront
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly