Manchester nightlife is one of the most renowned in the country. From underground pizza bars to arcades and live Jazz, there is so much more to do past 6pm in Manchester beyond the Factory 251 classic. In fact, many of the best things to do in Manchester at night can be a great way to fill up some spare time in the midweek. Sometimes we need to break the mundane cycle through competitive activity or find cosy settings perfect for bonding with new friends, couples or those much needed one on one catchups.
Whether you’re just not all that into the club scene or looking for something a little different, this comprehensive list compiles some places I’ve been and loved and places I’m dying to add to my night out arsenal.
Group nights out
1. NQ64 Arcade Bar
Located in the Northern Quarter and open 7 days a week until 2am (3am on Friday and Saturday) NQ64 is a great place if you’re searching for something to do at night that gets the competitive juices flowing and keeps the drinks rolling. Groups can still appreciate the bright neon interiors and feel the energy without having to be part of the hustle and bustle of club-culture. Equipped with game-themed cocktails, a rooftop bar, 40 arcade machines and 7 consoles, there is something for everyone whether you’re a seasoned e-sports enthusiast or looking to try something old-school.
It’s a great way to blow off some steam between the droll of lectures and assignments and a laugh of a night out when you can remind your lecture hall buddy how you beat them in Mario kart last weekend. Remember, always challenge them to a rematch. Never back down never what?
2. The Roxy Ballroom (Arndale and Deansgate)
With two central Manchester locations, the Roxy Ballroom was my go-to in first year when I wanted something to do in Manchester at night but did not feel like getting sweaty in a club. So instead get sweaty with some basketball, crazy golf or ping pong in this boozy themed ball game venue. It takes you back to even retro-er times if digital gaming isn’t your thing and you want a hands-on evening activity that will 100% have you questioning your putting abilities. Trying to get that hole in one or make that final hoop to push your team above the rest, Roxy is the ‘home of booze and ballgames’ perfect for mates, dates or even double dates.
The bar is well stocked but it’s also the kind of venue that gets you so high on competitive adrenaline that you dare begin to question if it’s the booze that made you lose your number one spot in the ultimate mini golf tournament.
Date Nights
3. Corbières
Breaking away from the excitement of the playground and adventure to ‘Manchester’s worst kept secret’. Corbières wine bar is tucked neatly away in the back alleys off King Street but opens to a cavernous brick and tile den for a guaranteed romantic night out. I’d recommend if you’re taking your tinder date here, don’t leave it as a surprise because I even thought my boyfriend was kidnapping me until we walked into the sound of a classy jukebox and cozy tables for two. The perfect thing is that you’re right in the city centre so you can enjoy being wined and dined in the speakeasy bar and then ascend the steps back to the 21st century and extend the date (granted all goes well) to one of the other attractions listed. They do a great deal Tuesday to Friday 4pm to 8pm if you buy a drink for £5 or more it’s a free pizza so you don’t have to break the bank to impress them. I spent most of my time being impressed by the fact they had live music the night I went which only added to the microcosmic atmosphere.
4. Tenpin, Printworks
Bowling and drinks, what gets the romantic ball rolling more than that?! A classic date night where the pins and sparks can fly until late on weekends. Deals are available, they call the ‘Bowl and Bev’ so once again confirming it is possible to woo them on a night out in Manchester without having to shell out for club tickets and liquid courage all night. When the money doesn’t need to impress, channel your last-minute strike instead. If the nights going well, bring the music to them and sing them your best love ballad with karaoke rooms also available under the same roof, however this is only best to do as an apology for not letting them win at bowling. Otherwise stick to some country music and make them laugh.
Cultural nights out
5. Factory International
When looking for things to do at night in Manchester, clubbing, games and dates might not tick your box yet. Factory International could be right up your alley with a range of art, film, DJ sets and even cinema or stage performances. Their emphasis on affordable ticketing invites us students to enjoy all things arts and get involved without feeling like you must spend loads to do something beyond the routine pub to club. Experimental Jazz meets indie folk with live music at Aviva Studios, while the visual artist in you might enjoy an immersive experience set up with exhibitions and collaborative workshops available through the day into night.
Manchester nightlife is really about bringing the creatives into one place where there is so much heritage to be explored in immersive workshops. Instead of clubbing, this is great way to get bonding with that flatmate you found out is just as passionate about indie cinema as you are whilst sharing a drink or bite to eat during their summer happy hours.
6. Ducie Street Warehouse
Their tagline being “We’re never quiet” says it all for DSW. Perfect for that midweek night out, they have a variety of events to explore beside their DJ weekends. The Mini-Cini is where to look for the quaint 36-seat screening room. From Hollywood blockbusters to 3 hour long indie short film screenings everyone’s entertained. You might even find yourself sitting next to puppy as they’re dog friendly which is super cute plus to any night out! Of all the things to do in Manchester at night, DSW is one of the most creative when it comes to fusing genres of activities. Although it flips into a music venue at night, there’s a perfect balance between grazing at the cocktail bar and grooving. It’s not just a social space it’s a creative haven from day all the way into the night.
Live music nights out
7. Band On The Wall
My dad insisted, no he demanded, that everyone in Manchester has to do a night out at Band On The Wall as he recalls his days here as a student. Live music is not hard to come by when looking for something to do at night in Manchester so you’re lucky to receive Jon’s expert recommendation of where to start at least. Their focus on celebrating the diversity of music across the UK is at the heart of what they offer carefully curating a range of Jazz, indie, folk, blues and more to replenish your ears from the fresher’s week pop tunes. Not feeling music? Spoken word poetry is here to satiate the appetite of the angsty scholar in us too. This place is for those who came to this article to find ways to experience music straight from the source rather than through tinny club speakers that sometimes, just doesn’t do the musician justice.
8. Matt and Phred’s
Matt and Phred’s is one of the city’s most dearly loved venues when searching for nighttime activity on Manchester’s inconspicuous backstreets. They are a prideful family-owned place that caters to all things dancing, sitting, eating, drinking and listening. It’s pretty straightforward so I won’t say too much as its worth seeing for yourself. You’ll find people of all ages, 18+ after 7pm every night. Everyone comes together to be transported back in time to 1920’s New Orleans or New York and feel totally inspired when you can be up close to the musicians on the small stage, yet their presence will flood the room. Live music is a must have option when looking for Manchester nightlife where feeling connected to the artists keeps you energised even without the club rowdiness.
Late night dining
9. Crazy Pedro’s Pizza
Food after the club is one thing, but food infused with music and drinks is the thing. I’m so glad my friend introduced me to this place because I haven’t stopped going back since. You can indeed go after the club as its open until 4am, but I’d say it’s satisfying enough to just go all out instead. It’s a small venue but nothing short of a big laugh when you order a pizza at the bar, and you jump out of your seat minutes later to the bartender calling at you from across the room when it’s ready. They say they’re pretty laid back and that is no lie and just fitting for a night in Manchester where you can still manage a conversation and a place to eat n’ chill. Everyone’s there for a marghe/arita whether that’s in eating or drinking format but the vibes above all are truly unmatched. You can go in just before sunset and come out in the wee dark hours of the morning having danced off some calories and then replenished them back straight away. It’s a win-win for all apart from the unanswered question…Who actually is Crazy Pedro?
Some of us love clubbing too! Check out our other articles on where to find things to do at night in Manchester for a classic club boogie. https://unifresher.co.uk/cities/manchester/the-best-clubs-in-manchester-students-have-to-try/
I’m Mia, a student at Manchester University studying History and Sociology. I love writing all things advice, tips and tricks to maximise your experience here in the big city. When my friends can’t reach me, I’m probably taking pictures at some random rave and dabbling in the world of photojournalism or curled up in bed with my kindle and phone on DND.
