Three Little Words: Manchester’s Distillery Cocktail Bar and Restaurant
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
Three Little Words is a stylish cocktail bar, distillery, and restaurant nestled under historic Grade-II* listed brick arches on Watson Street in Manchester. Known for its expertly crafted gin cocktails, seasonal bistro-style menu, and immersive gin-making experiences, it offers a unique blend of industrial-chic ambiance and warm hospitality. Visitors can enjoy innovative drinks, fresh food inspired by local botanicals, and special events in a lively yet inviting setting.
A brief summary to Three Little Words
- 10-15 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4LP, GB
- +441615194400
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-1 am
- Saturday 12 pm-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Book gin-making experiences in advance to secure a spot for crafting your own bespoke bottle.
- Try a mix of small plates and a large plate to fully experience the seasonal, botanical-inspired menu.
- Visit on weekdays or early evenings to enjoy a lively atmosphere with attentive service.
- Explore the cocktail menu beyond classics—ask staff for recommendations based on your taste preferences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Three Little Words 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 Three Little Words
Architectural Charm and Unique Setting
Set beneath six beautifully restored Grade-II* listed brick arches, Three Little Words occupies a striking space that blends industrial heritage with modern elegance. The venue serves as the Spirit of Manchester Distillery’s head office, packing and distribution center, and a vibrant social hub. The interior features exposed brick walls bathed in soft red lighting, complemented by velvet and marble accents that evoke a stylish 1960s opulence. This handsome, airy space creates an inviting atmosphere that balances buzz and intimacy, perfect for both casual drinks and special occasions.Gin Distilling and Cocktail Craftsmanship
At the heart of Three Little Words is its acclaimed gin distillery, where visitors can learn about the gin-making process firsthand. The bar offers an extensive, ever-evolving cocktail menu that showcases the house’s signature gins alongside creative concoctions inspired by themes like ‘eternity’ and ‘lust.’ Signature cocktails such as the rich and smoky “Making Moves” or the exotic “Into the Wild” highlight the bar’s dedication to quality and innovation. Guests can even participate in bespoke gin-making experiences, crafting personalized bottles from a copper still to take home.Seasonal and Botanical-Inspired Cuisine
The food menu complements the drinks with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and botanical influences drawn from the distillery’s spirits. Offering a range of small and large plates, the menu includes standout dishes like heritage tomatoes with anchovies, sole with samphire and lemon butter, and expertly cooked ribeye steak. Portions are generous and thoughtfully prepared, balancing indulgence with freshness. The culinary experience is designed to pair seamlessly with the cocktails, enhancing the overall sensory journey.Events, Celebrations, and Community
Beyond dining and drinks, Three Little Words serves as a versatile events venue hosting weddings, company gatherings, and private celebrations. The team is known for attentive, friendly service and meticulous event planning, ensuring memorable experiences. The venue’s warm, buzzy vibe and unique setting make it a favored spot for romantic dinners, group celebrations, and cultural events, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Located in Manchester’s vibrant city center, Three Little Words offers easy access to locals and visitors alike. The venue’s design balances lively energy with comfortable spaces for conversation and relaxation. The staff’s expertise and welcoming approach enhance the visitor experience, whether you’re sampling cocktails, enjoying a meal, or exploring the distillery. With a focus on quality, creativity, and atmosphere, Three Little Words stands out as a must-visit destination for gin lovers and food enthusiasts.Legacy and Local Significance
Three Little Words not only celebrates Manchester’s rich industrial past through its architecture but also contributes to the city’s contemporary culinary and cocktail scene. By combining traditional distilling techniques with modern mixology and seasonal cuisine, it embodies a dynamic fusion of heritage and innovation. The venue’s commitment to craftsmanship and community engagement reflects Manchester’s evolving identity as a hub of culture, creativity, and conviviality.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.2 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Free Trade Hall
0.2 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Friedrich Engels Statue
0.3 km
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
0.4 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Canada House, Manchester
0.4 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Castlefield historical zone
0.4 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
Historic England
0.4 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Roman Gardens
0.4 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
0.4 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Hotspur House
0.4 km
Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.
St. Peter's Square
0.4 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
0.4 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Manchester City Council
0.4 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Mulberry Passage
0.5 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
John Bright Statue
0.5 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Unmissable attractions to see
Great Northern
0.1 km
A lively blend of historic charm and modern entertainment in Manchester’s premier shopping and leisure plaza.
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
0.1 km
Discover the thrilling cocktail experience at Alcotraz Manchester, where immersive storytelling meets masterful mixology in a unique prison-themed bar.
