The Fitzgerald | Secret Speakeasy Cocktail Bar in Manchester

Tucked just off Stevenson Square, you'll find The Fitzgerald. Inspired by the secret drinking spots of the Prohibition era, The Fitzgerald is a setting built for listening. A discreet entrance and darkened staircase open into an intimate, low-lit room where 1920s glamour frames the experience rather than stealing the spotlight. Polished wood floors, velvet textures and soft, glinting light create a space that feels warm, immersive and perfectly attuned to live performance.

At the heart of The Fitzgerald is its music. Every weekend, the venue comes alive with live sets that span jazz, blues and modern acoustic sounds, flowing naturally into late-night selections of soul, disco, funk and electro-funk. There’s no strict genre rulebook here – just a carefully curated soundtrack that responds to the room, the crowd and the moment, carrying the night through to the early hours.

We recently caught up with Dani McGarry, the venue’s Marketing & Business Development Manager, to uncover what makes The Fitzgerald one of Manchester’s best-kept music gems.

Could you please give us an intro to yourself and The Fitzgerald?

"I'm Dani, the marketing manager for The Fitzgerald. We're a live music venue in the Northern Quarter. We've been around for about 12 years and have run the venue for seven. We host live music every week, aiming to provide a space for local artists from all walks of life in an inclusive environment."

Why are grassroots venues so important to support?

"It's important for artists to have a safe space where they can perform live, gain experience, and create content that might lead to other opportunities. For audiences, it's a way to enjoy live music affordably - in our case, even free of charge. For the city as a whole, live music brings people together and creates a unique atmosphere that just can't be replicated by a playlist."

The BRITs and MOBOs are coming to Manchester this year! What does it mean for a small venue like yours?

"It's fantastic that these events are happening up north. Manchester has so many talented artists who can sometimes get overlooked compared to those in London. Events like this bring music lovers into the city, which helps grassroots venues like ours, especially as the industry can be tough. Live audiences help us stay open and keep supporting performances. Mancunians are very supportive of their own, and it's great to see a diverse range of performances happening around the city."

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Have any big names performed here before?

"Yes, we've had artists like Sam Buttery, who performed here before going on to the Lowry in The Unfortunate Musical. Drag Race stars have performed here, and young artists have gone on to BBC Introducing. We've also hosted local legends - not necessarily household names, but well-known in Manchester. Our focus is supporting artists who want to make a full-time career in the industry they love, whether or not fame is their goal."

Why should people visit The Fitz?

"People come here and keep returning, often as they progress in their careers, which is great to see. The Fitzgerald always offers something different, showcasing some of the best local talent in Manchester, and we also serve excellent cocktails."

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