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Gin Bars in Manchester

Charlie Hooson-Sykes

It’d be almost impossible to have missed the increase in the popularity of gin over the last couple of years. We’ve gone from a few iconic coloured bottles on the shelves to over 600 gins worldwide, as well as tonics to tempt and garnishes galore. From the sweet gin to the savoury, juniper forward to spiced, there’s a gin for everyone.

So where, in our fair city of Manchester, can you find the best gins, the best gin cocktails, or just those unusual little bottles that you might not find anywhere else? Gin expert The Lady Sybil (otherwise known as Charlie) has chosen her top spots in Manchester. We declare it gin o’clock.

Our top picks

Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LY - Visit now

With the biggest selection in the city, Atlas Bar at the bottom of Deansgate is a must. The Gin Bible here ensures that you have an up to date list of everything on offer, with tasting notes to help you decide. It’s also the only place in the city to offer gin-matched dinners from chef Ross Parker (formerly of Arbutus and Harvey Nichols). Of course, you can always ask the staff on hand to help you pick a gin, tonic and garnish, too.

Find out more

Allotment Bar

Allotment Bar, 24 Dale Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1FY - Visit now

Hands up if you realised that the hidden-in-plain-sight Allotment is a gin bar? With 55 gins on the bar, it’s got the biggest selection in the Northern Quarter, as well as a cocktail menu that reflects this great range.

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allotment bar manchester
Image courtesy of Allotment Bar

Gorilla

Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5WW - Visit now

With its upstairs Gin Parlour, above the main bar, Gorilla deserves a mention for its classic gin cocktail menu. We’re big fans of the perfectly balanced Aviation here, and the gin and tonic menu, which takes the concept one step further, with layers of flavour.

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Gorilla, Whitworth street Manchester

The Botanist

The Botanist, 78 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2FW - Visit now

Special mention had to be made of The Botanist – holders of the World Record for the World’s Biggest Gin Tasting, along with the other eight venues across the country. Managing to fit over 100 gin lovers into their bar area, the Manchester branch of The Botanist helped smash the previous record, and celebrated by expanding their gin list.

Find out more
Image courtesy The Botanist.

Where to go in Manchester

Ancoats
Bar or Pub
Finders Keepers

Welcoming waterside bar in New Islington Marina, serving a wide array of carefully-curated cocktails.

City Centre
Restaurant
Climat

Highly-regarded wine-led, French-leaning wine bar and rooftop restaurant in the city centre.

Manchester
Restaurant
Manchester Wine Tours

Manchester Wine Tours is a relaxed, fun wine tour, full of the city’s best food and drink, led by an effortlessly engaging host.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Henry C

Henry C is an intimate neighbourhood bar in Chorlton, serving up superb quality drinks.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Kennedy’s Irish Bar

A fan favourite in Altrincham, Kennedy’s Irish Bar offers live music, a vibrant atmosphere and undoubtable Irish charm and hospitality.

Manchester
Restaurant
Axe & Cleaver

This is the perfect pub for an indulgent weekend, following up a long countryside walk with a hearty and high quality meal.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
On Bar

This multifaceted venue is primarily an award winning gay bar in Manchester’s Canal Street area – but that is not all…

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Vanilla

This award winning bar is open six nights a week due to popular demand. Described as the ‘mecca of the north’ for the lesbian community, it is no wonder why.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Cruz 101

Everything you want in a Canal Street club can be found here. Cruz 101 – better known as Cruz – is an institution, and a must-visit in Manchester.

Salford
Restaurant
Old Pint Pot

This lively spot could be considered a jack of all trades – pub, restaurant, events space and live music venue.

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