Upper Campfield Market Hall
0.2 km
Historic Victorian market hall in Manchester’s Castlefield, now a vibrant artisan market and creative hub blending heritage with modern innovation.
Sightseeing Manchester
0.2 km
Manchester’s iconic concert hall blending architectural beauty and world-class music in the heart of the city.
The Bridgewater Hall
0.2 km
Manchester’s premier concert hall offering world-class acoustics, diverse performances, and accessible facilities in a striking modern setting.
Albert Hall, Manchester
0.2 km
Historic Wesleyan chapel turned iconic music venue with stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Rochdale Canal Lake
0.3 km
A serene waterside retreat blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with vibrant cultural life at The Bridgewater Hall.
Castlefield Gallery
0.3 km
Manchester’s pioneering contemporary art gallery fostering creativity, community, and artist development since 1984.
Saint John's Gardens
0.3 km
A serene urban oasis in Manchester preserving historic churchyard remnants and offering peaceful green space near Deansgate.
Opera House Manchester
0.3 km
A historic Edwardian theatre in Manchester offering world-class musicals, opera, and vibrant cultural performances in an elegant setting.
Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s historic heart where Roman ruins, scenic canals, and vibrant culture converge in the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park.
HOME Manchester
0.3 km
HOME Manchester: Where contemporary theatre, film, and art converge in a vibrant cultural hub.
Manchester Central Library
0.3 km
Discover Manchester Central Library’s iconic neoclassical dome, vast collections, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s historic heart.
Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction
0.4 km
Explore the reconstructed Roman fort of Mamucium, a vital northern frontier garrison that shaped Manchester’s ancient roots.
Science and Industry Museum
0.4 km
Explore 250 years of innovation and industrial heritage at Manchester’s historic Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s oldest passenger railway station.
Essential places to dine
Another hand
0.1 km
An intimate modern British restaurant in Manchester’s Deansgate Mews, celebrated for inventive seasonal dishes and natural wines.
Evuna Deansgate
0.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Deansgate district.
James Martin Manchester
0.1 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine in an elegant casino setting, where seasonal ingredients and expert service create a memorable Manchester dining destination.
Almost Famous GN
0.1 km
A lively Manchester burger bar serving bold, indulgent American-style burgers with loaded fries in a vibrant, casual setting.
Dimitri's - Tapas Meze Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Greek tapas and meze in Manchester’s lively Deansgate district, perfect for sharing and savoring Mediterranean flavors.
Italiana Fifty Five Great Northern
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in Manchester’s stylish Great Northern Warehouse setting.
Podium
0.2 km
Sophisticated Modern British dining with inventive flavors and sleek modernist style in Manchester’s iconic Hilton Deansgate.
Don Marco
0.2 km
Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.
Albert's Schloss - Manchester
0.2 km
A lively Bavarian-inspired beer hall in Manchester blending hearty food, live music, and vibrant nightlife in a unique social setting.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
0.3 km
Classic British dining with northern flair in the elegant, historic setting of Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Hawksmoor Manchester
0.3 km
Experience exquisite British steaks and seafood in a historic Victorian courthouse with impeccable service and elegant private dining.
Dom's Italia
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.
Adam Reid at The French
0.3 km
Experience innovative Northern British fine dining with theatrical flair in Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel.
Gusto Italian
0.3 km
Experience elegant Italian dining in Manchester’s historic Elliot House, where 1920s charm meets fresh, contemporary cuisine.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
TVSeriesJackets
0.1 km
Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Catch my Thrift
0.1 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
0.3 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.
Branded Like A Boss
0.5 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
ItsFetch
0.5 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
0.5 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
0.5 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
INFINITE RUNNING
0.5 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.5 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.6 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Stare Society
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Pulse
0.7 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Søstrene Grene
0.7 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Rams Gift World
0.9 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
0.9 km
Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Three Little Words
0.0 km
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
Cloud 23
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
The Britons Protection
0.2 km
Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
The Deansgate
0.2 km
Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
Lock 91
0.2 km
Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
cask
0.2 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.3 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Atlas Bar
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
Speak In Code
0.3 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.4 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.4 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Gorilla
0.5 km
Manchester's ultimate hybrid haunt: brunch by day, beats by night in a funky bar-club fusion with live gigs and roasts.
Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
0.5 km
Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.
The Gas Lamp
0.5 km
Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
0.5 km
Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Royal Vida Night Club
0.2 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.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
History Nightclub
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Popworld Manchester
0.2 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Ark Manchester
0.2 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
42's
0.3 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Venue Nightclub
0.3 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Viva Manchester
0.5 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Club Liv Manchester
0.5 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Kable
0.6 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Satans Hollow
0.6 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
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.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
The Cockatoo Club
0.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
Cargo
1.1 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
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
