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The Alchemist MediaCity UK

Futuristic gold haven on Manchester Ship Canal: theatrical cocktails, global bites, and quayside views in MediaCityUK's creative heart.

4.5

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
  • Environment icon 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.
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The Alchemist MediaCity UK location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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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.

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