Places to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Manchester

Celebrate the Platinum weekend in style at Manchester’s very own party palace. The Bavarian bar is steeped in its own royal history – it’s named after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s long-time lover and loyal partner. Influenced by the roaring fires and raucous parties of Alpine Europe, Albert’s Schloss is the perfect spot for a weekend of celebration, with tankards of pilsner on tap, a ‘Push for Prosecco’ button on every table and an impressive menu of Alpine delights at the Cook Haus. From booming brass bands to cabaret acts, the bohemian bar showcases the very best of the local entertainment scene – we guarantee there will be plenty of dancing on the tables over the royal weekend.

Named after the historic moniker of Ancoats, Elnecot is a modern British affair that focuses on both seasonal and local produce, cooked using traditional methods. The Jubilee weekend is a fantastic opportunity to dip your toes in the vibrant and constantly evolving menu, which includes the likes of Devon brown crab crumpets, roasted pollock and the signature Staffordshire tacos. If the spread of small plates doesn’t tickle your tastebuds, there’s also an extensive brunch menu, and a decadent Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

Toast the Queen in style with an afternoon tea – will there ever be a more fitting time to try the ultimate British tradition? Set in an historic Grade II listed building, The Tea Room at The Midland Hotel is the only spot in the city dedicated to the stylish spread. Promising a contemporary twist on the centuries-old pastime, the set menu includes delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, homemade cakes and a decadent brie and red onion marmalade quiche. Upgrade to the ‘royal’ option for a truly regal celebration and treat yourself to a glass of Champagne on the side.

With pubs granted special permission to keep their doors open until the early hours, nobody would blame you for spending all four days in your favourite local. Tucked away on Rochdale Road, The Marble Arch is everything you could want in a boozer. Set in a beautiful, listed building with ornate tiles and a famous sloping floor, this is the flagship pub of local brewery Marble Beers. There’s an impressive selection of ales and a hidden beer garden around the back for basking in the summer sun. Piled high with all the trimmings and a boozy gravy, the hearty roast dinners here are the stuff of legends – or choose from a unique menu of burgers and bar snacks.

Named after the late mum of the Eyre siblings, and not a familiar Gothic heroine, this neighbourhood bar is simple and sophisticated – the ideal vibe for this particular bank holiday. The punchy cocktail menu is pride of place here, crafted by a skilled team behind the bar and using quirky ingredients such as egg whites, fortified rhubarb wine and Champagne acid. Promising a warm and welcoming atmosphere, The Jane Eyre also offers a range of small plates and nibbles – you can even indulge in a massive cheese plate or sample the signature chocolate biscuit cake.

While the Queen may have been serving her people since 1952, Edinburgh Castle has been serving the people of Ancoats since 1811. Recently restored to its current glory by the team behind Cottonopolis, the historic venue is now a popular boozer downstairs, with an impressive restaurant on the first floor. These days, the authentically British menu is packed with the likes of pork chops, pies and puddings – both the black and chocolate variety. The chefs are known for whipping up bespoke dishes for special occasions, so we’re expecting a menu fit for a queen over the Platinum weekend.