Where to find the best gin in Manchester

From Tuesday to Sunday, Behind Closed Doors is the place for a funk and soul boogie. Playing funk and soul music all night till 3am, this Northern Quarter cocktail bar is the place for soul and funk lovers to party. As the name hints, the bar is hidden behind a door that you would not think leads to a bar.

With an outstanding interior, this place serves as a location for cosy gin drinking and gin partying. You can order your cocktails through a vintage phone by your table, which goes directly to the bar! This very much adds to their 70s interior theme. Their drink names and bar theme pays respect to 70s erotica, making this bar extremely unique. Head over to their Instagram to see some of their great cocktails and why this is a great place for gin lovers.

Located in the bustling Northern Quarter, Herd NQ is the sister site of Allotment, which can be found in Stockport and Liverpool. Joe and Christiee, the owners, have created a wonderful space that will make everyone feel welcome with open arms. They are also the chefs of Herd NQ, who have years of experience in the industry. Thus, they know how to make scrumptious food! All their food is made by them and their ingredients are sustainably sourced. But we’re here to talk about their gin.

Two of our favourite gin cocktails of theirs are the Pink Matter and the Blood Orange Spritz. Firstly, Pink Matter combines cranberry juice, raspberries, cherries, lime and exquisite pink gin. The Blood Orange Spritz is a mix between Prosecco, soda, syrup, Martini Fiero and blood orange gin. We absolutely love blood orange gin. Thinking about those combinations makes us want a gin cocktail right now! They also have some gin martinis too, such as Lilith’s Kiss, which also includes blood orange gin and Four Leaf Clover. This is the place for relaxed gin cocktails whilst eating beautiful food.

7Sins is another great establishment in the Northern Quarter. This hip cocktail bar offers 2-4-1 cocktails, pool and even shuffleboard! From their 7Sins pints to their house wine, the prices are not expensive and they also offer very good food. The Triple B cocktail, that has Beefeater Gin, lemon, sugar and blueberry float, is gorgeous.

Another, the Bumblebee, made with Beefeater Gin, honey, apple, lemon and lychee, is just as good, plus it’s included in their 2-4-1 cocktails deal. What’s more, you can get a massive sharing bowl of gin mixed with blackcurrant liqueur, fruit juice and lemon curd in the Super Bramble. This super drink mix serves four people. 7Sins is another high-quality bar to get your very best gin cocktails.

This industrial feeling cocktail bar and gin distillery is located in between Castlefields and St Peter’s Square. Three Little Words and the distillery is situated in the Victorian arches beneath Manchester Central, and there really is no better location in Manchester for them. Firstly, their gin distillery makes the famous Manchester Gin and is open for tours. These average in price and length, making it flexible for depending on how much you love gin and what you can afford.

As well as a tour and tasting, you’ll also get 10% off shop items. Their cocktail bar is the place for a meet-up with a friend who is a fellow gin lover. With a wide range of Manchester Gin, there is so much choice in flavour, from blackberry to raspberry and more. One of their best gin cocktails include the Beautiful Stranger, which is made with ginger, soda, Campari, mandarin, sweet Vermouth and raspberry gin. Other cocktails include the Carless Whisper, that has the Mancunian Hacienda Gin and the Filthy Shrubbery, that has Wild Spirit Gin in it. Three Little Words and The Spirit of Manchester Distillery are a must visit for all gin lovers.

Located in the vibrant heart of Manchester, Red Light cocktail bar offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere, celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. This hidden treasure can be found in the picturesque Kampus area, nestled among quaint red-brick buildings and cobblestone streets. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, cosy setting featuring comfortable seating and a selection of lively artworks.

The bar is renowned for its inventive and classic cocktails, with a particular emphasis on an impressive variety of gin-based drinks. Among these, the ‘bright days’ cocktail stands out, blending Bombay Sapphire Gin, St. Germain Elderflower, strawberry, and lemon to create a perfect mix of bold, tangy, and floral notes. Gin enthusiasts will also appreciate their diverse martini selection, as well as the ‘fizzy negroni’ – a tasty house special combining Sipsmith London Dry Gin and Sipsmith Sloe Gin.

