The Whiskey Jar: Manchester’s Rustic Whisky Haven and Live Music Hub
Rustic whisky bar and live music venue in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for its vast whisky range and vibrant local performances.
Nestled in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, The Whiskey Jar is a rustic bar renowned for its extensive whisky selection and lively music scene. With exposed brick walls, cozy booths, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers both whisky aficionados and casual visitors a unique retreat. Regular live music events, including open mic nights and local band performances, make it a cultural hotspot in the city’s nightlife.
A brief summary to The Whiskey Jar
- 14 Tariff St, Manchester, M1 2FF, GB
- +441612375686
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
- Thursday 5 pm-12 am
- Friday 4 pm-2 am
- Saturday 2 pm-2 am
- Sunday 5 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Visit on Fridays or Saturdays for the liveliest music nights and extended opening hours.
- Try the whisky tasting sessions for an expert-led exploration of their extensive whisky selection.
- Enjoy the cozy booths and settees for a comfortable and intimate drinking experience.
- Check the schedule for open mic nights to catch emerging local talent in a relaxed setting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Whiskey Jar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Whiskey Jar
A Distinctive Northern Quarter Retreat
The Whiskey Jar is tucked away on Tariff Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, an area celebrated for its artistic spirit and eclectic nightlife. The bar’s unassuming red brick facade conceals an inviting interior where exposed brickwork and quirky, rustic furnishings create a warm, intimate ambiance. This setting fosters a relaxed environment where patrons can unwind in comfortable settees and booths, enjoying a sense of community and comfort amid the city’s urban buzz.An Unrivalled Whisky Collection
The venue boasts the largest selection of whiskies in Manchester, featuring a diverse range from traditional Scottish malts to international varieties including Australian whiskies. This extensive offering caters to both connoisseurs and newcomers, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide guests through tastings and recommendations. Whisky tastings are a highlight, often regarded as excellent value, providing an immersive experience into the world of whisky craftsmanship.A Vibrant Hub for Live Music
The Whiskey Jar has earned a reputation as a cornerstone of Manchester’s live music scene. Its calendar is rich with events ranging from weekly open mic nights to performances by local indie bands and vocalists. The venue’s intimate stage and candlelit atmosphere evoke the charm of a speakeasy, making it a cherished gathering spot for music lovers. This focus on nurturing local talent has helped launch the careers of several homegrown artists, reinforcing the bar’s cultural significance.Community Spirit and Welcoming Vibes
Beyond its drinks and music, The Whiskey Jar is known for its friendly and attentive staff who contribute to the venue’s warm, inclusive atmosphere. The bar is dog-friendly and often described as a cosy community local where regulars and newcomers alike feel at home. Despite some mixed reports on service speed, the overall vibe remains inviting, with a genuine passion for whisky and music underpinning the experience.Atmosphere and Design Details
The interior design leans into rustic and vintage aesthetics, with exposed brick walls, quirky lampshades, and a mix of comfortable seating options. The lighting is soft and candlelit, enhancing the intimate feel. Music plays a central role, with good sound quality and a layout that encourages engagement with performers while allowing for relaxed socializing.Role in Manchester’s Nightlife
As a long-standing venue in the Northern Quarter, The Whiskey Jar contributes significantly to the area’s nightlife identity. It offers a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary entertainment, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Manchester experience. Whether for a quiet whisky tasting or a lively music night, the bar stands out as a unique destination that celebrates local creativity and the art of whisky.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.2 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Victory Over Blindness
0.4 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
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.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
0.6 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Arch of Chinatown
0.6 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
0.6 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
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.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.8 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Robert Owen Statue
0.8 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
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.
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
0.9 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
0.9 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.
Horse and fox statue
0.9 km
Discover the Horse and Fox statue in Manchester, a stunning tribute that embodies the city's rich history and artistic spirit.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hilton House Mural
0.0 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
Fell Northern Quarter
0.1 km
Experience the heartbeat of Manchester's nightlife at Fell Northern Quarter, where craft beer meets vibrant culture in an inviting atmosphere.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.1 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
Empire Exchange
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester’s eclectic Empire Exchange, a treasure trove of vintage comics, vinyl, and collectibles where every visit uncovers a new story.
Mural - Cityscape under colourful sky
0.2 km
Vibrant cityscape mural brightening the historic Rochdale Canal Tow Path in Manchester’s urban waterside setting.
Stevenson Square
0.2 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
The Horsfall
0.3 km
A vibrant creative venue in Manchester’s Ancoats, empowering youth mental health through art and community.
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.
Shops
0.3 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures by the kilo in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, blending style with sustainability.
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.
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.
Piccadilly Gardens
0.3 km
Manchester’s central green space blending historic charm, modern design, and vital transport connections in a lively urban setting.
Express Building
0.3 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
The Makers Market
0.4 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Essential places to dine
Tariff & Dale
0.1 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Street Urchin
0.2 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
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.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Pieminister Manchester
0.3 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Evuna NQ
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Store Street Exchange Restaurant
0.3 km
Modern British dining with rotisserie specialties and craft cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly hub.
Canto
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
0.4 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
Jimmy's Manchester
0.4 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Almost Famous NQ
0.4 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
The Counter House
0.4 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Cane & Grain
0.4 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.4 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Elnecot
0.4 km
Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bionic Seven
0.1 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
needi
0.2 km
Discover unique, locally crafted gifts with expert personal service in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly at Needi.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.2 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.
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.
Urban Exchange
0.3 km
Manchester's Ancoats shopping hub where outlet deals meet industrial chic and canal-side revival.
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.
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.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.3 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.
Store Retail Group Ltd
0.3 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.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.3 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.3 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
The Manchester Shop
0.3 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.3 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Kiku Boutique
0.4 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hold Fast Bar
0.1 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
The Fitzgerald
0.2 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Flok
0.2 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.2 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.2 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
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.
Wilson's Social
0.3 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.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Behind Closed Doors
0.3 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.
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.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.3 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
0.4 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
KERB
0.4 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
The Jane Eyre
0.4 km
Ancoats' inventive neighbourhood bar serving bold small plates, creative cocktails, and Sunday roasts in a buzzing industrial space—perfect for grazing and lingering.
The Crown & Kettle
0.4 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
Aatma
0.2 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Mint Lounge
0.3 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.3 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.
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.
Club Tropicana
0.6 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
0.7 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Cargo
0.7 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
1.0 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Club Liv Manchester
1.0 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
1.1 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Kable
1.1 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Viva Manchester
1.1 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
42's
1.2 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Bliss Club Manchester
1.3 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
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
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Weekend Getaway
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
