Where to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Manchester

While a humble laundrette might not be your first choice for an adventure with your girlfriends, do not fear – there’s no need to air your dirty laundry here. As Prohibition-era bars go, The Washhouse has done a stellar job of disguising its true intentions, not only with the storefront but on the website too. Rumour has it that they recently had to add the disclaimer after one too many disgruntled customers turned up with bags of washing. Behind the mock facade of coin-operated washing machines and tumble driers, there’s a chic speakeasy bar where you can live out all of your Roaring Twenties fantasies. The decadent leather booths are dimly lit and the vast cocktail menu is both creative and classic. For the ultimate Galentine’s Day drinks, don’t forget to make a booking before giving the 1970s dial phone a spin.

For those looking to take their boozy brunch to the next level, Manchester’s very own party palace is perfect for throwing some shapes with your girl gang. Christened after Queen Victoria’s long-time lover Prince Albert, this Bavarian bar has earned its reputation as one of the liveliest spots in town. From booming brass bands to cabaret and drag queens, Albert’s Schloss has a reputation for showcasing the best of the local entertainment scene, regardless of whether it’s a weekday lunchtime or a Saturday night. As well as an impressive Cook Haus serving up a slice of ‘Alpine dining’, the bar has pilsner on tap and an affordable list of house wines. If that wasn’t reason enough to gather your girlfriends, there’s a ‘Push for Prosecco’ button on every table. 

When Allotment Bar burst into the Northern Quarter in 2014, it quickly earned a reputation as a girls night favourite, with its horticultural atmosphere and lengthy gin menu. Known for its potted plants, hanging baskets and corrugated iron bar, the famed boozer is now operating as Herd NQ, the area’s first ‘proper’ steakhouse. The team have maintained the floral feel of the bar and they’re now serving an impressive steak menu, using sustainability sourced beef from The Butcher’s Quarter down the road. The new concept is ideal for Galentine’s day celebrations, as it offers the luxury of a modern steakhouse experience alongside the glitz and glamour of pink gin cocktails, with botanicals plucked from the in-house herb garden.

Named after Manchester’s 19th-century nickname, Cottonopolis is an Asian-inspired affair, housed in a stunning Grade II listed building. While the sophisticated bar nods to the industrial past of the city with its exposed brick walls, the menu is contemporary Japanese – think sushi rolls, sashimi and bao buns, perfect to spread across the table tapas style. The Japanese influence continues in the drinks list, with cocktails showcasing the likes of kombucha and kumquat plum sake. With the inventive menu and chic interior, it’s no surprise that Cottonopolis has become the place to celebrate. It’s the perfect setting to bask in the golden glow of your most enduring friendships – after all, nothing says ‘I love you’ like sushi and sake. 

Located in the same ex-MOT garage as sister restaurant Ramona, this new addition to the Ancoats scene promises ‘slow fires’ and ‘wild spirits’ – the perfect combination for a girls night in mid-February. While the pizzeria next-door is inspired by the steel pan pizzas of Detroit, The Firehouse draws on summer nights spent in California and Ibiza, enjoying cocktails and stellar company around an open fire. The menu revolves around its signature Firehouse chicken, charred over a flame with peri spices, served with various vegetarian side dishes and fluffy bread baked in-house. Part lazy brunch hangout, part performance venue, the intimate yet sociable concept is ideal for a night of nostalgia.