Manchester is full of hidden gems; you just have to look closely between the cobbled streets of Castlefield and back alleyways of the Northern Quarter. With so much going on in the city, we wanted to show you some of the best Manchester hidden gems that you’ll want to visit. Remember, these are SECRETS so keep them between us, okay?
YES
Blink and you’ll miss this one. Self-described as “four floors of YES”, YES popped up at the end of last year on Charles Street hidden just down the road from Joshua Brookes and across the road from the Factory nightclub.
The converted auction house has plenty for you to explore, right from the club-night space in the basement to the stunning rooftop terrace. Feeling peckish? YES is much more than just a bar and has street food vendors Pepperoni Playboy and Firebird Hope in residence to cater for your pizza and fried chicken needs.
No need to rush, YES is open till late every night meaning it’s a great place to start and end your night.
3 Minute Theatre
Tucked away in Afflecks Palace, 3 Minute Theatre has grown from strength to strength in their humble home.
Offering an eclectic entertainment mix, ranging from improv comedy to theatre productions and magic shows, 3MT is definitely one to check out if you regularly visit the Northern Quarter.
Check out the 3 Minute Theatre website to see a full list of upcoming showcases and events from this Manchester hidden gem.
17 Below
Serious foodies in the Manchester area will already know about this hidden gem.
Located underneath Dogs ‘n’ Dough (yes we know it’s already underground as it is), 17 Below offers revelers a full retro-arcade themed experience. With a huge collection of cocktails and drinks, classic arcade games and pool tables, this is the 80’s equivalent of a speakeasy that we’ve been looking for.
Regular Happy Hours throughout the week (and even Saturday happy hours) mean you can bag yourself a bargain with cocktails for as little as a fiver.
Side note: If you’ve not been to Dogs ‘N’ Dough yet, do yourself a favour and carbload there before heading into 17 Below.
Science and Industry
Whilst this isn’t a new one for 2019, we’re somewhat amazed that people still haven’t discovered this speakeasy themed bar above an NQ staple.
Head through the doors of Cane and Grain and look to your left. See that wall? Give it a push and you’ll be on the stairway to one of the best Manchester hidden gems. Follow the stairs up and you’ll be greeted by the Science and Industry Bar.
Specialising in cocktails themed around the industrial revolution of Manchester (as well as a more than impressive selection of whiskeys), you’ll settle right in and lose track of what time it is very easily.
Did we mention the food is also spot on?
GRUB
If you love street food and great beer, GRUB is somewhere you absolutely must check out.
Located just a short walk beyond Manchester Piccadilly train station, GRUB is tucked away off the beaten track and offers those who seek it some of the best street food from across the UK. With events happening nearly every weekend and a constantly changing lineup, no two weekends are ever the same.
Catering for every appetite, GRUB is great for friends and families to go to from noon till late.
Manchester Three Rivers Gin Experience
A few years ago, Manchester Three Rivers Gin Experience was an intimate affair where groups of 8-10 people were given a private tour of the distillery. Today, it’s the number one rated attraction on TripAdvisor in Manchester.
While not strictly a secret anymore, it’s definitely one of Manchester’s hidden gems you’ll want to make a trip to. The tour guides are knowledgeable of the whole distilling process, plying you with plenty of drinks as the tour progresses.
The highlight of the tour is by far being able to distill your own bottle of gin at the end of the tour. Even if you’re not a huge fan of gin, this is definitely an enjoyable evening to be had by all.
Got a great spot you think we’ve missed out? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (and give us a follow while you’re there!).
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