CrossCountry is exploring Manchester’s boldest hidden gems - those elusive bars where finding the front door is just the first challenge, and getting inside feels like an achievement in itself. But once you’re in, you’re rewarded with an unforgettable experience that’s well worth the effort. Discover Manchester’s best secret bars and uncover the city’s hidden nightlife treasures.
The WashHouse
The WashHouse is like something straight out of a C.S. Lewis novel, swap the wardrobe for a washing machine, and you’ve got one of Manchester’s most intriguing hidden bars. With real washing machines and spinning dryers adding to its front-of-house disguise, it's easy to pass by thinking it’s a humble coin laundry. But step inside, and you'll find yourself in a moody, stylish bar where the beats of house music blend with wickedly delicious cocktails; an ideal spot for a cosy, clandestine night out.
But don’t be fooled; there’s no actual laundry service here. No washing, drying, or ironing allowed! You’ll need to “book a wash” ahead of time to secure your entry to this one-of-a-kind Manchester experience.
Dusk til Pawn
If you are sampling the Manchester nightlife and you glee in all things ‘different’, Dusk til Pawn is the place for you. Styled to look like a neon-lit pawn shop, this bar is instantly eye-catching, with metal bars guarding the doors and flashing signs proclaiming a faux interest in buying “gold for cash.” Step inside, however, and you’ll find one of Manchester’s most unique and atmospheric bars, where the gritty facade gives way to a stylish, intimate setting with a head-bobbing vinyl soundtrack.
The bar’s cocktail menu is a major draw, with playful names that nod to its pawn-shop persona. Dusk til Pawn also takes its music seriously, with an old-school jukebox filled with classic rock, blues, and jazz, allowing patrons to set the mood as they sip.
Junior Jackson's
Junior Jackson’s is a lively 1970s-style dive bar with an electric atmosphere. The venue is styled with vintage Americana décor - think neon signs, leather booths, and classic rock memorabilia that channels the charm of beloved basement bars in the US. This Manchester hotspot nails the feel of a retro rock 'n' roll hangout, offering visitors a warm and nostalgic escape.
Throughout the year, Junior Jackson's holds multiple themed events to the delight of locals. Halloween at Junior Jackson’s is legendary, featuring mandatory dress-up and hauntingly good DJ sets. It's also one of the best places to spend New Year's Eve in Manchester, with an unforgettable countdown party and live music that makes it the ultimate destination to ring in the new year.
The Temple
This quirky, pint-sized bar is full of eccentricities and its roots as a former public bathroom add to its bizarrely captivating appeal. It revels in its unconventionality, boasting a peculiar charm that cements it as one of the stand-out venues in the Manchester nightlife scene. The Temple is located underground below the hubbub of Oxford Road and is home to a jukebox that blasts out tunes from local bands, giving it a funky rock ‘n roll atmosphere. As weird as it is to drink in an old toilet block, it certainly makes for a great talking point.
There is a vast choice of international bottled beers to choose from and as if it wasn’t already trendy enough, the walls are adorned with graffitied one-liners giving it a shabby chic feel straight out of 1970s New York.
The Daisy
The Daisy is a stylish, subterranean cocktail bar located in the Northern Quarter, beneath the popular restaurant, Evelyn’s. With Parisian-inspired vintage decor, velvet seating, and dimly lit corners, the venue truly feels like a secret escape. Entry to The Daisy is accessed through a discreet door, giving the bar an exclusive edge.
Daisy’s menu is a highlight, with themed seasonal cocktails that focus on unique flavour combinations, like elderflower and sugar snap peas, and peach and chrysanthemum. In addition to cocktails, the bar features a range of natural wines and sake, which aligns with its thoughtful, artisanal approach to drinks. Overall, this tiny bar in a big city is perfect for those seeking some refined relaxation.
Corbières
Corbieres is a legendary underground bar tucked away in Manchester’s city centre. Famous for its moody atmosphere, continental beers and wines, and hidden location down a narrow alleyway, Corbieres is a go-to spot for people in the know. The bar’s Hyperbeam jukebox is iconic, packed with classic indie and rock hits, adding to its status as a must-visit for music lovers. The place is friendly, unpretentious and timeless, truly capturing what makes Manchester so great.
If you’re planning to catch a train to Manchester Piccadilly and check out the city's secret bars, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Abby