Smithfield Social is a well-loved spot, known for its trendy vibe and innovative cocktails. This stylish bar is particularly renowned for its unique gin selections, such as the ‘Tea & G’ cocktail – a playful fusion of Beefeater Gin, Earl Grey tea, raspberry, and lemon. Alongside their impressive drink selection, they offer a tempting menu of small plates. Notable offerings include roasted figs with whipped goat’s cheese on sourdough, and chicken wings tossed in nduja sausage and honey, both perfect for pairing with their drinks. The atmosphere at Smithfield Social is both chic and relaxed, attracting an urbane crowd. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed yet romantic date night! 

The Washhouse in Manchester, a speakeasy-style hidden gem for gin lovers, is tucked away behind a laundrette’s facade. The intrigue deepens as you step through the shop-front (complete with washing machines!) and pass through a door, revealing a moody and stylish bar that strikingly contrasts with the modest exterior. This venue is celebrated for its expertly crafted cocktails and friendly staff, both of which ensure a memorable experience. The ‘Top Shelf Sour’ is a menu highlight, featuring a delightful blend of Portobello Road Gin, apricot juice, and ras el hanout syrup. For those seeking an evening filled with mystery, sophistication, and top-notch gin-based tipples, look no further!

Located in the basement of Portland Street, Manchester, The House of Fu seamlessly blends a cocktail bar, restaurant, and karaoke spot, all within a lively and vibrant setting.

There are a number of excellent gins on offer, featuring favourites like Tanqueray Seville, Malfy Grapefruit, Portobello Road and Monkey 47. Their standout gin cocktails include ‘Purple Rain’, a fun mix of gin, cherry blossom, and lemon, and the ‘Barrel Aged Umeshu Negroni’, which combines gin, Campari, and plum sake. Soak up any excess alcohol upstairs, where the food menu features umami-packed rice bowls, dumplings and ramen.

Since its launch in December 2015, Lost in Tokyo, located in Stevenson Square, has earned a reputation for its vast array of Japanese whiskies and creative cocktails. The bar’s atmosphere captures the eclectic vibe of Tokyo, with colourful paper lanterns enhancing its warm ambiance. In terms of gin, the offerings are diverse and imaginative.

The ‘Tokyo Iced Tea’ is a standout, mixing Stoli Vodka, Beefeater Gin and Fuji apple liqueur. The ‘Kyoto Garden’ is equally impressive, a heady mix of Beefeater Gin with yellow Chartreuse, lemongrass syrup, mint, cucumber and pineapple. Visiting Lost in Tokyo feels like a delightful escape, offering a taste of Japan’s dynamic spirit right in the heart of Manchester.

Black Dog NQ, situated beneath Manchester’s iconic Afflecks Palace in the Northern Quarter, is a New York-inspired venue combining a bar, diner, and pool hall. This venue is a haven for relaxed dining, impromptu cocktails, and vibrant late-night parties.  Their cocktail menu, inspired by various U.S. cities and states, includes a range of exquisite gin concoctions. The ‘Illinois’ is a refreshing blend of Beefeater Gin, mint, apple, raspberries, and lemon, served long.

Another standout is the ‘Queens, New York’, mixing rhubarb gin, rose vermouth, pineapple, and foam, also served long. The culinary offerings at Black Dog NQ are as enticing as their drinks. Guests can indulge in skewers with chicken, prawns, or lamb, all grilled to perfection and served on toasted garlic herb flatbread. For those looking for more substantial fare, there are larger plates like sticky beef with fries and battered king prawns. Black Dog NQ offers a complete experience – delicious food, innovative drinks, and and a super laid-back atmosphere. What’s not to like?