The best bars and restaurants to try before or after a gig in Manchester

If you’re going to see a big arena show, or maybe your favourite artist is playing one of Manchester’s vast selection of venues, you’re more than likely looking to enjoy some of the city’s famous night life at the same time. If you’re not sure where to start or aren’t sure what will be open late at night post-gig, we’ve put together some suggestions for some of our biggest and busiest venues to help you build your big night out.  

If you’re seeing a show at AO Arena, Stoller Hall or Chethams 

Why not try food at:  

The Corn Exchange, which includes restaurants like Banyan, which offers a fantastic menu that features an array of flavours from around the world with there’s something for everyone, from their bibimbap salad to their Korean fried chicken burger. Within the Exchange, you can also find family favourites like Mowgli, serving authentic Indian street food or Pho, which offers authentic and tasty Vietnamese street food dishes. If you’re looking for Italian for a pre-gig meal, Vapiano Italian is the home of handmade fresh pasta, made bespoke to your tastes all within a laid-back restaurant five minutes from the AO Arena. 

Or grab a drink at: 

Blues Kitchen, a city centre bar that not only hosts local musicians 7 nights a week, but offering indulgent cocktails, craft beers, bar food and has the largest selection of bourbon in the city. A great place to visit for a drink to accompany an evening at AO Arena.  

If you’re looking for somewhere to drop in for an opening drink before visiting the AO Arena, pop into Mamucium. Situated right outside Victoria Station, it’s the perfect spot to have a cocktail or two pre-show to get your night off to a tasty start. 

If it’s a closing drink you’re after, there are a number of late-night bars within Printworks. From Irish bar O’Neills, to Bavarian-themed cellar bar Bierkeller and Australian chain Walkabout. All have fun and bustling atmospheres that are perfect for keeping a good night going after a show at the Arena. 

If you’re seeing a show at O2 Ritz or Bridgewater Hall 

Why not try food at: 

The Refuge isn’t too far from Bridgewater Hall, and doubles as a hotel and fabulous restaurant. Even if you aren’t staying there, The Refuge is open to all and offers everything from eclectic small plates to hearty Sunday roasts. If you’re looking for something quicker and more casual, Gorilla also moonlights as a bar and restaurant when it isn’t hosting gigs in its 600 cap venue. Offering small plates, tacos and burgers minutes away from the venues. Finding yourself in the mood for Indian street food? Bundobust is a must-try. The northern institution has two branches in Manchester, with their Oxford Road brewery being five minutes from O2 Ritz, it’s the perfect place to grab some delicious Indian fusion street food and sample some of their home-brewed beers.  

Or grab a drink at:  

If you’re looking to stop somewhere for a quick drink, Rain Bar is less than a minute walk from Bridgewater Hall and has an excellent outdoor beer garden if the weather is sunny. With a vast choice of beers, wines and spirits, it’s the locals favourite. If you’re looking for a cozy but classic feeling pub, Manchester’s iconic Peveril of the Peak is a stones throw away from both venues. While it’s on the smaller side, it is a Mancunion institution and worth a visit if you find yourself thirsty post-show. Finally, if after the show, you feel like the party has only just started – get yourself to Dog Bowl, a video games and bowling bar open late, home to a huge selection of tasty cocktails and refreshing beers.  

If you’re seeing a show at Band on the Wall, New Century Hall or Night and Day Cafe 

Why not try food at:  

New Century hall - which recently reopened in Manchester, having originally opening in 1963, is a stunning gig spot as well as a dedicated restaurant and bar attached to it. Offering a wide range of small business restaurants all from one place, from Thai to chippy. Just find a table and order to your hearts content.  

Another Northern Quarter favourite that sits right next to the venues is Mackie Mayor, similarly to NCH, it’s a food-hall that offers over 10 different cuisines and fusion food including a great wine bar. Situated in a stunning ex-Smithfield market, it’s full of character and delectable snacks. 

In the mood for pizza and loaded tater tots? Pop over the road from Band on the Wall to Ramona, who serves Detroit-style pizza and loaded up tater tots. One of Manchester’s growing favourites of locals and visitors a-like. They’re also a fun spot post-gig as it turns into a lively bar and disco for that final drink of the night.  

Or grab a drink at: 

Rose and Monkey, which is literally next door to Band on the Wall is a bit of a hidden gem. With a large selection of drinks and bar snacks, accompanied by its cosy charm, is the perfect spot to pop into for a quiet one if you’re just wanting to chat with your gig going friends.  

The Crown and Kettle is another local favourite, found on the border of city centre and Ancoats. Its prime location means it's always bustling with locals and gig-goes alike and has that typical friendly pub feel. The perfect pre-gig pint point.   

Just across the road from that is Wayfarer, the neighbourhoods favourite new boozer. Making a name for itself for its friendly staff, outdoor seating and local live music. Hosting a huge selection of beers on tap, wines, cocktails and spirits, it’s fantastic energy will keep you partying for hours after your gig.  

If you’re seeing a gig at O2 Academy, RNCM or Deaf Institute 

Why not try food at: 

If you’re looking for something a little different, pop into Krobar on Oxford Road. A trendy bar and restaurant with a Danish flavour. Housed in an old university housing building, it’s got two beer gardens and regularly hosts live music. With a wide range of food options, from soups and salads, to Smorrebrod – with a large range of vegetarian and vegan options, it’s a delicious pre or post gig eatery.  

Big Daddy Diner located next door to Deaf Institute is known for being one of the best burger places in Manchester, Grand Daddy's was created to bring the big taste of America right to Manchester's City Centre. With a large selection of burgers, fries, milkshakes and more. 

If American-style dining isn’t your style, you can walk across the road to Sandbar, who’s Neapolitan pizza is a favourite among locals. Made with locally sourced ingredients, with both meat and vegan options for most of the pizzas. Their sides are not to be missed either, with the parm garlic fries almost reaching a cult following with its patriots.   

Or grab a drink at:  

Sandbar isn’t just for food either, they offer a huge selection of locally brewed beers, specialist rums and whiskeys and all the usual favourites. Its prime location means it’s an ideal spot for a pre-gig spot, with nice indoor and outdoor seating. The well-established bar has been serving gig-goers since 1996, and worth a visit if you’re in the area with time to kill before a show.  

Just next door on Grosvenor Street is Flour and Flagon, a bit more of a traditional pub that the former suggestion but a great spot to pop into. Serving the classic pub line up of beers on draft, ciders, spirits and cocktail jugs, the perfect accompaniment to a game of pool or darts to get your evening started.  

Big Hands is located close to the O2 Academy building and has become a staple with students and gig-goers alike. Smashing glasses and records since 2001, Big Hands is the place to head if you’re looking to dance and drink. While it’s on the smaller side when it comes to venues, it’s energy and bustling energy seeps out of the door and welcomes all. Serving all the beer, spirits and wine you could want, with a great roof terrace to escape to if you’re not looking to dance.