Three Little Words: Manchester’s Distillery Bar and Restaurant Experience
Discover Manchester’s premier gin distillery bar and restaurant, where craft cocktails meet botanical-inspired cuisine in a stylish historic setting.
Three Little Words is a stylish cocktail bar, distillery, and restaurant nestled under historic Grade-II* brick arches in Manchester. Celebrated for its inventive gin-based cocktails and a fresh, botanically inspired menu, it offers an immersive experience combining craft spirits with seasonal British cuisine. The venue also hosts gin-making masterclasses and private events, making it a vibrant hub for foodies and gin enthusiasts alike.
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
-
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 a gin-making masterclass to create your own bespoke bottle and deepen your appreciation of the distillation process.
- Try the signature gin cocktails that highlight local botanicals for a unique taste experience.
- Sample small plates like chicken lollipops with dandelion and burdock glaze to complement your drinks.
- Visit on a Thursday to Saturday evening for the full late-night bar and dining atmosphere.
- Consider booking ahead for private events or weddings, as the venue is popular for celebrations.
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
A Unique Fusion of Gin Craftsmanship and Culinary Art
Three Little Words stands out as an innovative venue where the art of gin distillation meets a carefully curated dining experience. Located beneath six historic Grade-II* listed brick arches on Watson Street, the venue houses the Spirit of Manchester Distillery, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant. The distillery is fully operational, allowing guests to witness the gin-making process firsthand and even create personalized bottles during masterclasses. This fusion of craft spirit production and gastronomy creates a distinctive atmosphere that celebrates Manchester’s rich heritage and contemporary flair.Botanical Inspirations in Every Sip and Bite
The cocktail menu at Three Little Words is extensive and ever-evolving, focusing on gin-based creations that range from innovative blends to classic favorites. The gin itself is inspired by local botanicals, including wild plants foraged from Manchester’s suburbs, lending unique citrus, mint, and liquorice notes. Complementing the drinks is a seasonal food menu that draws inspiration from these botanicals, offering small and large plates that blend British ingredients with subtle Far Eastern influences. Signature dishes include seared beef with rice noodle salad, ribeye steak with chicory and crisp onion, and inventive small plates like chicken lollipops glazed with dandelion and burdock.Atmosphere and Design: Industrial Elegance Meets Warmth
The venue’s interior combines an industrial, stripped-back aesthetic with opulent 1960s touches such as velvet and marble, creating a stylish yet welcoming environment. The soft red brick walls and a living plant wall contribute to a warm ambiance that balances lively energy with intimate comfort. The sound levels are moderated to encourage conversation, while attentive and friendly staff enhance the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. The space accommodates around 70 covers and includes private rooms for events and gin-making experiences.Events and Experiences Beyond Dining
Beyond being a bar and restaurant, Three Little Words offers immersive gin-making masterclasses where guests learn about distillation and botanical blending, culminating in crafting their own gin bottle to take home. The venue also serves as a popular events space and wedding venue, known for its attentive service and ability to tailor menus and setups for private functions. These experiences deepen visitors’ connection to the craft and culture of gin, making it a destination for both casual visitors and enthusiasts.Location and Local Significance
Situated near Manchester Central and the Beetham Tower end of Watson Street, Three Little Words revitalizes a part of the city known for its historic significance and nightlife. The venue brings a fresh vibrancy to the area, contrasting with more generic nearby bars by offering a unique blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and culinary innovation. Its proximity to central Manchester makes it accessible yet distinct, tucked away under the iconic brick arches that frame the distillery.Quality, Value, and Recognition
Three Little Words is praised for its high-quality cocktails and food, with particular acclaim for its gin selection and dishes that marry flavor with creativity. While some dishes reflect a refined approach with generous portions, the venue maintains reasonable pricing considering the quality and experience offered. The friendly and efficient service, combined with a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, has earned it a strong reputation among locals and visitors looking for a memorable night out centered on gin and gastronomy.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
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
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
