Where to plan a Boys Night in Manchester

Themed on the UK’s most notorious lads’ gang, this place is a fun choice for fans of the hit TV series. On Fridays and Saturdays (the most popular days for a boys’ night), there’s a programme of live music and DJs with everything from funk, soul and Motown to disco, rock n roll, indie and pop. It’s loud and lively — you’ll be invited to sing and dance along to the tunes across its two floors.

But if you want some private space for your group, you can book one of the hire spaces, ranging in capacity and style, from 14 to up to 500 revellers. The Garrison (named after and designed in line with the series’ notorious public house complete with bespoke stained glass windows) is a favourite for those wishing to fully immerse in the world of Tommy Shelby, head of the Peaky Blinders.

Feeling competitive? Challenge your mates to some games at the Boom Battle Bar at The Printworks. Axe throwing, karaoke, augmented reality darts, beer pong, shuffleboard and  American pool are among the activities you can try. As you do, you may pick up some new skills, discover hidden talent or let out some pent-up frustration. But you’ll certainly have a blast. And you don’t all have to play the same game at once, so you can split up, or form your own point-scoring league.

The industrial design and neon lighting of the venue lend themselves to an urban night out for Gen Y and Gen Z. And there’s a menu of Boom Bites and drinks to keep you fed and watered as you work through the challenges. Table bookings at the Boom Battle Bar can be made for up to 20 players/diners/drinkers. 

Japanese whiskies have exploded onto the British drinking scene over recent years, cementing a place on discerning bar menus. If you and your pals are connoisseurs, why not spend an evening in this pocket of the Far East within the Northern Quarter? Take a look at their whisky list and you’ll find some of the rarest and finest Japanese drams in the country. Or you can sup on Japan’s number one selling lager Asahi and two ultra-local ales by Shindigger. The underground cocktail/dive bar is also a nightclub, with free entry and DJs playing until the early hours. You can reserve tables, booths and areas for your tribe and if you’re partial to a cocktail or two there’s a two for £12 deal every day until 10 pm (9 pm on Saturdays).

While we don’t wish to stereotype, this is a combination that’s long been enjoyed by men through the generations. So if your besties are pie and ale-loving sorts, get yourselves down to this gastropub for a hearty northern feed and watering. You’ll find live sports including football, rugby, golf and tennis on the big screen. And for the summer months, there’s a beer garden to indulge in a little al fresco pint swilling.

The menu consists of handmade homey pies, with gluten-free ones available. Opt for classics like steak and ale, or something a little more exotic, such as Caribbean pulled pork or a pie with a vegan winter ale jackfruit filling. Then add on some dirty mash, Yorkshire puds, pigs in blankets, mushy peas or other sides. Behind the bar is a thoughtfully selected and regularly rotating range of six cask ales, plus 10 kegs.

For retro vibes, games, giant beer towers, alcopops, pizza and an outdoor Malibu Beach Club in Manchester, come to Pong and Puck. The ’80s, ’90s and ’00s soundtrack and drinks made using the sweeties from your childhood are great for some nostalgia. Meanwhile, the table tennis and beer pong are fantastic for some healthy competition. Happy Hour here runs from 5 pm to 7 pm, or you might like to book a Free Flowing Friday night package consisting of bottomless house lager, house cocktails, prosecco & Hooch cans for 2 hours, pizza and your games for £35 per head (it certainly saves worrying about whose round it is or what you’re going to eat).