Bar Fringe: Manchester’s Quirky Belgian Beer Haven in the Northern Quarter
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
Bar Fringe is a distinctive, cozy bar located at 8 Swan Street in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter. Known for its eclectic décor, friendly atmosphere, and excellent selection of Belgian and craft beers, it offers a relaxed yet lively environment. With pinball machines, pool tables, and a well-decorated outdoor garden, Bar Fringe is perfect for casual socializing, live music weekends, and savoring quality brews in a unique setting.
A brief summary to Bar Fringe
- 8 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JN, GB
- +441618353815
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 1 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 1 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 1 pm-11 pm
- Friday 1 pm-12 am
- Saturday 1 pm-12 am
- Sunday 1 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Try one of the specialty Belgian beers on tap or bottle for an authentic taste experience.
- Visit on weekends to enjoy live music performances that enhance the lively atmosphere.
- Take advantage of the outdoor garden seating on warmer days for a refreshing setting.
- Engage with the quirky décor and unique wall art that add character to the space.
- Arrive early during busy times to secure a table, as the bar can get lively in the evenings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Bar Fringe location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bar Fringe
A Unique Atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter
Bar Fringe stands out as a small yet characterful bar nestled in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, an area renowned for its creative and independent spirit. The bar’s interior is a vibrant collage of quirky and amusing objects, from life-sized cardboard cutouts of pop culture icons to walls crammed with posters and artwork. Bright yellow walls add to the unconventional charm, creating a warm and inviting space that feels both intimate and lively.Exceptional Belgian and Craft Beer Selection
The bar specializes in Belgian-style beers, offering an impressive range of bottles and a few on tap, alongside local craft ales and ciders. This carefully curated selection caters to discerning beer lovers who appreciate quality and variety. Patrons are encouraged to take their time savoring each drink, reflecting the Belgian tradition of relaxed, social drinking. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the experience with attentive service.Entertainment and Social Vibes
Bar Fringe combines the feel of a traditional pub with modern entertainment options. Pinball machines, pool tables, and a jukebox contribute to a casual, fun atmosphere that encourages mingling and conversation. The bar regularly hosts live music events on weekends, adding to its appeal as a social hub where locals and visitors alike gather to unwind and enjoy good company.Outdoor Garden and Comfortable Spaces
Beyond the indoor space, Bar Fringe offers a well-decorated outdoor garden area that provides a refreshing alternative for warmer days or relaxed evenings. Seating areas inside and out are designed to accommodate both small groups and solo visitors, making it a versatile spot for various social occasions.Accessibility and Friendly Service
The bar is wheelchair accessible and known for its welcoming and warm staff who maintain the unique ambience. The venue’s layout and attentive service ensure a comfortable experience for all guests. While some beers are priced at a premium due to their specialty nature, the overall price level is moderate, making it an affordable indulgence for many.Community and Local Character
Bar Fringe has cultivated a loyal clientele and a reputation as a genuine local gem. Its quirky style and quality offerings reflect the Northern Quarter’s creative energy. The bar’s presence contributes to the area’s cultural fabric, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Manchester pub experience with a twist.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Murrays' Mill
0.4 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.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.5 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
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
0.7 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Victory Over Blindness
0.8 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Arch of Chinatown
0.9 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.9 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
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.
John Bright Statue
1.0 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Manchester City Council
1.0 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Albert Memorial
1.0 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Dalton Entry
1.0 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
St. Peter's Square
1.0 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Mulberry Passage
1.0 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Express Building
0.1 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.2 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
The Makers Market
0.2 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Hallé at St Michael's
0.2 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant music and community venue in Manchester’s cultural heart of Ancoats.
NQ Mural
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Ancoats
0.3 km
Explore SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE in Ancoats—where craft beer meets delicious food in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Stevenson Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
DRY BAR
0.3 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Cutting Room Square
0.3 km
A vibrant urban square in Ancoats blending industrial heritage, contemporary dining, and cultural art installations.
Shops
0.3 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.3 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
The Horsfall
0.3 km
A vibrant creative venue in Manchester’s Ancoats, empowering youth mental health through art and community.
Manchester Buddhist Centre
0.3 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
Afflecks
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Essential places to dine
Almost Famous NQ
0.2 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.2 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
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.
Evuna NQ
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
63 Degrees
0.2 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Cane & Grain
0.2 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
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.
Jimmy's Manchester
0.3 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Canto
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
The Counter House
0.3 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
0.3 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.3 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
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.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.1 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
0.1 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.2 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.
Jessica6 Designs
0.2 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.2 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
&made
0.2 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Deadstock General Store
0.2 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.
The Norah Store
0.2 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Store Retail Group Ltd
0.2 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Ancoats General Store
0.3 km
A modern corner shop in Ancoats mixing everyday essentials with craft beers, vegan options, coffee and an in‑store post office.
Pop Boutique
0.3 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Annea Veleta
0.3 km
A curated, maker-focused gift boutique in Ancoats offering handcrafted homewares, stationery and tasteful Manchester-themed keepsakes.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.3 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.
Thunder Egg
0.3 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Fringe
0.0 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Crown & Kettle
0.1 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Behind Closed Doors
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
KERB
0.2 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
Wilson's Social
0.2 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.
Science And Industry
0.2 km
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 Edinburgh Castle Pub
0.2 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.3 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Flok
0.3 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Wolf at the Door
0.3 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Fitzgerald
0.3 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.3 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The Daisy
0.3 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Night & Day Cafe
0.3 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Mint Lounge
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.2 km
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
0.3 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.4 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
0.4 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.
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 Tropicana
0.9 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
0.9 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Club Liv Manchester
1.1 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
1.2 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
1.2 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.3 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
42's
1.3 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
History Nightclub
1.4 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
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
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
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly