Manchester
Occupying what was once the Victorian Gothic ground floor of the Refuge Assurance Building, this is not just Manchester's most beautiful bar, but arguably…
Must-see nightlife in Northwest England
Manchester
The year 2018 saw the revival of one of Manchester's legendary club nights, advertised as 'a non-stop exotic disco for homos, heteros, lesbos and don't…
Liverpool
A seasonal pop-up bar that specialises in gin cocktails, this is one of the city's coolest summer bars. There's a fine selection of beers if you prefer,…
Liverpool
One of the friendliest boozers in town is this superb old pub that serves a fine range of local ales (Bier Head, from the Liverpool Organic Brewery, is…
Northwest England
Nitro, Chemex, batch brew, siphon…whatever way you want it, this superb cafe in the old parish hall can satisfy even the most demanding coffee connoisseur…
Liverpool
This extraordinary bar, designed by the shipwrights who built the Lusitania, is one of the most beautiful bars in all of England. The interior is…
Cloudwater Barrel Store Tap Room
Manchester
Take a warehouse space under the arches behind Manchester Piccadilly Station, roll in a double deck of beer barrels and set out simple seating, and you’ve…
Chester
If you're looking for the best pint in the city, the aficionados at the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) reckon you'll get it at this boozer in a Grade II…
Liverpool
An institution amongst Liverpool boozers is this venerable old pub, which serves a good selection of ales to its ever-loyal clientele. It gets pretty…
Isle of Man
A cocktail bar styled like a gin joint from the roaring twenties – it does excellent cocktails and on Wednesdays at 8pm there are classic films in the…
Liverpool
This multipurpose venue splits its focus between the arts and electronic music. The converted Victorian building is one of the best places in town to…
Manchester
It cost £3 million to renovate the Pavilion at the Great Northern Warehouse and the result is, well, a bit gimmicky, but nevertheless this new bar is a…
Manchester
This basement champagne bar inside the 1761 restaurant is named after Madame Bollinger, whose nickname was ‘Aunt Lily’, though the bar itself has little…
Manchester
The name may say tea but the interior of this cafe screams coffee shop. North Tea Power is one of Manchester’s early adopters on the artisanal coffee…
Manchester
Whisky – over 300 different kinds of it (the Cu Dhub 'black whisky' is a particular treat with its touch of coffee and honey) – is the beverage of choice…
Manchester
It might only be halfway up the 47-storey Beetham Tower, but the views from this 23rd-floor bar are unparalleled – even if the windows could do with a…
Manchester
The strapline says 'Cook Haus and Bier Palace', and this big version of a night out in central Europe is just that. The bier is unpasteurised Pilsner…
Liverpool
First opening in 2016, this bar is in a converted merchant's house and has something of a Scandi feel to it – stripped-back walls, wooden bar tables –…
Manchester
Fans of real ale love this Northern Quarter boozer, with its seven hand pulls, 18 draught lines and more than 100 beers from around the world, including…
Liverpool
The cocktail fad is given full expression at this lovely bar, where the bartenders take an almost annoying pride in the theatrical quality of their…
Manchester
Located in Tony Wilson's former Factory Records HQ, Fac251 is one of the most popular venues in town. There are three rooms, all with a broad musical…
Manchester
Old-fashioned boozer founded in 1776 with a strong musical heritage: John Peel interviewed Joy Division's Ian Curtis here in 1979 and some of its fine…
Chester
No children, no music and no machines or big screens (but plenty of Union Jacks). This 'family hostile' Edwardian classic pub is a throwback to a time…
Manchester
A basement bar with a speakeasy vibe, but there's nothing illicit about drinking here: the cocktails are terrific (it runs occasional mixology sessions),…
Manchester
The decor at this old-style pub is half brothel, half tearoom, but the vibe is low-key: no loud music, no hen parties and no 'all drinks a pound' specials…
Manchester
One of Spinningfields' most popular bars is this elegant spot, with a gorgeous back bar of weathered cabinets lined with test tubes, that serves…
Manchester
This eclectic little bar – with its oddball furnishings, wacky tunes and anti-establishment crew of customers – is a Northern Quarter stalwart and the…
Liverpool
This converted theatre is home to one of Liverpool's most beloved clubs, despite going through several name and management changes. It still hosts some…
Chester
Chester's oldest timber-framed building is this 1664 pub, which is more modern inside than its exterior suggests – there was no carpeting, darts boards or…
Manchester
A basement bar designed in the style of a speakeasy/tiki lounge, the Liar's Club serves strong cocktails to an assorted clientele of revellers, students…
Manchester
A Victorian classic off Princess St that brews its own beer in the basement. It's a favourite with students, old-timers and anyone looking for an…
Liverpool
The downstairs bar and bistro at this Liverpool institution are packed most evenings, making this one of the best places in town for a drink and a bite…
Chester
An old-fashioned boozer with a lovely atmosphere, the Falcon is great for a pint, especially the selection of Samuel Smyth ales, wheat beers and ciders;…
Manchester
The best of Manchester's collection of beautiful Victorian pubs. Check out the gorgeous glazed tilework outside.
Liverpool
A traditional pub with a beer garden; the fact that John and Cynthia Lennon liked coming here still draws the curious.
Manchester
An old-style boozer that is very popular for a pint as well as a meal (mains £14 to £16).
Manchester
Popular bar with DJs and a live-mic night on Wednesdays that is especially well-frequented.
